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Dental Implants
At Heritage Dental Centre, our dentists may recommend implants to restore missing teeth, improve chewing and speaking, and improve the look of your smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are titanium posts that act as a root for an artificial tooth, placed into the jaw bone surgically where teeth are missing. Once in place, they can support a single crown, a bridge, or even help secure dentures, improving fit and stability.
Implants not only restore the appearance of your smile, but they also offer functional benefits, such as preventing surrounding teeth from shifting, improving chewing and speaking, and reducing the risk of bite or jaw joint problems.
They can also help restore facial structure, preventing the ‘sunken’ appearance that can occur when multiple teeth are missing.
At Heritage Dental Centre, we are proud to offer in-office dental implant restorations to our patients. The process begins with careful treatment planning and a discussion of your options, and can include a preview of your final restoration to help you visualize the end result.
Our office is fully equipped with the technology and tools needed to make your dental implant treatment as comfortable as possible.
Dental Implants at Heritage Dental Centre
Dr. Joe Germain has a special interest in dental implants, and is a member of the Academy of Osseointegration and ICOI. With his help, our office can handle every step of your implant treatment, from bone grafting and implant placement to attaching the final restoration, whether it’s a single tooth or a full-mouth solution.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant procedure involves three main components: a titanium screw that serves as the artificial root, an abutment that connects the implant to the restoration, and the dental restoration itself, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. These components are placed in stages to ensure proper healing and long-term success.
First, the titanium screw is surgically placed into the jaw bone to act as a stable foundation for the new tooth. Over the next four to six months, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong, natural-feeling anchor.
Once the implant has fully healed, the dentist attaches the abutment, which serves as a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth. Finally, the custom-made restoration is placed on top, restoring both the appearance and function of your natural teeth.
This approach allows dental implants to mimic the strength, stability, and look of natural teeth, helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Dental Implant FAQs
Below are some of the most common questions our dentists get asked about dental implants.
- Are implant procedures typically successful?
The implant procedure that we perform at Heritage Dental Centre is successful for many patients.
However, with dental implants, as with any procedure, there is some risk of complications arising.
- Will the dental implant procedure be painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after dental implant placement. Your dentist will discuss anesthesia options with you and tailor the procedure to your preferences, though implant placement is typically performed using local anesthesia.
- Will I be able to chew normally?
After receiving a dental implant, most patients notice a significant improvement in their ability to chew compared with before treatment. Over time, many find that they can chew nearly as effectively as they could with a full set of natural teeth.
- How long will my dental implants last?
With proper care, there is no time limit on how long dental implants can last and dental implant systems continue to improve.
New Patients Welcome
Looking for a dentist in Mission? Heritage Dental Centre is accepting new patients and can provide personalized dental care for you and your family. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile.