Dental implants: restore your health and put a smile back on your face
Having a tooth replaced by implantology might sound daunting to you. However, advancements in cosmetic dentistry have made the procedure relatively painless and the benefits lifelong. Consult with our practitioners at Old Windsor Dental about the possibility of getting dental implants in Windsor.
What is dental implantology and how does it work?
Implantology combines state of the art technology with the body’s biological processes. We embed a screw made of titanium into the jaw bone during a simple surgery. Titanium is a metal the body sees as its own, so instead of identifying the piece as something foreign, surrounding bone and tissue grow over the screw over three or four months.
Once this process, which is called ossification, is complete, we place the abutment on top of the screw. The abutment connects and secures the replacement crown to the metal.
During the time ossification takes place, a crown which is identical to the colour and shape of your natural teeth, is created from x-rays and dental impressions.
What can implants do that alternative replacement methods cannot?
Having a missing tooth or using dentures or bridgework means that the tooth is not replaced at the root. As a result, your jaw is under stimulated from a lack of pressure of a tooth pushing down on the tissue as you chew and eat, and deteriorates from lack of use. The jaw softens and changes the structure of your face, making you appear older.
Easy maintenance is another reason more people are opting for implants. Not only do they look and work like a natural tooth, but they can be cleaned like one too. Keep to your regular cleaning routine: brush twice a day, do not forget to floss, and rinse out the excess plaque with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Your frequently asked questions answered
You asked, and we answered, read below for further clarification on dental implants in Windsor.
- Is the surgery painful?
Let us put it this way – getting a tooth extracted hurts more, plus the topical anaesthetic numbs the affected area. Enquire about being put under sedation if you are extremely anxious or nervous about the procedure. You might experience some discomfort afterwards, treat it with regular painkillers.
- How long does implantology take – from embedding the screw to flaunting a natural-looking artificial tooth?
Depending on how quickly the bone fuses with the implant and the healing time, between three to four months. The time frame differs from person to person.
- Three to four months is a long time, can I get a replacement tooth in the meanwhile?
Yes, you can. You can ask for a temporary replacement tooth after the implant is secured into the jaw, while you wait for your permanent artificial tooth. Please note, though, that the tooth is temporary – you will need to have it replaced.
- Can implants fail?
Very rarely do implants fail – there is a 98% global success rate. There is a chance the body might reject them if you have a metal allergy.
At the same time, you have to be reasonably healthy before we can consider you for implants. If you do not have enough bone where the implant can sit, you might have to get bone grafts before undergoing implant surgery.
In this day and age, you no longer have to live with gaps in your teeth, thanks to replacement teeth. That said, dental implants in Windsor provide everyday conveniences and benefits that other treatments do not.
