Dental Implants

What are the advantages of dental implants?

When there is a situation where there is a single or multiple missing teeth in the mouth, replacement of that missing space by dental implants offers certain advantages over a bridge and/or a denture. They are:

1. They are fixed in the mouth. A tooth made on a dental implant does not have to be removed at night.
2. They feel natural.
3. They act like artificial root to the tooth structure.
4. They help reduce bone loss. When a tooth is missing in the jaw, the bone which was surrounding the missing tooth starts to shrink because of lack of function. Placement of dental implants helps to greatly reduce this loss of bone.
5. They are far more comfortable than removable dentures.
6. They are as efficient as natural teeth for chewing food.
7. They can be maintained the same way as normal teeth, with regular tooth brushing and flossing.

What are dental implants made of?

Dental implants are made of titanium and other alloys. They are manufactured to be exceedingly strong to withstand the force of daily chewing.

Can you replace your front teeth?

Yes, your front teeth can be replaced by dental implants, fixed bridges or removable dentures.

Why can’t I just get a bridge?

A major advantage of implants over conventional bridges is that no adjacent teeth need to be reduced in order to place a dental implant. In a bridge, neighboring teeth need to be shaped down to accommodate a bridge and replace a missing tooth. When implants are used, the neighboring teeth are spared and the missing tooth is effectively restored.

What are the alternatives to dental implants?

A bridge made on teeth adjacent to the missing teeth or a removable denture are alternatives to a dental implant.

How do I know if dental implants are possible for me?

Following a detailed history, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging (X-rays and CT Scans), our team will discuss the possibilities of using dental implants to replace missing teeth in the mouth. Most patients are good candidates for receiving dental implants, however there are a handful of specific conditions where implants are not advised. In the event that there is insufficient bone to place the dental implant, it may be required to enhance the volume of available bone with artificial bone. This artificial bone may be placed simultaneously at the time of implant placement, or may be placed initially, followed by a 3–6-month healing period, after which the implant is placed.

Is there a minimum age for dental implant treatment?

In general, dental implants should be placed only after growth of the patient has stopped, which is around 18 years. This ensures that the implant is in the right place to hold the future tooth after the completion of growth.

How do I know if dental implants are possible for me?

Following a detailed history, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging (X-rays and CT Scans), our team will discuss the possibilities of using dental implants to replace missing teeth in the mouth. Most patients are good candidates for receiving dental implants, however there are a handful of specific conditions where implants are not advised. In the event that there is insufficient bone to place the dental implant, it may be required to enhance the volume of available bone with artificial bone. This artificial bone may be placed simultaneously at the time of implant placement, or may be placed initially, followed by a 3-6 month healing period, after which the implant is placed.

Is there a minimum age for dental implant treatment?

In general, dental implants should be placed only after growth of the patient has stopped, which is around 18 years. This ensures that the implant is in the right place to hold the future tooth after the completion of growth.

What if I need a denture? Can I still have dental implants?

Yes, absolutely. A conventional denture is made of acrylic and sits directly on the gum tissue, or uses the support of existing teeth in the case of a partial denture. With dental implants, attachments can be added to the implant and the denture to provide extra retention for the dentures, reducing the need for the use of dental adhesives and promoting improved chewing ability and patient comfort.

The implant retained denture will still be removable, but only when you want to remove it and will not accidentally come out or move around during chewing food and talking.