Losing a tooth impacts far more than just the appearance of your smile, it affects your bite, speech, chewing efficiency, and long-term jawbone health. While traditional dentures and fixed bridges have long been used to replace missing teeth, dental implants represent the gold standard in modern restorative dentistry.
At The Tooth Fairy Dentistry in Oakville, Dr. Pooja Kaka utilizes advanced, biocompatible dental implants to restore complete oral function and natural aesthetics.
Unlike removable dentures that sit on top of the gums, a dental implant replaces the missing tooth from root to crown. The procedure begins by surgically placing a small post into the jawbone.
Over the course of a few months, a remarkable biological process called osseointegration takes place. Living bone cells grow and fuse directly to the surface of the implant post, creating a permanent, rock-solid foundation that mimics a natural tooth root. Once healed, a custom porcelain crown is attached to restore full biting power and seamless aesthetics.
When a natural tooth is lost, the surrounding jawbone no longer receives the functional stimulation it needs from chewing forces. As a result, the jawbone quickly begins to shrink and resorb, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift and lead to a premature "sunken" facial appearance.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that preserves jawbone structure. By transmitting natural chewing forces directly into the bone, the implant stimulates ongoing bone density and maintains your natural facial contours.
Traditional fixed bridges require grinding down and crowning the adjacent healthy teeth to serve as anchor posts. This permanently removes healthy enamel from teeth that otherwise needed no treatment.
Dental implants operate as completely independent structures. They restore missing teeth without altering, stressing, or reshaping neighboring healthy natural teeth.
Dental implants offer outstanding, proven clinical predictability, with long-term success rates exceeding 95% in healthy individuals. With routine daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional dental cleanings, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
To ensure predictable osseointegration, we perform a thorough health and anatomical evaluation before treatment:
Evaluating Bone Density: Using precise 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, we measure your exact bone height and density to plan accurate implant placement.
Managing Diabetes: Patients with well-controlled diabetes achieve high implant success rates comparable to non-diabetics. However, uncontrolled blood sugar delays bone healing and increases peri-implant infection risks, making blood glucose control essential before surgery.
Smoking Cessation: Active smoking restricts blood flow and oxygen to healing tissues, doubling or tripling the risk of early implant failure. We guide patients through smoking cessation steps to ensure a safe recovery.
Your safety and comfort are paramount. Dental implant posts are fabricated from high-purity, FDA-cleared titanium or zirconium oxide (zirconia). These materials are completely hypoallergenic, highly resistant to corrosion, and seamlessly tolerated by human bone and gum tissues.