What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth and can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, support a dental bridge or denture, or improve the fit and stability of removable dentures.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
Typically, when people think about dental implants as a tooth replacement option, they only consider the visible part of a natural tooth. However, a dental implant is composed of three parts: the implant post, abutment, and dental crown.
- THE IMPLANT POST
The implant post is permanently placed in the jaw and acts as the root of a natural tooth. Usually made of titanium, it can also be made of metal-free ceramic called zirconia, which is suitable for individuals with metal sensitivities - ABUTMENT
An abutment serves as a connector between the implant post and the dental crown. - DENTAL CROWN
The dental crown is the visible part of the dental implant and is precisely shaped to blend in with the surrounding teeth. Typically crafted from porcelain, dental crowns are naturally stain-resistant and have a similar appearance to natural tooth enamel, but they can also be made from blends of porcelain and metal, as well as zirconia.
How Safe is The Treatment?
The safety of the dental implant process is unparalleled. Not just in dentistry, but across all medical procedures.
Clinical studies indicate that dental implants have a long-term success rate of 90%-95% or even higher in both the upper and lower jaws.
This means that you can be assured of an effective and hassle-free tooth replacement when you opt for dental implants.
Dental implants offer numerous benefits, whether you need to replace one tooth or a full set of teeth. While you should always discuss all of your options with your dentist, exploring the possibility of using dental implants to support replacement teeth is definitely worth considering.
Natural Appearance:
Dental implants are known for their natural-looking restorations, compared to partial crowns, bridges, or dentures. Each implant and crown is designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth, giving you a more attractive and self-confident smile. Our team can match the crown’s colour to your existing teeth or, in the case of full replacements, to your preferred colour.
Natural Feel:
Titanium implants are crafted to be strong, lightweight, and safe for your body, providing a permanent and secure attachment that feels natural while chewing. The crowns are also designed for long-term use and durability, ensuring that you can chew normally without worrying about wearing them out.
Natural Speech:
Dental implants can improve your speech compared to bridges or dentures, which can cause your tongue to trip up and result in slurred speech. With dental implants, you are likely to see an immediate improvement in your speech, allowing you to speak with greater clarity and confidence.
Improved Chewing Ability
Having gaps in your teeth or wearing dentures or a bridge can make it challenging to chew your food properly, which can lead to a decline in your overall diet quality. With dental implants, you can regain your ability to chew effectively, allowing you to enjoy your food and maintain a healthier diet.
Convenience for Denture Wearers
If you wear removable dentures, replacing them with permanent dentures mounted on dental implants can make your life much easier. These permanent dentures are more convenient since they don’t need to be removed for cleaning and don’t slip or fall out, reducing irritation to your gum tissue. You can also say goodbye to messy dental adhesives.
Dental Implant Procedure
At Big Lake Dental, we make getting dental implants in Northwest Edmonton a straightforward and comfortable process. Your dentist will explain each step before treatment begins, so you know what to expect from consultation to final restoration.
The dental implant process usually involves multiple visits. If needed, your dentist may first remove the damaged tooth being replaced. The implant is then placed into the jawbone, where it needs time to heal and integrate properly. Digital impressions or scans may be used to help design the final crown. Once the implant has healed, the crown is attached to complete the restoration.
Caring For Your Dental Implants
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to ensure the longevity of your dental implants. Just like natural teeth, implants need to be cleaned regularly through brushing and flossing. Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions on how to properly care for your implants. It’s also crucial to have regular dental checkups to ensure that your implants are secure and your bite is properly aligned. By taking care of your dental implants, you can ensure they remain a successful long-term solution for your tooth replacement needs.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last For?
If you take good care of them and maintain good oral hygiene habits, dental implants can last for many years. In fact, they can last much longer than other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. A dental crown that is properly cared for can last for 10 years or more, and an implant post can last for 25 years or even a lifetime. Regular check-ups with your dentist can help ensure that your implants remain in good condition and your bite is properly aligned.
