Have you considered dental implants in Etobicoke, but weren’t sure what to expect? Did it seem too complicated or too something… We are here to break it down for you.
Dental implants are not complex. Instead, they are a leading-edge tooth replacement option and the top choice of most dentists and patients.
In this blog, we break down the following:
- Initial Consultation and Assessment
- Dental Implant Treatment Planning
- Potential Pretreatments
- Dental Implant Placement Surgery
- Healing and Osseointegration
- Abutment Placement
- Crown or Final Restoration Placement
- Aftercare and Maintenance
- Why Choose Our Etobicoke Clinic for Dental Implants
Step #1 Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your first visit includes digital imaging, a thorough dental exam, and a conversation with your Etobicoke dentist to assess your goals. We want to evaluate your jawbone density, overall oral health, general health, and other relevant factors to determine your dental implant candidacy.
Some patients are immediate candidates for dental implants. Others may require pretreatments, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift, to ensure dental implant success.
Step #2 Dental Implant Treatment Planning
We carefully plan your dental implant treatment using image-guided technology and other innovations to ensure the success of your implant. We also consider the necessary pretreatments and plan around those, creating a timeline that works for you.
Step #3 Potential Pretreatments
Pretreatments may include (but are not limited to) one or more of the following:
- Bone Grafting
- A Sinus Lift
- Extractions
For bone grafting, a dentist places a bit of bone, possibly synthetic, into the jaw if it is recessed or deteriorated. This graft provides a stable foundation for your new tooth.
Your back teeth are sometimes too close to the sinus, so a dentist must slightly elevate the sinus to make room for your implant.
We use powerful anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain. You can also discuss sedation dentistry with the dentist in Etobicoke.
Step #4 Dental Implant Placement Surgery
Using local anesthesia, your dentist carefully and precisely implants a titanium post into the jawbone. This titanium root serves as the dental implant, standing in for your lost tooth root.
If you’re feeling unsure, consider discussing sedation dentistry with your dentist.
After implant placement, when anesthesia wears off, you may notice mild soreness and swelling for a few days. An over-the-counter pain reliever is usually sufficient to combat the discomfort.
Be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and call us if you have questions or concerns.
Step #5 Healing and Osseointegration
Healing is virtually painless and happens behind the scenes. While you’re enjoying your day or sleeping at night, the titanium post is integrating into the jawbone, a process called osseointegration.
This is a necessary stage for implant success and lasts for approximately three to six months. The tooth root integrates during this period, creating a stable foundation for your new tooth.
During healing, be mindful of biting directly into sticky foods with your implant post or temporary. Additionally, brush and floss at least twice daily to help ensure the success of your implant. An oral infection, cavity, or other oral health concern could temporarily derail your progress.
Step #6 Abutment Placement
After integration, your dentist places an abutment over the implant. Think of the abutment as a connector between the implant and your new tooth.
At this stage, we are near the end of your journey!
Step #7 Crown or Final Restoration Placement
We cap your abutment with a custom dental crown after taking impressions. The crown is always custom coloured and shaped to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Your dentist relies on CEREC technology for same-day crowns in Etobicoke. Ask your dentist if a same-day crown is right for you.
With CEREC, we send digital impressions to our in-office computer. The computer designs your crown and then forwards it to our printer. This is a full ceramic crown cut from a single piece of porcelain!
Step #8 Aftercare and Maintenance
After we place your restoration, you’re free to enjoy your new smile. You can indulge in your favourite foods and smile with confidence.
As far as aftercare, you treat your implant the same as a natural tooth, which means:
- Brush and floss at least twice daily or after every meal.
- Visit your dentist every six months for dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings.
- If you have bruxism (teeth grinding), consult your dentist about a nightguard.
- If you play sports, always wear a mouthguard.
- Report any changes in your oral health to your dentist.
Why Choose Our Etobicoke Clinic for Dental Implants
We encourage patients to choose dental implants for the following reasons:
- They can last for decades and even a lifetime.
- They protect your jawbone from deterioration.
- They prevent tooth migration.
- They restore complete function.
- They are virtually maintenance-free.
However, choosing our Etobicoke clinic for your dental implants means prioritizing attention to detail, local convenience, experience, and exceptional patient care.
Contact Your Dental Implant Dentist in Etobicoke
To learn more or schedule a consultation with our dentist, please contact a dental team member at (416) 503-3335 or book online.
We look forward to helping you navigate tooth replacement and achieving the smile you’ve been looking for.