Dental Implants

Have you lost one or more of your teeth? According to Montreal dentist Dr. Toby De Palma-Chevalier and Dr Miguel Ste-Marie, a dental implant may be a viable alternative.

Services

Dental implants are used to replace missing roots and support artificial replacement teeth. They are comfortable and look like natural teeth.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant looks like a natural tooth.  Implants support artificial teeth and are used to replace missing roots.

A dental implant has two parts to it:

  1. the top part is a prosthetic tooth, shaped like a natural tooth
  2. the bottom part replaces the root of the tooth and holds the replacement tooth in place

Compared to the traditional bridgework, a dental implant is seen as the better option, since it does not rely on its neighboring teeth for support.

When the restoration is done properly, it involves permanently fusing the implant to the bone.  As a result, the implant acts like a natural tooth and stimulate the bone, thus preventing bone loss.

Dental implants are very comfortable and will make you feel that you have never lost a tooth at all.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants provide several benefits.  They:

  • look like natural teeth
  • are comfortable
  • do not rely on adjacent teeth for support and hence, will not
    in any way endanger bordering teeth
  • can provide additional support to a bridge or denture
  • function like the original teeth, can withstand the pressure
    from chewing
  • provide for the conservation of the alveolar bone

Types of Dental Implants

There are a few different types of dental implants:

  • Endosteal implant which is attached directly on to the bone. This is the most common type of implant. The replacement tooth is held into
    place by screws, blades or cylinders.
  • Subperiosteal implant are placed on top of the jaw where a metal framework protrudes through the gum to hold the prosthetic tooth into place. This kind of procedure is done on patients with small jawbone height and for those who are unable to wear conventional dentures.

Why Replace a Lost Tooth?

A lost tooth can lead to:

  • Bone loss of up to 50% in 18 months
  • Deformation of the alveolar bone and adjacent teeth moving into the empty space
  • Movement of one tooth causing others to become loose
  • Periodontal disease and result in cavities, receding gums and even further tooth loss

When is a Dental Implant a Viable Option?

A dental implant may be a viable option if you have:

  • Lost one or more teeth
  • Good dental health, since adequate bone density is a requirement for this procedure
  • Healthy gums, since the implants are connected to the gum tissue that in turn supports the implant

Next Steps

If you have one or more missing teeth, Montreal dentist, Dr. Toby De Palma-Chevalier and Dr Miguel Ste-Marie highly recommends that you visit your local dentist.  Are you in the Montreal area?  If so, book your appointment today!  Simply: