Missing teeth can lead to a decrease in quality of life by affecting how we eat, speak, rest, appear and consequently behave. There are many acceptable ways to replace missing teeth, but the use of dental implants has become one of the preferred techniques in the last 35 years for many patients.
We are currently not accepting new patients for the fall session.
To become an Implant Patient at the University of Alberta, Department of Dentistry, Implant Dentistry Clinic you must first call (780) 492-7296 for an initial examination ($25.00). This fee includes the examination. Additional radiographs may be required to assess your particular clinical situation.
At the initial examination, it will be determined by the supervising clinician if you are a good candidate for our program (more complex cases will be referred to private practice), if so you will be informed as to your treatment plan, length of treatment, and accompanying costs.
Exclusions for treatment
If you are a smoker treatment will not be an option.
The Implant Clinic is not able to offer the following treatments:
Implant supported dentures
Anterior (front teeth) implants
Call (780) 492-7296 for more information.
Dr Tom Stevenson, Division head of Oral & Maxillofacial & Implant Dentistry
Dr Brian Kucey, Director of Prosthetic Implant Clinic
Dr Kevin Lung, Director of Implant Surgery
Dr Cheryl Cable, Course Coordinator of Implant Program
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are small screws made out of titanium to replace missing teeth. Titanium is the only metal we know that the body accepts and allows bone to grow in and around it. By placing an implant in the jaw bone (where the natural tooth root was), we can anchor replacement teeth and thus restore the patient to full function. Restoring comfort, function, esthetics and preserving the natural anatomy are the primary treatment goals in replacing missing teeth with dental implants.
How Can Dental Implants Be Used to Replace Missing Teeth?
Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
Support a bridge (where multiple teeth are tied together to span a larger gap)
Provide support, retention and stability to removable partials and dentures
Benefits of Dental Implants:
Reduces the need to cut down adjacent teeth for bridges – retains as much natural anatomy as possible
Helps preserve the remaining natural bone structure
Supports the face shape and smile
Eliminates the need for removable partials and dentures – and the sores that may go along with them
Provides an option for leaving the roof of the mouth uncovered by removable partials or complete dentures
Look, feel and function just like natural teeth
Provides confidence in eating, speaking and smiling.
Who Makes up Your Dental Implant Team:
The Dentist will complete the diagnosis and treatment planning phase. (S)he may place the implant or refer you to a certified dental specialist who places many implants in a surgical suite. These specialists include Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons and Periodontists.
The Dental Radiologist will read the special radiographs and provide a report to the Dentist placing the implants. This report will specify exactly how much bone is in the areas specified by predetermined markers. Other anatomical concerns will be identified at this point also.
The Dental Assistants will help you through each visit, including helping make the impressions to fabricate temporary teeth and also the permanent ones taken by the Dentist.
The Dental Laboratory Technician fabricates the temporary and permanent teeth based off of the impressions made by your Dentist.
The Dental Hygienist and Dentist will help you design a hygiene program custom built for you to take care of your new teeth
The Office Manager will help submit insurance forms for preauthorization and submission as well as format a payment plan.
Your Family will provide support and amazement as you progress along your personal dental transformation.
What to Expect in Your Visits:
The dentist will complete a comprehensive examination, including medical and dental history, to help decide whether you are a candidate for dental implants. (S)he will examine each tooth and record fillings, tooth positions, gum and bone status, and any other dental requirements that need to be taken care of.
Special radiographs (panoramic and tomograms) will be taken to evaluate how much bone is present and where this bone is exactly. This will help assess whether implants can be placed directly, or whether an additional step of grafting more bone will be required. This is a very important step to help the dentist placing the implant identify important anatomical structures such as nerves, sinuses, and adjacent teeth roots.
Mounted diagnostic study casts of the teeth will also help clarify expectations between the dentist and the patient.
All treatment options, including: nothing, removable prostheses (partials and dentures), fixed prostheses (crowns and bridges) and implants will be discussed. Both you and your dentist will have an opportunity to sit down and decide what the best treatment option is for you.
