Frequently asked questions.

General

  • Dental implants are a highly successful solution for replacing missing teeth, with overall success rates typically ranging from 90% to 95%.

    Success rates can vary based on factors such as the implant's location. The reported five-year success rate is approximately 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants, with the difference attributed to variations in bone density. Additionally, a study summarized by Straumann found a cumulative five-year survival rate of 99.26% for dental implants.

    It's important to note that individual success rates can be influenced by factors such as overall health, oral hygiene, and the presence of conditions like diabetes or smoking habits. Consulting with a dental professional can provide personalized information regarding the suitability and expected outcomes of dental implants.

  • Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional dentures:

    1. Enhanced Stability and Comfort: Implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, providing a secure fit that eliminates the discomfort and movement often associated with dentures.

    2. Improved Chewing Efficiency: With implants, you can enjoy a wider variety of foods without restrictions, as they restore full chewing power comparable to natural teeth.

    3. Preservation of Jawbone and Facial Structure: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial contours, whereas dentures do not provide this benefit.

    4. Natural Appearance: Custom-designed to match your natural teeth, implants offer a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.

    5. Longevity and Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution over time compared to dentures that may require replacement every 5–7 years.

    These benefits make dental implants a superior choice for many individuals seeking a reliable and natural-feeling tooth replacement option.

  • Yes, dental implants can be placed and restored in a single day through procedures commonly referred to as "same-day dental implants" or "Teeth-in-a-Day." This approach involves extracting any necessary teeth, placing the dental implants, and attaching temporary prosthetic teeth all within one appointment. This method offers immediate functionality and aesthetics, allowing patients to leave the dental office with a new smile on the same day.

    However, not all patients are suitable candidates for same-day implants. Factors such as bone density, oral health, and overall medical condition play a crucial role in determining eligibility. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified dental professional is essential to assess whether this procedure is appropriate for you.

    It's important to note that while the initial placement and temporary restoration occur on the same day, the final, permanent prosthetic teeth are typically placed after a healing period of several months to ensure optimal integration of the implants with the jawbone.

    Consulting with an experienced implant dentist will provide personalized information and help determine the best treatment plan based on your individual needs.

  • The cost of dental implants in Montreal varies depending on several factors, including the number of implants required, the type of implant system used, and any additional procedures such as bone grafting. On average, a single dental implant including the implant post, abutment, and crown ranges from CAD 4,500 to CAD 5,000.

    It's important to note that these prices can fluctuate based on individual circumstances, the complexity of the case, and the need for additional procedures, such as bone grafting or sinus lifts, if required, can also affect the overall cost. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with a dental professional to obtain a personalized treatment plan and accurate cost estimate.

    • All-on-4® Dental Implants: A technique that uses four implants to support a full-arch restoration, providing a faster solution for complete tooth replacement.

    • Bone Grafting: Procedures to augment bone density, ensuring a solid foundation for implant placement.

    • Sinus Lift: A surgical procedure that raises the sinus floor to allow for new bone formation, facilitating implant placement in the upper jaw.

    • Implant-Supported Bridges and Dentures: Restorations that are anchored by implants, offering enhanced stability and function compared to traditional options.

    • Zirconia Dental Implants: Metal-free implants made from zirconia, known for their strength and aesthetic appeal.

    • Same-Day Dental Implants: Procedures that allow for implant placement and restoration in a single visit, reducing treatment time.

    These services are designed to cater to various patient needs, ensuring personalized and effective dental implant solutions.

  • The duration of a dental implant procedure varies based on individual circumstances and the complexity of the case. Here's a general overview of the process:

    1. Initial Consultation and Planning: This phase involves evaluating your dental health and creating a treatment plan, typically requiring 1–2 visits over 1–2 weeks.

    2. Tooth Extraction (if necessary): If a damaged or decayed tooth needs removal, the extraction procedure takes about 20–40 minutes per tooth, with a healing period of 1–2 weeks before proceeding.

    3. Bone Grafting (if needed): For patients with insufficient bone density, a bone graft may be required, adding 3–6 months for healing before implant placement.

    4. Implant Placement Surgery: The surgical insertion of the implant into the jawbone usually takes 1–2 hours per implant.

    5. Healing and Osseointegration: Post-surgery, the implant integrates with the jawbone over 3–6 months.

    6. Abutment Placement: After successful integration, an abutment is attached to the implant, a procedure lasting 30–60 minutes, followed by a 1–2 week healing period.

    7. Crown Placement: The final step involves placing a custom-made crown onto the abutment, typically completed in 1–2 appointments over 2 weeks.

    In summary, the entire dental implant process can range from 3 to 9 months, depending on individual healing times and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are necessary.

  • Dental implant surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort, swelling, and mild soreness are normal for a few days afterwards and can be managed with prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients find the procedure more comfortable than they expected.

  • Dental implants are not typically covered by provincial health insurance in Quebec. However, some private dental insurance plans may cover part of the cost, such as the crown component. We recommend checking with your insurance provider. Our team can provide a detailed treatment plan to help you submit a claim.

