Professional, courteous, and friendly staff made me feel like family. My kids love to come for the periodical exams too and always leave with a smile. Dr. Ioana Theodora is really great! I would highly recommend to anyone!!!
Have you lost a tooth due to severe tooth decay, gum disease, or possibly an accident? Do you try to hide your smile when taking photos or feel insecure during social interactions? We understand that tooth loss can be quite a daunting experience. It can affect not only your appearance and self-esteem but also your overall dental health. Losing a tooth can impact your ability to chew and speak, causing functional limitations that greatly affect your quality of life. If you find yourself in this situation, know that you have the power to change it and move forward. You don’t have to accept a missing tooth and live life half-heartedly.
Regardless of how you lost your teeth, we are here to provide you with a personalized and effective treatment plan that will restore your confidence and improve your quality of life. At Blanc Dentaire, our team of experienced dentists is dedicated to providing you with the confidence of the beautiful smile that you deserve. We recommend the most reliable and safe tooth replacement option: dental implants. However, it is essential for you to understand what they are and if they are the right treatment option for you.
In the ever-evolving realm of modern dentistry, few advancements have revolutionized oral health quite like dental implants. Dental implants can replace damaged or missing teeth with artificial ones that look and function just like your natural teeth, helping restore confidence and functionality. With their remarkable ability to function much like natural tooth roots, dental implants remain at the forefront of innovative dental technology, allowing individuals to reclaim their lost smiles and regain their confidence. Keep reading to learn in detail about implants, including their types, how they work, and what you can expect from the procedure. We have also discussed their benefits, associated risks, and estimated costs.
A dental implant is a metal screw-like post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. It provides solid support to hold your new replacement teeth in place. Artificial teeth can either be fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable (dentures) that are made to match the color of your natural teeth. They are attached to the implant with the help of a structure called an abutment.
Dental implants are made of biocompatible materials, usually titanium, that fuse and integrate tightly with the surrounding jawbone. This helps the implant remain fixed there without damaging the bone, slipping, or making noise, as might other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges.
Restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, are placed directly on the implant abutments. This gives you a more natural feel and largely reduces the speech and masticatory issues normally observed with traditional bridges and dentures.
This procedure is generally painless and is considered less invasive than an extraction, especially when bone grafting is not required. It usually doesn’t require sedation and is performed under local anesthesia.
Dental implants are placed inside your jawbone, where they serve to replace missing tooth roots and function as anchors for artificial teeth. They are indicated in several cases that are listed below:
As a general rule, healthy individuals with good bone and gum health can safely get dental implants without the risk of any complications. Anyone who is missing one or several teeth is a potential candidate for receiving dental implants. However, there are a few other criteria that need to be checked off the suitability checklist:
Most adults are suitable for dental implants, but there are a few exceptions. To know for sure if you’re a suitable candidate, be sure to book an appointment with us for an initial consultation. Our dentists will walk you through the selection criteria and tell you if you need any supporting treatment before getting implants. These may include procedures like a sinus lift, bone augmentation, or oral hygiene treatments.
It is important to note that certain lifestyle habits, health conditions, and treatments significantly impact the healing process of implants and also affect the gum and bone around them. It is, therefore, imperative to be aware of such factors and take the necessary precautions to ensure successful implant surgery. Some conditions, such as gum disease, can increase the risk of infection around dental implants by altering the oral environment. This can potentially result in implant failure and even lead to implant loss.
Here is a comprehensive list of some contraindications for getting dental implants:
At Blanc Dentaire, your safety and health are our prime concern and topmost priority. We strive hard to ensure that all your dental care needs are met while safeguarding your health. If you have any existing health issues, we encourage you to discuss them with our team of highly skilled dentists. This collaborative approach allows us to determine if dental implants are a viable treatment option for you and helps us create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific concerns and desires.
If you don’t qualify as a suitable candidate for implants, there are other replacement options our team will discuss with you and explore, for example, crowns, bridges, and dentures.
In addition to improving esthetics and chewing function, there is much more than dental implants can do. Dental implants are an excellent solution for maintaining bone density, preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth, and maintaining overall oral health. They are durable and long-lasting, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run. They integrate seamlessly with the surrounding jawbone and provide a strong foundation to support artificial teeth.
