Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. After the bone bonds to the implant, a crown, bridge, or denture is attached to it. Implants are often the most natural-feeling and longest-lasting way to replace missing teeth, and they do not require reshaping the neighbouring teeth. Most healthy adults with enough jawbone, or who can have bone grafting, are candidates.
Key takeaways
- An implant replaces the tooth root; a crown, bridge, or denture replaces the visible tooth.
- Treatment usually involves an oral surgeon, who places the implant, and your dentist, who makes the final tooth.
- Healing typically takes a few months before the final tooth is attached, and longer if bone grafting is needed.
- In selected cases, an implant can be placed on the same day a tooth is removed.
- Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and gum disease can affect implant success and are reviewed first.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant has three parts:
| Part | What it is | Who usually provides it |
|---|---|---|
| Implant | A titanium post placed in the jawbone that acts as the root | Oral surgeon |
| Abutment | A connector that attaches to the implant | Dentist or surgeon |
| Crown, bridge, or denture | The visible replacement tooth or teeth | Your dentist or prosthodontist |
After the implant is placed, the bone gradually grows against its surface, a process called osseointegration. Once it has integrated, the implant can support chewing forces much like a natural root.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are missing one tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth
- Have a tooth that needs to be removed and want a fixed replacement
- Have enough jawbone, or are willing to have bone grafting
- Have healthy gums, or are willing to treat gum disease first
- Are in reasonable general health for minor oral surgery
Factors that need extra planning include smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, a history of radiation to the jaws, and certain bone medications. None of these automatically rules you out; your surgeon reviews them at the consultation.
The Dental Implant Timeline
- Consultation and imaging. The surgeon examines your mouth and uses 3D cone beam CT imaging to measure bone and locate nerves and sinuses.
- Extraction and grafting, if needed. A failing tooth may be removed, sometimes with socket preservation or a sinus lift.
- Implant placement. Done with local anesthetic, with IV sedation available.
- Healing. Typically a few months for the implant to integrate.
- Final tooth. Your dentist attaches the abutment and crown, bridge, or denture.
In selected situations, an implant can be placed at the same visit as an extraction, and sometimes a temporary tooth can be attached the same day. Dr. Garry Toor has an extensive background in immediate implants and same-day teeth. Whether this is appropriate depends on your bone, gum health, and bite.
For healing tips, see dental implant recovery.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
For many patients, yes, but it depends on your goals and situation. Compare the main options:
| Option | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Dental implant | Feels and functions like a natural tooth; does not rely on neighbouring teeth; helps maintain the jawbone at the site | Highest upfront cost; requires surgery and healing time |
| Tooth-supported bridge | No surgery; faster to complete | Neighbouring teeth are reshaped to support it; bone under the gap can still shrink |
| Removable denture | Lowest cost; no surgery | Can move when eating; bone continues to shrink; needs relining or replacement |
Patients who wear loose dentures often notice the biggest improvement with implant support. See implant-supported dentures vs regular dentures and the Bar Attachment Denture.
Cost depends on the number of implants, grafting, sedation, and the final restoration. Read dental implant cost in Ontario for a breakdown and insurance tips.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The implant itself can last for many years, often decades, with good home care and regular dental visits. Crowns and dentures attached to implants wear over time and may eventually need to be replaced. The biggest threats to long-term success are smoking, poor cleaning around the implant, and uncontrolled gum disease.
Dental Implants At Our Waterloo Office
Our office at 96 Union Street East, near Uptown Waterloo, provides implant surgery for patients from Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, and surrounding communities, working alongside each patient's own dentist. Dr. Kevin J. McCann has practised oral and maxillofacial surgery in Kitchener-Waterloo since 1994, and Dr. Garry Toor focuses on immediate implants.
To start, call +1 (519)-743-7811 or ask your dentist to send a referral. Learn more on our dental implants page.
Sources
- Canadian Dental Association, patient information on tooth replacement.
- Dental implants and 3D imaging, Dr. Kevin J. McCann Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
FAQ
How Long Does The Dental Implant Process Take?
From placement to final tooth, it often takes a few months while the implant bonds with the bone. If bone grafting or a sinus lift is needed first, total treatment can take longer. Same-day implants are possible in selected cases.
Does Getting A Dental Implant Hurt?
Implant placement is done with local anesthetic, and IV sedation is available. Most patients describe the discomfort afterward as similar to or less than a tooth extraction, managed with medication for a few days.
Can I Get An Implant If I Have Lost Bone?
Often, yes. Bone grafting or a sinus lift can rebuild bone so an implant can be placed. Your surgeon uses 3D imaging to decide what is needed.
Am I Too Old For Dental Implants?
Age alone is not a barrier. Many older adults have implants successfully. General health, bone, and the ability to care for the implant matter more than age.
Where Can I Get Dental Implants In Kitchener-Waterloo?
Our oral surgery office in Waterloo places implants for patients across Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding communities, usually in partnership with your own dentist, who completes the final crown or denture.
This article is general patient education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or the written instructions from your own surgeon or dentist. If you have heavy bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading swelling, call the office or go to the nearest emergency department.