Dental implants are great investments that you will get to enjoy for the rest of your life. And with any investment, you want to ask all the questions necessary to understand it.
Here are some of the most frequent questions we get at the local dentist office in Calgary. This is a helpful resource for you right now, but we’re happy to answer your questions over the phone or in person.
One way to get all your questions answered, as well as finding out if a tooth implant is right for you personally, is to get a FREE implant consultation at East Village Dental.
What Is a Dental Implant?
In a typical dental implant process to replace a single lost tooth, you’ll receive these components:
- The Dental Implant: This is a titanium tooth root that is naturally joined to the jaw.
- An Implant Abutment: This is a custom connector that attaches directly to the titanium root, creating a stable foundation on which to place a tooth crown.
- A Tooth Replacement: One tooth is replaced with a tooth crown—the top and sides of a new tooth. If you are missing multiple teeth, we’ll instead use a bridge or have a denturist fabricate you some implant-supported dentures.
Remember, the implant is simply the metal post. It transfers the force of chewing directly into the jaw bone (lower bone) or maxilla (upper bone), as a natural tooth root does.
How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?
The implant surgery itself takes about an hour—or up to two hours for certain cases.
The total treatment time varies from several months to more than six months, depending on these factors. However, we may place a temporary tooth crown for you so that you’ll be able to chew and smile normally throughout the process. Overall implant treatment includes:
- A consultation.
- An exam.
- Dental x-rays.
- Time for healing.
Some patients also need a jaw bone graft, which makes the bone thick enough to integrate fully with the dental implant. Bone graft surgery may add another few months to the treatment.
We will also craft a customized crown or other appliance to attach to your dental implant. These are the tooth replacements you actually see and use for chewing.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Made of titanium or other incredibly durable metals, we expect each dental implant to be with you for a lifetime—or at least 20–25 years. During the integration process, they become naturally joined to your bone.
These metals are biocompatible, meaning your family dentist is confident they’ll be accepted by the body forever.
Of course, dental crowns and other appliances attached to implants are made of less durable materials—they have to be in order to imitate natural teeth. That means they can wear out after a decade or longer. But the underlying implant is designed to be a life-long companion.
Is the Implant Procedure Painful?
Not at all. We use sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable throughout your visit to the dental practice. During the implant procedure, we’ll use an anesthetic to take away and sensation of discomfort.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
The tooth implant process is known to be statistically one of the safest of all dental surgeries! It’s been used for more than 50 years.
We’ll thoroughly prepare for your procedure by examining your medical and dental history and planning for any issues we need to address. We’ll also recommend any changes that will help the procedure be even safer, such as stopping certain behaviors.
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants? Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Every patient is unique. During a FREE implant consultation at the dental clinic, we’ll check over your health and dental history, examine your teeth and gums for general dentistry issues, and take 3D scans.
We’ll give you an honest assessment of your readiness for dental surgery, which we’ll only know after this dental health check. Some patients also may be good candidates after bone graft surgery. With a consultation—at no financial risk to you—we’ll know for sure.
Can I Get Dental Implants at My Age?
People can get dental implants at almost all ages. The implant procedure is one of the safest and most successful of all oral surgeries. Young people receive it after tooth damage of an adult tooth, and the elderly often get it in preparation for a dental bridge or fixed dentures.
At any age, the implant process strengthens the jaw bone, which may improve the facial structure, giving you a more youthful appearance.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implant costs come in a wide range because of the unique mix of products and services necessary for each case. Prices are also altered by insurance plans and other mitigating factors.
Come see our dental professionals at East Village Dental for a more exact estimate of how much your procedure will cost through our office.
Should I Replace a Healthy Tooth With an Implant?
No. As amazing as dental implants are, your natural teeth are even better. They’re already joined to your bone through long-established tooth roots. Let’s keep them healthy as long as possible through preventive dentistry and regular brushing and flossing.
How Can I Find an Implant Dentist or Implant Dentures Near Me?
If you are in the Calgary area, call East Village Dental today! We have a whole team of dentists ready to help you smile again with a brand new tooth, or we can send you to a trusted denture specialist for a whole new set of teeth.
Are You Ready for a FREE Dental Implants Consultation? Schedule Your Appointment at East Village Dental Today!
If you’re missing a tooth or struggling with a damaged tooth, the discomfort and embarrassment will be over soon. You’ll have a brilliant new smile looking back at you from the mirror every morning.
Just make an appointment with East Village Dental today. We’ll treat you to a FREE implant consultation to find the right tooth replacement option for you—with no financial risk to you for the first appointment.
Contact us now to take your first step to a complete, excited smile.