Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are a replacement option for missing teeth. They come in two parts.

Part 1 - Is a fixture that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. The fixture may require additional hard and soft tissue grafting to improve the long-term success for this foundation.

Part 2 - Is the crown, which is the actual visible tooth in the mouth. This crown is either screwed or cemented to create a permanent fixture.

How is an implant done?

Great question. There are few different scenarios that are determined by the periodontist.

Delayed approached - The implant fixture is surgically placed into the site of the missing tooth and the gum is covered over. The missing space above the implant may or may not have a temporary prosthesis/denture.

Immediate - Once the implant/implants is placed, there may either be a healing abutment/metal cap or a temporary tooth/denture that is connected to the implant. This saves some healing time and possibly avoids minor surgery at the second stage. This scenario has very specific indications and so its best to discuss this possibility with your surgeon.

Do I need to be “put under” for the implant surgery?

Periodontal and implant surgery are considered minor surgical procedures and are usually performed with just local anesthesia. Dental anxiety is common in the general population and to make your experience more relaxing and pleasant, we offer mild conscious sedation (Oral Sedation). Please feel free to discuss this with your dentist.

Who is involved on the implant team?

Generally we, as the periodontist, focus on the surgical aspect of the implant treatment. Together with your restorative dentist and the lab, we work in a team to make sure you get the ideal functional and aesthetic result.

Here are some of the roles on your team:

Restorative dentist - Treatment planning, temporary denture fabrication, shade selection, impressions for implant and delivery of final restoration.

Implant Surgeon (Periodontist) - Treatment planning, evaluation of radiographs, placement of implant/bone grafting, testing the implant prior to giving the green light to the restorative dentist.

Lab technician - Fabrication of temporary and final restoration, help make surgical guides for the implant surgeon as needed.

Of course, all of our treatment from start to finish involve helpful and brilliant staff members who are dedicated to making sure all of your needs are met. Our goal is to guide you through the process in a comfortable manner.

What happens after my implant is inserted?

The healing process for the implant takes about 3 to 4 months, but don’t worry - we’ll be with you every step of the way! Between 1-2 weeks after your surgery, you’ll come back to see us to remove any sutures and make sure you’re healing well. Then, around 6-8 weeks after your surgery you’ll come in to see us again so that we can make sure you’re healing well and that everything is as it should be. Finally, about 3-4 months after your surgery, you’ll come in for what we call a ‘torque test’ - this is when we make sure that the implant and the bone are fully integrated and that you’re ready to see your dentist to have your new implant restored.

What happens once my implant is restored?

Once you’ve got your restoration completed, we’ll bring you in for a few more check ups in the first year of your implant. We’ll see you at:

• 6 months
• 12 months

You’ll come in to see us annually for implant maintenance (to get it cleaned by one of our specialized hygienists) and for a check up once every 2 to 3 years.

Can an implant fail?

Yes, in rare cases implants can fail. Studies show that in 15-20 years follow up, implant survival rates are 95%. Within the 5% margin of implant failure, these cases are usually related to patients that have conditions that put them at a higher risk for implant failure. Some of these factors are:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• HIV
• IV bisphosphonate
• Other immune compromising conditions

We take all factors into consideration when working with you to plan your treatment, not just your oral health. Our policy is to go above and beyond what’s necessary to make sure that getting an implant is a comfortable, stress-free, and easy process for you. If an implant fixture fails within a year of placement, we’ll replace the implant at no additional cost to you. However please do connect with your restorative dentist to discuss their warranty and costs for the restorative aspects.

Why choose implant therapy at Victoria Road Periodontal associates?

With a long history of providing comprehensive services in periodontics and dental implants, victoria road periodontal associates remain committed to work as a team to ensure an easy, comfortable and successful treatment outcome. We recognize that implant therapy is not inexpensive and we work together with all patients to come to the right solution. As specialist in the foundation of teeth and implants, periodontists are in unique position to offer not only surgical placement of implants, but also the maintenance and the management of complications that may occur following their placement. It is our policy to continue the upkeep of implants and follow the cases with time to ensure maintenance of a successful outcome. We also work closely with other specialists and dentists in a collaborative fashion to handle complex cases.

If you have further questions you can contact us directly at (902) 463-5771 or visit the Canadian Academy of Periodontology for more information.