Dental Implants in Winnipeg

We rely on our teeth for our most basic needs; we use them to eat, to speak, and to share smiles. But over time, our teeth may become decayed, broken, or infected. If you lose a tooth, what are your replacement options?

You might consider dental bridge, crown, or denture services (all of which are offered at Affinity Dental). To permanently replace your missing teeth, you may be more interested in dental implants. 

Are you looking to learn more about dental implants in Winnipeg? We’re going to explore what dental implants can do for you:

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a convenient, cosmetically pleasing, and durable solution for missing teeth. They’re anchored in your mouth through a titanium root, which is inserted into the jawbone. Artificial teeth are placed on top of the abutment to create a natural-looking and radiant smile. 

When you flash your pearly whites, no one will be able to tell that you have dental implants! You might use dental implants to replace a single tooth or a full set of teeth. You can also use dental implants to secure your dentures in place.

dental implants

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Are dental implants right for you? They’re a long-lasting and effective way to replace missing teeth. If you’re interested in any of the following benefits, you may want to consider this tooth replacement procedure:

A healthy, strong smile

Dental implants are highly durable; they’re stronger than a natural tooth. Not only do they work great, but they look great, too! Your artificial teeth will be bright, straight, and damage-free. Every time you smile, you’ll feel confident about showing off your flawless teeth.

 

No more pain or sensitivity

If you have decayed or missing teeth, you may find it painful to eat and/or drink certain foods and beverages. Extreme temperatures, like hot soups or cold drinks, may cause intense pain.

But with dental implants, you can get back to eating the foods that you enjoy. Dental implants make chewing painless. You won’t wince when chewing tough meats or drinking a hot beverage. 

If you have missing teeth, your remaining teeth may shift out of alignment to fill in the gaps. This can cause pain and make your smile more crooked. Use dental implants to fill in those gaps and keep your other teeth straight.

 

The potential to last a lifetime

Dental implants have a high success rate. If they’re taken care of, they can last for the rest of your life. They may even outlast your other natural teeth!

 

Dental implants don’t affect adjacent teeth

To secure a dental bridge, other teeth in your mouth must be filed down and capped with a crown. But a dental implant does not negatively affect adjacent teeth in your mouth. The artificial teeth blend in seamlessly; they’ll help you chew and speak comfortably.

 

Prevent facial sagging

One issue with other tooth replacement options is that they fail to stimulate your jaw bone. Every time you chew, it stimulates the bones in your face—but without that stimulation, those bones begin to deteriorate. This is what happens when teeth are missing. It causes undesirable changes in your facial structure, along with difficulty when eating or speaking. 

Since dental implants integrate directly with your jawbone, they prevent any bone loss from occurring. 

 

They’re more convenient than dentures

If your dentures don’t fit properly, they may slide around while you’re talking or chewing. This often leads to self-consciousness and fear that they might fall out during a conversation. When your dentures are secured in place with dental implants, you won’t need to worry about them becoming loose.

dental implant in action

The Dental Implant Procedure

Before you can move ahead with your dental implant procedure, you’ll need to meet with your dentist for a consultation. During this appointment, they’ll ask you questions like:

  • What is your medical history? Do you have any health conditions?
  • Do you smoke tobacco?
  • How many missing teeth do you want to replace?


They’ll also perform a thorough examination of your oral health using an x-ray, CT scan, and impressions. Once all of this information is gathered, your dentist can assess whether dental implants are a viable solution for you. Patients with healthy gums and bones will have a better chance of success with this treatment. 

If you decide to move forward with the procedure, your dentist will develop a customized treatment plan. Your dentist may need to extract any remaining teeth that interfere with the implant.

The first step is to insert the dental implant into the jawbone. It’s a titanium post that acts as a replacement for the tooth’s root. To support this titanium screw, your jawbone needs to be strong and dense. Patients without the necessary bone structure may require a bone grafting procedure before getting dental implants.

Your dentist begins by making an incision in the gums, then inserts the titanium post in the socket where your tooth used to be. Due to the sedative, you won’t feel any pain during this part.

After this procedure, you must wait for the site to heal before moving forward. During these months, the osseointegration process begins. The jawbone will gradually fuse with the titanium screw for a secure fit. 

During this time, you can expect to have some swelling, tenderness, and bruising. It typically takes 3-6 months for this site to heal completely. A few factors that may interfere with the healing process include smoking, drug/alcohol use, certain medications, and poor oral health.

Next, an abutment is attached to the dental implant; it’s a post that connects the replacement tooth to the titanium screw. The abutment acts as a secure base to which the dental crown attaches. If you have dentures, you might attach them directly to the abutment.

At this point, your dental implant procedure is complete! You can now enjoy all the benefits of your healthier, stronger smile.

Cost Of A Dental Implant

Dental implants cost more than many oral health treatments; they’re an investment in a healthy and secure smile that will last a lifetime. A few factors that affect the price of your procedure include:

  • The number of teeth you’re replacing
  • Whether you need bone grafting or tooth extractions
  • The current condition of your oral health 
  • The sedative option that you choose

When you meet with one of our dentists, we’ll provide you with an estimate of how much your procedure will cost.

How To Take Care Of Your Dental Implants

Artificial teeth require cleaning, maintenance, and dental care just as natural teeth do. If you want to make them last as long as possible, follow these care tips:

  • Brush, floss, and use mouthwash as you would normally.
  • Call your Winnipeg dentist if you notice any issues. Try to visit your dentist for a cleaning and check-up twice a year.
  • Avoid foods and drinks that may stain or damage your dental implants.

Book A Free Consultation

At Affinity Dental, we offer dental implants in Winnipeg to replace missing teeth. We’ll meet with you to assess your oral health and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.

We’re always happy to meet with new patients. Our dentists can tell you about all the tooth replacement options we offer, including dental crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. To schedule your free consultation, call Affinity Dental today!