Listed below are some advantages of dental implants. They can help:
As with any surgical procedure, dental implant surgery involves a few health risks. These rarely occur, and when they do, they’re usually easily treatable. The risks include:
If taken good care of, most dental implants can last a lifetime without causing any issues. You will be pleased to learn that implants don’t decay like natural teeth do, and implant fractures are extremely rare. A recent study suggested that the implant survival rate at ten years was 96.4%.
However, there is a slight risk of peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition that can reduce the longevity of your implants and even cause implant failure and, eventually, loss. This condition weakens the bond between the implant and the jawbone as it destroys the bone tissue surrounding the implant. To prevent this problem from happening, it is advised to practice a meticulous oral hygiene regime.
Dental implant placement requires multiple visits. A team of qualified specialists, including dental surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists, works together to ensure that you receive excellent treatment results.
Implants can be placed either traditionally or in a minimally invasive way. For both methods, your dentist begins by performing an initial evaluation of your overall health to make sure that you can heal well after the surgery. Then, they assess the condition of your teeth and surrounding tissues, including gums and jawbone, by doing a comprehensive dental exam. You can expect to have some X-rays and impressions of your teeth taken during this time.
If all is okay, your dentist will remove your damaged tooth (if needed) and then assess the quality and amount of bone around the implant site. The subsequent steps are listed below:
When you chew your food, your teeth exert a lot of force on the bone surrounding them. If that bone isn’t strong enough to support the dental implant, the implant surgery will likely fail. If you have insufficient bone in the area where you need an implant or if the bone there is too soft, your dentist will recommend a bone graft. A bone graft will strengthen the base that will hold the implant in place.
The condition of your jawbone will determine how much bone needs to be transplanted at this stage and how long it will take for the bone graft to grow enough new bone to hold an implant. This may take a few months.
Some patients only require minor bone grafting, which can be done during the same visit as implant surgery. If that is the case, you won’t have to wait for the bone to grow before getting a dental implant.
Implant placement in your mouth usually involves a minimal surgical procedure and is performed by a trained dental surgeon. A small incision is made in the gums to access the bone underneath. A hole is then drilled into the jawbone to fit the implant post. If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction, the dental implant can also be placed directly into the extraction socket, eliminating the need to cut the gums.
Once the metal implant post is placed inside your jawbone, it is now time for the bone to start growing around it and fusing strongly with it. This process is known as osseointegration, and it can take several months for the bone to integrate fully with the surface of the implant. This is a very important stage that builds a strong foundation for your implant to support your new teeth.
After the osseointegration is complete, a small metal device called a healing abutment is then connected to the implant. This is the part that will hold your artificial teeth in the future.
To place the abutment, your dentist re-opens your gums to expose the implant and attach the abutment to it. The gum is then allowed to heal and grow around the abutment. It is then left in place for about two weeks to allow your gums to heal fully before a crown can be placed on it.
Your dentist may place the abutment at the same time they place the implant, so you don’t need to undergo a separate procedure for this step. However, there is an aesthetic downside to this. The abutment will be visible above your gumline and will show when you talk or smile. This is why many people prefer to have it placed in a separate visit.
Once your gums have healed properly, your dentist makes impressions of your mouth and natural teeth. These impressions guide the creation of your dental crown—your new artificial tooth. When your crown is ready and your jawbone is strong enough to support it, your dentist fixes your new tooth onto the implant. You have a choice of opting for either fixed or removable new teeth.
The minimally invasive technique, also called fully guided implant placement, requires a few prerequisites. These include a CBCT (3D X-ray) and an intraoral scan of the teeth. These scans are fed into planning software that designs the tooth shape and position. Once the correct tooth position is established, an implant is virtually placed.
Finally, using 3D printers, a resin guide is created to reproduce the virtually placed implant with precision in the patient’s mouth. This procedure is precise and safe and requires only a small 2-3mm hole in the gum. In our experience, this method is generally less painful, and recovery from it is quicker. Another advantage of this technique is that it requires no stitches, as the wound is minimal.
If you would like more information about dental implant surgery, you can visit our clinic and talk to a specialist in the field. If you’re located in Canada, you can contact us here or visit our clinic for an in-person meeting. We would be more than happy to assist you in any way we can.
