The Top Dental Implants’ Frequently Asked Questions in Toronto, Ontario
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost for a single implant starts approximately at $1,850 depending on brand and type of implant, method of dental implant placement, and type of implant restoration. Other factors can contribute to the final cost, such as screw-retained implant crowns (which can easily be removed by the Dentist if necessary), all porcelain or zirconia implant crowns, and the need for bone grafting etc.
What are dental implants?
An easy way to think of a dental implant is that it is simply an “artificial tooth root”, to which various restorations (crowns or bridges) can be attached to form the final artificial tooth (teeth). These are fixed solutions that can permanently replace your missing teeth.
Are dental implants affordable?
Yes. The cost of dental implants has come down over the past 10 years or so. Better technology & techniques also make dental implants less invasive and easier for the patient. Less visits to the practice due to advanced technology and efficient processes also means less time you need away from work, and less expense made on commute.
Are titanium dental implants safe?
Yes. There are few known reactions to titanium. Titanium is widely used in other medical devices such as artificial knee or hip joints etc.
Can I get dental implants with bone loss?
Yes, it is possible. However, the cause of bone loss must be addressed before an implant is placed. An implant could fail if the bone loss continues around the implants. This can be addressed with bone grafting as well as planning the best locations to insert the implants. CT scans and computerized 3D models can assist in the precision of this process.
Do dental implants feel natural?
Yes. Properly placed dental implants and restorations can feel as natural as your tooth. Implants can even be placed in a way to even better your bite and make you feel more comfortable.
How are dental implants made?
Dental implants are made by machining commercially pure (99% pure) titanium into the desired shape and then treating the surface in several ways to reinforce its integrity.
How do one day dental implants work?
Immediate implants can be placed at the very same time a tooth is removed if conditions are favorable (no infection, good bone quantity and quality etc.)
How long do dental implants take to heal?
Depending on your bone quality, it can take a dental implant about 6-9 months after placement, to fully fuse with the bone, which is a process called Osseointegration. This will allow the implant and the surrounding structures to be strong enough to accept the final restoration (crowns or bridges).
How much do ceramic dental implants cost?
Ceramic implants are not widely used currently, but a lot of research is being done on them to determine long term success. Titanium implants have more than 50 years of research and data to support their use.
How much do full mouth dental implants cost?
It is important for patients to understand the entire scope of what they are paying for. Dental implant cost varies between different practices for several reasons. Some of these reasons will be based on the type of technology being used and the method of implant placement. Cost will also depend on how many implants are necessary, what type of restoration is best for your situation, your bone quality and quantity etc. Costs usually range from $25,000 – $35,000 for either a full upper, or lower arch, including computer guided technology.
How old is too old for dental implants?
Almost never too old. Patients in their late 80’s or early 90’s have successfully had dental implants. This will have to be determined at your consultation, and further investigations with 3D CT scans can be done to thoroughly assess your situation.
How to get free dental implants?
True real medical grade dental implants are not free.
How well do dental implants work?
Dental implants have been proven to work exceptionally well, and are the best permanent solution to replacing missing teeth. Decades of studies and cases have been used to show that dental implants can last a lifetime, and with computer guided dental implants, the prognosis is excellent!
What insurance covers dental implants?
This varies widely. It is best to send a predetermination (estimate) to your insurance company before starting treatment if this a concern for you.
What is the average cost of dental implants per tooth?
Average cost for a single tooth using computer guided technology, range from ~$1850 – ~$4250 for implant abutment and final crown.
What material are dental implants made of?
The vast majority of dental implants are made of titanium.
Why do dental implants take so long?
Actually, using today’s technology with preplanning and computer guided systems, dental implants can be placed quite quickly! The experience of your clinician also plays a part in the efficiency of placing implants. Healing time will vary depending on your bone quality, which can be estimated during your procedure.
Can you get dental implants after dentures?
Yes, however you need enough bone to support the implants. A 3D scan can help evaluate your bone (and plan for computer-guided implants in areas of minimal bone).
How are bone grafts for dental implants done?
Depending on the situation, bone grafting can be done before implants are placed or done at the same time as implant placement. They are placed within the sockets where bone has been depleted are and left to heal over time.
How are dental implants installed?
Dental implants are placed directly into the bone. Older methods involve cutting the gums and peeling them back to expose the bone for evaluation and placing the implant “by eye”. The good news is that some advanced clinics use computer-guided technology, which allows implant placement without large incisions and without peeling back the gums to expose the bone. Advanced clinics also fabricate a surgical implant guide during the planning stages, which makes the implant placement very precise. Once the implants are placed using the guide, the area is assessed clinically and radiographically, and then left to heal for a certain period of time based on your bone quality.
