Missing teeth can significantly impact not only practical needs like eating and speaking, but also your self-confidence. Dental implants, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, are artificial teeth inserted into the jaw to help improve your quality of life and overall oral health. Dental implants can also help you speak more comfortably if lost teeth have caused you to develop a speech sound disorder, or be able to enjoy your favourite crunchy meals at your best-loved restaurant again. If you’re searching for a solution, consider visiting one of our offices at Spark Dental near you for comprehensive care.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant acts as a new root for your missing tooth or teeth. It is a metal post that is surgically attached to your jawbone after a small incision is made in your gums. A top piece, called the abutment, is then attached to the top of the screw, allowing a dental crown to be permanently placed, which looks and feels just like your natural teeth! Before starting the implant process, your jaw bone must heal with the screw in order to integrate as the new “root.” The healing process happens “behind the scenes,” meaning you won’t feel much discomfort after the initial period, and many patients report minimal pain throughout the procedure. After the procedure, it is often recommended to stick to soft foods after dental surgery.
Dental implant surgery is generally straightforward, but if you have conditions like gum disease, healing may take longer, possibly requiring additional procedures such as bone grafts or gum grafts.
Why Would SomeoneNeed Dental Implants?
Tooth Loss: Dental implants are commonly used to replace teeth that have been lost due to decay, trauma, or other dental issues.
Bone Loss: The jaw bone can deteriorate over time when a tooth is not there to fill the gap. Implants can help keep the jaw bone in place to try and prevent further bone loss, as teeth maintain support for lips, cheeks, and overall facial structure.
Improving Bite Alignment: Teeth tend to move around in your mouth, even after your teenage years. The loss of a tooth can shift your teeth and affect the alignment of your bite leading to other medical issues down the line. Dental implants can restore proper alignment and function.
Speech Improvement: Missing teeth, especially front teeth, can impact speech clarity sometimes leading to developing a speech sound disorder or articulation disorder. Dental implants can help improve speech by restoring the natural structure and alignment of the teeth.
Preventing Further Dental Complications: The gaps that are left by missing teeth can increase your risk of teeth shifting and bite problems leading to decay and gum disease. Dental implants fill these gaps, preventing such complications. In some cases, tooth loss or dental issues can cause chronic pain or discomfort.
Overall Oral Health: Dental implants can help contribute to better oral health by filling gaps, preventing bone loss, and reducing the risk of adjacent teeth shifting or becoming compromised.
What is a Bone/Gum Graft?
A bone graft may be necessary when your jawbone isn’t strong enough to hold a dental implant in place. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces the missing or damaged bone in your jaw. This might be due to bone loss from prolonged missing teeth or other causes. Bone grafts can come from different sources, such as another part of your body or a donor. Bone grafting ensures your jaw becomes strong enough to support the new tooth, though it may take about six months before you’re ready for the implant.
Gum grafts may also be necessary if your gums are too thin to support the implant. Tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth or a donor’s to strengthen your gums. This is particularly important for patients with gum disease, as weak gum tissue can impact the success of the implant.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
Eating Comfort
Dental implants can restore your bite force. Unlike dentures, which can sometimes slip while eating, implants can provide a stable, durable, and long-lasting solution.
Improved Speech
Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can impair your speech causing lisps, unclear and muffled speech, misarticulation of certain words, and even make the voice sound different. Dental implants emulate the function of natural teeth, potentially helping allowing you to speak clearly without worrying about shifting or slipping.
Maintained Jaw Health
Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing shrinkage and maintaining oral health. Missing teeth can also lead to changes in your facial structure, causing a sunken appearance. Dental implants support your facial structure, preventing these changes.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, the majority of dental implants can last a lifetime! While the dental crown may need replacement after 15-20 years, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can extend its lifespan.
Proper Care
Caring for dental implants is as straightforward as regular oral health. Continue your regular hygiene routine of brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.
The Value of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a valuable investment in your dental health and overall well-being. They improve the symmetrical nature of your teeth, strengthen your jaw, and address digestion and speech issues. If cost is a concern, discuss flexible payment plans with your dentist or paediatric dentist to ensure you receive treatment.
If you’re looking for dental care near you in Calgary, Alberta. Some of the neighbourhoods we service are:
- Mahogany
- Auburn Bay
- Copperfield
- Inverness
- Cranston
- Hotchkiss
- McKenzie Lake
- Mountain Park
- And more…
Spark Dental is accepting new patients and offers comprehensive care to support your journey to a healthier, happier smile.
If you are in need of emergency dental services or are looking for a reliable dental office for regular check-ups and procedures, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our skilled professionals here at Spark Dental are here to ensure you receive great care, whether it’s for routine visits or urgent dental care.
