Losing a tooth can be tough. Whether it occurs due to decay, an accident, or gum disease, many people wonder what to do next. You may feel shy about smiling or have trouble eating your favourite foods. The good news is that dental implants offer a strong and reliable solution. A trusted dentist in Sherwood Park can help restore your smile and improve your oral health with dental implants.
Let me explain why dentists recommend implants as the best choice for replacing missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that your dentist places into your jawbone. Think of it as an artificial tooth root. This post supports a crown (the white part that looks like a tooth) on top. Unlike dentures that you take out at night, implants stay in your mouth permanently.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
The dental implant process happens in stages:
Stage 1: Placement
Your dentist will surgically place the titanium post into your jawbone. Don’t worry – you’ll receive local anesthesia so that you won’t feel pain during the procedure.
Stage 2: Osseointegration
This is the healing period. Over several months, your jawbone grows around the implant. This process, called osseointegration, makes the implant stable and strong.
Stage 3: Abutment and Crown
After the area has fully healed, your dentist places an abutment, which is a small connector that sits on the implant. Then a custom crown is added on top. The crown is made to match your natural teeth, so it blends in with your smile.
Why Dental Implants Are Better Than Other Options
They Look and Feel Natural
Dental implants are made to appear just like your natural teeth, so most people won’t even notice the difference. They fit comfortably in your mouth and feel very natural. With dental implants, you can eat your favourite foods, speak clearly, and smile without feeling worried or unsure.
They Protect Your Jawbone
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone starts to shrink. This happens because the bone needs stimulation from tooth roots to stay healthy. Implants act like natural roots and keep your jawbone strong. Dentures and bridges can’t do this.
They Last a Lifetime
With proper care, dental implants can last 25 years or even your whole life. Compare that to bridges (which last about 10 years) or dentures (which need replacement every 5-7 years). Yes, implants cost more upfront, but they save you money over time.
They Don’t Harm Other Teeth
To place a dental bridge, your dentist must shape the healthy teeth next to the gap. This can affect teeth that are otherwise healthy. Dental implants stand alone and do not require any changes to the neighboring teeth.
You Can Eat Anything
Missing teeth or loose dentures make eating difficult. With implants, you get back 90% of your chewing power. Enjoy apples, corn on the cob, and steak – all your favourite foods again.
Finding the Right Dental Clinic Near You
When looking for a dental clinic near you, ask these questions:
- How many implant procedures has the dentist performed?
- What is the success rate?
- Do they use modern imaging technology?
- What warranty or guarantee do they offer?
A good dentist will explain the entire dental implant process clearly and answer all your concerns.
Taking Care of Your Dental Implants
Caring for implants is simple
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Floss every day (yes, even around implants)
- Visit your dentist for cleanings every six months
- Avoid smoking, which can cause implant failure
The Investment in Your Health
Dental implants aren’t just about appearance. They improve your overall health. Missing teeth can lead to nutritional problems by limiting the foods you eat. They can also cause remaining teeth to shift, creating bite problems and jaw pain.
Implants solve all these issues. They restore full function to your mouth and prevent future dental problems.
Is It Right for You?
Most people who are missing one or more teeth can get dental implants. However, you need enough healthy jawbone and good overall health. Your dentist will take X-rays and examine (look) your mouth to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Some conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease, may delay the procedure until they’re properly managed.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants have transformed modern dentistry. They offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that protects your oral health for decades. While the process takes several months and requires an investment, most patients agree it’s worth it.
If you are tired of dealing with missing teeth, talk to your dentist about whether implants are right for you.
Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
At Aspire Dental, we help patients replace missing teeth with dental implants. Our dentist uses safe, proven methods to restore bite function and support jawbone health. Dental implants look natural, feel stable and help you eat and speak with confidence. We guide you through every step in a calm dental clinic setting. Care is focused on results. Schedule your dental implant consultation today.
FAQ
How long does the dental implant process take?
The whole treatment usually takes about 3 to 6 months. This time allows your jawbone to heal and grow around the implant, keeping it strong. In some cases, the process may take a bit longer, especially if bone grafting is needed before implant placement.
Can dental implants fail?
Implants have a 95-98% success rate. Failure is rare but can happen due to infection, insufficient bone, or smoking. Following your dentist’s care instructions significantly reduces this risk.
Am I too old for dental implants?
Age isn’t a barrier to dental implants. As long as you have good overall health and an adequate jawbone, you can get implants at any age. Many seniors successfully receive implants and enjoy the benefits.