How do dental implants work with dentures?
As few as two implants can be used to support (anchor) a denture to make is more stable. However, the dentures will still rest partially on the gums and can still “pinch” the gums when hard foods are chewed.
How do full dental implants work?
4 to 6 implants can be used to support a full implant bridge which replaces all the upper teeth or all the lower teeth.
How are dental implants done in one day?
“Implants in a day” or “Teeth in a day” usually refers to the process of placing 4-6 implants and building a (temporary or transitional) bridge that is attached to the implants the same day.
How long is the process of getting dental implants?
A single implant can be placed in as little as 10 minutes if computer-guided implant placement technology is used! It takes longer when traditional methods are used as this involves cutting the gums and peeling them back to expose the bone and then placing the implant “by eye”. Healing time is determined by the quality of bone and the stability of the implant.
How much do all on 4 dental implants cost?
Costs usually start at ~$25,000 for an “All-on-4” procedure with a hybrid bridge (acrylic bridge reinforced with a metal bar). More implants and stronger more sophisticated bridges will increase the cost.
What are dental implants used for?
Dental implants are used as the fixed and permanent solution to replace missing teeth. It is easiest to think of a dental implant as simply an “artificial tooth root”, to which various restorations (crowns or bridges) can be attached to form the final artificial tooth (teeth).
What is “all on 4” or “all on 6” dental implants?
It is the procedure in which 4 to 6 implants are used to support a full implant bridge which replaces all the upper teeth or all of the lower teeth in each arch.
Why dental implants?
Today it is almost universally agreed that a dental implant is the best way of replacing a missing tooth. Other options are fixed bridges supported by adjacent teeth (need to shave these teeth down) and removable dentures. Dental implants offer many advantages over the other options because since it is placed within the bone, it reduces the likelihood of bone resorption or shrinkage around that site, allowing for a fixed, strong, and permanent solution.
Can you remove dental implants?
This can be done by your dentist, however it usually involves cutting the bone around the implants.
How long do mini dental implants last?
Mini Dental Implants were initially intended for temporary use and to stabilize complete dentures. Today some dentists are using them as a permanent method of denture retention. There are many limitations to using them, however, as they are too narrow to allow attachments to be screwed into them.
How much do dental implants cost for whole mouth?
Costs usually start at ~$25,000 for an “All-on-4” procedure with a hybrid bridge (acrylic bridge reinforced with a metal bar). More implants and stronger more sophisticated bridges will increase the cost. Upper and Lower Bridges will double the cost as expected.
What is the recovery time for dental implants?
Recovery time usually depend on the type of surgery performed. There can be virtually no down time if proper computer guided implants are placed. Healing time however can take between 3 to 9 months in most cases for the implant and surrounding bone to fully fuse together by a process called osteointegration.
Who is not a good candidate for dental implants?
Almost everyone can have dental implants, however your dentist will do a thorough assessment of your dental health and medical history to see if any precautions are necessary for your situation.
Will dental implants become cheaper?
Not likely. They have decreased in cost since their introduction because some of the original patents expired, and there is now competition between implant manufacturers. Lower prices might compromise quality. Many places are also offering dental implant placement, however their methods, technology, experience, and workflow etc. will be of a different quality.
Will dental implants stop bone loss?
Not if there is uncontrolled periodontal disease. In a case like this, implants will likely be lost. If a patient has Periodontal disease, this must be under control before dental implants are placed. Once that has been stabilized, the implants can then be placed, and over time as osseointegration occurs, the implants create a stimulus to the bone, which helps to reduce bone loss in that area.
Are dental implants a good idea?
Yes. Today it is almost universally agreed that a dental implant is the best way of replacing a missing tooth. Other options are fixed bridges supported by adjacent teeth (need to shave these teeth down) and removable dentures.
Are dental implants safe for diabetics?
Yes. But care must be taken to minimize infections after implant placement to decrease the chances of implant failure. Minimally invasive computer guided implant placement would also be beneficial to a diabetic patient as there is little to no bleeding during the procedure, which allows for a faster recovery time and less risk of infection.
Are mini dental implants good?
Mini Dental Implants were initially intended for temporary use and to stabilize complete dentures. Today some dentists are using them as a permanent method of denture retention. There are many limitations to using them, however, as they are too narrow to allow attachments to be screwed into them.
Can I get dental implants if I have osteoporosis?
Yes, however they may require a longer time to properly integrate and should be tested before the final implant crowns are placed. Consult with your medical practitioner may be necessary..
Are dental implants worth it?
Yes. If properly done and cared for, they should serve you well for a long time!
