A Lasting Solution for Missing Teeth
Missing teeth don’t just affect the way your smile looks—they also impact your ability to chew, speak, and maintain jawbone health. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants provide a permanent, natural-looking replacement that feels and functions like real teeth. At Spearmint Dental, we offer expert dental implants in South Edmonton and West Edmonton, giving patients a reliable way to restore their smiles. Whether you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or need full-arch restoration, our experienced team will create a personalized treatment plan to help you regain comfort, function, and confidence.
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What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. It is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, the implant provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Unlike removable solutions, implants are fixed in place, making them the closest option to natural teeth. At Spearmint Dental, we use advanced techniques and technology to ensure precise placement and long-term success of your dental implants.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most patients missing one or more teeth are good candidates for dental implants, but several important factors are evaluated during your consultation. Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth permanently, but they rely on a strong, healthy foundation to succeed. Here’s what we look for when determining if implants are right for you:
Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are essential for successful implant placement and long-term stability. Gum disease can weaken the tissues that support the implant and increase the risk of infection. Before beginning treatment, our team ensures your gums are healthy and free of inflammation. If needed, we can recommend periodontal therapy to restore gum health before implant surgery.
Adequate Bone Density
Implants rely on a solid jawbone to stay firmly in place. Sufficient bone density ensures the titanium post integrates properly and provides lasting support. For patients with bone loss due to missing teeth or gum disease, bone grafting can rebuild the area before placement. This step strengthens the foundation and greatly improves the chances of implant success.
Good Oral Hygiene
Dental implants require the same level of care as natural teeth. Patients who are committed to daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits typically experience long-lasting results. Proper hygiene prevents infection around the implant site, ensuring the restoration remains healthy and functional for decades.
Non-Smokers Preferred
Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of implant failure. Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the bone to fuse with the implant. While smokers can still receive implants, quitting before and after surgery significantly improves the likelihood of long-term success.
Overall Health
Dental implant surgery is a minor surgical procedure, so overall health plays an important role. Patients should be in stable health and free from conditions that affect healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history to ensure that implants are a safe and suitable option for you.
During your consultation at Spearmint Dental, our team will assess your oral health and may recommend bone grafting or other preparatory treatments if necessary. This personalized approach ensures every patient receives the best possible foundation for lasting implant success.
Benefits of Dental Implants
1. Permanent Tooth Replacement
Dental implants fuse directly with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation that functions just like natural tooth roots. This makes them one of the most durable and long-lasting tooth replacement options available. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, providing unmatched reliability compared to bridges or dentures. Patients love that their implants feel natural, secure, and completely integrated into their smile.
2. Natural Appearance
Implant-supported crowns and bridges are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth. The result is a seamless restoration that blends perfectly with your existing smile. Unlike dentures, which may shift or appear artificial, implants look and feel authentic. Friends and family often can’t tell the difference between an implant and a natural tooth. This makes implants an ideal choice for anyone seeking both beauty and function.
3. Improved Chewing and Speaking
Missing teeth can make eating and speaking more difficult, especially if dentures are loose or unstable. Dental implants restore full chewing power, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry. They also improve speech clarity, eliminating the slurring or clicking that can occur with traditional dentures. With implants, patients can eat, laugh, and speak with confidence again.
4. Preserves Jawbone Health
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants mimic natural tooth roots by stimulating the bone and maintaining its density. This prevents facial sagging and bone loss, helping you maintain a youthful appearance. Over time, implants not only replace missing teeth but also protect the overall structure of your face.
5. Protects Adjacent Teeth
Traditional bridges require grinding down nearby teeth for support, which can weaken healthy enamel. Implants, on the other hand, are self-supporting and don’t rely on surrounding teeth for stability. This preserves the natural structure of your smile while reducing long-term dental strain. By protecting adjacent teeth, implants help maintain your overall oral health for years to come.
Types of Dental Implant Treatments at Spearmint Dental
Single-Tooth Implants
If you’re missing a single tooth, a single implant topped with a custom crown can restore your smile with precision. The replacement looks and feels completely natural, blending in seamlessly with your existing teeth. It’s the most efficient way to replace a tooth without affecting neighboring ones.
