What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that replaces an entire missing tooth, acting like a natural root. During a brief surgical procedure, the implant is placed into the jawbone beneath the gum in the spot where the tooth once was. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, it is completed with a custom restoration, such as a dental crown, giving it the same look, feel, and function as a natural tooth.
Choosing to get a dental implant is an important decision. If you are considering this treatment but are unsure what to expect, we are here to guide you through the process and provide all the information you need to make a confident choice for your oral health.
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Why you may need dental implants
Your natural teeth play an important role in supporting the height and shape of your smile, while also allowing you to eat and speak with ease.
When a tooth is missing, the gap can cause neighbouring teeth to shift out of alignment, increasing the risk of oral health problems such as uneven wear, decay, or gum disease. Even the loss of a single tooth can affect your bite, change the appearance of your face, and impact your overall quality of life.
One issue that always occurs after tooth loss is bone resorption. This is the natural process where your body breaks down bone tissue that is no longer stimulated by a tooth root. Healthy teeth provide gentle pressure on the jawbone, signalling it to maintain bone tissue. Without this stimulation, the bone slowly deteriorates, leading to a shortened jawline, sagging cheeks, and wrinkles that make the face look older.
Dental implants are the closest replacement to natural teeth. By acting as artificial roots, they help preserve bone structure, maintain facial appearance, and restore the comfort and function of your smile.
The benefits of dental implants
Losing a tooth affects more than appearance. A missing tooth can lead to an uncomfortable bite, difficulty chewing certain foods, shifting teeth, and gradual bone loss. Dental implants address these concerns by restoring both health and confidence.
- Restore your natural appearance: Dental implants are custom-designed to look and feel like natural teeth. Each implant is shaped, sized, and coloured to match your bite and enamel so it blends seamlessly into your smile.
- Enjoy lasting comfort and confidence: As the implant heals, the titanium post fuses with the jawbone to create a secure, permanent foundation. A crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture can then be attached without worry of shifting or discomfort. You can laugh, smile, and eat your favourite foods with confidence.
- Strengthen and protect bone health: When a tooth is lost, the supporting bone begins to deteriorate. Dental implants stimulate new bone growth and help maintain a strong, stable jawbone for long-term oral health.
With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants are a long-term solution that can last for decades while feeling completely natural.
Dental implant restorations
The dental implant itself is a small post that acts like a tooth root. What completes your smile is the restoration placed on top of the implant. Each restoration is custom-made to match your natural teeth, giving you a strong, natural-looking replacement.
- Dental crown: The most common implant restoration, a crown is used to replace a single missing tooth by covering one implant securely.
- Dental bridge: A bridge is used when several teeth in a row are missing. One or two implants can support a smaller bridge, while a full implant-supported bridge can replace an entire arch of teeth by attaching to four or more implants.
- Implant denture: A removable denture can be made more stable and comfortable by attaching it to two or more small implants, reducing movement and improving function.
A new smile with dental implants
Getting a dental implant can transform your smile and improve your oral health, giving you results that look and feel even better than before.
Caring for dental implants is simple. Daily brushing and flossing will help keep the implant clean, and wearing a sports guard can protect it from damage during physical activity. Regular dental checkups also allow us to monitor the implant and ensure it remains healthy for the long term.
Your dental implant can provide many years of strength, comfort, and confidence every time you smile.
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How it feels
While the idea of placing a metal implant into the jawbone may sound uncomfortable, the procedure is usually much easier than most people expect.
Your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure you do not feel pain during the surgery. Thanks to advanced dental technology, implants can be placed quickly, precisely, and with minimal impact on surrounding tissues. This means less discomfort during the procedure and a faster recovery afterwards.
Many patients report feeling relaxed, and some even become drowsy during the short procedure, which often takes about half an hour. The most challenging part is simply keeping your mouth open for a few minutes at a time.
It is normal to experience some swelling, mild discomfort, or bruising for a few hours after treatment, but these effects are temporary and easy to manage. You will receive clear instructions on how to reduce any discomfort before the anesthetic wears off. Most patients notice improvement within the first week.
It may reassure you to know that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%. This makes them one of the safest and most reliable procedures in dentistry.
Your dental implant journey
Getting a dental implant is often much more comfortable than most people expect. Each stage is carefully planned to restore the strength, health, and appearance of your smile.
Step 1: Consultation and planning
Your treatment begins with a detailed consultation. X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan are taken to assess bone quality and determine the ideal placement of the implant. Impressions or digital scans of your teeth are also completed to guide positioning. At Shelburne Village Dental, Dr. Faisal Waseem ensures every step is customized to your needs.
Step 2: Placing the implant
A local anesthetic is applied to keep the area completely numb. A small opening is made in the gum and bone, and the implant post is gently inserted. In some cases, stitches may be placed to support healing. The procedure is usually quick and designed for your comfort.
Step 3: Healing and final restoration
Over the next few months, the implant naturally fuses with your jawbone. Once healing is complete, you return to have your custom restoration fitted. Whether it is a crown, bridge, or denture, the restoration is securely attached, leaving you with a strong, natural-looking tooth that feels and functions like your own.
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to book your initial consultation and exam.
During this visit, we will carefully examine your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and the overall function of your bite. Our goal is to understand how your entire mouth looks and works together. Before creating a treatment plan, we take the time to learn about both the health and appearance of your smile, and most importantly, your personal goals so we can design the right care to help you achieve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Each implant is finished with a custom restoration, such as a dental crown or dental bridge, designed to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth.
No. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and sedation can be offered if needed. Most patients report the procedure is more comfortable than expected.
Most people return to work within a day or two. Some mild swelling or tenderness may last a few days, but this is easily managed and improves quickly.
Yes. Implants act like natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss that normally follows tooth loss.
Most healthy adults with enough jawbone can receive implants. Your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D scan to confirm if implants are suitable for you.
Yes. Options such as dental bridges or dentures may be recommended in some cases, depending on your needs.
Implants should be cared for just like natural teeth: brush and floss daily, protect them with a sports guard if you play contact sports, and keep up with regular checkups.
No. Once healed, implants restore natural chewing function and allow you to speak clearly, just like with natural teeth.
You should plan to have a dental checkup about every six months. These visits help ensure your implants, gums, and surrounding teeth stay healthy and allow your dentist to catch any issues early.
Dental implants are designed to last for decades. With proper care, they often last a lifetime, although the crown or restoration on top may eventually need replacement.
Unlike dentures, implants are fixed in place and do not shift or move. They provide a secure, natural feel and help preserve bone health.
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