Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Dental implants have become the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth. However, that doesn’t mean that they are the only option. Choosing the right tooth-replacement technique will depend on several personal health factors, as well as your needs, timeline, and cost of dental implants in Toronto versus other available options.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is the only restorative tooth procedure that replaces the entire tooth, root and all. After a tooth is extracted, the implant procedure will progress over several appointments, beginning with the surgical implantation of a post into the jawbone and ending with a prosthetic crown.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

The benefit of this type of procedure is that it is the only one that offers a permanent tooth replacement solution. Once the post is implanted and the crown attached to the abutment, there is no need to remove the appliance. Dental implants have been found capable of lasting 30 plus years, so it is a one-time procedure that will last a lifetime for most people. The crown may need to be repaired or replaced, but the implant post is unlikely to fail.

In addition to longevity, dental implants also play a pivotal role in supporting your ongoing oral health. Natural teeth help maintain healthy gum and bone structure by providing regular stimulation through normal chewing and talking. When a tooth and root are extracted, the gums and jawbone are no longer receiving that simulation, leading to the deterioration of the jawbone. A dental implant replicates a natural tooth with the implanted post mimicking the role that the roots play, both of which help maintain normal bone form and density.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

Getting dental implants in Toronto is a good option for many people; however, they are not right for everyone. To be considered as a candidate for a dental implant procedure, you must:

• Be in good general health with no underlying medical conditions that may prevent you from receiving dental surgery
• Have good overall oral health, with healthy teeth and gums
• Have enough healthy bone structure to support the implant or be a good candidate for bone grafting
• Be a non-smoker or have ceased smoking at least a few weeks before the procedure. Continuing to smoke after the implant could increase the odds of the implant failing.
• Be willing to commit several months to getting implants to allow for healing times between procedures

How Much Do Dental Implants in Toronto Cost?

Many variables can affect the cost of getting dental implants, including the complexity of your particular case and whether you require any restorative procedures before getting the implant, and the number of implants you need.  For the most complex cases, including those which require bone grafting, the cost can be significantly more that more straightforward cases.  The cost for your dental implants needs must be determined by visiting your periodontist.

What are Other Tooth Replacement Options?

Dental implants in Toronto are not the only tooth replacement option available. As an alternative to dental implants, particularly for those who have multiple missing teeth, some patients may instead choose to receive:

• An implant-supported bridge – a single implant that supports multiple prosthetic crowns.
• A tooth-supported bridge
• A full or partial set of dentures

The benefit of these options includes lower cost and quicker turnaround time – some denture appliances can be completed in as little as six weeks.

The drawback to these tooth replacement options is that they are not permanent solutions. Even with an implant-supported bridge, eventually, the bridge will need to be replaced. On average, dentures and bridges have an expected life expectancy of about ten years.