Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry over the last two decades. This is not to say that they are altogether new—their earliest known existence dates back to Mayan civilization in 600 AD—but they sure have come a long way.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small synthetic (usually pure titanium) cylinder that is inserted in the jaw to replace the root(s) of missing teeth. Over time the bone in the jaw fuses with it, causing a strong and stable base on which your dentist can attach an artificial crown, essentially replacing the natural tooth with a synthetic substitute.
What Types of Dental Implants Are There?
Single-tooth: A dental implant and crown can be used to replace a single tooth.
Multiple-tooth: Implants can also be used to support fixed bridgework. In other words, instead of wearing loose dentures, 4 - 8 implants in a jaw can support a full arch of fixed synthetic teeth. You don’t need one implant per tooth when several neighboring teeth are replaced.
Combination bridgework: Implants can be used to anchor fixed bridgework to which is attached a removable set.
Over-dentures: A peculiarity of dentures is that they press directly on the gum and bone causing eventual bone loss through resorption. A characteristic of dental implants is that they protect the bone. Over-dentures stabilized by dental implants preserve the underlying jawbone.
Anchorage for orthodontics: Dental implants are now being used to anchor braces to permit quicker tooth movement.
Who Can Have Dental Implants?
Basically anybody who has missing teeth due to injury, defects, disease or decay and whose jaw has stopped growing—usually around 16 for girls and 18 for boys—can benefit from dental implants if their jawbone is sufficiently healthy.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants and crowns are the closest you can get to a natural tooth, and as easy to maintain. No more fussing with dentures. And they don’t decay!
They preserve the jawbone and reduce its deterioration—another problem with dentures.
Dental implants help preserve natural tooth tissue in adjacent teeth by eliminating the need to cut them down for conventional bridgework.
Long-term results show that dental implants usually last much longer than other types of tooth restoration.
Replacing loose dentures with dental implants means improved stability and support, meaning less difficulty chewing and speaking.
Are You Looking for a Dentist in Calgary?
At Northland Village Dental Centre, we’ve been serving Albertans since 2003 and we’ll happily answer all your questions regarding dental implants in Calgary.
Contact Us
We’d love to be your dentist in Calgary and answer your questions regarding dental implants in Calgary. At Northland Village Dental Centre, we’ll take care of all your needs when it comes to dental implants in Calgary. Call us! We’re always accepting new patients.