An implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw where a tooth root used to be, with a crown fitted on top once the bone has healed around it. It replaces a missing tooth without grinding down the teeth beside it, and it stays put when you eat.
When you might need this
- A tooth was pulled or knocked out and the gap bothers you when you chew.
- You have a partial denture or old bridge you would rather replace with something fixed.
- A tooth is cracked below the gum and cannot be saved with a root canal or crown.
- A full denture keeps slipping and you want implants to hold it in place.
- Neighbouring teeth are starting to tip or drift into an old gap.
What happens
Exam and X-rays
Dr. Malik checks the gap, your bite and the bone under it with X-rays. You need enough healthy bone to hold the post; if it is thin, he tells you whether a graft comes first, or whether a bridge or denture is the better choice.
Placing the post
We numb the area properly, with nitrous oxide if you want it. Dr. Malik places a titanium post in the jaw where the root was, and you go home with written aftercare.
Healing
Over a few months the bone grows onto the titanium and locks the post in place. If the gap shows, you can wear a temporary tooth over it meanwhile.
Abutment and crown
Once the post is solid, a small connector called an abutment is attached to it. A crown matched to your other teeth is then fitted on top.
Looking after it
You brush and floss an implant like any other tooth, and we check it at your regular cleanings.
Cost and insurance
An implant is billed in stages, for the post, the abutment and the crown, usually across three or four visits over several months. Many dental plans cover part of the crown and some cover part of the surgery. We bill your insurance directly. You see the estimate in writing before anything starts, including any bone graft. No insurance? We tell you the cost up front.
Questions people ask
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The area is fully numb before the post goes in, and we stop if you need a break. Expect some soreness for a few days afterwards, much like having a tooth pulled.
How long does a dental implant take from start to finish?
Usually a few months. The post needs time to fuse with the bone before the crown goes on, and a bone graft adds to that.
Is an implant better than a bridge?
A bridge is quicker, usually two visits a few weeks apart, but it relies on grinding down the teeth on either side of the gap. An implant stands on its own and leaves those teeth alone. Dr. Malik lays out both, with an estimate for each, so you can decide.
Do I need to see a specialist for an implant?
Not here. Dr. Malik places the post and fits the crown himself, downstairs at 5105 Hurontario, so you are not sent to a second office.
Related services
Book a visit
Missing a tooth? Book a first visit and Dr. Malik tells you whether an implant, a bridge or a denture fits your mouth and your budget.