Dental Implants

Dental Implants: The Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer the most durable, functional, and natural-looking solution available today. A dental implant is essentially a permanent replacement for a tooth root that provides a strong foundation for a custom-made replacement tooth (a crown).

At Lakeridge Dental Centre, we use dental implants to help our patients regain a complete, confident smile and restore their ability to eat and speak comfortably.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant consists of three main parts:

  1. The Implant Post: A small, titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning the jawbone will naturally fuse to it (a process called osseointegration), securing it in place.

  2. The Abutment: A small connector piece that screws into the top of the implant post. This piece extends just above the gum line to support the final restoration.

  3. The Crown (Replacement Tooth): A custom-made, porcelain tooth cap that is attached to the abutment. This is the visible, functional part of the tooth, meticulously matched to your natural teeth.

                                                                 Understanding the Three-Parts of a Dental Implant - Today's Dental

The Life-Changing Benefits of Dental Implants

Choosing dental implants over other options like bridges or dentures provides several key advantages:

  • Preserves Jawbone: Unlike other replacements, the implant stimulates the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that naturally occurs after a tooth is lost. This preserves your facial structure.
  • Permanent and Secure: Once fused with the jawbone, the implant is incredibly stable—it will not slip, shift, or fall out like a denture.
  • Natural Look and Feel: Implants look and function just like natural teeth. You can eat all your favorite foods and speak with confidence.
  • Protects Adjacent Teeth: Implants are completely independent and do not require altering or grinding down neighboring healthy teeth, a necessary step for traditional bridges.
  • Exceptional Durability: With proper oral hygiene, the implant post itself can last a lifetime, making it a reliable, long-term investment in your health.


Dental Implants are the only solution to retaining natural bone levels after tooth extraction(s). 

The Process of Receiving a Dental Implant

The dental implant process is a staged treatment tailored to your specific needs. While the entire process takes several months, the vast majority of this time is simply waiting for your jawbone to heal and fuse with the implant.

Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Planning

We begin with a thorough examination, including 3D imaging (like a CBCT scan), to assess your bone density, nerve locations, and overall oral health. This allows us to create a precise, personalized treatment plan.

Stage 2: Implant Placement

During a simple surgical procedure, the titanium implant post is carefully placed into the jawbone. Following the procedure, a healing period of 3 to 6 months is required for the implant to fully fuse with the bone (osseointegration).

Stage 3: Abutment and Final Crown

  1. Abutment Placement: Once the implant has fully fused, a minor procedure is performed to attach the abutment (connector) to the implant post.

  2. Crown Attachment: A final impression is taken, and your custom crown is fabricated. In the final appointment, the crown is securely cemented or screwed onto the abutment.

Your new dental implant is now complete, providing you with a fully restored and beautiful smile!