Ottawa Dental Implant

Helping you regain full functionality from your teeth

Implant Dentistry in Ottawa

A tooth can be lost due to injury or become damaged to the point that it needs to be extracted. There are also occasional cases of agenesis of teeth, meaning a tooth never developed in the first place. In all of these situations, a dental implant may be your best treatment solution. While dental implants are not exactly the same as natural teeth, they are the next best replacement option for a missing tooth.

What Are Dental Implants in Ottawa?

Dental implants are essentially screw-shaped artificial roots made out of titanium that serve as replacements for natural roots. They are surgically implanted in your jawbone where you want to replace a missing tooth. Eventually, the titanium implant integrates with the surrounding bone structure and serves as a strong and secure base for fitting the artificial tooth in place.

Benefits of Dental Implants in Ottawa

There are a number of advantages to dental implants. First is their level of functionality. The implant-supported prosthetic looks and feels natural. It will allow you to bite and chew food easily, and you will speak and articulate exactly the same way as you did before.

Second important benefit of dental implants is that they tend to decrease or slow down bone resorption of the jaw. Missing teeth (and missing roots) can lead to bone resorption, meaning that the bone without a root system slowly shrinks and becomes more brittle. As a result, the jawbone is likely to become more susceptible to injury and damage. Dental implants, acting as a replacement for the missing root system, tend to slow down the resorption process, allowing the bone in the area to stay stable longer than it would otherwise (i.e. without any root system in place)…

Finally, dental implants represent a long-lasting solution. In fact, the manufacturers of implants that we use offer lifetime warranties on their products. Thanks to medical and technological advances, implant failures have become very rare. Whether dental implants require repairs mostly depends on how well they are being taken care of (much like regular teeth). Proper oral care and regular check-ups with your dentist should preserve your dental implants for many many years (decades).

When To Consider Dental Implants

Dental implants require surgery and should therefore not be chosen lightly. However, they should be considered if you are not entirely satisfied with your current treatment solution, looking for a fixed long-term treatment, or are at risk for conditions, such as gum disease, receding jaw bone, or shifting of teeth.

Missing teeth can lead to a number of these conditions down the line. It is therefore important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Talk to your dentist right away and see what your options are.

How Does Implant Dentistry in Ottawa Work?

The entire dental implant process takes a few months as it requires a number of steps. How long the treatment takes depends on the specific situation (number of teeth missing, their location, etc), and whether or not bone grafting surgery to strengthen the jaw is required.

The process begins with a thorough examination and evaluation by your implant dentist in Ottawa.

The next step, if required, is the preparation of your jawbone for dental implant surgery in a process called “bone grafting.” This is necessary whenever your jawbone has already receded to a point where it cannot support the implant properly. In that case, a bone graft will be used to “build up” your jawbone. The bone graft will strengthen the jawbone and provide an additional support base for the dental implants. Bone grafting surgery will require more healing time and will, therefore, somewhat delay the next step.

Once your jawbone is deemed healed and strong enough, the dental implants will be surgically placed. This step, much like the bone grafting surgery, will be followed by a healing period that will allow the bone to recover and integrate with the implant. The implants will be temporarily covered with protective abutments. In about 6 months, once everything has healed, the abutments are removed and a restorative prosthesis, implant-supported crown, bridge or denture, is simply screwed or cemented in place.

It is important to note that some temporary post-surgical discomfort, such as bruising, swelling, minor bleeding, or pain can occur. These can easily be addressed with medication as prescribed by your health provider. However, should they persist or worsen over time, please make sure to contact your implant dentist in Ottawa.

Contact Our Implant Dentistry Team in Ottawa

If you are missing one or more teeth and there are “gaps” in your smile, call 613-695-4877 today and book your appointment with College Square Dental now. Our dentists will gladly help you find the right replacement option and restore your smile permanently.

Frequently Asked Question

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are one of the most popular options for those looking to replace missing teeth. They are a permanent and stable solution that can restore the function and aesthetics of your smile. Dental implants can last a lifetime when cared for properly and provide superior strength and stabilitycompared to other treatments.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are small titanium screws that act as artificial tooth roots and are placed in the jawbone. The implant then has an abutment made of titanium that screws into the implant and supports the restoration. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone and allowed to heal and integrate with the jawbone over a period of several months. As it heals, the dental implant fuses to the jawbone, which provides superior stability for the restoration. Once the implant has fully healed and integrated, it can be uncovered and restored.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Good candidates for dental implants should have healthy gums and adequate bone in the jaw to support implant placement. Your dentists will examine your mouth and determine if dental implants are a good option for you. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and periodontal disease can all potentially affect the success of dental implants.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth and have many benefits over other treatments. They are a permanent solution that can last a lifetime and provide superior strength and stability over removable appliances. In addition, dental implants can help restore the natural function of your mouth, returning your ability to chew and speak.

Are there any risks associated with dental implants?

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with dental implants. Common risks include infection at the implant site, nerve damage, sinus problems, and implant rejection or failure. However, these risks are typically low, and dental implants can be a successful and lifelong solution with proper care. Your dentists can provide information about potential risks and help you make an informed decision about dental implants.