To ensure that your dental implants last a long time, it is imperative that you take good care of them. Here are some tips on how to care for your implants:
Brush twice a day, every day, and floss between your teeth. Specially designed brushes, such as interdental brushes, can help you clean more efficiently between the teeth and the implant. Be vigilant about your oral hygiene habits, as implants are susceptible to damage if not cared for properly.
Be proactive about seeing your dentist for routine check-ups. This will allow your dentist to examine your mouth and make sure that your implants are healthy and functioning well. They may recommend that you get professional cleanings done every once in a while. An oral examination will also give them a chance to identify and address any potential problems early to avoid complications later.
To keep your dental implants healthy, avoid doing anything that can have any damaging effects on your crown, such as chewing on hard objects like hard candy and using your teeth as tools (to tear open packages). If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about it. This is a very important point, as teeth grinding can exert excessive pressure on your implants, causing them to become loose or even crack. Also, avoid smoking tobacco products and consuming food and drinks that can stain your crown.
In our expert opinion, Straumann implants are the best implants currently available on the market. There are many different implant companies that offer implants at different price points. However, if you are looking for the best and do not want to compromise on quality, Swiss-based Straumann should be your best bet. We believe that top-quality implants can benefit our patients in a multitude of ways. Listed below are some reasons why we always opt for the highest-quality implants:
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the number of implants used, the type of implant used (the brand of implant), and the location of implants in your mouth. Some people require additional procedures, such as grafting, before getting implants, and that can add to the total cost.
We offer Straumann premium implants placed noninvasively and more affordable solutions with premium implants from other brands.
Our dentists can provide you with an estimated cost during the initial consultation appointment. However, as a rough estimate, our implant placement costs can range from $1500 CAD to $2500 CAD approximately, depending on the factors discussed. (Prices 2024)
At Blanc Dentaire, our team of experienced dentists and staff is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care, utilizing the latest techniques and technology. From the initial consultation to the final stage of implant placement, we strive to make every step of the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible for our patients. We take pride in providing unparalleled implant services to ensure successful treatment outcomes. Here are some reasons that set us apart from the rest:
If you have any questions about dental implants, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us at (514)-933-3368 or (514)-564-4554. We encourage you to take a step in the right direction by prioritizing your dental health today. You can book a consultation appointment at your own convenience and discuss your dental needs with our diverse community of experienced specialists. You can also fill out our contact form; we will get back to you as soon as possible.
There are two main types of implant materials used to replace missing teeth: titanium and zirconia.
Titanium implants are the most common type of dental implant used. Titanium is a biocompatible material known for its excellent ability to osseointegrate with the surrounding jawbone. It exhibits exceptional durability and fracture resistance, meaning that titanium implants can last for many years or even permanently.
Zirconia implants are relatively new and used as an alternative to titanium, mostly in patients who are allergic to titanium. Some research studies claim that zirconia reduces plaque formation on the implant surface, hence reducing the risk of peri-implantitis and increasing its success. However, the evidence is limited, so this claim has not yet been proven true. The lack of evidence about the success of zirconia implants is the reason they are not commonly used by dentists today.
Dental implants are classified into the following three categories based on where they are placed:
Dental implant surgery is done after numbing the concerned area with local anesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience. However, as with all surgical procedures, you can expect slight pain and discomfort during the procedure.
Minimally invasive dental implant placement is even less uncomfortable because it’s done through a hole in the gum as small as 3mm. It is a very short procedure, so you’ll be done with it before you know it. You’ll be pleased to learn that an implant placement done in a fully guided, non-invasive way hardly takes a dental specialist five minutes to complete!
A dental implant differs from a bridge in many ways. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth and is supported by the adjacent teeth. For these teeth to be able to support the bridge, they need to be trimmed down and capped. This means that healthy tooth structure has to be compromised in order to hold the bridge in place.
Bridges are not as long-lasting as dental implants and typically need to be replaced every 5-15 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, are considered to be permanent tooth replacement options, given that they are taken care of.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is harder with dental bridges. They are harder to clean and accumulate plaque and debris around the prosthesis more easily, resulting in an increased incidence of tooth decay underneath them. In the case of tooth decay or fractured porcelain, a bridge will need to be removed and replaced.
