Getting Dental Implants in Toronto? Here’s What You Need to Know

People in Toronto choose dental implants more than any other tooth-replacement option. While the procedure is costlier than some alternatives, dental implants are the strongest, most natural way to replace missing teeth.

If you are considering dental implants, here are five important things you should know first.

Dental Implants Are Right for Most People

For most residents, Toronto dental implants are arguably the best option for replacing missing teeth. However, dental implants are not suitable for everybody. Each individual case needs to be evaluated by an implant specialist, like a periodontist or dentist with implant experience.

Placing dental implants is a multi-step surgical procedure. Your dental professional will need to consider your overall health, underlying medical issues, oral health, and jawbone structure to determine whether you are suitable for dental implant surgery.

Don’t worry if you are not; other tooth replacement options could be right for you.

There are Several Types of Dental Implants

Toronto dental implants can be expensive, particularly if you have more than one tooth that needs to be replaced. However, many patients don’t realize that there are options for those requiring multiple implants that can help reduce the cost.

If you are missing two or more adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge could offer many of the same benefits as dental implants but significantly reduce the cost.

Implant-supported dentures are also an option for patients who need either a full or partial set of dentures. The prosthetic is still removable, as with regular dentures, but is fitted to the mouth much more securely with the help of dental implants.

The Dental Implant Procedure Will Take Months to Complete

Patients undergoing a dental implant procedure can expect several months to pass between tooth extraction and final placement of the crown.

The dental implant process begins with a dental exam, a review of your medical history, and x-rays. Once determined that you are a suitable candidate for the dental implant procedure, a treatment plan and cost estimate will be prepared.

Some patients may require additional procedures to prepare for the implants, including bone grafting if you lack the necessary bone density or thickness.

Before implant surgery, models are made of your mouth, and the damaged tooth gets removed. If necessary, bone grafting will be done to increase the bone thickness for the implant site.  You will recover at home while the extraction site heals.

Once your gums have healed, you will come in for the first part of the dental implant procedure. This is where the post that will eventually support your crown is surgically implanted into your jawbone. The healing period and osseointegration (bone growth fusing to the dental implant) can take several months. If the missing tooth is in a noticeable area, you might choose to have a temporary denture manufactured.

If the abutment, the piece that attaches the crown to the implant, was not attached in the first surgery, a second procedure will be required before the crown is placed.

The last step before completion is another set of dental impressions used to manufacture your crowns. This process can take a few weeks to complete.

What to Expect After Getting Your Dental Implant Procedure

After surgery, you can expect to experience swelling, tenderness and minor bleeding at the site. Pain should be manageable with over-the-counter Tylenol or ibuprofen and typically peaks within the first couple of days. You will receive a list of post-operative instructions, including foods to eat, foods to avoid, and care directions for the incision area.

Once your crown is attached, you should continue to practice good oral care, as you would for your natural teeth, and try to avoid certain foods that may cause staining, including coffee, tea, and red wine.