Missing teeth can impact your confidence and overall oral health. Luckily, modern dental implants offer a durable and natural-looking tooth replacement. At Reliance Dental, Dr. Ranveer Chandy restores dental implants in Edmonton, AB, as a permanent solution to tooth loss. Dr. Chandy uses advanced techniques in restorative dentistry to rebuild your bite and restore bite function. Whether you need to replace one tooth or get full-mouth implants, we’ll work with you to give you a healthy smile that feels and works like your own.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a replacement tooth made of 3 parts: a post, abutment, and restoration. Here’s how these parts work together:
- Post: The implant post is a titanium screw that acts as a new tooth root. Titanium is a biocompatible material, which means your jawbone accepts it and grows around it. During surgery, we place this post into your jawbone to replace the missing tooth.
- Abutment: The abutment is a small connector piece that screws into the top of the implant post. Once your jawbone has healed and fused with the post, we attach the abutment, which sticks out just above your gum line. Its job is to hold your new tooth securely in place.
- Restoration: The restoration is the part you see and use every day. It is a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that matches your natural teeth. We design it to fit your smile perfectly. Once attached to the abutment, it looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth due to their many advantages. These restorations provide many benefits for patients with one or more missing teeth.
A Natural Look
One of the biggest benefits of implants is how natural they look. Dental implants are designed to closely resemble your natural teeth. The custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture placed on the implant blends perfectly with the rest of your teeth. A tooth-colored restoration can boost your confidence and make your smile look beautiful again.
Better Bite Function
With an implant, you can chew and speak normally, enjoy a wide variety of foods, and communicate clearly. Dentures can slip and cause discomfort but implants stay securely in place.
Better Jawbone Health
When teeth are missing, the jawbone can begin to weaken and shrink over time. However, teeth implants help preserve the structure of your jawbone by acting like artificial tooth roots. The titanium post stimulates the bone to prevent bone loss and maintain the integrity of your jaw.
Long-Lasting Results
Dental implants are durable and can last for many years, often even a lifetime. Unlike removable restorations, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time, implants offer a long-term solution. They’re a worthwhile investment for your oral health.
Stable Restoration
Traditional dental bridges require alterations to neighboring teeth, but implants don’t affect healthy teeth. They’re anchored securely in your jawbone, which eliminates the discomfort and instability often associated with removable dentures. This stability helps keep your remaining teeth in place so your dental arch remains intact.
Am I a Dental Implant Candidate?
Not everyone is automatically a candidate for dental implants in our Edmonton, AB, office. Dental implants are a good option if you have:
- Healthy Jawbone: Your jawbone needs to be healthy and strong enough to support the implant. The implant needs enough bone to hold it in place. If you don’t have enough bone, we can recommend bone grafting or a sinus lift to prepare your jaw for treatment.
- Good Oral Health: Your teeth and gums must be in good health. If you have gum disease or cavities, we will treat these problems before we place the implants. We can provide a tooth extraction or gum disease treatment. Healthy gums help support the implant and keep it secure in your mouth.
- Good Overall Health: Your overall health plays a role in your ability to undergo the dental implant procedure and heal properly afterward. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or certain heart conditions may affect your healing process. We will review your medical history and work with your healthcare providers to make sure implants are right for you.
Dr. Chandy may recommend pretreatments like tooth extractions for infected teeth or periodontal disease treatment for gum disease. His goal is to ensure you’re as healthy as possible for successful implant treatment.
The Dental Implant Process in Edmonton, AB
Dr. Chandy provides implant treatment customized to each patient. Here’s what you can expect.
First Visit
The process starts with a consultation with Dr. Chandy. He’ll carefully examine your mouth and teeth. This exam may include taking X-rays and possibly 3D imaging of your jawbone. The purpose of this step is to assess the condition of your jawbone. Dr. Chandy will use this information to determine if you need pre-treatments and to create your personalized treatment plan.
He will use advanced imaging to show you a preview of your potential results. Dr. Chandy uses CEREC technology to design a smile that looks natural, fits your face, and meets your expectations.
Implant Placement
Our office coordinates with a surgeon for your scheduled surgery. During surgery, an implant surgeon gently places the titanium post into your jawbone. You will be numb and comfortable throughout this short procedure. You’ll also receive a temporary restoration so you will not be without teeth as you heal.
Healing
After the implant is placed, the jawbone begins to fuse with the titanium post in a process known as osseointegration. Over the next few months, the bone grows around the implant to create a strong and secure bond.
This ensures the post remains stable and provides a solid foundation for your future artificial tooth. Healing helps the implant function like a tooth root.
Placing the Abutment
Once you’re healed, Dr. Chandy will attach a small piece called an abutment to the implant. The abutment connects the implant to your new tooth. Your gums will need a little time to heal around this part so everything looks and feels natural.
Final Implant Restoration
After your gums heal, it’s time for your new tooth! Dr. Chandy will place a crown, bridge, or hybrid denture. He’ll make adjustments so it feels comfortable and natural in your mouth.
Patient Review
How to Care for Dental Implants
We recommend that you follow these steps after you get your implant restoration:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss once a day to clean between your teeth and around the implant. You can also use an interdental brush or water flosser to easily remove food and plaque around the implants. Some toothpastes can scratch the surface of your implant. Look for toothpaste labeled as low-abrasive, or ask us for a recommendation.
- Visit Us Regularly: You should visit our office at least twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings. During your visit, we will check the implant and make sure your gums and jawbone are healthy.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and tobacco use can slow down healing and increase your risk of infection or implant failure. If you smoke, talk to us about ways to quit.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental implants in our Edmonton, AB office.
Are dental implants permanent?
Yes. The implant post we place in the jaw bone is permanent. You will need to replace your crown, bridge, or denture after 10 to 15 or more years. However, implant restorations last longer than removable restorations.
Do implants have an age limit?
No! Adults of almost any age can get implants as long as they have healthy gums, enough jawbone, and good overall health. Younger patients may need to wait until their jaw has fully grown, usually in the late teens or early twenties.
Older adults can also benefit from implants, as long as their oral and general health supports healing and long-term success. Our dentist will evaluate if implants are right for you.
Does dental implant treatment hurt?
No. The implant procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area completely. Most patients report temporary mild to moderate discomfort after the procedure. Our office often recommends over-the-counter pain relievers to patients after treatment.
What is the success rate for dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of over 90-95% in healthy patients. Implants are so successful because of modern technology, pretreatments, and good oral hygiene and care.
How much are dental implants?
The cost of dental implants in Edmonton, AB, depends on multiple factors, which include:
- The number of implants
- Sedation
- Pretreatments (like extractions and gum disease treatment)
- Restoration (crown, bridge, denture)
At Reliance Dental, we follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. We also accept most insurance plans and direct bill to make your care hassle-free. If you’re a qualifying patient, we offer flexible payment plans to keep treatment within your budget. Call us at 587-840-9984 to discuss your specific needs and payment options.
How long will it take me to get implants?
The complete implant process usually takes 6 months to over 1 year from start to finish. After the implant post is placed in your jaw, it needs time to heal. This healing period can take 3 to 6 months
If you need a tooth extraction, gum disease treatment, or bone grafting, the process can take longer. Healing from these pre-treatments can add weeks or months to your total treatment time.
Schedule an Implant Consultation Today
Do you have one or more missing teeth? Get long-lasting dental implants in Edmonton, AB. Call Reliance Dental Family Dentistry today at 587-840-9984 or schedule an appointment to get started.
We can provide single crowns, implant-supported bridges, and dentures. Serving South Edmonton, Ellerslie, Walker Lakes, and Summerside.