Gum Grafting

  • Gum grafting is done to treat gum recession, which can expose the roots of your teeth and lead to sensitivity, decay, or aesthetic concerns. The graft helps cover the exposed areas and restore a healthy gum line.

  • Recovery usually takes about 1-2 weeks. During this period, you may experience swelling and discomfort, but these symptoms typically subside with time.

  • It's important to avoid brushing the grafted area for the first few weeks. You can brush the rest of your teeth gently but should follow your dentist's instructions for proper care.

  • Yes, gum grafts are designed to blend in with the natural gum tissue. Over time, the graft will heal and integrate with your existing gums.

Bone Grafting

  • Bone grafting is a procedure used to build up the bone in areas where it is insufficient to support dental implants. It may be necessary due to bone loss from tooth extraction, gum disease, or trauma.

  • While some discomfort and swelling are common after the procedure, pain can usually be managed with prescribed medications and over-the-counter pain relievers.

  • Bone grafting healing typically takes several months. The graft needs time to integrate with the existing bone before dental implants can be placed.

  • Yes, there are several types, including autografts (from your own body) which are considered the golden standard, allografts (from a donor), xenografts (from animals) and synthetic grafts. Your dentist will determine which type is best suited for your needs.

Ceramic Implants

  • Ceramic implants are made from a biocompatible material called zirconia, which is an alternative to traditional titanium implants. They are highly aesthetic, especially for front teeth, and offer a metal-free option.

  • Ceramic implants blend better with natural bone and gum tissue, making them an ideal choice for visible areas where aesthetics are important.

  • Yes, ceramic implants are biocompatible and have a lower risk of allergic reactions compared to metal implants. However, not everyone may be a candidate.

  • Ceramic implants, while offering benefits like aesthetic appeal and biocompatibility, have some drawbacks. They have limited long-term data compared to titanium implants, and are more prone to fracture under heavy forces. The material is more challenging to place and adjust, and there are fewer customization options available. Ceramic implants tend to be more expensive, and their use is often better suited for front teeth rather than back teeth with heavy bite forces. Additionally, they may not be ideal for complex cases involving bone grafting or sinus augmentation.

  • Immediately after surgery, avoid touching the surgical site. Keep your head elevated and apply ice packs for 48 hours to minimize swelling. Avoid physical exertion and take the prescribed medications as directed.

  • Swelling typically peaks within 48-72 hours after surgery, then gradually decreases. Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling in the first 24 hours.

  • Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods. Stick to soft, cool foods like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes for the first few days to avoid irritation to the surgical site.

  • Rest is crucial for the first few days. Typically, you can return to light activities within 3-4 days, but avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week.

Post-Operative Instructions After Oral Surgery

All-on-X

  • The All-on-X implant is a full-arch restoration using 4-6 implants to support a complete set of teeth. It’s a great option for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth and want a fixed, permanent solution.

  • The procedure can typically be completed in one or two visits, depending on your specific case. Final restoration may take a few months, but natural looking provisional teeth can be placed immediately.

  • Some discomfort and swelling are normal after surgery. Pain can be managed with prescribed medications and over-the-counter pain relievers.

  • With proper care, All-on-X implants can last a lifetime. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are ESSENTIAL for long-term success.

Esthetic Crown Lengthening

  • Esthetic crown lengthening is a surgical procedure used to remove excess gum tissue, revealing more of the tooth’s surface to improve the appearance of a "gummy" smile or to prepare the tooth for restorative work.

  • Yes, stitches are typically used after the procedure. These are usually dissolvable and may not need to be removed.

  • Mild discomfort and swelling are common after the procedure, but pain can usually be managed with prescribed medications.

  • Healing generally takes a few weeks, with the final aesthetic results becoming evident after 2-3 months once the gums have fully healed.

  • Yes, direct composite veneers or indirect porcelain veneers, when needed, can bring out the beauty of the smile and nicely complement this procedure.

Immediate Implantation

  • Immediate implantation refers to placing a dental implant right after a tooth is extracted, rather than waiting for the extraction site to heal. This can reduce treatment time and improve aesthetic outcomes.

  • Not everyone is a candidate for immediate implantation. It depends on the quality and quantity of the bone in the extraction site. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation.

  • Discomfort after the procedure is minimal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication. The process of placing the implant itself is done under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

  • While the initial healing period for soft tissues may take a few weeks, full integration of the implant with the bone usually takes 2-3 months before the final restoration is placed.

Sinus Augmentation

  • Sinus augmentation is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars, to make room for dental implants. It’s often necessary when the sinus cavity is too close to the jaw or the bone is too thin for implant placement.

  • The procedure itself is usually performed under local anesthesia, so there’s minimal pain during the process. Post-operative discomfort depends on the type of the augmentation technique used and can range from moderate pain and swelling to mild discomfort only, the pain can be managed with prescribed pain medications.

  • The initial recovery period typically lasts 1-2 weeks. However, the bone graft may take several months to fully integrate before implants can be placed.

  • Yes, after the sinus augmentation has healed and the bone has integrated, dental implants can be placed in the grafted area.