Missing Teeth? Try Dental Implants
Restoring your smile with dental implants can provide you with a permanent solution for damaged and missing teeth. Depending on the severity of your condition, our Thunder Bay, ON dentist, Dr. Elaine Chow can pair them with supplemental procedures to increase the durability of your restoration. Placing your dental implant requires extreme precision, which is why Dr. Chow has extensive training and education with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) – a renowned organization for dental implants.
Oasis Family Dental is your one-stop shop for all your dental implant needs. Read our guide below to learn more about the dental implant process and how our team will support you during your treatment experience.
The Three Phases of the Implant Process
Your Initial Consultation
At Oasis Family Dental, the first step toward a revitalized smile with dental implants is a consultation with our expert implant dentist, Dr. Chow. During this visit, Dr. Chow will ask about your medical and dental history, while also examining your oral health before considering you for implant surgery. Once you’re deemed an ideal candidate, your dentist will move forward with the dental implant process to help you achieve your dream smile.
Dr. Chow will take digital impressions of your smile so that she can create your unique, specialized treatment plan. These scans will be used to improve the accuracy of your treatment, which means a higher success rate and a faster recovery period.
Placing Your Titanium Fixture
You’ll return to Oasis Family Dental for your first implant appointment. Dr. Chow will place your implant fixture into your jawbone, using a computer-milled surgical guide to help secure the restoration in its exact location so that it can benefit from the durability of your jawbone. Our team has extensive experience in placing dental implants, giving you a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure your procedure is pain-free.
After your implant has been placed, it will start to bond with your jaw through a natural process known as osseointegration. This healing period can last anywhere between three to six months, during which Dr. Chow will provide you with aftercare instructions.
Your Crown & Complete Smile
The final part of your dental implant — the only part anyone will see — is the dental crown. Oasis Family Dental crafts its crowns from durable porcelain, a tooth-colored ceramic material that mimics the look of your teeth’s surface. Dr. Chow will use a shade guide to ensure that the color of your crown matches the rest of your natural teeth. She has the necessary training and advanced technology to ensure you leave our office with a beautiful smile.
You’ll return to our Thunder Bay, ON for your second appointment once your dental crown is ready. Dr. Chow will numb the surgical site and attach the crown to an abutment, which connects this piece to your implant, giving you a lovely smile you can show off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dental implant process painful?
The process of receiving dental implants is virtually painless since Dr. Chow will administer a local anesthetic. During your initial consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have or voice your concerns about the procedure. Our staff is dedicated to making sure your appointment is as comfortable as possible.
What can I eat after the dental implant procedure?
Our implant dentist recommends sticking to soft foods that are easy to eat. Foods that are difficult to chew can upset the surgical site and complicate your recovery. For patients who have received their titanium fixtures, eat foods such as cold soups, yogurt, and soft cheese. This will help the recovery process until you’re ready for your second appointment.
How does osseointegration impact my surgery?
Osseointegration is the gradual process of your titanium implants fusing with your jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. This is important, as it stimulates healthy bone growth while also allowing your implant to act like your natural teeth. By keeping your jawbone strong, dental implants can preserve your facial structure and prevent your teeth from shifting.
What if my implant still hurts after surgery?
Visit your implant dentist if you realize that your dental implant is causing you pain. While it’s normal to experience some sensitivity following your first appointment, this usually will subside on its own. However, if you continue to experience discomfort, chances are it may need dental intervention from a professional like Dr. Chow. Our team can also provide you with aftercare instructions to make the recovery process easier for you.
Dental Implants from Oasis Family Dental
Don’t let missing teeth get in the way of life. Dr. Elaine Chow has the experience and tools needed to place dental implants with the utmost precision. For a stable, permanent restoration you can trust, our implant treatments may be the perfect solution that you’ve been looking for. Call our Thunder Bay, ON office today at (807) 700-1383 or fill out our online contact form below. We also serve patients in Intercity, Northwood, and West Fort William, ON.