As a dental bridge is not embedded into the bone, it does not stop the natural process of bone resorption after a tooth loss. The patient continues to lose bone over time, and this can alter their dental anatomy and facial appearance in the long run. Dental implants replace the tooth root, preventing bone loss and maintaining bone health, as opposed to just filling in the gap like a bridge. This proves that dental implants outperform dental bridges in numerous ways and offer a more long-term and reliable solution for patients.
As a Canadian citizen, you might be tempted to seek dental treatment, such as dental implants, from a foreign country that offers it at cheaper rates with rave reviews. As enticing as it may sound, getting dental treatment from cheap places can seriously jeopardize your health. Saving money is a smart decision, but not at the cost of your health. It’s easy to overlook the long-term consequences of taking shortcuts and skimping on your dental health, but its repercussions can be grave. It may seem like a quick fix, but it can come back to bite you later on. We have had many patients come back with complications that arise as a result of the procedures done in other countries with budget constraints. While we acknowledge that quality work and good materials can be found in every country, there is always a catch. It is also worth mentioning that repair work done to standards other than Canadian standards can prove to be very costly for you in the long run and may sometimes require restarting the whole process.
When it comes to dental care, nothing is more important to us than prioritizing patient needs, desires, and safety. At Blanc Dentaire, located in Montreal, we take this responsibility seriously. Our commitment to patient safety is second to none. That is why we believe in providing the highest quality of care to our patients, helping them live their best lives and avoid potential long-term costs and irreversible damage to their dental health and overall well-being.
Remember, investing in your health now can save you a lot of money down the line. If you are looking for dental implants on a budget, please don’t hesitate to talk to our team. Blanc Dentaire offers personalized financial plans tailored to your needs. We recommend discussing financial costs and insurance plans with our dentists before making the decision to get them done from another country. You will be surprised to learn that it is indeed possible to find a local, high-quality dental implant solution in Montreal, Toronto, or other neighboring areas at an affordable cost without risking your health and safety.
Losing a tooth or teeth can affect the way you talk, eat, and the way you look. It can also wreak havoc on your self-confidence and self-esteem. Dental implants offer a safe and reliable long-term solution for replacing one or more missing teeth.
Implants replace your tooth roots as they are embedded deep into your bone. They serve as a strong base for a replacement tooth, which could be a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants have been shown to have the highest success rate among all other tooth replacement treatment options and can provide a wide variety of long-term benefits.
In most cases, dental implants easily surpass other tooth replacement options in terms of functionality, comfort, and aesthetics. Although the process of getting implants may require several visits to the dentist and minor surgeries with a few months of healing time in between, it is well worth your patience.
It is best to wait until you are 18 years old before getting dental implants. Implants should be placed in a fully developed jawbone that is not currently undergoing growth. If placed in a growing jawbone, they can alter its normal development and cause problems. The growth phase is usually completed by age 18, and that is why it is recommended to wait until then to have implants.
The success rate of dental implants depends largely on your overall health and habits. People who are generally healthy and maintain excellent oral hygiene habits tend to have higher success rates than those who don’t. If cared for properly, dental implants can have a success rate of about 90%-95% in most cases.
Bone grafts can commonly be avoided with proper treatment planning and choosing the right implant system. However, in the case of severe bone loss, your periodontist or oral surgeon might recommend bone grafting.
Bone resorption is a common consequence of tooth extraction if you don’t get dental implants on time. To reduce this, most dentists now recommend bone preservation grafting right after tooth extraction.
The only drawback of getting dental implants is the time and patience required before you can get your new teeth. As they say, all good things take time. You will need to be a little patient to get what’s best for your oral health.
You would typically require a few minor surgical procedures and several months of healing before you can have your replacement tooth or teeth. Despite this slight inconvenience, dental implants are generally a far better option for the long-term health of your teeth and your self-esteem than dentures. This is because the implants resemble your natural teeth more closely than any other replacement option currently available.
After receiving an implant, you may expect some soreness, swelling, bruising, and bleeding around the implant site. To help with this, you can apply ice packs to the area for 10 minutes every hour for the first 6 hours after surgery. You might also experience slight discomfort for up to a week, but that can easily be treated with regular painkillers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.