If you are considering having dental implants to replace missing teeth, you likely have many questions and concerns about the procedure. Oral surgery is not something to take lightly, but gathering all of the necessary information will enable you to make the best decision about restoring your smile.

First, you should see your dentist to make sure that you are a candidate for dental implants. You must have good oral health, including no signs of gum disease because healthy gums are important to the success of this type of surgery. You also should be in good overall health, since anesthesia is required as well as an ability to heal properly. Your dentist will also consider the condition of your jaw bone, because you must have adequate bone structure to hold the dental implant. Sometimes a separate procedure called bone augmentation is needed to improve bone health prior to implant surgery.

Dental implants are typically done over several months. In the first step, the titanium dental implant is surgically inserted into your jaw where your missing tooth used to be. This is the replacement for the absent tooth root. Then you must wait from 6 to 12 weeks for the area to heal and your jaw to grow around the implant, allowing it become a permanent part of your jaw.

Once healing is complete, a post will be attached so that an artificial tooth can be placed on top. The replacement tooth is created from a model your dentist takes of your mouth so that it matches the size and color of your missing tooth. Once the entire process is complete, you will have a fully restored smile to enjoy for a lifetime.

Dr. Cruz offers dental implants in her Toronto dental office.