Multiple-Tooth Implants
For patients missing several teeth in a row, implants can support a bridge without relying on adjacent teeth. This creates a strong, natural-looking solution that restores both function and aesthetics. Multiple implants evenly distribute chewing pressure and prevent bone loss in the affected areas.
Full-Arch Implants
Full-arch dental implants are ideal for patients missing most or all of their teeth. Using a few strategically placed implants, we can secure an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. This modern solution provides the look, feel, and function of a full natural smile—without the slipping or discomfort of traditional dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures combine the best of both worlds: the stability of implants and the convenience of removable dentures. These dentures snap securely into place, eliminating slipping and improving chewing efficiency. Patients often experience a significant boost in comfort and confidence with this solution.
The Dental Implant Process at Spearmint Dental
Consultation & Planning
We start with a comprehensive consultation that includes a detailed exam, digital X-rays, and a discussion of your goals. This step allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and understand what to expect before we begin.
Implant Placement
During this phase, a small titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. The procedure is precise and minimally invasive, ensuring comfort and accuracy. After placement, the implant begins the process of integrating with the bone, which is critical for long-term stability.
Healing Phase
Over several months, the bone and implant fuse together in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, permanent foundation for the new tooth restoration. During this period, a temporary tooth may be placed for aesthetic purposes, so you never have to go without a smile.
Abutment Placement
Once healing is complete, we attach a small connector piece called an abutment to the implant. This component serves as the link between the implant post and your final restoration. It’s carefully placed to ensure a perfect fit and proper alignment.
Final Restoration
The final step involves attaching a custom crown, bridge, or denture to the abutment. The restoration is designed to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color, completing your new smile. Once placed, your implants look, feel, and function like real teeth.
Myths & Facts About Dental Implants
Myth 1: Dental implants are painful.
Fact: With modern anesthesia and gentle surgical techniques, implant surgery is far more comfortable than most people expect. Patients often report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, similar to a routine tooth extraction. Post-treatment soreness is mild and easily managed with medication. At Spearmint Dental, we prioritize patient comfort every step of the way.
Myth 2: Implants are only for young people.
Fact: Adults of nearly any age can benefit from dental implants as long as they’re in good oral and overall health. Whether you’re in your 30s or 70s, implants offer a stable, long-term solution for missing teeth. In fact, older patients often experience dramatic improvements in comfort and confidence after receiving implants. Age is rarely a limiting factor when health conditions are properly managed.
Myth 3: Dental implants require special care.
Fact: Implants can be cared for just like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. There’s no need for adhesives or special cleaning routines as with dentures. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits ensures your implants last for many years. With proper care, they can remain strong, functional, and beautiful for a lifetime.
Why Choose Spearmint Dental for Dental Implants in Edmonton?
At Spearmint Dental, we combine advanced technology with a patient-first approach to ensure successful, stress-free implant treatment. With clinics in South Edmonton and West Edmonton, we make accessing high-quality restorative care convenient. Our experienced dentists focus on precision and comfort, guiding you through every stage of the process. From consultation to final restoration, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful, and functional smile that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, implants can last 20 years or more, often a lifetime.
Is everyone eligible for implants?
Most patients qualify, but some may need bone grafting or periodontal treatment first.
How long does the implant process take?
The full process typically takes 3–6 months, depending on healing time and the number of implants.
Are dental implants expensive?
They are an investment, but their longevity makes them cost-effective compared to other replacements.
Can implants replace dentures?
Yes. Implants can support full-arch restorations, offering better stability and chewing power.
Will implants look natural?
Yes, implant restorations are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
Does smoking affect implants?
Yes, smoking increases the risk of implant failure. Quitting or reducing smoking is strongly advised.
What is the success rate of implants?
Implants have a success rate of over 95% when placed by experienced professionals.
Is the surgery safe?
Yes. Implant placement is a common, safe procedure performed under local anesthesia with minimal risks.
How do I care for dental implants?
Brush and floss daily, and attend regular check-ups to maintain implant health.
Book Your Dental Implant Consultation Today
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Contact Spearmint Dental today to schedule your implant consultation at our South Edmonton or West Edmonton clinic. Our team is ready to restore your smile with permanent, natural-looking dental implants.
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