Missing teeth can make it harder to eat, speak, and feel confident about your smile. At Kawartha Dental Clinic, we offer dental implants in Peterborough that look, feel, and function like natural teeth, helpinghttp://implant-procedure you regain your confidence and return to living and smiling with ease.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a durable, permanent replacement for a missing tooth. It’s made of three parts:
- Implant Post: This is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone, serving as the root of your new tooth.
- Abutment: The abutment acts as a connector linking the implant post to the crown.
- Crown/Dental Arch: The crown or dental arch is a visible replacement tooth or teeth, custom-crafted to match your natural teeth and permanently attached to the implant post via the abutment.
Why Implants are Often Preferred Over Dentures or Bridges:
- They stay firmly in place without slipping or shifting when you eat or talk.
- They are strong enough to chew your favorite foods and provide full bite force for even hard or crunchy foods.
- Dental implants help prevent jawbone shrinkage over time by generating mechanical stimulation. Once placed, the implant stimulates the surrounding bone through chewing forces, which helps maintain bone density.
- Dental implants can last a long time with proper care and regular dental checkups.
Types of Dental Implants We Offer
Implant-Supported Overdenture
These are a removable style of denture that must be removed to clean every night and require a yearly checkup to maintain their effectiveness. They are supported by a minimum of 2 implants attached to the denture using locators. The denture material varies depending on the application and case specifics. They offer more chewing power than traditional dentures, enhanced lip support for those with bone loss, are easy to remove for cleaning, and are affordable to repair and clean.
Implant-Retained Fixed Hybrid
This is a fixed dental prosthesis that can only be removed by a dentist. There is a small space between the gums and the denture that can be cleaned using a special floss or WaterPik. The fixed hybrid needs hygiene maintenance every 1.5 to 2 years. The metal framework is supported by 4 to 6 implants with a minimal healing period needed between implant placement and fabrication of the final prosthesis. A transitional denture can be worn for a better look until the final one is ready. Chewing force can be up to 90% of that of natural teeth, with a more natural feel. The fixed prosthetics are less bulky and feel more like natural teeth.
Implant-retained fixed hybrid dentures are more costly than overdentures, but less expensive than a fixed zirconia bridge, making it the “moderate” option price-wise.
Implant-Retained Fixed Zirconia Bridge
This is a fixed dental prosthesis that can only be removed by a dentist and has minimal space between the gums and the denture or bridge. Like a fixed hybrid, it requires hygiene maintenance every 1.5 to 2 years. It is made of zirconia or a combination of zirconia and porcelain for superior strength and durability. These are the strongest options, and the material does not wear down as quickly as others. They are also less bulky and the most aesthetic option, closely resembling your natural teeth. However, fixed zirconia bridges are also the most expensive type of dental implant available.
At your initial consultation, we will review all your options with you, discuss your goals and budget, and help you determine the best choice for your dental restorations.
The Process for Getting Dental Implants
Our dentists in Kawartha Dental Peterborough, begin the dental implant process with a comprehensive consultation, during which we review your dental history, take detailed 3D scans, and design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The next step is the implant surgery, during which a titanium post is carefully placed into your jaw under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
Over the next 3 to 6 months, the implant naturally bonds with your jawbone, creating a strong and stable foundation for your restoration. Once this healing and integration period is complete, we attach a custom-made crown or prosthetic that is designed to function like your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
You might be a good candidate if you have:
- One or more missing teeth
- Bone loss that needs reinforcement
- A desire for a fixed, natural-looking smile
You may need an alternative treatment if you have:
- Significant bone loss that cannot support an implant
- Health conditions that affect healing
- Untreated gum disease or ongoing oral infections
A thorough examination and consultation with one of our specialists in dental implants in KDC, Peterborough will help us find the best solution for your needs.
Why Choose Kawartha Dental Clinic?
Patients who want dental implants inPeterborough choose Kawartha Dental Clinic for our gentle, patient-focused care, taking the time to make each visit as comfortable as possible. We use advanced technology, including digital imaging and precision tools, to provide accurate and efficient treatment. As your Dentist in Peterborough and a trusted member of the community, we have been proudly delivering quality dental care to local families for decades.
Choosing dental implants is the first step toward restoring your smile and improving your quality of life (not to mention being able to enjoy all those foods you love!). Our dentists in KDC, Peterborough look forward to being a part of the journey. Contact us at Kawartha Dental Office Phone Number705-743-1851 today to schedule a consultation for dental implants with the most respected dentist at KDC near you in Peterborough.
Dental Implants FAQs
How much do dental implants cost in Peterborough?
The cost of dental implants depends on several factors, including the type of implant chosen, the number of teeth being replaced, the type of anesthesia used, and other variables. To get an accurate quote for your dental implants, please call our office at Kawartha Dental Office Phone Number705-743-1851 to schedule a consultation.
How long does the treatment take?
From the initial consultation to the placement of the final prosthetic, the process can take anywhere from three to nine months. Most of this time is needed for the implants to fuse with the surrounding jawbone. Each individual is different, and these times are estimated.
Are dental implants painful?
No. During implant placement surgery, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and you may be sedated for your comfort. There will be some discomfort or soreness for a few days following surgery, but this is usually easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses or ice packs. Within a week, you should have no discomfort and feel “back to your old self.”
How long do dental implants last?
The implants in the jawbone are designed to last for a long time. The dentures or prostheses can last 20 years or more with proper care. If the dentures are damaged, they can usually be repaired without disturbing the implants.
Can implants fail?
Yes, although it is very rare. Dental implants have an impressive success rate of over 95%. When implants do fail, it is often because one or more following reasons:
- Poor bone structure or density
- Perio (Gum) issue
- Systemic Medical Conditions
- Smoking and Nicotine Use
- Occlusal Overload
- Poor Post-Operative Compliance
What is the difference between All-on-4® and implant dentures?
Implant dentures are a general category of dentures or bridges supported by dental implants. Any number of implants can support implant dentures and may be either fixed or removable overdentures. On the other hand, All-on-4® is a trademarked, specific procedure for placing dental implants to support fixed dentures. The technique uses only 4 implants; however, that might change slightly due to case specifics. The implants are strategically placed and angled to take advantage of the areas of the jaw with the greatest bone density for patients with some degree of jawbone loss.
To learn more about your dental implant options and determine which is best for your aesthetic and functional needs, please call our office at Kawartha Dental Office Phone Number705-743-1851 to schedule a consultation.