Your Okotoks Invisalign® Provider
Our Okotoks dentist may place a dental implant as part of the process to replace a missing tooth and leave you with a natural-looking smile.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that functions like a natural tooth root. They are the most natural-looking, and also more stable and longer-lasting, than many other tooth replacement options. Because dental Implants stimulate the bone under the tooth, they can also help to avoid bone loss and the resulting change in facial appearance.
While dental implants may have a higher up-front cost, they tend to last longer – perhaps even a lifetime, making them very cost effective over the life span of the implant.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. The implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone and then bonds with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement.
Dental implants can help to:
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
- Resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain
- Improve chewing, digestion and speech
- Restore facial tissues and appearance
The Dental Implant Procedure in Okotoks
The dental implant procedure requires a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
Your dentist will begin by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Once the healing is complete, generally 3 to 6 months post surgery, patients return to our office to complete the procedure.
At this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown or dental bridge, to the implant to create the look and function of a natural tooth.