Updated August 2026
You're reviewing the menu at your favourite restaurant with trepidation. You want to enjoy a steak, but it's difficult to chew since you lost a tooth. You're also nervous about what the waiter with the dazzling smile will think about the gap in your smile, so you've avoided showing more of your teeth than just a slight grin. Enjoying a meal with a friend with so many thoughts and concerns running through your mind is hard!
If you've thought about replacing your lost tooth, you might've heard about dental implants in Etobicoke. But why are they considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth? How do they work? Would a dental implant be right for you?
Read on because today, we're answering everything you've ever wondered about tooth implants and how they benefit your smile.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that restores your root and tooth. Three components work together- the implant, the abutment, and the restoration- to replace one or more missing teeth.
Replacing your root is vital because, without it, your jawbone has nothing to stimulate it, and it begins to deteriorate. Bone loss compromises the support of surrounding teeth and can eventually lead to further tooth loss. It also changes the appearance of your face, causing a sunken look that makes you appear older than you are.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
- Ideal Candidates: Good general health, healthy gums, adequate jawbone density (or willingness to get bone grafting), non-smokers (or willing to pause during healing)
- Special Considerations: Patients with diabetes, osteoporosis, or who take specific medications
Note that conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis do not necessarily rule you out for dental implants, and smoking isn't always a dealbreaker. Dr. Joo will evaluate you carefully to determine your candidacy, but there are no hard-and-fast rules regarding implant suitability.
The Dental Implant Process – From Start to Finish
Step 1: The Evaluation
The first step when considering dental implants is to schedule an evaluation with one of our dentists at Toronto Lakeshore Dental. They will use x-rays and an exam to gather information about your teeth and oral health, helping them determine exactly what we need to do to restore your smile.
Dr. Joo has the extensive training, skills, and expertise to perform implant placement surgeries in our Etobicoke dental office. We even offer several levels of dental sedation to help anxious patients get the treatment procedures they need comfortably.
During your evaluation, we'll discuss your needs and create a customized treatment plan to help you reach your smile goals, restoring function and aesthetics. We'll also review the cost and timeframe required to make your new smile a reality.
Step 2: Implant Placement Surgery
The next step in your smile journey is implant placement surgery. Dr. Joo and his team go above and beyond to ensure your comfort during surgery. He also uses the most advanced technology, such as 3-D imaging, to plan your surgery for optimal, predictable results. Dr. Joo can also perform bone grafting for patients lacking the healthy bone structure needed to support an implant.
Dental implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible substance that naturally fuses with your bone over time during a process called osseointegration. This process typically takes three to six months, and then your implant is ready to support your restoration.
Because your jawbone has no nerves, most patients report little discomfort during implant placement surgery.
Step 3: Implant Restoration
Dental implants provide options, whether you're missing one tooth or many. For example, one dental implant can support a single porcelain crown to replace a missing tooth. Two to four dental implants can support dental prostheses, such as a bridge or denture, that replace multiple missing teeth.
Our dentists design a suitable restoration for your smile using the highest-quality materials that naturally complement your smile.
Realistic Total Timeline
While healing between implant placement and the final restoration can take three to six months, there are other considerations, such as potential pretreatments (e.g., bone grafting or a sinus lift). Some patients also require extractions, which add time to treatment and can result in a total of three to nine months. In other words, the timeline will vary by patient, but your dentist will let you know what to expect.
What to Expect During Recovery
After the initial implant placement, you can expect symptoms for as long as one week, such as:
- Mild Swelling
- Mild Discomfort
- Acclimation to the Implants
You can treat these symptoms easily with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
As the weeks go by, the implant posts are integrating with your jawbone, creating a solid foundation for tooth crowns or a custom prosthetic. Integration is painless.
Restoration or crown placement does not require special aftercare. From that point, you're free to enjoy your favourite foods again and smile with confidence.
How Much Do Dental Implants in Etobicoke Cost?
The cost of dental implants varies significantly based on each patient's individual needs. For example, a patient replacing a single tooth will incur much lower costs than a patient restoring an entire arch of teeth.
The best way to determine the price of your implants is to schedule an evaluation with one of our dentists. Then, after creating your customized treatment plan, we'll review the exact cost of your treatment with you and your payment options.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
One of the best advantages of dental implants is their longevity. With the proper care, an implant can potentially last a lifetime.
Caring for your dental implant is easy because it is like a natural tooth you'll brush and floss daily. Routine checkups with your dentist every six months will also ensure the health and longevity of your tooth implant.
Are There Risks Associated with Implant Dentistry?
Because dental implants require surgery for placement, there are the standard risks you would have with a surgical procedure. However, dental implants boast a 95 percent success rate, making implant surgery highly successful.
Dental implants are also highly susceptible to infections, which can cause them to fail. This is why excellent oral hygiene around your implant and regular checkups with your dentist are essential.
Are You Ready to Learn More About Tooth Replacement in Etobicoke?
Hopefully, this article answered many of your dental implant questions. We're also happy to review your unique needs in-depth during an evaluation with our dentists. Book your appointment online, or call us at (416) 503-3335 to speak with a team member.