Dental Implants in Sarnia, ON: A Patient’s Guide
Welcome to your guide on dental implants in Sarnia, Ontario.
When it comes to your teeth and the ability to enhance your smile, you have several options to choose from, dental implants may just be one of them!
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a sterile, surgical grade titanium post that replaces root of a natural tooth. The surface is threaded, allowing your bone to integrate and fuse it permanently into the jaw.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
After our Sarnia dentist places your implant, the surrounding bone will fuse to the threads of the implant over a period of 4 to 6 months. When these components have fully integrated, your implant is then stable and ready to be restored.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a great option whether you are missing a single tooth or several teeth. For one tooth, Dr. Karen Davis will fabricate a crown in office that will screw into the top of your implant. Your crown is customized to look just like your natural tooth!
If you’re missing several teeth or are struggling with a loose denture, no worries! Depending on your individual needs, Dr. Davis will review your concerns and tailor your potential treatment accordingly. Many options are available!
Dental Implants Compared to Other Tooth Replacement Options
Partial dentures can replace one or more missing teeth, which involves putting them in and out, and usually a less comfortable fit (may tend to move around). Many patients choose this option due to cost, though in long long run another appliance may need to be made due to conditions changing within the mouth (eg. decay causing loss of teeth, infection etc.).
Traditionally, a dental bridge was the preferred way to fill in a space caused by one or two missing teeth. In today’s world, implants are proven to be more reliable and long term. A bridge requires the 2 natural “anchor teeth” that are next to the space to be trimmed and designed in order to allow the retainer (porcelain crown) to fit over them. A bridge is very natural looking, in fact in some cases, there’s nothing wrong with the opposing teeth and trimming them is just plain unnecessary.
Since a bridge has natural tooth structure supporting it underneath, the possibility of root decay creeping underneath over the years is common. If this occurs, you will need to repair it if possible, and in some cases even replace the entire restoration.
With dental implants, there are no natural teeth involved, so you don’t have to worry about the above mentioned concerns. Your healthy virgin teeth on each side of the implant remain intact.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Since there are no natural teeth to decay or break, dental implants last for many years. As long as there’s enough bone supporting them, modern implants can potentially last the rest of your lifetime.
Taking Care of Your Dental Implant
To ensure that you get the most out of your dental implant investment, you’ll want to be sure to avoid developing gum disease. This infection is caused by bacteria that enter the gum pockets and bone, causing them to deteriorate.
The concept is similar to a post being in the ground. If there’s enough dirt around the post, it’s sturdy. But if you start washing away the dirt (like bacteria does to the jaw bone), then the post will begin to loosen. In severe cases, the implant may need to be removed..
You can limit bone loss by maintaining good homecare and visiting Dr. Karen Davis for regular checkups every 6-9 months. Our hygiene team are specialists in all avenues of your oral health. While you’re in our chair, Dr. Davis will evaluate your bite also to ensure that everything is healthy!
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Ontario?
Dental implants in Ontario, like anywhere else, are a modest investment. Implants have been proven to be the most reliable, long term successful way to replace missing teeth.
First, there’s the cost of the implant and material required to restore it (crown, bridge, denture). Second, the surgical appointment when your implant is placed (depending on your situation, a bone graft or sinus lift may be required for optimal results). But in the end, a dental implant can potentially last the rest of your life; something that no other tooth replacement is capable of. We will provide you with a complete review of fees involved, and answer all questions regarding the process before any treatment is begun!
Where To Go For the Best Dental Implants in Sarnia, Ontario?
When it comes to dental implants, you deserve a dentist with plenty of experience and expertise! At Dr. Karen Davis Dentistry, our mission is to be the best we can be for all who enter our doors! Our entire team values each and every patient, and will ensure your comfort during each visit!
If you’ve been considering a dental implant, please call our office today for a complimentary consultation!
