Dental Implants in West Edmonton
From bridges to dentures, we offer plenty of tooth replacement options.
Restore your smile
Missing teeth can negatively affect your speech, ability to chew, and may even impact your self-esteem. If you are self-conscious of smiling or are dealing with issues because of the condition of your teeth, there are solutions that can help.
Tooth replacement options
Dental implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth. The “root” portion is made of titanium and is placed in the jawbone, whereas the artificial tooth portion is made of either porcelain/ceramic, metal or a combination of both based on function and preference. The placement of a dental implant is a surgical procedure. Many believe that dental implants are more expensive than bridges. Although initial costs may seem that way, in the long term, implants can prove to be a more cost-effective treatment option. They are less likely to require replacement over one’s lifetime. They are less likely to contribute to complications with adjacent teeth.
The benefits of dental implants are that they function, look, and feel like your real teeth! In the short-term following the implant placement surgery, the jawbone will heal, attaching the titanium implant to the bone. Once the crown is connected to the implant, it is able to withstand the force of chewing, while also allowing for resolution of the appearance of the smile.
Bridges
Bridges rely on adjacent teeth to replace the missing tooth/teeth. This does increase the risk to the health of the adjacent teeth over time, especially in situations where effective oral hygiene routines are lacking. In comparison, implants are independent of the adjacent teeth, and hence, do not tend to negatively influence the neighbouring teeth.
Traditional bridges
Traditional bridges are designed to replace missing teeth by attaching to the teeth that neighbour the site of the missing tooth. They can be designed in porcelain for optimal aesthetics, metal, or a combination of both. The concept of a bridge is one where the artificial tooth/teeth (called pontics) are attached to crowns on both sides of the pontic to replace the missing tooth and complete the smile.
Maryland bonded bridges
These are also known as resin-bonded bridges, fabricated as porcelain supported by a metal framework. The bridge is bonded to the adjacent teeth. It can provide a highly aesthetic option, but is not able to easily withstand heavy chewing forces.
The advantage of the design of a Maryland bridge is that it involves minimal tooth reduction to adapt the bridge, but it is not an effective option to replace a molar or bicuspid tooth. As with traditional bridges, these bridges do require multiple visits to ensure the right fit and colour. When compared to implants, however, it is generally faster to have a bridge placed than to place and finish an implant at the same site.
Dentures
Removable partial dentures
Partial dentures are a removable option for tooth replacement. With a partial denture, it is possible to replace one or multiple teeth, including situations where the missing teeth are not all side-by-side, in one appliance. The partial denture will have a main component that is usually metal, forming the framework on which the artificial teeth are attached. Partial dentures are designed to grip some of the remaining teeth so as to provide stability when chewing. The number and position of the missing teeth will determine the stability of the partial denture, and will be likely to play a role in the longterm outcome of wearing a partial denture.
Partial dentures offer the advantage of being less costly than the other options discussed above, but they eventually play a role in compromising the health and stability of the teeth they clasp and can lead to concerns with discomfort.
Removable complete denture
Complete dentures are offered as a tooth replacement option to patients who either have no teeth, or require the removal of all of their existing teeth on one or both jaws. The fabrication of a complete denture involves multiple brief visits to the dental clinic, with slightly more visits for patients requiring extractions.
Teeth tidbit
Tooth replacement lasts for the long-term
Dental implants, bridges, and dentures are relatively permanent solutions. They only need simple maintenance that you routinely perform as you would for the rest of your teeth.
It's your time to shine
Schedule your next visit and we’ll keep your mind, body, and smile healthy for years to come.