Dental Implants in Midtown Toronto
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Missing teeth can change the way you eat, speak and feel about your smile. An implant is a sophisticated solution that creates a fixed and stable replacement designed to function much like a natural tooth.
Dr. Tarra Elliott provides dental implant treatment at Eglinton Way Dentistry near Eglinton and Avenue Road in Midtown Toronto.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once it has fused with the bone, usually over a few months, it supports a crown, a bridge or a denture. An implant replacement has three parts:
The implant: a titanium post placed in the jawbone, where it acts as the tooth’s root.
The abutment: a connector that attaches to the implant.
The restoration: a crown, bridge or denture that attaches to the abutment.
Because the implant sits in the bone, it can help preserve bone where a tooth was lost, and it doesn’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support.
What can dental implants be used for?
Replacing a single tooth with one implant and a crown.
Supporting a bridge to replace several missing teeth in a row without crowning healthy neighbouring teeth.
Stabilizing a denture. Two or more implants can hold a lower or upper denture in place so it moves less when you eat and speak. In some cases, smaller-diameter “mini” implants can be used for this.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Many adults who have lost one or more teeth are candidates. Dr. Elliott will consider:
whether there is enough healthy bone to support an implant
the health of your gums
medical conditions and medications that can affect healing
smoking, which increases the risk of implant problems
If a tooth has been missing for a long time, some bone may have been lost. You may need a bone graft before or during implant placement.
What are the steps in implant treatment?
Consultation and imaging. We examine the area, take X-rays and 3D imaging, and discuss your options and costs.
Implant placement. The implant is placed under local anaesthetic. Sedation is available for anxious patients.
Healing. The implant fuses with the bone, usually over about three to six months. You can often wear a temporary tooth in the meantime.
Final restoration. We attach a custom crown, bridge or denture.
How much do dental implants cost?
Cost depends on how many implants you need, whether bone grafting is required, the type of restoration and any imaging. You will receive a written treatment plan and estimate at your free consultation, before treatment begins.