Dental Implants Ajax
Missing a tooth? You have options. Dental implants are one of the most stable ways to replace a missing tooth. At Duffins Creek Dental in Ajax, we guide you through the whole process from start to finish.
Dr. Claire is a general dentist. She works with a trusted oral surgeon who places the implant. Dr. Claire then builds and fits the new tooth on top. This final step is called a restoration.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post. It replaces the root of a missing tooth. An oral surgeon places it into your jawbone.
Titanium works well for this job. Living bone bonds to it over time. Once the bone grips the post, it holds firm.
The implant on its own is not a tooth. It is the anchor. The visible tooth goes on top.
The Three Parts of an Implant Tooth
An implant tooth has three separate pieces:
- The Crown - The restored tooth on top of the implant
- The abutment. A small connector that screws into the implant and sits at the gumline.
- The implant. A titanium post that sits in your jawbone and acts as the root.
Each part is placed at a different stage. You do not get all three in one visit.
How Dental Implants Work at Our Ajax Office
Dental implant treatment takes a team. We split the work between two offices. Here is who does what.
What the Oral Surgeon Does
Ontario recognizes oral and maxillofacial surgeons as specialists in this surgery. Dr. Claire refers you to one for the surgical part of your care.
The oral surgeon handles:
- The surgical assessment and imaging of your jawbone
- Any bone graft you might need first
- Placing the titanium implant into the bone
- Your healing checks after surgery
Dr. Claire sends your records and x-rays to the surgeon. She stays in the loop through your whole treatment.
What Dr. Claire Does
Dr. Claire handles the restoration side. That means the tooth you actually see and chew with.
Her part of your care includes:
- Your first exam and x-rays
- Talking through your options for the gap
- Making the referral to the oral surgeon
- Taking impressions once the implant heals
- Fitting your final crown, bridge, or denture attachment
- Checking your bite and your gums at future visits
Dr. Claire is a general dentist, not a specialist. She does not place implants. She restores them.
A Single Missing Tooth
One implant holds one crown. Dr. Claire matches the crown to the colour and shape of your other teeth.
Your healthy neighbouring teeth stay untouched. A regular bridge would need those teeth ground down first.
Several Missing Teeth
Two implants can support a bridge across a longer gap. You get several teeth back with fewer posts.
A Loose Lower Denture
Implants can lock a denture in place. Your denture snaps onto the posts and stays put.
Many patients tell us this is the biggest change of all. You can eat without worrying. You skip the denture adhesive.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Not everyone can go straight to an implant. Dr. Claire checks a few things at your first visit.
Good candidates usually have:
- Healthy gums with no active infection
- Enough jawbone to hold the post
- Good general health
- A solid brushing and flossing routine
- No tobacco use, or a plan to quit before surgery
Some conditions make treatment trickier. Uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease, and heavy smoking all lower success rates.
Thin bone is not always a dead end. A bone graft can rebuild the area first. The oral surgeon decides if that suits your case.
The Dental Implant Process Step by Step
Your Consultation in Ajax
Dr. Claire examines your mouth and takes x-rays. She checks the bone, the gums, and the teeth beside the gap.
You talk through every option, not just implants. She explains the approximate cost and the timeline for each.
The Referral
If an implant suits you, Dr. Claire refers you to the oral surgeon. She sends your images and notes ahead of time.
The surgeon does their own assessment. They confirm the plan and book your surgery date.
Implant Placement
The oral surgeon numbs the area and places the post in your jawbone. They then close the gum over top.
Most patients handle the recovery with over-the-counter pain medicine. You eat soft foods for the first while.
Healing
The bone bonds to the implant over the next few months. This usually takes three to six months.
Your Final Restoration
You come back to our Ajax office once the implant has healed. Dr. Claire takes impressions of the area.
The lab builds your crown to match your other teeth. Dr. Claire fits it, checks your bite, and adjusts as needed.
Regular Checkups
Your implant tooth needs the same care as a natural one. We schedule implant check-ups at predetermined intervals and take Xrays to check any bone changes around the implant area.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Plan for several months. Most cases run from three to nine months from first visit to final crown. The healing stage takes the most time. Bone grafting adds a few months on top of that.
Dr. Claire gives you an approximate timeline at your consultation. Your case may run shorter or longer, depending on your health status.
Caring for Your Implant Crown
An implant tooth cannot get a cavity. Your gums around it can still get sick. Gum disease around an implant can loosen it. Daily care protects your investment.
Here is what to do:
- Brush twice a day, including around the gumline
- Floss daily, or use the cleaning tool Dr. Claire recommends
- Keep your regular cleaning appointments
- Tell us right away if the tooth feels loose
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
Well cared for implants can last many years.
Cost and Coverage for Dental Implants in Ajax
Implants cost more upfront than a bridge or a denture. They also tend to last longer. Your total cost has two parts. The oral surgeon bills for the surgery. Our office bills for the crown or other restoration. Ask both offices for a written estimate before you start. You should know the total cost in advance.
What About Insurance?
Coverage varies widely between plans. Some cover part of the restoration. Some cover none of it. Send your treatment plan to your insurer before treatment starts. Ask for a predetermination in writing. Our front desk can help you prepare this.
Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan Cover Implants?
No. The Canadian Dental Care Plan lists implants as an exclusion. Ridge augmentation is also excluded.
We do accept the CDCP for other care. Cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and dentures may be covered. Call us to talk through what your CDCP benefits include.
Duffins Creek Dental does offer financing options for the restoration portion.
Other Ways to Replace a Missing Tooth
An implant is not the only answer. Dr. Claire walks you through the alternatives too.
- A fixed bridge. Faster and less costly upfront. It needs the neighbouring teeth reshaped.
- A partial denture. The most affordable option. It comes out for cleaning.
- A complete denture. Replaces a full arch of teeth.
- No treatment. Sometimes reasonable, but the bone keeps shrinking.
Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The oral surgeon freezes the area first. You should not feel pain during the surgery.
Afterward, you can expect some swelling and tenderness. Most patients manage with over-the-counter pain medicine for a few days.
How long do dental implants last?
Many last decades with good care. Some last a lifetime.
The crown on top may need replacing sooner than the post itself. Your habits, your gum health, and your bite all play a role.
Can my dentist place the implant instead?
Dr. Claire does not place implants. She refers that surgery to an oral surgeon.
She then builds and fits your final tooth. This split lets each part of your care go to the right hands.
Will people notice my implant tooth?
A well made crown blends in. Dr. Claire matches the shade and shape to your natural teeth.
Most people cannot spot the difference.
What if I do not have enough bone?
You may still qualify. A bone graft rebuilds the area before the implant goes in. The oral surgeon assesses this and explains your options.
Can I get an implant right after an extraction?
Sometimes. It depends on the bone, the infection level, and the tooth involved. Ask about this before your extraction. Timing matters.
Do implants work for smokers?
They can. Smoking does raise the risk of failure. Cutting back before and after surgery improves your odds. Talk to Dr. Claire honestly about your habits.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation in Ajax
Duffins Creek Dental has been serving Ajax and Pickering Village since 2017. We are located at the corner of Kingston Road and Church Street.
You get transit access and free parking behind the building. We welcome new patients.
Start with a consultation. Dr. Claire looks at your case and tells you honestly whether an implant makes sense. There is no pressure to book surgery.
