Freedom to Smile Again: Dental Implants From Dr. Chow
If you’re missing teeth or struggling with ill-fitting dentures, you know the toll it can take on your confidence and quality of life. Simple pleasures like eating your favorite foods or laughing out loud can become frustrating or embarrassing. You may find yourself covering your smile or avoiding social situations altogether. But there is hope – dental implants can restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with total confidence.
With proper placement by an experienced professional like Dr. Elaine Chow at Oasis Family Dental, dental implants can give you back the freedom to live life to the fullest. To find out if you are a candidate call Dr. Chow at 807-700-1383 now to schedule your consultation.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent solution to missing teeth. Made from titanium, implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone where they fuse with the bone over time. After healing, a crown is attached to the implant post to create a natural-looking prosthetic tooth.
Implants efficiently replace lost teeth and even prevent bone loss in the jaw. They are the next best thing to natural teeth. If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be the right solution for you.
Determining Implant Candidacy
Several factors determine if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants. Dr. Chow will evaluate your oral and overall health to advise if implants are right for you. Ideal candidates should be in good general and oral health with healthy gums and sufficient bone mass in the jaw. Heavy smokers and people with uncontrolled chronic illnesses or immune disorders may not be good candidates. Your age is also a consideration as implants can last decades so younger people may be better candidates. Proper placement of the implant requires adequate bone mass. If bone has eroded due to tooth loss, bone grafting may be necessary before implant surgery. Dr. Chow will assess your jawbone density and volume with X-rays. She will also evaluate the health of your gums and surrounding soft tissue. Proper implant integration requires healthy gums free of periodontal disease.
Do You Qualify?
Wondering if you may be a candidate for dental implants? Consider the following qualifications:
- Good overall oral health with healthy gums and teeth
- Sufficient jawbone density and volume
- Non-smoker or light smoker
- Good personal hygiene practices
- Physically and mentally healthy enough to undergo implant surgery
- Willing and able to commit to required post-surgical care
- Have a positive attitude and realistic expectations about implants
Schedule a thorough exam with Dr. Chow. She will be able to determine if you meet the criteria for dental implant candidacy. Dr. Chow also accepts referrals from your general dentist if you require specialist-level implant treatment.
Supplemental Procedures to Improve Implant Candidacy
Some patients wanting dental implants may not initially meet all the criteria required. There are several ways Dr. Elaine Chow can get you ready for implant surgery if you are borderline in qualifying. Supplemental procedures like bone grafting and tissue grafts can help build up jawbone volume and density. Treatment of periodontal disease, tooth extractions, and sinus lifts may also be performed beforehand. Smokers will need to commit to smoking cessation.
Dr. Chow will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan if you need help to boost your candidacy. With the right supplemental care to ensure adequate bone mass and healthy soft tissue, implants can often become an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. They’re made of durable materials that are designed to withstand daily use and fuse with your jawbone, creating a strong and stable foundation for your replacement teeth. Proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding bad habits like smoking can help ensure the longevity of your dental implants.
Does getting dental implants hurt?
The procedure itself is painless thanks to anesthesia, but you may experience some discomfort during the healing process. Dental implant surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, which means that the area being treated is numb, and you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
However, it’s normal to experience some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off as your body begins to heal. Your dentist will provide you with instructions for managing pain and discomfort after your dental implant procedure.
Are dental implants expensive?
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of implants you need and any additional procedures you require. While dental implants may be more expensive than other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, they offer a more permanent solution that looks and feels like natural teeth. At your dentist’s dental practice, they offer various payment options and financing plans to help make dental implants more affordable for their patients.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
The entire process can take several months, as the implant must fuse with your jawbone before the permanent crown can be placed. After the implant is placed, you’ll need to wait several months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has fused with your jawbone, your dentist will attach a small connector piece called an abutment to the implant, and a custom-made crown will be placed on top. The result is a long-lasting and natural-looking tooth replacement option.
A Renewed Smile Starts with a Call
Don’t wait any longer for the smile you’ve always wanted. Life is too short! Take the first step and schedule a candidacy exam at Oasis Family Dental, conveniently located in Thunder Bay, ON, near Fort William First Nation, Neebing, and Shuniah.
Our experienced dentist is dedicated to helping patients gain confidence through beautiful, natural-looking smiles using advanced techniques. Invest in yourself because you deserve it. A renewed you is waiting at Oasis Family Dental. Call 807-700-1383 now to schedule your consultation. The smile you’ve been waiting for is within reach!