What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts designed to replace missing teeth. They are crafted to function as prosthetic tooth roots, supporting crowns, bridges, or dentures. This restoration can be used as an alternative to bridges, partials, or complete dentures. Implants are placed directly into the jawbone, making them a stable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss. When we say “stable,” we mean you can finally eat your favourite foods and smile confidently once again!
Why Thunder Bay families choose dental implants:
- Created to look & feel natural look
- Developed to be strong enough for everyday meals
- Don’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support
- Can last for more than a decade with proper care
Did You Know?
Dental implants are becoming a standard solution for missing teeth in many dental practices. As the global population ages, dentists will increasingly see patients with complex health and social backgrounds who need tooth replacement.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
This is the golden question – one our dentist in Thunder Bay gets all the time! A Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) clinical study found that dental implants have a high success rate: 96.7% are still functioning well after 5 years, 92.5% after 10 years, and 86% after 15 years. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with well-maintained care!
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Not everyone will be eligible, but many Thunder Bay adults (and some teens) are suitable candidates. You may qualify for dental implants if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have healthy gums & enough jawbone to support an implant
- If you’re healthy enough for regular dental care
- Don’t smoke, or are willing to quit
Medical Conditions
Certain health issues can affect how well a dental implant succeeds, including:
- Diabetes: While certain health conditions require extra care, most patients with common chronic diseases (like diabetes) can still get successful implant treatment.
- Osteoporosis
- A weakened immune system
- Bleeding disorders
- Heart conditions like high blood pressure, hardened arteries, or congestive heart failure
Age
Dental implants might have a higher chance of failure in older adults. This is often because they may have other health issues or weaker bones, and their healing process can be slower.
Medications or Treatments
Some medications or medical treatments can also influence whether an implant fails. These include:
- Drugs that suppress the immune system
- Blood thinners
- Radiation therapy
Dental implants for children are usually put on hold until their jaw has finished growing. However, there are exceptions, like when an implant is part of a child’s orthodontic plan. Your dentist in Thunder Bay is here to guide you if this is the case. Our dental team will take detailed digital X-rays and review your health history to ensure implants are the right choice. And yes, we’ll answer any questions you have – no matter how many!
Why Do Dental Implants Last So Long?
It’s all in their unique design!
A dental implant is made of three parts: an implant root, an abutment, and a crown. The implant root is a titanium post, like a screw, that’s carefully placed into your jawbone. Titanium is a special material that actually fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This can take a few months, but once that strong bond forms, your implant is designed to last for many years!
What Happens to a Dental Implant After 20 Years?
You might imagine an implant slowly fading away, but the reality is much more reassuring. According to compelling research from Springer Clinical Oral Investigations, implant survival rates exceeded 90% even after ten years.
When a dental implant fails after a long duration of time, it can cause problems with how your mouth works, how your smile looks, and even emotional distress, plus extra costs and time. It also raises the risk of infection and can make future dental work more complicated.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to have regular checkups, keep up with good oral hygiene, and follow your dentist’s advice.
How Often Do You Have to Replace Dental Implants?
Most dental implants that were initially implanted successfully continue to perform optimally and do not require replacement if they are maintained.
However, crowns, bridges, or dentures attached to the implant might eventually need to be replaced. Here’s why:
- Crowns are crafted to be strong but generally last around 10 years. They can endure for longer if you take good care of them.
- Bridges and dentures are also designed to last for about 10 years or longer with proper care.
Just like you wouldn’t expect your running shoes to last forever on the trails of Centennial Park, crowns, bridges and dentures experience some mileage, too. The implant itself? It’s built for the long haul.
Routine maintenance to follow:
- Brush & floss daily
- Several visits to your dentist may be needed until the implant process is done.
- Visit our Thunder Bay dental team twice a year
- Avoid using your implant to open pop cans (tempting as it may be)!
How Much Are Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants can vary quite a bit, so the best way to get an accurate estimate is to have a full consultation with your dentist in Thunder Bay. They’ll assess your specific needs and give you a personalized plan.
Here’s a breakdown of what can influence the final cost:
- Location: Like many services, prices can differ depending on the overhead and supply costs of each individual practice.
- Surgical Fees: This covers everything involved in placing your implant. Costs will vary based on whether you need a tooth removal, the type of sedation, and if you require X-rays, or other materials.
- Crowns & Temporary Costs: The price of the final crown can differ for each tooth. You might also need a temporary crown during the healing period between the implant placement, abutment, and permanent crown.
- Multiple Implants: If you’re replacing several teeth, expect higher surgical costs due to the increased materials and longer procedure time.
- Insurance Coverage: Dental implant coverage isn’t universal, and even plans that do cover them often have annual limits. It’s best to work with your dentist and talk to your insurance provider directly to understand what’s covered.
The Long-Term Value of Implants
While the initial cost might seem high, dental implants are a long-term investment in your oral well-being and confidence. Plus, they’re designed to be the most permanent solution for missing teeth! However, you’ll still need to brush and floss them just like your natural teeth to ensure they last for many years.
In comparison, options like fixed bridges and dentures might be more affordable upfront, but they often come with significant ongoing maintenance and replacement costs, needing to be replaced at least within or by 10 years.
Ready to Schedule Your Implant Consultation?
If you’re curious about dental implants and want to enjoy a complete smile once again, we’d love to help. Our doors are now open to Thunder Bay patients (and newcomers, too!).
📞 Call us at (866) 632-2896 to book or request your appointment online! Our front desk team will make you feel right at home from your very first call.
Benefits of Dental Implants
This restoration was created to provide both functional and cosmetic advantages by effectively replacing missing teeth. But beyond that, they come with several significant health and lifestyle benefits:
- Bone Health: Implants provide stability similar to natural teeth and help to prevent bone loss in that area.
- Say Goodbye to Denture Woes: They’re designed to eliminate the daily hassles and frustrations often associated with dentures.
- Protect Healthy Teeth: Unlike fixed bridges, implants don’t require your healthy neighbouring teeth to be cut down or reshaped.
- Eat What You Love: Implants are crafted to allow you to enjoy a wide variety of foods, almost like having your natural smile back, without the dietary restrictions that come with dentures.
FAQs About Dental Implants In Thunder Bay
Q: Is there any maintenance needed for dental implants?
Yes! After your procedure, ensure you stick to a soft food diet. This helps avoid putting too much pressure on the surgical area while it heals. Brush and floss twice daily and keep the surgical site clean.
Q: Can dental implants fail?
Implant failure is rare, but it can happen. Dental implant failure can occur in the short-term or long-term. Short-term failure usually happens when the implant doesn’t properly fuse with your jawbone. Long-term failure occurs after the implant has successfully integrated with the bone and healed. The most common reason is due to an infection called peri-implantitis, which is a chronic infection of the gum (and sometimes the surrounding bone) around the implant.
Q: Will my dental implant look and feel like a natural tooth?
That’s what they’re designed to do! We even match the tooth colour so you can smile with confidence.