What Are Dental Implants?
Seaway Family Dental - What is a dental implant?
Seaway Family Dental - What should we know about dental implants and dentures?
A dental implant is a small metal screw that fully replaces a missing tooth. During a minor surgical procedure, a dentist places the implant into the bone beneath your gums where the tooth should be. Acting like a natural tooth root, it’s then topped with a restoration like a crown, giving it the look, feel, and function of a real tooth.
When planning dental implant surgery, a cone-beam CT scan is essential for accurate implant placement. This advanced scan provides a detailed 3D image of your teeth, nerves, and bones, offering far more detail than a standard dental x-ray. Our office is equipped with this state-of-the-art technology to enhance the success of your dental implant treatment.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth do more than just help you eat and speak—they also support the shape and height of your smile. When there’s a gap, other teeth can shift out of place, which may lead to alignment issues, oral health problems, and even changes in your facial appearance.
Even if you don’t notice immediate changes, there’s a hidden effect called bone resorption. Without a tooth root to stimulate it, the jawbone begins to break down, leading to a shorter jawline and a sunken look to your cheeks and lips.
Dental implants act like natural teeth, supporting your jaw and preventing bone loss, while keeping your smile looking and feeling natural. Replacing missing teeth with implants can help protect your oral health and maintain your facial structure, giving you lasting confidence and comfort.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be devastating. A missing tooth can make us feel self-conscious about our smile and may lead to a variety of health problems. Gaps can make your bite feel uncomfortable, cause difficulties eating the food you love and may lead to bone loss or shifting teeth.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance
- Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your real teeth. Custom-made to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth, they blend seamlessly with your smile, offering a permanent and natural-looking solution.
- Experience Secure Comfort and Stability
- Once placed, the implant’s titanium post fuses with your jawbone as it heals, providing a secure foundation. Whether topped with a crown, bridge, or supporting dentures, the implant stays firmly in place, allowing you to laugh, smile, and eat comfortably without worry of shifting or discomfort.
- Improve Bone Strength
- Losing teeth can lead to bone loss and weakening over time. Dental implants help stimulate new bone growth around the implant, maintaining bone density and improving overall jaw strength.
Dental implants offer a lasting, natural-feeling solution that can endure for decades with proper oral care.
Dental Implant Restorations
A restoration is the “false tooth” that sits on top of the implant. While the implant itself is hidden below the gums, the restoration is what you see, giving the appearance of a natural, new tooth.
- Dental Crown
- A popular option for replacing a single tooth, a dental crown is attached to an implant to restore the natural look and function of your missing tooth.
- Dental Bridge
- If you have multiple missing teeth in a row, a bridge can fill the gap with just one or two implants for support. For a full set of upper or lower teeth, a bridge can be fixed to four or more implants, ensuring a secure fit and better oral health.
- Implant Denture
- Tired of loose dentures? Implant-supported dentures clip onto two small implants, giving you a more stable fit, making it easier to speak, eat, and smile with confidence.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile will be transformed with a dental implant—bringing you not just a replacement but an upgrade.
Dental implants are simple to care for. Just brush and floss them daily as you would your natural teeth, and protect them during sports. Regular checkups with us will ensure your implant stays healthy and strong.
With proper care, your dental implant can provide you with years of confident, beautiful smiles!
Start today by booking a consultation
How It Feels
While the idea of having a metal implant inserted into your jaw might sound uncomfortable, the procedure is usually much easier than most people expect. We’ll use a mild anesthetic to numb your mouth, ensuring you don’t feel any pain during surgery. With advanced dental technology, implants are placed quickly, precisely, and with minimal impact, which means less discomfort and a faster recovery.
Many patients find the process surprisingly relaxing, with some even feeling sleepy during the quick half-hour procedure. The most challenging part might just be keeping your mouth open for a short time!
Afterwards, it’s normal to have some swelling, mild discomfort, or bruising, but it’s manageable. We’ll provide you with detailed instructions to help minimize any discomfort before the anesthetic wears off, and most patients start feeling better within a week.
It’s also reassuring to know that dental implants have a nearly 95% success rate, making this one of the safest and most reliable procedures in dentistry.
What to expect on your dental implant treatment journey
The actual implant placement process is much more comfortable than you might imagine.
Assessment
Your journey begins with a consultation to see if dental implants are the right choice for you. X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan are taken to assess your jawbone and plan the treatment. We also take a scan or impression of your teeth to precisely plan the positioning of your implant.
Inserting the Implant
On the day of your procedure, we’ll administer a local anesthetic to completely numb the area. The dentist will create a small opening in your gums and bone to place the implant post securely. In some cases, sutures may be used to close the gum tissue.
Finalizing the Restoration
After a few months of healing, you’ll return to the office for the final step. Once your implant has fully integrated with the bone, we’ll place your custom restoration, leaving you with a brand-new, fully functional tooth that looks and feels natural.
Contact Us Today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost of dental implants in Cornwall
In Cornwall you can expect to pay approximately $3,000 - $6,000+ for a single implant. Full-mouth reconstructive dental implants can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $60,000 and up. The cost for a full set of implant-supported dentures averages out to about $30,000. Keep in mind that no dental practice can provide you with an accurate quote over the phone. The dental implant procedure is very complex and depends on many factors that are unique from person to person.
- The type and number of implants you need.
- The materials and supplies that are used.
- The time and experience of the dental team that will be with you every step of the way.
- The location and complexity of the surgery.
- Your recovery time. We will be here for you for as long as you need us.
How is the cost of dental implant surgery determined? Here are some important factors:
Every case is different so it's important to speak with a dentist and to have an oral exam to allow us to evaluate your unique situation and provide you with different treatment options to consider. We would be happy to provide you with a more accurate quote.
Are there other solutions for missing teeth?
Gaps caused by 1 to 3 missing teeth can sometimes be repaired with a dental bridge. A lot of missing teeth on the top or bottom or the whole mouth may be repaired with a dental prosthetic or removable dentures. When comparing the cost of dental implants to other tooth-replacement options it is important to consider the pros and cons.
Dental implants may require a steeper initial investment but they are more secure and durable than bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics require different care and maintenance and you may need to have them adjusted or replaced as you age. By contrast, you take care of your dental implant like you would take care of your natural teeth, with routine oral care at home and routine dental exams. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. The metal screws are hidden beneath your gums and covered by restorations that blend seamlessly with your smile.
Dentures and implants function differently. Dentures rest on the gums, while implants are fixed into the jawbone, offering a stronger bite. Each option has its pros and cons; a consultation will help determine which is best for you.
Yes, dental bridges and full or partial dentures are options for those who may not be candidates for implants. A personalized consultation is the best way to explore your alternatives.
Candidates must be adults with healthy gums and a strong jawbone. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, a consultation can help determine if implants or another solution is suitable.
Absolutely. Your dental implant restoration—whether a crown, bridge, or dentures—will be custom-made to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth.
The procedure is typically comfortable and minimally invasive. With advanced technology and proper aftercare, you can expect minimal discomfort, swelling, and bleeding.
Routine checkups are recommended every 6 months, just like with natural teeth. However, we may suggest more or fewer visits based on your needs.
No, dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution and typically do not require routine replacement.
