The Ultimate Guide to Dental Implants for Sherwood Park Patients

Dec 29, 2025 by Mills Haven Dental

Losing a tooth can feel like a setback that impacts far more than just your smile. It affects how you eat, how you speak, and often, how you feel about yourself. For residents of Sherwood Park dealing with missing teeth, the decision of which replacement option to choose is significant. While removable dentures and fixed bridges have been the traditional mainstays of restorative dentistry, modern advancements have positioned the dental implant as the gold standard for tooth replacement.

A dental implant offers a solution that is fundamentally different from all others because it addresses the problem at its root—literally. It replaces the missing tooth root, creating a foundation that is as strong, stable, and durable as a natural tooth. This stability is the key to restoring full function, comfort, and the confident, natural appearance that can be lost when a tooth is missing.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything a Sherwood Park patient needs to know about dental implants, from the essential components and the detailed process to the life-changing benefits they provide.

What Exactly Is a Dental Implant? A Look at the Anatomy

To understand the benefits of an implant, it is crucial to appreciate its structure. A dental implant is not just a replacement tooth; it is an entire three-part system designed to mimic the natural anatomy of your teeth.

The Three Essential Components

1. The Implant Post (The Root): This is the foundation of the entire system. It is a small, screw-like post, usually made of titanium, which is surgically placed into the jawbone. Titanium is used because it is biocompatible, meaning the body accepts it readily without rejection. This post serves the same function as a natural tooth root.
2. The Abutment (The Connector): This small piece acts as a connector. It is affixed to the top of the implant post and extends slightly above the gumline. Its job is to securely hold the final restoration in place.
3. The Restoration (The Crown): This is the visible, artificial tooth. It is custom-made, typically from porcelain or ceramic, to perfectly match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Once secured to the abutment, it provides the appearance and functionality of a healthy tooth.

The Phenomenon of Osseointegration

The secret to the unparalleled success and stability of a dental implant lies in a biological process called osseointegration (from the Greek word osseus, meaning "bony," and the Latin word integrare, meaning "to make whole").

• When the titanium post is placed in the jawbone, the living bone tissue gradually begins to grow onto and fuse with the surface of the titanium.
• This fusion creates an extremely strong, biomechanical bond. It is not merely a tight fit; the bone becomes structurally one with the implant.
• Osseointegration is the reason dental implants are permanent fixtures that do not shift, click, or require adhesives, allowing them to withstand the forces of chewing and biting just like natural teeth. This process is non-negotiable and is the key reason the treatment timeline involves a lengthy healing period.

Why Implants Are the Gold Standard Over Alternatives

For generations, the choices for replacing missing teeth were limited to removable dentures or fixed bridges. While these options remain viable for some patients, dental implants offer distinct, long-term physiological and functional advantages.

1. Superior Functionality and Comfort

Removable dentures sit directly on the gums and rely on suction or adhesive for stability. This often leads to slippage, speech difficulties, and limitations on diet (e.g., avoiding hard or sticky foods).

• Implants, anchored directly in the bone, provide stability comparable to natural teeth. Patients can eat virtually anything without fear of movement or dislodgement, dramatically improving their quality of life.
• Because the implant is integrated into the jaw, it eliminates the gum irritation and sores often caused by rubbing dentures.

2. Preserving Natural Tooth Structure

A traditional fixed dental bridge requires the adjacent healthy teeth to be modified. The dentist must shave down the enamel of the teeth next to the gap so that crowns can be placed on them to anchor the bridge.

• Implants require no alteration of neighbouring healthy teeth. They stand alone, preserving the long-term structural integrity of the surrounding natural dentition. This is a critical advantage, as altering healthy teeth can sometimes increase their susceptibility to decay or the need for future restorative work.

3. Preventing Jawbone Deterioration

This is arguably the most important, non-cosmetic benefit of dental implants. When a tooth root is missing, the jawbone beneath it no longer receives the necessary stimulation from chewing forces. Without this stimulation, the bone begins to resorb, or shrink.

• The bone loss process starts immediately after tooth extraction and leads to a sunken facial appearance, which can make a person look older.
• The implant post transfers chewing forces to the jawbone, stimulating the bone just like a natural root. This mechanical stimulus prevents bone loss, maintaining the structure of the jaw and preserving the patient’s facial contours and youthful appearance.

The Dental Implant Journey: A Step-by-Step Treatment Guide

The path to a fully restored smile with a dental implant is a collaborative process that spans several months. The timeline is dictated by the biological need for osseointegration, ensuring long-term success.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Comprehensive Assessment

The journey begins with a thorough examination. This step determines candidacy and creates a precise treatment plan.

• Oral Health Review: The dentist evaluates the health of your gums and any remaining teeth. Any underlying issues, like gum disease, must be treated first.
• Imaging: X-rays and 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans are taken. The 3D imaging is crucial for assessing the exact volume, density, and quality of the jawbone, as well as locating nerves and sinuses, ensuring safe and accurate implant placement.
• Treatment Plan: A customized plan is developed, detailing the number of implants, the precise placement locations, and the timeline.

Step 2: Pre-Surgical Preparations (When Necessary)

If the assessment reveals insufficient bone volume due to prolonged tooth loss, preparatory procedures may be necessary before the implant can be placed.

• Bone Grafting: This procedure transplants bone tissue (from another part of the body, a donor, or synthetic material) to the area lacking density. This builds up the jawbone, creating a stable base for the implant.
• Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation): If the implant is needed in the upper jaw, the natural expansion of the maxillary sinus can sometimes interfere with placement. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus floor, allowing bone graft material to be placed beneath it.

