Our Calgary Dentist Discusses Dental Implants.

August 25, 2021

Our Calgary Dentist Discusses Dental Implants.

Are you self-conscious about missing one or more teeth? Are missing teeth making it difficult for you to eat, speak, laugh or smile? Are your dentures uncomfortable? Do you need a bridge but are hesitant to remove the adjacent tooth structure to accommodate it? If you have answered yes to any one of these questions, this may be the time for you to talk to your Calgary dentist about whether dental implants are a viable option for you.

Dental implants have been used by dentists for over 40 years. Essentially, dental implants are small, titanium posts which replace the natural roots of your teeth. Dental implants offer patients with missing teeth a very natural-looking solution for restoring their smile and allow patients to eat, speak and smile with confidence. The placement of one or more dental implants by your Calgary dentist is a very effective and long-term solution to:

replace one or more missing teeth
support a full set of dentures
support removable partial dentures

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

According to our Calgary dentist, Dr. Dirk Thompson, although most people are good candidates for dental implants, it is not an option for everyone. Our Calgary Dentist advises that that the best candidates for successful, long-term dental implant placement are:

Patients who are in good overall health.
Patients who have enough jaw bone to support one or more dental implants.
Patients who are generally over 18 years of age (sometimes slightly younger) to ensure that their jaw and face have finished growing and all of their wisdom teeth have come in.
If you suffer from a chronic illness such as diabetes or leukemia, or if you use any tobacco products, you should be aware that the healing process after placement of the dental implant may be slowed significantly. In these cases, be sure to speak with your Calgary dentist about other possible options for your teeth restoration as dental implants may not be the best solution for you.

WHY HAVE YOUR CALGARY DENTIST PLACE A DENTAL IMPLANT?

If you are missing one more teeth, there are several reasons why you may wish to consider placing one or more dental implants:

Aesthetic reasons. You may not like the way you look with a gap in one or more areas of your smile due to a missing tooth or teeth.

Speaking. One or more missing teeth may affect your ability to speak.

Eating. One or more missing teeth may make it difficult for you to chew your food.

Bone loss. If you are missing one or more teeth, bone loss may potentially occur around your missing teeth. Over time, this may cause your remaining teeth to become loose.

Secure Fit. If you are having dental implants placed to secure a bridge or a denture, the dental implant will help the bridge or denture to fit securely so they do not slip or shift, which also makes your denture or bridge feel more comfortable and natural than a conventional bridge or denture.

HOW ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS PLACED?

There are many different dental implants systems available from many different dental implant manufacturers. Each dental implant system has their own particular treatment timeline ranging from a single day to several months. You should always ask your Calgary dentist what type of dental implant system they are using and how long you can expect the treatment to take. Regardless of the type of dental implant used by your Calgary dentist, the placement of a dental implant by your Calgary dentist involves three basic steps.

Placement of the Dental Implant

Prior to beginning the dental implant surgery, your Calgary dentist will decide the exact location where your dental implant should be placed. Sometimes the placement of the dental implant can be determined by your Calgary dentist with a conventional x-ray. In some cases, however, a specialized x-ray such as a CT scan will need to be obtained. Prior to scheduling your dental implant surgery, you should discuss with your Calgary dentist whether they believe a CT scan is necessary and the risks and benefits of this type of dental specialized x-ray.

After your dental implant surgery, you may experience some discomfort, tenderness and swelling in the area of your dental implant placement. Your Calgary dentist may prescribe you some pain medication to help alleviate this discomfort. Our Calgary dentist notes that most patients are able to tolerate the surgery quite well and over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen is effective in relieving most post-surgical pain or tenderness.

The Healing Process

For most patients, the healing process takes several months. During this time, the dental implant is integrating itself into your jawbone, a process known as osseointegration. It is the process of osseointegration that makes the dental implant both strong and permanent.

Placement of Your Dental Prosthesis (Replacement Tooth/Teeth)

After your dental implant is placed, the replacement tooth (the crown) also needs to be placed. If your dental implant was placed to support an implant retained denture or bridge, then you will require a new bridge or denture which will be attached to the implant posts. In some cases, the crown can be placed immediately after the placement of the dental implant. If that is not possible, your Calgary dentist will place a temporary crown, bridge or denture so that you may speak and eat normally while your dental implant integrates.

If you are interested in more information about dental implant placement by our Calgary dentist, call our office today for a consultation appointment today at 403.283.4252. Your new smile is waiting for you!

This blog post written by our Calgary dentist, Dr. Dirk Thompson, D.D.S., is for informational purposes only. It is not to be taken or used as a substitute for dental, medical or other professional advice, treatment or diagnosis. Always ask your dentist, physician or other healthcare professional for advice before altering your diet or healthcare routine. Individual patient needs and oral healthcare concerns vary so please consult your dentist for more information about your specific dental health requirements.

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