When you consider replacing a tooth, a big question often comes to mind: will it feel like it belongs there? It’s a thoughtful question, and one our team hears often from people exploring their options for a complete smile. The idea of a replacement tooth can feel a little unfamiliar at first.
While a dental implant is made of different materials than a natural tooth, many people find that a healed dental implant feels remarkably natural. It integrates with your body in a way that allows it to function very much like the real thing.
What a Dental Implant Is & How It Works
To get a sense of how an implant feels, it helps to first understand its design. A dental implant is a complete replacement for a tooth, from the root up to the visible crown.
Your dentist in SW Calgary can show you how these parts work together to create a new, functional tooth.
The 3 Parts of a Replacement Tooth
A complete dental implant is made of three main components that create your new tooth:
- The Implant: This is a small titanium post that serves as a new root for your tooth.
- The Abutment: This piece is a connector that sits securely on top of the implant post.
- The Crown: This is the visible, tooth-shaped part that attaches to the abutment to complete your smile.
How an Implant Fuses with Your Jawbone
The implant post is made from titanium, a material that works well with the human body. It is gently placed into your jawbone where the tooth is missing. Over time, your bone grows around and fuses to the post, a process that creates a strong and stable foundation.
The Feel of Implants vs. Natural Teeth
Because implants are made from titanium and ceramic, they don’t have any nerves. This means the implant itself won’t register sensations like hot or cold. Any feeling you notice comes from the healthy gum tissue that surrounds it.
Why They Feel Different at First
Your natural teeth have a tiny ligament that acts like a cushion between the root and your jawbone. This cushion allows for a little bit of movement and helps you sense pressure when you bite. An implant, on the other hand, connects directly to the bone, so it feels very solid and fixed.
How Long for Implants to Feel Natural?
It takes a little time for your body to adjust to the new addition in your smile. As your mouth heals, your brain adapts to the new sensation of the implant. Many people share that after a few months, their implant feels so comfortable they barely think about it.
Your Dental Implant Procedure Step-By-Step
Knowing what to expect can make the process feel more comfortable and straightforward. The procedure involves a few key stages, from the first conversation to the placement of your final crown. A dentist in SW Calgary can guide you through each step with care.
Your Initial Consultation & Plan
The first step is a conversation about your goals and your overall oral health. We take time to understand what you’re looking for and examine your mouth. This helps us create a treatment plan tailored just for you.
The Implant Placement Process
For the placement, we use a local anesthetic to help you stay comfortable throughout the appointment. The titanium post is then gently placed into your jawbone. Your comfort is our focus during the entire process.
A Temporary Tooth While You Heal
You don’t have to live with a gap in your smile while your implant heals. We can often place a temporary tooth on the same day as your procedure. This allows you to eat and speak comfortably as your jawbone integrates with the implant.
Benefits You Can Expect from Your New Smile
Dental implants offer more than just a cosmetic fix for a missing tooth. They bring functional benefits that can improve your day-to-day life. These benefits contribute to your overall sense of comfort and well-being.
Eat the Foods You Love Again
Because implants are anchored securely in your jaw, they give you the stability to chew with ease. Once everything is healed, you can get back to enjoying crunchy apples, firm vegetables, and other favourite foods. This can make mealtimes a more enjoyable experience again.
Smile & Speak with Ease
An implant restores the natural look of your smile by filling the space left by a missing tooth. It also supports your lips and cheeks, which can help you speak more clearly. You can feel more at ease when you smile, talk, and laugh with others.
Preserve Your Facial Structure
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath can begin to recede over time. A dental implant acts like a natural tooth root, stimulating the bone and encouraging it to stay strong. This helps maintain your jaw’s shape and supports your facial features.
How to Care for Your Dental Implants
Caring for your new implant is quite similar to caring for your natural teeth. A simple oral hygiene routine is important for the health of your implant. This care helps protect the surrounding gum tissue for years to come.
Follow Your Post-Procedure Care Plan
Your dentist will give you specific guidance for care right after your procedure. This may include suggestions for soft foods for a little while. Following these instructions helps your mouth heal smoothly.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene at Home
Just like your other teeth, implants need daily attention. You’ll brush twice a day and learn how to clean around the implant with floss or other tools. A consistent routine keeps your gums healthy and supports your new tooth.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Keeping up with regular dental checkups with your dentist in SW Calgary is a key part of long-term care. These appointments allow us to monitor your implant and gum health. Professional cleanings help keep your whole smile in great shape.
We believe in reimagining what a dental visit can be, merging comprehensive dental care with a calm and thoughtful ambiance. Our goal is to create a space where you feel relaxed and cared for from the moment you step inside. Your comfort and well-being are always at the forefront of our approach to care.
Get Started Today
If you’re curious to learn more about how dental implants could fit into your life, we’re here to talk. The team at Centennial Smiles is ready to answer your questions in a warm and welcoming environment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore your options.
