Missing teeth are a pain, often literally. When you lose a tooth to decay, gum disease, or accident, an open space is left behind where your tooth met your jaw. Over time, that extra room can allow your other teeth to drift, causing a potential chain reaction of oral health issues. Misaligned teeth are prone to decay, and drifting teeth can compromise the structure that holds your teeth in place. Dental implants are one popular choice for replacing missing teeth, because implants offer a desirable mix of long-term health benefits and cosmetic appeal.

Dental implants are often used to replace a single missing tooth, but can also be used to replace multiple teeth with an implant-supported bridge. In fact, implants can even be used to support a full bridge or denture. The team at your chosen dental clinic can help explain the benefits of dental implants, and what to expect from various implant procedures.

Dental Implants Offer a Sturdy, Natural-Looking Solution for Missing Teeth

The procedure for placing implants is quite similar, no matter how many teeth are being replaced. Implants are designed to replace the root system that secured the missing tooth to your jaw. Implants are made of metal, and can be secured to your jaw through various methods depending on your bone density and other factors. A cap, bridge, or denture is then secured to the implant, which is conditional on how many missing teeth are being replaced.

• The process of placing a single-tooth implant occurs over the course of a few months, to ensure that the implant is healed and firmly secured to your jaw before the artificial tooth or teeth are attached.
• Multiple-tooth implants follow a similar process, though healing times vary depending upon how many implants are being placed and whether they heal at the same rate. Just as with single-tooth implants, the process starts with securing the implant to the jaw.
• The main difference comes in how the artificial teeth are secured. Multiple-tooth implants are generally used to support bridges, which replace multiple teeth at a time.
• You can still benefit from implants even if all of your teeth are missing. Full-tooth replacement follows the same basic concept, with slightly different implants designed to secure a full denture.
• With full-tooth replacement, you don’t need to worry about having an implant for every missing root. A few implants, strategically placed, are usually enough to safely secure your denture.
• The cosmetic benefits that come with implants are popular, and there are also a number of other ways to get the look you want. Consider cosmetic dentistry to keep your smile shining bright.

Bone density is the key to whether implants are the right choice for you. For an implant to heal successfully, it needs to be attached to a strong, healthy section of your jawbone. If the bone density of available surfaces is lacking, your dentist may recommend sinus lift surgery or ridge modification to create a suitable surface. In addition to providing long-term health benefits, these procedures also make allow you to keep the aesthetic look you want.

Dental implants offer a safe, healthy way to replace missing teeth. While the process does require multiple visits, the long-term benefits are tough to match. Implants look and feel like your natural teeth, while also preserving the structure of your jaw. Whether you’re missing one tooth or all of them, consider dental implants to keep your smile healthy and happy.

The team at Loreen Wong Dentistry is here to answer all of your questions about dental implants and oral health at our dental clinic in downtown Calgary. We look forward to hearing from you!