A comprehensive treatment plan that looks at the whole mouth, and does not attempt to merely fill in missing holes, is required. Now is the time to take care of structural problems – you would only build a house on a solid foundation, so why take any risks when investing in your teeth? If you do the job properly, you do the job once.
Once a treatment plan is decided upon, the next step is placing the implant in the jaw. This procedure will be performed by your dentist in either the dental office or a surgical suite. Local anesthetic is usually the preferred pain control technique. If desired though, your dentist can provide you with a prescription for oral premedication, inhalation or intravenous sedation during the procedure for your comfort. You should not feel anything during the procedure and will require over the counter pain medication afterwards.
Once the implant is placed, it is usually left to heal without being disturbed before the permanent teeth are made. Healing time can vary anywhere between immediate loading to up to 6 months depending on your healing capacity. It is important that healthy bone develop around the implant to facilitate a strong bond to hold the implant in place during function.
Once the healing phase is complete, your dentist will make a final impression and fabricate permanent teeth in conjunction with a dental laboratory technician.
The implant teeth can be either screw-retained or cemented in place if designed to be fixed, or removable on either a bar with clips or other attachments if designed to be removable. Your dentist will discuss which option is best for you based on many different factors.
Once the permanent teeth are placed, you will then receive care and hygiene instructions with a schedule for future recall visits. You are now part of the Dental Implant family!
Caring for Implant-Retained Teeth:
Just like your natural teeth, implant-retained teeth must be cleaned on a daily basis and undergo regular dentist check-ups. Special plastic cleaning instruments are used to avoid scratching the titanium surface of the implant. Your dentist and hygienist will help you find a cleaning technique that you can do daily. Much of the long-term success of your dental implants will rely on you keeping your teeth clean. At your check-up appointments, your hygienist and dentist will be able to evaluate how you are doing and be able to change your cleaning technique as needed.
FAQ:
How do I know if implants are right for me?
Sit down with your dentist and discuss treatment options once your dentist has had a chance to complete a comprehensive examination. Take the documentation home and make any decisions with family members or friends giving you the necessary input. Do not rush any decisions to have large work done. If you are not comfortable with the recommendations, go get a second opinion from a certified specialist in Prosthodontics.
How much do implants cost?
Every patient has significantly different needs both surgically and restoratively (the teeth that go on top of the implants), so giving a flat estimate is not recommended. Some of the procedures involved that will affect how much implant treatment will cost include: the number of implants required, the type of teeth to be used (porcelain and gold or resin), any additional surgical procedures required to place the implants (grafting of tissue and/or bone). Your dentist will provide a written cost estimate once the necessary information has been gathered.
How long will the implant last?
Every patient is different. But, with proper treatment planning, careful surgical procedures and exact prosthetic planning there are pretty good odds the implants will last for the remainder of your life. You need to follow regular check-ups with your dentist and clean your teeth carefully to ensure long-term success!
Who should not have implants placed?
We are primarily concerned with patients who have surgical and healing complications. If you have cardiac or pulmonary problems that would not allow you to have an elective surgical procedure completed, implants are not recommended.
Patients who smoke or have uncontrolled metabolic diseases (severe diabetes) have a much poorer success rate with implants. Quitting smoking is required in most offices. When in doubt, your dentist will contact your doctor to ensure you are a suitable candidate for implant placement.
What type of implant should I have placed?
There are thousands of different implant types on the market today. You should ask your dentist what type of implant (S)he is recommending and why. Ensure that the implant company selected has at least 25 years of research under their belt and substantial research articles published. When in doubt, contact a certified Prosthodontist or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or Periodontist and ask then about the implant company you have been recommended. Access promotional material and read up on their web sites. There will be patient information in additional to many photographs on these sites that will answer most of your questions directly.
Searching for more information on dental implants or a Prosthodontist in your area?
Please look at the following websites:
Alberta Dental Association and College
http://www.abda.ab.ca
The Association of Prosthodontists of Canada
http://www.prosthodontics.ca/
American College of Prosthodontists
http://www.prosthodontics.org/
