Dental Implants South Calgary

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Titanium is biocompatible, which means your body accepts it well. As it heals, the surrounding bone grows around the post and holds it firmly in place. Dentists call this osseointegration (the implant fusing with your jawbone).

Each implant has three parts:

• The implant: the post that sits in the bone and acts as the new root
• The abutment: a small connector that attaches to the top of the implant
• The restoration: the crown, bridge or denture you see when you smile

Once healed, it can support a crown, bridge or denture. Implants are designed to look, feel and work like natural teeth. We shape and shade your restoration to match the teeth around it, and you care for it the same way: daily brushing, flossing and regular checkups.

They also help preserve the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Without a root to stimulate it, the bone that held a tooth can gradually shrink. An implant takes over that role, which can help maintain the shape of your jaw over time.

Every case is a little different, but most implant treatment follows four stages:

1. Consultation: We review your health, talk through your goals and answer your questions. Your dentist examines your teeth and gums and uses dental imaging to check the bone where the implant would go.
2. Treatment plan: You receive a clear plan with costs outlined before treatment begins. It sets out how many implants you need, the type of restoration and any preparatory work your case calls for, such as an extraction or bone grafting.
3. Implant placement and healing: The implant is placed and given time to heal. Your dentist will explain the timeline for your case. The area is numbed first, and we’ll walk you through aftercare so you know how to look after it at home. Depending on your case, a temporary tooth may fill the gap while you heal.
4. Final restoration: A custom crown, bridge or denture is attached to restore your smile. We check the fit and your bite so it feels comfortable when you chew and speak. Follow-up visits let us see how everything is settling in.

Nervous about treatment? Ask us about our sedation options: NuCalm, nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Tell us how you’re feeling at your consultation, and we’ll help you choose the approach that keeps you most at ease.