Blog

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small, titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. They are inserted into your jawbone during a minor oral surgery procedure that takes place in the dental office and requires only local anesthesia in most cases. This post provides a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth or a set of replacement teeth; a custom crown will be fitted on top in order to mimic the appearance and function of your natural teeth. Once in place, you can care for your dental implants the same way you cared for your natural teeth – with regular brushing and flossing, and regular visits to your dentist’s office for a professional cleaning and checkup.

Dental implants can also be used to anchor bridges and dentures if multiple teeth are missing in the same area of the mouth. Custom dental implant bridges can be secured with as few as two implants per bridge, while traditional removable dentures may require a full row of five or more implants for support. Implant-supported dentures and bridges typically fit more securely than traditional restorations, reducing the risk of slippage and the need for messy denture adhesive pastes. Patients can speak and eat normally without having to worry about loose pieces falling out or being snapped apart by biting too hard on the wrong foods. 

Dental Implants and Bone Health

To prevent the loss of bone density, patients with dentures or removable restorations often end up missing certain parts of their mouth where teeth are missing. When patients choose dental implants instead of traditional replacements such as bridges or partial dentures, bone loss is prevented because the titanium post actually fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Bone loss occurs regardless of whether your restoration is fixed or removable; however, with fixed options, the process is slower and more gradual, making it easier for your body to adjust to the changes. This slight alteration in the jawbone also helps to preserve the natural shape of the face over time.

The beauty of dental implants is that they not only improve the cosmetic appearance of the smile, but they also restore your oral health and improve your overall quality of life by protecting you from further tooth loss. For instance, when a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth are unsupported and can shift out of place, which can affect your bite and ability to chew and speak properly. Dental implants help to prevent these complications while also helping to maintain the jaw’s structure and shape.

Dental Implants Costs

The cost of your dental implant procedure depends on many factors, including the number of teeth you’re replacing and the condition of your oral health.

Our team is happy to review pricing details with you during your consultation appointment. Please call us at (825) 467-8888 to schedule your consultation today with Dr. Jennifer Nguyen! We are located at 4224 Gateway Blvd NW Edmonton, AB. We are open regular business and select Saturdays.