Your Etobicoke Invisalign® Provider
Dental Implants in Etobicoke
The oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Etobicoke Orthodontics & Oral Surgery in Etobicoke places dental implants to replace a missing tooth to leave patients with a natural-looking smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are small titanium screws that function as artificial tooth roots. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or several in a row.
The implant is surgically placed in the jaw bone. During healing, it bonds with the bone to act as an anchor for a tooth replacement (such as a crown).
Because they fill the space left by missing teeth, dental implants can prevent the natural teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
When a tooth is missing, the teeth surrounding the gap can shift out of place, resulting in misalignment. Without a tooth to support it, the jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, leading to facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to eat and talk.
Dental Implants in Etobicoke: Our Procedure
To complete the dental implant procedure, both a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement (such as a crown) are required.
To start, your oral surgeon will surgically place the implant in your jaw bone. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and the surrounding gum tissue.
Once the healing process is complete (usually 3 to 6 months post-surgery), you will return to our office to complete the procedure.
At this appointment, your oral surgeon will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture, to the implant to create the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Etobicoke Orthodontics & Oral Surgery.
- How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Care for your implant just as you do your natural teeth: with proper brushing and flossing at home, and regular professional hygiene cleanings and exams at your dentist's office.
The longevity of your dental implant also depends on factors like nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
You should take care of your dental implant like you take care of your natural teeth.
Visit your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintain a thorough brushing and flossing routine at home to help prevent decay or diseases from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, which can negatively affect your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable during the procedure.
Most patients can manage any pain during the healing process with over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure. In general, pain during the healing process is minimal and short-lived.
As you recover, you should eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks to avoid any pain or irritation.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant procedure can take anywhere from two to nine months to complete, depending on your treatment plan and needs.
Your oral surgeon can provide a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
It depends on your insurance company. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of dental implants, others will only pay for a portion of the cost, and others won't pay for any part of it.
Check with your insurance provider to determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered.