Dental Implants

Dental implants are the latest in tooth replacement technology. They are fabricated to function as artificial tooth roots that are implanted into the jaw. As the implant heals, it will fuse with the surrounding bone, making it a strong anchor for a dental prosthetic. Depending on the number of missing teeth, dental implants can support a crown, bridge, or denture. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are able to provide the necessary jawbone stimulation to preserve bone mass. This is one of the main reasons why dentists recommend dental implants as the best tooth replacement option.

Did You Know?

Missing teeth can cause a myriad of problems for your oral health. In addition to leaving an open gap between the teeth that can make it hard to eat and speak properly, missing teeth can also change your bite and cause bone loss in the jaw.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

You may be a candidate for dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth. Dental implants may also be a good option for you if you have one or more severely damaged or decayed teeth that are in need of extraction. However in order to have dental implants placed, you will need to have an adequate amount of bone mass present in the jaw. In the case that you have low bone mass, you may need to undergo supplemental procedures such as a bone graft to build up the bone before having dental implants placed. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants and if you have enough bone mass to support an implant, schedule a consultation with Apollo Dental Centre today!

What can I expect when having dental implants placed at Apollo Dental Centre?

The first step to having dental implants placed is to make sure that you have enough bone mass by having dental x-rays taken. In cases where you have low bone mass, your dentist may perform a bone graft. During a bone graft, a small incision is made in the gums to access the jawbone. Then bone material is placed in areas of low bone mass. The gums will then be stitched up. On average, it takes about 3-6 months for the bone material to effectively grow new bone. In some cases, bone grafts are performed before having dental implants, while in other cases they may be performed as part of the dental implant procedure.

To have your dental implants placed, you can expect to undergo a minor oral surgery. As such, you will be sedated and anesthetized so you don’t feel any pain or anxiety during the procedure. To place dental implants, our dentists will make an incision in the gums to reach the jawbone. Then, they will shape the empty tooth socket to accommodate the implant. Once the implant is inserted into the jawbone, a small metal connector, known as an abutment, will be screwed into the implant. The gums will then be sutured up around the abutment so that they abutment sticks out. The abutment allows your dentist to mount a temporary dental crown, bridge, or denture onto the implant. Once the implant heals, then the permanent restoration can be placed.

What can I expect after having dental implants placed?

After having dental implants placed, it is normal to experience some minor bruising, swelling, and/or discomfort for the first few days. However, any discomfort is generally minimal and brief since implants are placed in areas that don’t contain very many nerves. Most patients are able to return to their routine within a few days after having implants placed.

While the initial recovery period only takes about 1-2 weeks, it will be about 3-6 months before new bone has grown around the implants. To allow the implant to heal properly, your dentist will place you on a temporary soft foods diet. Until the implant has fused with the bone, it is important to follow any postoperative instructions provided by your dentist to minimize the risk of implant failure.

Apollo Dental Centre Calgary has two office locations at Beacon Hill & Westwinds that are open 7 days a week with weekend and evening hours to meet all your general dental, cosmetic dental, orthodontic, and emergency dental needs. Call to schedule a consultation today!