What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small man-made titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to integrate (bond) with the bone and serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or many missing teeth. Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants are a proven restorative option with a long clinical history. Dental implants preserve the integrity of the facial structure and reduce the great inconvenience associated with tooth loss.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Improved Appearance
When teeth are lost, ongoing shrinkage of the jawbone occurs making the face look older. Dental implants can slow or stop this process. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.

Improved Comfort
Dental implants eliminate the pain, discomfort and inconvenience of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of the jawbone alters the fit of the denture resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures. Exposed nerves and irritation of the gum tissue may add to the discomfort.

Implant supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely to the jawbone. Gum irritation and the pain of exposed nerves associated with conventional full or partial dentures are eliminated.

Improved Speech
With ill fitting dentures, the teeth slip and slide around the mouth. The facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. Replacement teeth anchored on implants allow speech with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.

Improved & Comfortable Eating
The average denture patient with an excellent fitting denture eats at 15-20% efficiency when compared to a person with natural teeth. As the jawbone shrinks, chewing efficiency is reduced even further, making it difficult to eat certain foods. Dental implants can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. This allows eating favourite foods with confidence and without pain, enjoying what everyone is eating and not think twice about it. A full upper denture covers the palate of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste foods. With dental implants, the palate can be removed from the upper denture so food tasting and enjoyment are enhanced.

Practical Convenience
Dental implants can eliminate the numerous embarrassing inconveniences of removable partial and full dentures. It eliminates the use of gooey denture adhesives that must be re-applied throughout the day. There is no more the need to cover the mouth when laughing or smiling, for fear that the false teeth will pop out or fall down.

Protecting the Remaining Natural Teeth
Dental implants are often more appropriate than a bridge for the replacement of one or more adjacent teeth. With conventional bridgework, the teeth surrounding missing teeth must be ground down. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify these teeth, resulting in a conservative, yet very aesthetic restoration.

Improved Self Esteem
In view of all the other benefits, dental implants can improve self-esteem and confidence. People who have had dental implants feel better about themselves. A survey of implant patients showed confidence was improved in 88% of patients.

It is possible to regain virtually all the capabilities that people with natural teeth have thus allowing enjoyment of life to the full; with very natural looks, feel and function.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Anyone who is missing one or more of their teeth due to injury, disease, or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. If one or a few teeth are missing, dental implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace those teeth without losing more bone. If all or most of the teeth are missing, dental implants may be placed to replace a loose fitting full or partial denture. Adequate bone in the jaw is needed to support the implant(s) along with healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease. Occasionally, older patients express concerns that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits that dental implants offer.

However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If one is healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, one is most probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certainly placing a dental implant(s) is far less traumatic and much more precise than having a tooth extracted. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate implant treatment. The dentist will determine if a patient is a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of their dental and medical health histories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there pain or discomfort involved?
Just as with any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Very effective local anaesthesia is used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. Most patients report that there is very little discomfort and were far more comfortable following the procedure than anticipated. The dentist will prescribe analgesics to ease any discomfort that may occur. The dentist may also suggest that a potential implant patient speak with another patient who has already had dental implants to assess their personal experiences.

How long does it take?
The complete implant reconstruction process may take from 3 to 5 months and in a few cases may be longer. Time is needed for the jawbone to grow around the implant and for the replacement teeth to be made in the dental laboratory. Procedures vary, but it usually includes one or two minor surgical steps and then the restoration is fabricated. First, the dentist places the dental implants into the jawbone, painlessly. Bone cells grow and heal around the implants and this may take 2 to 4 months to occur. Then the dentist attaches/ screws a Titanium post to the body of the implant and cements the replacement tooth on it. It usually takes a few short visits to complete the restoration process.

How much will it cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support the replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of the implants to ensure the long-term health of the dental implants. Typically, there is a fee for the surgical procedure and a separate fee to attach the posts and construct the natural looking replacement teeth. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a dentist who places implants examine the patient. After a thorough examination that will include radiographs and study models, the dentist will recommend the treatment that is most appropriate and what the financial investment would be for the procedure. The overall comment of patients who have had dental implants is that it has been a worthwhile investment and the great majority would go through it again and recommend it to others! A survey of implant patients showed that implants were worth the trouble (97%), the procedure would be worth repeating (89%) and overall dental health was improved (98%).

Are dental implants succesful?
Research and documentation studies have proven the effectiveness and long lasting results of dental implants. All reputable dental implants systems have demonstrated a success rate of over 96% in documented studies. Good oral hygiene is one of the most critical factors to ensure the health and longevity of dental implants. The dentist or dental hygienist will instruct on the proper home care and hygiene procedures to keep the dental implants and remaining teeth clean and healthy. Regular visits to the dentist are important so that assessment of the health of the implants and the surrounding gum tissue can be made.

It is now possible and realistic to expect the replacement implant teeth to look, feel and function like natural teeth for many years to come.

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