Dental Implants in Aurora

What it is

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is a small titanium post that sits in the jawbone under the gum. Over several months, the bone grows snugly around it. Once it has healed, a connector called an abutment is attached, and a custom crown goes on top. The crown is the part you see and chew with.

Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch. They can also hold a bridge, or help a loose denture snap firmly into place. Because each implant stands on its own, the healthy teeth beside the gap do not need to be filed down to support it, as they would for a regular bridge.

Dr. Kourosh Rahimi, whose training focuses on implant dentistry, completed the UCLA Master Program in Implant Dentistry. Before suggesting an implant, your dentist looks closely at your bone, gums, bite and medical history. Some people need a bone graft or gum treatment first. Others are better served by a bridge or a denture. We explain each choice in plain words so you can pick what fits your mouth, your health and your budget.

Is it right for me?

• You have one or more missing teeth and want a fixed tooth that does not come out.
• Your gums are healthy, or you are willing to treat gum disease first.
• You have enough jawbone to hold an implant, or you are open to a bone graft.
• Your general health allows minor oral surgery and normal healing.
• You do not smoke, or you are ready to stop while the implant heals.
• Your lower denture slides around and you would like it to stay put.

Step by step

1. Exam and X-raysWe check your teeth, gums and bone and take X-rays. If 3D imaging is needed for planning, we explain why before anything is booked.
2. Written planYou receive a written plan showing each stage, the expected timeline and the cost. We can send it to your insurer for a predetermination.
3. Placing the implantThe area is numbed with local anaesthetic and the post is placed in the bone. We tell you what is happening and stop whenever you raise your hand.
4. HealingBone bonds to the implant over a few months. Where it makes sense, a temporary tooth fills the space while you heal.
5. Abutment and crownOnce healed, the connector is attached and your custom crown is fitted. We adjust your bite until it feels even.
6. Long-term checksAt regular visits we check the implant and gums and take X-rays from time to time to watch the bone around it.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

Implant fees are worked out after your exam and X-rays, once we know how many implants you need, whether bone needs building up and what will sit on top. We use the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as our reference. Many private plans pay for only part of an implant, or none of it, so we can send a predetermination to your insurer first and bill them directly once treatment starts. Coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan or IFHP depends on each program's rules, so we check before you commit. Ask about our in-house dental plan and student program. Because implant care happens in stages, your written estimate breaks the cost down stage by stage before any work begins.

What shapes your estimate

• How many teeth are being replaced
• Whether a tooth must be removed first
• Whether you need a bone graft or sinus lift
• The imaging needed for planning
• The type of crown, bridge or denture on top
• Whether you need a temporary tooth while healing

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• Eat soft, cool foods for the first few days and chew on the other side.
• Use a cold pack on your cheek and take medicines only as directed.
• Avoid smoking, which slows healing and raises the risk of implant problems.
• Brush gently near the site, then return to normal brushing and flossing when we say it is safe.
• Keep your regular checkups and cleanings so we can watch the gum and bone around the implant.

Questions