When missing or damaged teeth are affecting your life, dental implants can help restore your smile to a healthy state. By using dental implants, we can help reduce further damage to adjacent teeth, make oral care easier, and help you regain a bright smile.
The cost of your dental implant will vary based on your oral health, but they range from about $2,000 to $5,000 for complex cases. In a dental exam, our dental team can give you an accurate picture of the costs of restoring your damaged tooth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth and roots placed in the jawbone for natural functionality and appearance. As the surgical implant heals, the jawbone will grow, surrounding the artificial root and anchoring it in place.
There are 2 major types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common and are implanted in the bone. Typically made of titanium, they’re small screw-shaped pieces placed in the jawbone and protrude to hold the new artificial tooth.
Subperiosteal Implants
If you don’t have a healthy jawbone that can sustain an endosteal implant, your dentist may suggest a subperiosteal implant instead. This type is inserted under the gums with a metal framework secured on the jawbone.
Dental Implant Materials
While the artificial root is made of titanium or similar alloys, the artificial tooth is available in several different materials. Some of the most common include:
- Composite crowns, which are affordable and natural-looking, but susceptible to staining and may wear down more easily
- Porcelain crowns, which offer optimal colour-matching, so they don’t stand out amongst your other teeth but aren’t often used on molars or premolars
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal offers the strength of metal crowns with the natural appearance of porcelain and can last for up to 15 years if properly cared for
Your dental team can offer recommendations on artificial tooth material based on the location of your dental implant, its longevity, and other factors.
Benefits of Getting a Dental Implant
Damaged or missing teeth can affect chewing, speaking, jaw alignment, and even change the shape of your face. The advantages of dental implants are cosmetic and restorative, but you can also regain functionality you may have missed. You can benefit from:
- Improved tooth appearance
- Easier chewing and eating
- Improved comfort
- Corrected speech
- Better oral health
- Durability
Dental implants can last decades, require only regular brushing and flossing, and can improve the health of your surrounding teeth. At your regular dental exams, your dentist will monitor your implant to ensure it’s stable and not impeding your natural bite.
What Is the Cost of a Dental Implant?
The cost of your dental implant in Ontario involves many components, including surgery, bone grafting if necessary, and the dental implant crown.
The surgical installation of the implant with a cover screw and the alveolar ridge preservation, if your teeth require it, will be billed separately. The costs will vary based on your implant needs and the jawbone’s integrity. The cost of the dental crown will depend on its material: porcelain, ceramic, or fused-to-metal.
During your appointment, your dentist can provide an estimate so there are no surprises.
How Are Dental Implants Done?
Getting dental implants takes several steps, a series of dental appointments, and about 3 months on average for the healing process.
The steps to getting a dental implant include the following:
- An evaluation with your dentist, including X-rays of your jaw and teeth
- During the surgery, your dentist will place the implant in the jaw, under the gums, and as the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone after several months
- Once the tissue heals, your dentist can attach the abutment, or connecting element, between the artificial root and the crown
- The artificial tooth will be made and attached to the abutment
Regular follow-up visits with your dentist can help ensure your new dental implant is functional and natural-looking.
Achieve a Healthy Smile
Your oral health affects your whole body, and Arch King West Dental is here to support you. Schedule your next dental exam for a professional cleaning and an assessment of your teeth, and discuss your health or dental concerns with our friendly and experienced team.
