What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are not a new technology, but their popularity has grown because they restore oral health while providing a natural-looking, permanent-feeling smile. A natural tooth has a crown, the part you see when you smile, and a root beneath the gum that holds the tooth securely to the jaw. An implant works the same way: an artificial root, about the same size as a natural tooth root, supports a crown.
Traditionally, implants are made of titanium, a medical-grade metal that bonds to your natural or grafted bone and creates a strong foundation for the crown. Heritage Valley Dental also offers zirconia implants, which are designed for a holistic, metal-free restoration.
The Implant Crown
Once the implant has fully healed, a custom crown is placed on top to complete the restoration. The crown is the visible part of the tooth, so it is fully customizable in size, shape and colour, and blends in with your smile. Crowns are usually made of porcelain. The result is a natural-looking, fully functioning restoration. See our page on crowns and bridges for more on crowns.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- A good option for replacing missing or damaged teeth
- Helps reduce the chance of additional tooth loss
- Improves your ability to chew many foods
- Helps minimize the risk of bone loss
- Helps preserve the shape of your face
- Looks and feels like a natural tooth
Who Is a Candidate?
Whether implants are suitable depends on your oral health, your bone and your overall health. If it has been a while since a tooth was lost, some of the natural bone may begin to shrink away, because it is no longer needed to support the tooth. In some cases a minor bone graft can help your body replace the missing tissue. Your dentist will examine you at your first consultation and explain whether implants are a good fit.
How the Dental Implant Process Works
- Consultation: You meet with a dentist who explains each part of the procedure, helps you understand your current dental condition, develops a personalized treatment plan and gives you a fixed cost. A treatment coordinator helps you schedule appointments and understand the fees involved.
- Implant placement: The implant is placed into the jawbone beneath the gum.
- Healing: After placement, we often wait about 4 to 5 months for the bone to fuse to the implant before making the final crown.
- Crown placement: Once the implant has healed, the custom crown is attached.
If a bone graft is needed, it requires additional healing time, which your dentist will explain.
Before Your Visit
- Bring a list of medications, allergies and health conditions.
- Bring your insurance information, if you have it.
- Write down your questions about the process, timing and cost.
- Tell us if you feel anxious, so we can discuss laughing gas and sedation options.
- Follow any instructions your dentist gives you before surgery, such as when to eat or take medication.
After Your Treatment
- Follow your dentist's instructions about food, rest and cleaning around the implant site.
- Some swelling, tenderness or bruising can occur after implant surgery. Your dentist will explain what to expect and how to manage it.
- Care for your implant as you would your natural teeth: brush, floss and have it cleaned by your hygienist at regular cleanings. Water flossers can be a helpful addition.
- Keep your follow-up appointments so we can check healing.
- Call us if you have swelling that increases, fever, lasting pain or bleeding that does not stop.
Costs, Insurance and Payment
Implant costs depend on your treatment plan. At your consultation you receive a fixed cost, and a free estimate is available. We offer easy financing and payment plans, bill all major and government insurance plans directly where coverage applies, and follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Ask for a complimentary consultation to go over your options.
Why Choose Heritage Valley Dental for Dental Implants?
- Titanium and zirconia implant options
- A personalized treatment plan with a fixed cost
- Free estimates and second opinions
- Easy financing and payment plans
- Anxiety-friendly care with laughing gas and sedation options
- Open seven days a week in South Edmonton
