Learn About Dental Implants in Nepean

What Dental Implants Are and How They Work

A dental implant is a replacement tooth made of three main parts that work together to create a natural-looking and functional tooth. The first part is the implant itself, which is a small titanium screw that acts like an artificial tooth root. This screw is placed directly into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Over several months, the bone grows around and fuses to the titanium implant through a process called osseointegration. This fusion creates a strong and stable foundation, much like natural tooth roots provide.

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The second part is called an abutment, which is a connector piece that sits on top of the implant screw. The abutment holds the visible tooth part in place and extends above the gumline. The third part is the crown, which is the visible artificial tooth that sits on the abutment. The crown is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, so it blends in seamlessly with your smile.

Dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for tooth replacement in Nepean and across Canada. According to the Canadian Dental Association, implants are considered one of the most durable long-term solutions for missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges that may need adjustment or replacement every 5 to 10 years, implants can last 20 years or longer when properly cared for. Many patients find that implants feel and function almost exactly like natural teeth.

The process of getting an implant typically takes between 3 to 6 months from start to finish. This includes the initial assessment, the surgical placement of the implant, a healing period, and finally the placement of the crown. While this timeline is longer than other tooth replacement options, the longevity of implants makes them a worthwhile investment for many people in Nepean.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding that dental implants consist of three parts—the titanium screw root, the connector abutment, and the crown—helps you grasp how they function as a complete replacement tooth system. This knowledge makes it easier to discuss options with your dentist.

The Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect

The journey to getting a dental implant involves several distinct stages, and understanding each step can help you feel more prepared. The first stage is the consultation and assessment. During this visit, your Nepean dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and possibly use 3D imaging to assess your jawbone structure and density. This evaluation determines whether your bone is thick and strong enough to support an implant, or if additional bone grafting may be needed first. Your dentist will also review your medical history to ensure you are in good overall health for the procedure.

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The second stage is the surgical placement of the implant. This is performed under local anesthesia, meaning you will be awake but the area is numbed. The dentist makes a small opening in the gum and bone, then carefully places the titanium implant screw into the jawbone. The gum is then closed over the implant with stitches. This surgery typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the complexity of your case. Many patients report that the experience is far less uncomfortable than they expected.

After the implant is placed, a healing period of 3 to 6 months begins. During this time, the bone gradually fuses to the implant through osseointegration. You will need to follow specific care instructions during this phase, including eating soft foods and avoiding strenuous activities. Your dentist may provide antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to manage discomfort. It is normal to experience some swelling and minor discomfort for the first few days following surgery.

Once healing is complete, your dentist will place the abutment on top of the implant and then attach the custom-made crown. The crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory to match your other teeth in color, size, and shape. Your dentist may need to make minor adjustments to ensure the crown fits properly and your bite feels natural. After placement, you can treat your implant like a natural tooth, brushing and flossing it regularly.

Practical Takeaway: Knowing that the implant procedure involves consultation, surgical placement, a healing period, and crown placement helps you budget time and prepare mentally for each stage of the process.

Who May Benefit from Dental Implants

Dental implants in Nepean are an option for many people who are missing one tooth, several teeth, or all their teeth. If you have lost a single tooth due to injury, decay, or disease, an implant can replace that tooth without affecting the adjacent teeth. This is a significant advantage over dental bridges, which require the neighboring teeth to be ground down to support the bridge structure. Implants preserve your natural teeth and maintain the integrity of your remaining dentition.

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People with multiple missing teeth may also be candidates for implants. In some cases, multiple implants can be placed to support individual crowns. In other situations, a smaller number of implants can support a bridge that replaces several teeth. For example, two implants can support a bridge that replaces three or four missing teeth. This approach provides better stability and function than traditional removable dentures.

Some people in Nepean who wear dentures find that dentures become loose or uncomfortable over time as their jawbone changes shape. Implant-supported dentures or implant-supported bridges can be secured to implants, providing much better stability and comfort. These prosthetics do not move or slip when eating or speaking, which many denture wearers find dramatically improves their quality of life. Research shows that implant-supported dentures allow people to eat a wider variety of foods compared to conventional dentures.

Certain health and lifestyle factors affect whether implants are suitable. You need adequate bone density in your jaw to support an implant. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting may be possible before implant placement. You should have good overall health, as your body needs to heal properly after surgery. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can slow healing and reduce implant success rates. Some medications may affect bone healing. Your Nepean dentist will discuss your specific situation and help determine if implants are right for you.

Practical Takeaway: Implants work for people with one missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or those seeking stability for dentures, but your bone health and overall health status must be evaluated by your dentist.

Comparing Implants to Other Tooth Replacement Options

When considering tooth replacement in Nepean, it is helpful to understand how implants compare to other common options: bridges and dentures. A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that is anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge literally bridges the space left by missing teeth. Bridges are less costly than implants and require no surgery, which appeals to many patients. However, bridges require that the adjacent healthy teeth be significantly ground down, which removes tooth structure and can weaken these teeth over time. Bridges typically last 5 to 15 years before needing replacement.

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Dentures are removable prosthetics that rest on the gum tissue. They are generally the least expensive option for tooth replacement and do not require surgery or bone density. Complete dentures replace all upper or lower teeth, while partial dentures replace some teeth. However, dentures can be uncomfortable, require daily cleaning and storage in solution, and may slip or move during eating or speaking. They can also affect taste and feel bulky in the mouth. Many people experience bone loss over time while wearing dentures, which requires periodic denture adjustments.

Dental implants offer several advantages compared to these alternatives. They do not require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth as bridges do. They maintain the integrity of your jawbone better than dentures because the implant stimulates the bone similarly to a natural tooth root. Implants feel and function like natural teeth. They have a longer lifespan than bridges or dentures, often lasting 20 years or more. However, implants are typically more expensive upfront and require surgery, which means a longer treatment timeline and recovery period.

The cost of tooth replacement varies significantly. In the Nepean area, a single implant crown typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on complexity and the specific dentist. Bridges generally cost between $2,000 and $4,000. Partial dentures usually range from $800 to $2,000. Your dental insurance may cover a portion of bridges or dentures but often