Step 3: Implant Placement Surgery

This is the surgical phase, typically performed in the dental office under local anesthesia or sedation for patient comfort.

1. A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone.
2. A specialized surgical drill is used to create a precise site for the implant post.
3. The titanium post is carefully inserted into the prepared socket.
4. The gum tissue is often stitched closed, completely covering the implant, allowing it to heal undisturbed.

Step 4: Osseointegration—The Healing Phase

Following placement, the most critical part of the process begins. This healing period typically lasts three to six months and allows the jawbone to fuse completely with the implant post.

• During this time, the patient is often fitted with a temporary tooth or a modified denture to maintain aesthetics and function.
• The dentist monitors the healing process regularly to ensure proper osseointegration is occurring.

Step 5: Abutment Placement

Once the implant is fully integrated and stable, a minor procedure is performed to expose the top of the implant and attach the abutment—the piece that connects the post to the final tooth restoration. In some cases, a healing collar is placed, and the abutment is placed simultaneously with the post in Step 3, though a two-stage process is often preferred.

Step 6: Custom Restoration and Final Fit

The final step is the fabrication and placement of the permanent crown or bridge.

• Impressions or digital scans of the abutment and surrounding teeth are taken.
• A custom restoration is meticulously crafted in a lab to ensure a perfect bite alignment and a seamless aesthetic match with the patient's natural teeth.
• The final porcelain crown is then cemented or screwed onto the abutment, completing the new, permanent tooth.

Determining Candidacy: Who Can Get Dental Implants?

While dental implants are highly successful, they are not suitable for every patient. Ideal candidates typically meet several key criteria focused on overall health and bone structure.

1. General Health and Oral Hygiene

The most successful candidates are individuals who are in good general health and are committed to excellent oral hygiene.

• Healthy Gums: Active periodontal (gum) disease must be treated and managed before implant surgery, as infection can compromise osseointegration.
• Controlled Chronic Conditions: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes can slow healing and increase the risk of infection, often leading to implant failure. If controlled, these conditions usually do not preclude treatment.
• Smoking Cessation: Smoking dramatically reduces blood flow to the gums and jawbone, severely impeding the healing process and significantly lowering the long-term success rate of implants. Dentists will strongly recommend quitting before proceeding.

2. Sufficient Bone Volume

The jawbone must have enough volume and density to securely hold the titanium post. If bone loss is too severe, preparatory procedures like bone grafting are mandatory to create the necessary foundation.

3. Maturity of the Jawbone

Candidates must have a jawbone that has reached full growth, meaning implants are generally not placed in young adolescents.

The Versatility of Dental Implants: From Single Tooth to Full Arch Replacement

Implants are not limited to replacing one tooth. They offer flexible solutions for virtually every scenario of tooth loss.

1. Single Tooth Replacement

This is the most straightforward application, where one implant replaces one missing tooth, providing a beautiful and functional stand-alone restoration.

2. Implant-Supported Bridges

If three or more consecutive teeth are missing, two implants can be placed at either end of the gap. These implants then support a fixed bridge, eliminating the need to alter healthy teeth at the edge of the gap.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures)

For patients missing an entire arch of teeth, implants offer a life-changing alternative to traditional removable dentures. Instead of relying on adhesives, a full arch of false teeth can be securely fastened to a small number of strategically placed implants (often four to six, commonly known as All-on-4 or similar concepts).

• Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures:
• Eliminated Slippage: They are completely stable and will not move while eating, talking, or laughing.
• Improved Chewing: Chewing efficiency can increase dramatically compared to traditional dentures.
• Enhanced Palate Sensation: Implant dentures often allow the removal of bulky plastic covering the palate (roof of the mouth), restoring the ability to taste and feel food better.

The Long-Term Investment: Care and Longevity

While the initial process is meticulous and requires patience, the reward is longevity. Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution.

The titanium post itself is non-reactive and essentially immune to decay. With proper care, the implant post can last a lifetime. The visible crown, which endures daily wear and tear, may need replacement after 15 to 25 years, but this is a simple procedure that utilizes the already established post and abutment.

Essential Aftercare for Implants

Implants require the same rigorous maintenance as natural teeth—perhaps even more so. The biggest threat to an implant is not decay, but peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease that affects the tissues and bone surrounding the implant.

To protect your investment:

1. Brush Daily: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, paying special attention to the area where the crown meets the gumline.
2. Floss Diligently: Use specialized floss (like Superfloss or threaders) designed to clean around the implant post. Some patients find water flossers (Waterpiks) highly effective for hard-to-reach areas.
3. Regular Check-ups: Maintain your prescribed schedule of professional cleanings and check-ups. The dental team uses specialized, non-metal instruments to safely clean around the implant without scratching the titanium surface.

By committing to this routine, you ensure the health of the surrounding gum tissue and bone, guaranteeing the decades-long success of your new tooth.

Conclusion

Dental implants represent the pinnacle of modern restorative dentistry, offering an unparalleled combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and functional stability. For patients in the Sherwood Park community, choosing implants means choosing to reclaim the ability to eat, speak, and smile without hesitation or worry. This procedure is a long-term investment that halts jawbone deterioration and preserves your natural oral health, leading to lasting confidence and a higher quality of life.

If you are a Sherwood Park resident or are in the Edmonton area considering a permanent solution for missing teeth, we invite you to explore your options. The dedicated team at Mills Haven Dental is committed to utilizing advanced techniques to guide you through the process, from initial consultation to the final smile. Contact us today and schedule an appointment or consultation!