Dental implants allow you to replace a missing tooth using one of the world's most advanced forms of dentistry. You’ll be able to avoid covering your smile, taking out dentures, or caring for dental bridges.
You have 28 - 32 teeth in your mouth. Missing a single tooth can impact your smile, cause your teeth to shift, and make you self-conscious.
Studies show that the trend of people getting dental implants is rising. If you’re considering implants and are concerned about costs, we’re going to outline the average costs for the procedure in Canada.
Cost to Get Dental Implants in 2023
We ask that you come into our office for a full examination to help you better understand the total cost of your dental implants. However, the cost of a dental implant in Canada will cost you $4,000 - $6,000 per tooth in 2025/6. On average expect to budget $5000.
If you’re missing two or three teeth, the cost of implants will range from $8,000 - $12,000.
When Are Dental Implants Necessary?
Do you need a dental implant? Maybe. Maybe not. There are many ways to restore your smile if you’re missing a tooth, such as a dental bridge or dentures. When you’re considering cost-effectiveness, these two options are less expensive than implants.
Implants are necessary for two scenarios:
- You cannot get crowns, dentures or a bridge
- You don’t want crowns, dentures or a bridge
Bridges may not have the supporting teeth necessary to support them, and we may recommend an implant for this reason. However, in most cases, we can accommodate you with a bridge or denture.
Will Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
In most cases, the answer is: no. Insurance providers often view implants as a cosmetic procedure and will not cover the expense. Private insurers may cover the cost of some of the procedure.
6 Signs That You May Need Dental Implants
Many patients that come into our office have telltale signs that they’ll benefit from a dental implant. The most common signs that you need dental implants are:
1. You’re Missing One or More Teeth
What’s the main sign that you need implants? Missing teeth. If you have missing teeth and want a permanent way to restore them, dental implants are the best option. You don’t need to deal with dentures or bridges getting loose over time.
Implants offer a long-term resolution to missing teeth and can last a lifetime.
Implants are inserted into your jawbone, so they won’t fall out on their own and unlike dentures are typically not removed before bed.
2. Your Tooth is Infected and Cannot Be Saved
Tooth infections may be remedied with a root canal, but there are times when the infection or decay is so intense that we cannot save the tooth. Other times a tooth can become loose and you’ll need to have your tooth removed and choose a replacement option that you prefer.
Dental implants may be your top choice.
3. Your Dentures Are Causing You to Have a “Sunken Face”
Sunken facial features are often the result of not enough pressure being placed on the jawbone. Critical tissue helps keep your face looking full, and your jaw may begin to recess because your teeth are no longer present to apply adequate pressure.
4. Dentures Are Not Working for You
For some people, dentures are a major headache. You’ll find that they slip out of place, require adhesives to remain in place, and do not look nearly as natural as dental implants.
5. Missing Teeth Are Causing You to Hide Your Smile
No one should hide their smile. If you hide your smile because you’re missing teeth, dental implants will restore your confidence and allow you to show your smile to the world again.
6. You Cannot Eat Many of Your Favorite Foods
Do you have pain when you chew or just find it too difficult to eat with dentures? Missing out on your favorite food is easy to fix with strong, durable dental implants.
If you think that you need dental implants, you’ll want to go through the step-by-step guide below to understand the procedure better. Implants are complex and knowing the steps required can help ease your mind going into the dental chair.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace a missing tooth, but the process is a long one that involves multiple steps.
The entire process can take anywhere from 5-8 months, but the results make it well worth the commitment.
Let’s take a closer look at how dental implants work.
Consultation
The first step is a consultation. We’ll determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
Good candidates for dental implants have:
- Good oral health
- Enough bone density in the jaw to support the implant
If you don’t have enough bone density, then the implant may fail.
The jawbone weakens over time if a missing tooth is not replaced, which can make it more challenging or even impossible to get implants.
If bone density is an issue, we can discuss doing a bone graft to build up your jawbone so that it can support the implant.
If the implant will be placed in the upper jaw and there isn’t enough bone there, a sinus lift may solve the problem.
We’ll discuss these issues and address any other concerns you may have during the consultation stage.
Grafting or Sinus Lift
If bone grafting or a sinus lift is needed, then we will perform these procedures first.
- Bone grafting involves opening up the gums and placing a piece of bone over the jaw bone (either sterilized animal bone or artificial bone), and suturing the gum tissue together. The graft will bond the bone and help regenerate growth where the implant will be placed.
- A sinus lift is similar to a bone graft. Bone will be placed under the gums, which will lift the sinus to create room for an implant.
Bone grafting is not a quick process. It can take anywhere from 3-9 months for the graft to heal completely. The good news is that the procedure has a very high success rate, and most patients are able to move forward with the implant procedure.
Placing the Implant
The next step is to surgically implant your new artificial tooth root into your jaw. Implants have a screw-like design, and they’re made of titanium.
The procedure starts with giving you a local anesthetic, which will make the procedure as stress-free and painless as possible.
Then, we’ll open up the gum tissue, place the implant, and suture the gums back together.
The entire process only takes about an hour from start to finish.
Once implanted, the bone in your jaw will start to fuse with the implant to create a secure base for your tooth.
The healing process can take anywhere from 3-6 months or more. The bone in the lower jaw tends to heal faster than the bone in the upper jaw. It’s important to remember that everyone heals at their own pace, and it may take longer for your implant to fully fuse with your jaw.
If you’re concerned about the look of your smile during healing, you’ll be happy to hear that:
- We can place a temporary tooth on the implant for front or visible teeth.
- A healing abutment will protect your implant during healing and will likely not be visible with back teeth.
- We may also be able to give you a “flipper,” which is a partial plate that will cover the gap.
We’ll discuss all of your options during this stage, so you can feel comfortable and confident during the healing process.
Attaching the Crown
Once your implant has had the time to heal, we can move on to the final step: attaching the permanent crown.
First, we’ll take a final scan that will be sent off to the lab. Once your crown is ready, you can come back to the office for a final visit.
During this last visit, we’ll place the final crown and check the fit to make sure everything looks perfect.
Once you’re happy with the look and fit of the crown, you can leave our office feeling confident in your smile again.
Learn More About Dental Implants
The beauty of a dental implant is that when cared for properly, it can last a lifetime. While this procedure may come at a high cost, most patients find that it’s worth every penny.
Implants look and feel natural, but they also help prevent bone loss in the jaw and your teeth from shifting over time. They’re a worthwhile investment in your smile and self-esteem.
To learn more about implants and to schedule a consultation, call us today!
