Dental Implants in Sherwood Park
Dental Implants Near You
For thousands of years, humans have been trying to find a way to replace lost teeth for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Variations from bamboo to wood and even human teeth with wires have been tried, some more effective than others.
The development of modern dentures was game-changing relative to their earlier iterations, but still not the home run that every denture wearer was hoping for. Today, dental implants in Sherwood Park offer a more permanent and natural-feeling solution.
Common Complaints About Dentures
Dentures aren’t always the most comfortable and effective functional replacements for our natural teeth. Often, they look great but cause discomfort, or they’re comfortable but out of proportion for the face..
Every time we chomp down on our dinner, the forces are distributed across the upper and lower arches and down into the tooth roots in the sockets. This pressure is critical for bone retention.. When the jaw experiences pressure from bite forces, it responds by calling in ‘reinforcements’ in the form of nutrients and minerals to maintain its density. When teeth are lost, bite forces cannot be distributed to the jawbone in the same way because there are no roots extending down into the sockets. So, bite forces end up being distributed laterally across the dental arches, but as little as 10% of this pressure finds its way to the jawbone.
The result of this loss of stimulus is a gradual degeneration of the jawbone known as bone resorption. Without sufficient stimulus, resorption can significantly affect the appearance of the lower face and profile. Because of this constant changing of jaw shape, dentures struggle to keep up, and the result is often an uncomfortable fit. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider dental implants near you.
Scientific Advancement
When science made the discovery that titanium has the capacity to bond with bone, the implications for dentistry and medicine were huge. This meant that we would start experimenting with the use of titanium for restorative dentistry. Years later, dental implants would be offered as a viable long-term alternative to superficial prosthetics like crowns, bridges and, yes, dentures. Dental implants in Sherwood Park are the solution to bone resorption that we have been waiting for!
Once the titanium implant has been installed, the bone begins to undergo osseointegration. Once healed, the titanium rod offers a strong and reliable base for the attachment of a false tooth. Now, pressure from chewing can once again travel laterally as well as into the jaw via the socket. Dental implants deliver approximately 80% of the bite forces of natural teeth into the jaw, giving patients a viable solution to the concern of bone resorption. To learn more about whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure, consult a dentist in Sherwood Park who specializes in dental implants.
Investing in Your Health
Obtaining dental implants near you can require an investment starting at about $3000 per implant in Alberta, with the cost going up for full implants. These prices reflect the cost of the materials used, the number of implants placed, and the skill required to perform dental implant surgery. Although the research is ongoing, evidence suggests a reasonable estimate of the longevity of a successful dental implant to be upward of 30 years.
Full sets of implants do not mean as many implants as teeth – it typically refers to what is referred to as ‘all-on-four’ implants. In this configuration, implants are placed in each quadrant of the upper and lower dental arches, with each implant supporting approximately three teeth. On top of the implants are abutments used to attach a full set of dentures in place. The result is a tremendous service to your long-term nutritional health, comfort and bone density – three things that are difficult to assign a value to.
Dentures are not susceptible to decay, nor is the titanium implant, but the tissues that surround and support them are still susceptible to the effects of plaque bacteria and its associated medical conditions (gingivitis and gum disease). It is important to maintain good oral health standards in order to protect your investment in implants, as well as your overall health.
If you have questions about this or other services offered by our general dentist near you, contact our clinic today.
FAQ
What are complete dental implants?
Complete dental implants are a permanent solution to replace all missing teeth in your jaw. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Who is a good candidate for complete dental implants?
Patients with healthy gums and enough bone to support implants are usually good candidates. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth to create a safe treatment plan.
How long does the complete dental implant process take?
The process typically takes a few months, including healing time after implant placement. Your dentist will guide you through each step for the best results.
Are complete dental implants comfortable and easy to maintain?
Yes, once healed, they feel natural and are easy to care for with regular brushing and flossing. They help restore confidence in eating, speaking, and smiling.