Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a new tooth, a bridge or a denture to posts placed in the jaw. At Newbury Dental Care, a dentist can check your teeth, gums and bone and explain whether implants fit your situation. Call (519) 693-4525 to book an exam.
How implants replace a tooth
A natural tooth is held in the jaw by its root. An implant copies that job: a small titanium post goes into the bone, and over time the bone bonds to it. A connector then joins the post to the part you see. That part can be one crown for one missing tooth, a bridge for a gap of several teeth, or a denture that attaches to a few posts.
Who an implant may suit
People ask about implants after losing a tooth to decay, injury or gum disease, or when a denture has become uncomfortable. Whether an implant is realistic depends on three things the dentist assesses: the amount of bone at the site, the condition of the gums and your general health. Medicines, smoking and long-term conditions such as diabetes can affect healing, and gum disease usually has to be treated first. Where bone is thin, building it up may be possible before the post goes in. Your dentist will also mention bridges and dentures, because the right answer is the one that fits your mouth and your priorities.
From first visit to finished tooth
The first visit is an exam with X-rays or other images, and a conversation about what you want. If an implant looks suitable, the dentist maps out the steps and explains the number of appointments you can expect. At the placement visit, local anaesthetic numbs the site before the post is seated in the bone. After that comes a waiting period while the bone and post bond. When that is complete, the new tooth, bridge or denture is attached and checked against your bite. Healing times differ from patient to patient, so we do not quote a standard schedule.
How implants differ from bridges and dentures
A bridge is anchored on the teeth beside the gap, which must be reshaped to carry it. A denture rests on the gums and may move. An implant is supported by the jawbone itself, so the neighbouring teeth are left alone. The price of that independence is extra steps, a longer timeline and a higher fee in many cases. Talk through all three before you choose.
Everyday care
Treat an implant like a natural tooth. Brush twice a day, clean between the teeth every day and keep up your check-ups, where the dentist can look at the gums, check the bite and make sure the post has not loosened. Gum inflammation around an implant can start quietly, which is why regular visits matter.
Cost and coverage
Fees vary with the number of implants, whether other treatment must come first and the type of tooth that goes on top. You will receive an estimate after your exam. Coverage differs between plans, and some plans do not include implants, so check your benefits and bring the details to the exam. We also accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP); let us know when you book if you are enrolled.
Dental implants in Newbury, ON
Newbury Dental Care provides care for all ages and welcomes new patients. Patients come to our Newbury office from Glencoe, Appin, Melbourne, Wardsville and Bothwell. To ask about dental implants, call (519) 693-4525 or use our contact page. If you are thinking about replacing a whole arch of teeth, read about implant dentures in Newbury. Our blog post on whether dental implants are painful covers what recovery can feel like, and our services page lists the other care we offer.
Frequently asked questions
Can one implant replace more than one tooth?
Usually one implant stands in for one tooth. A bridge or denture can be held by a few implants, which is how several missing teeth are replaced without a post for every tooth. Your dentist will recommend a layout after reviewing your images.
Will getting an implant hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used first, which is meant to keep placement comfortable. Tenderness and swelling are common for a few days afterward, and you will be given instructions for managing them. Call the office if pain increases instead of fading.
How many visits does an implant need?
Several. There is the exam, the visit to place the post, check-ups during healing and the visit to attach the new tooth. The exact count depends on your plan, and you will hear it before treatment starts.
Do my gums need to be healthy first?
Yes, healthy gums give an implant a firmer footing. If gum disease is present, it is treated before implants are considered.
How much does an implant cost?
That depends on your plan and cannot be named in advance. We provide an estimate after the exam, once we know how many implants are needed and what other treatment is involved.
Ask about dental implants
Call (519) 693-4525 to book an exam about dental implants at Newbury Dental Care, or send a message through our contact page.