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Many people who are thinking about getting dental implants feel apprehensive about the process. With so many unknowns to contend with, this is no surprise. Learning more about dental implants and the procedure needed to place them can put your mind at ease and help you discover if they are right for you.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about dental implants, including who can get them, which types of implants exist, and what you need to do to prepare for the procedure.

The Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants

Most people can get dental implants to replace a missing tooth, but not everyone can safely undergo the procedure. The best candidates:

If you do not meet these requirements but still want to receive an implant, talk to your dentist. They can help you take steps toward becoming a good implant candidate in the future.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?

Endosteal

Endosteal implants are implants that are anchored to the jawbone using a titanium screw. These are the most common type of implants due to the many benefits they offer. Not only does anchoring the implant to your jaw offer better comfort and functionality, but it also provides stimulation to the jawbone to prevent future bone loss.

Subperiosteal

Subperiosteal implants are very similar to endosteal implants, but the screw that holds them up is placed just under the gums instead of inside the jawbone.

These types of implants can provide passable results, but they are not nearly as stable or functional as endosteal implants. Their main benefit is that patients can receive them even with advanced bone loss.

Many dentists do not perform subperiosteal implants except in rare circumstances. Ideally, people who do not have enough jawbone for an endosteal implant should be given a bone graft to correct this problem. If this is not possible, a subperiosteal implant may be an option.

Single Stage

Single stage implants are placed in a single surgical appointment. A long implant screw is inserted into the jawbone and left exposed above the gumline. Then, the patient is given time to heal. Once they are fully healed a few months later, the implant is attached to the exposed part of the screw.

Two Stage

Two stage implants are placed in two surgical appointments. During the first, the dentist installs the main part of the implant screw in the jawbone. The top of this screw will be covered by the patient’s gums during the healing process. The second appointment removes the gum in this area and places a connecting piece that will hold the implant crown. This procedure is more complex than single stage implants, but it offers a better fusion of screw and jawbone.

Dental Implant Materials

Titanium Dental Implants

Titanium dental implants are the most common type of implant. This is because titanium is highly biocompatible and allows bone to grow around it, making it easier for it to fuse properly with your jawbone. Many modern titanium dental implants are actually made from titanium alloy, making them safer for people who are allergic to pure titanium.

Zirconia Dental Implants

Zirconia dental implants are made from the same material as many dental bridges and crowns. This material has not been used for implants for very long, so it lacks the same scientific support as titanium. Dentists have observed that it is more brittle than titanium but integrates almost as well with human bone. It is also rust-resistant and light-coloured, making it the superior aesthetic choice.

Potential Issues During the Dental Implant Procedure

Some potential issues that may arise during the dental implant procedure include:

What to Expect as a Patient

Before receiving a dental implant, you will need to:

After the procedure, you will likely feel tired as the anesthesia begins to wear off. After this, you will feel some discomfort that you can manage by taking your prescribed pain medication. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and bleeding during the healing process.

A few months later, you will need a second surgery to attach the implant’s connector hardware. This time, the dentist will open your gums and place the connector above your gumline. Once this heals, you will receive your implant crown, and the procedure will be over.

Pre-Care Requirements

Before your surgery, you will need to:

Dental Implants in Mississauga

Getting dental implants in Mississauga is much easier than many people think, so what are you waiting for? Call Trillium Smile Dentistry today. Our expert staff and glowing reviews make us a top choice for people searching for dental implants near where they live. Contact us to book an appointment or receive more information on the procedure, the cost, or anything else you would like to know.

Dental implants are a most popular tooth replacement options available today. However, there are still many myths surrounding them that make some people hesitant to consider getting them. If you are looking to replace one or more missing teeth, it is important to separate fact from fiction regarding these incredible prosthetics. To help you do so, we have assembled a list of 15 of the top myths we have heard about dental implants and the procedure required to get them.

Top Myths About Tooth Implants

1. Dental Implants Are Only for Cosmetic Purposes.

It is true that dental implants offer stunning aesthetics, but this is not the only benefit they provide. They are considered the number one tooth replacement option due to the way they anchor directly to your jawbone, just like a natural tooth would. This allows them to stimulate the jawbone during chewing and speaking activities and helps prevent the devastating bone loss that would usually happen after a tooth is lost.

2. Tooth Implants Look Fake.

Dental implants may not be made of organic tooth material, but they look just like real teeth regardless. In many cases, dental implants actually look better than the tooth they are replacing. Gleaming white porcelain implants are especially beautiful and convincing-looking.

3. Tooth Implants Are Only for People Who Have Lost All Their Teeth.

Tooth implants can be used to replace a single tooth or all your teeth – whatever you need. You can even replace a single-tooth implant crown with a multi-tooth implant bridge later on if the need arises. You may need to have additional implants placed to support larger bridges.

4. Dental Implants Are for Elderly People.

People of all ages can get dental implants. All you need is enough dense jawbone to anchor the titanium screws that will support the implants. Elderly people are actually less likely to have enough jawbone to support the implant procedure, but bone grafts can be applied to make them better candidates for the surgery.

5. Dental Implants Are Not As Strong As Natural Teeth.

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that fuses into your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Because of this, they are able to provide very similar strength and function to natural teeth. You should be able to enjoy all of your favourite foods with an implant, even hard or chewy items.

6. Tooth Implants Have a Low Success Rate.

Tooth implant surgery has a very high success rate. Some people are not ideal candidates for tooth implants and would be more likely to have their implants fail, but these people are usually not approved for the process in the first place. Your dentist will tell you if implants are a viable choice for you and suggest things you can do to make yourself a better candidate, such as quitting smoking.

7. Tooth Implants Are Invasive and Painful.

Getting dental implants does require oral surgery, but the process is relatively easy and painless for most people. You will be given anesthesia during the surgery and pain medication afterwards to control your discomfort. Most people return to their usual activities in just 2-3 days.

8. Dental Implants Require Special Care.

Dental implants do not need any special care. If you brush and floss regularly and attend regular dental appointments, your implants should last for decades without any problems. You may eventually need to replace the crown that sits on top of your implant, but you will not need to undergo another tooth implant procedure to do this.

9. Tooth Implants Are Not Affordable.

Tooth implants are among the more expensive options for tooth replacement, but many patients do not realize that they may not have to pay the full cost all at once. Your dentist likely offers some form of financing to help patients who cannot afford to pay for their care immediately. Your dental insurance or HSA may also cover some or all of your tooth implant costs.

10. Tooth Implants Are Not Worth It.

Dental implants restore your smile, self-confidence, and dental function. They make it possible for you to live life the way you did before you lost your teeth. Many patients say that getting implants was one of the best decisions they ever made.

11. Dental Implants Are Still Experimental.

Dental implants have more than 70 years of clinical research behind them and are proven to be extremely safe and effective. Millions of people have received implants and are very happy with the results. Some of them have had their implants for several decades without any problems.

12. Dental Implants Are Not a One-Day Procedure.

While you will not be fully recovered for many months after your surgery, the procedure is often completed in one day. You will feel no pain after a few days. The only exception to this is when you need bone grafts to support the implant screws. The grafting process will need to be completed several months before your surgery can begin, lengthening the process.

13. Tooth Implants Are Not for Older People.

Tooth implants are an excellent tooth replacement for people of all ages. Older people who have suffered some bone loss may need bone grafts to support the implant screws properly, but they can safely undergo implant surgery once they receive those grafts.

14. Implants Are Easy to Spot.

Tooth implants are very discreet. With the screw hidden below your gums and capped by a gleaming high-quality porcelain crown, your implant will look just like any other tooth in your mouth. Most people will never know that an implant is not a real tooth unless they are told this is the case.

15. Tooth Implant Surgery Is Risky.

Like any surgery, tooth implant surgery does involve some level of risk. However, very few people experience complications during or after this procedure. If tooth implant surgery might be especially risky for you, your dentist will warn you that you may not be a good candidate for the procedure.

Visit the Experts for Long-Lasting Dental Implants in Mississauga

It is normal to be apprehensive about making big permanent changes to your body, but getting dental implants could make a drastic positive difference in your life. Our staff at Trillium Smile Dentistry will make sure you have a comfortable experience before, during, and after your dental implant procedure. Contact us today at 905-828-9894 or online to book your first appointment and discuss all of your implant needs and concerns.