Dental Implant
What are the benefits of an implant?
- An implant replaces your missing tooth or teeth, restoring your chewing function.
- It helps to maintain the bone that disappears after a tooth is extracted, preventing undesirable changes to your facial structure and appearance that can accompany tooth loss.
- It prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting and moving into the gap.
What are the advantages of an implant over a bridge?
- An implant preserves the bone in the area.
- An implant leaves the adjacent teeth untouched.
- If any tooth that is part of the bridge gets a cavity or infection, the entire bridge may be lost. Hence, bridges generally have shorter lifespans than implants.
- An implant is often easier to keep clean than a bridge.
- Although an implant often has a higher initial treatment cost, it may cost less in the long term.
Some common questions
How long will the process take?
Timelines vary between cases. Some cases require grafting prior to implant placement and this can extend the timeline. After an implant is placed, it must be left to heal for three or more months prior to your general dentist having a crown fabricated.
Can you chew on that side?
Most of the times yes. However, we recommend chewing on the opposite side if possible for the first 2 days or so.
How long do implants last?
Implants are a long-term solution for most patients. As with teeth, some implants develop inflammation (peri-implantitis) that can lead to bone loss and, sometimes, implant loss. However, like with periodontitis around teeth, seeing your hygienist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene can lower the risk and can allow implant disease to be detected and treated early.
What is the success rate with implants?
Implants have a very high success rate (95+ percent). In the case that an implant fails, a new one can usually be placed in the same area.
How long do I have to go without a tooth?
It varies case by case, but there are often temporary options. For anterior teeth, there may be the option of retainers (like Invisalign retainers but with a plastic tooth) or sometimes a temporary removable denture. Prior to the permanent crown, your general dentist may make a temporary crown to help shape the gum tissues for ideal aesthetics. Please discuss your options with your general dentist.
Dr. Sarah Gallagher
Born and raised in Saskatoon, Dr. Sarah Gallagher studied at the University of Saskatchewan. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 2007 and her Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2013. After working for two years as a general dentist in a rural practice, she returned to school to specialize in periodontics. After three years in beautiful Halifax, she completed her Masters of Periodontics at Dalhousie University. As a periodontist, she provides a wide range of periodontal and implant treatments. Dr. Gallagher enjoys painting, reading and spending time outdoors.
Contact us
Address
100-1202 Emerson Ave.
Saskatoon, SK S7H 2X1
Phone
(306) 664-1931
Hours
Weekdays 8am-4pm
Free parking in front.
Please call or send us a message if you would like to book an appointment.