Implantology

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium that is inserted into the jawbone. Once integrated, the implant is topped with a cosmetic dental crown, creating a replacement tooth that mimics, or even improves, the appearance and function of a natural tooth.

The dental implant process

The first step is to determine if a dental implant is necessary in your situation. We’ll review your medical and dental history. Certain conditions such as advanced gum disease, blood disorders, bone disease or lack of bone mass in the jaw may disqualify you from this treatment. A 3D scanner will be used to create precise images of your jaw to accurately plan implant placement.

During surgery, the implant is placed in the jaw and, in many cases, a temporary crown is placed. The implant must then remain in place while the jawbone heals and integrates around it, a process called osseointegration, which takes between 3 and 6 months. Once this process is complete, the implant is finished with an aesthetic crown that blends in perfectly with the rest of the teeth, both in appearance and function.

Dental implants to replace multiple teeth

When multiple teeth are missing, implant-supported dental bridges can be placed without the need for an implant for each missing tooth. These wire-free bridges provide a functional and aesthetically natural replacement that is virtually indistinguishable from a set of single teeth.

Lifespan of dental implants

Dental implants are designed to last, ideally for life. With proper care and avoidance of conditions that can damage your jawbone, implants can remain in place permanently. However, the dental crown on the implant may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. At that time, it’s simply a matter of fabricating a new crown to fit over the existing implant.

At Centre dentaire Duquet & Associés we do not fit dental implants, but we work closely with excellent surgeons to whom we can refer you for the surgical part of the procedure. We then take care of the crowns and bridges that complete the treatment.