Dental Implants & Restorative Dentistry
At Dr. Sara Shiewitz Dentistry in Toronto, ON, Dr. Sara Shiewitz provides the latest in dental implants and restorative dentistry technology. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that serve as anchors for replacement teeth. When a patient is missing one or more teeth, dental implants are the most permanent (and often the most comfortable) solution. Visit our smile gallery to view some before-and-after photos of the results enjoyed by dental implant patients.
Steps for Dental Implants
The first step in the dental implants process for our Toronto dental patients is a consultation with Dr. Shiewitz, during which all possible tooth replacement options will be discussed. To be a good candidate for dental implants, the dental patient must have sufficient bone in his or her jaw to support the implants. Once it is determined that a patient is a good candidate for dental implants, Dr. Shiewitz will refer the patient to an oral surgeon or periodontist, who will surgically implant the titanium screws that serve as anchors into the patient's jaw. The next step in the dental implants process will occur three to six months later, after the titanium tooth roots have completely fused to the patient's jaw bone. Once this has occurred, the patient can return to our Toronto restorative dentistry office where Dr. Shiewitz will fit the custom-crafted replacement teeth onto the patient's artificial tooth roots.
Dental Implants Preferred Over Dentures
Many of Dr. Shiewitz's Toronto area dental implant patients prefer permanent dental implants over traditional removable dentures for several reasons. Dental implants are nearly indistinguishable from a patient's natural teeth, unlike dentures which may look artificial. While traditional dentures need to be removed nightly, dental implants are a permanent tooth loss solution that require no additional maintenance outside of a good oral hygiene routine. Dental implants also allow patients to feel more comfortable while speaking and eating because dental implants are permanently affixed to the patient's jaw and won't shift or slip as with traditional dentures.
Dentures Secured by Dental Implants
There are a variety of methods available to restore dental implants. One additional option is to have full or partial dentures secured by dental implants. These dentures are still removable, however, when attached to the implants, they are much more stable and secure when eating and talking, compared to conventional dentures. These dentures are called "implant supported" or "implant retained" dentures. This option is a more economical approach, compared to fixed, non-removable solutions when there are many teeth missing.
Get Started Today
If you are interested in learning more about your tooth replacement options, especially dental implants, contact our Toronto office at 416.223.4181 to schedule your restorative dentistry consultation with Dr. Sara Shiewitz today.