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Dental Implants St Albert, Alberta

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If you are missing teeth, your self-image and confidence can be lacking too.

And depending on which teeth you have lost, it can even make eating and talking more difficult. But you don’t have to keep living with unsightly and uncomfortable spaces in your mouth anymore. Dr. Robert Lesniak can help find a solution to missing teeth with dental implants in St Albert. As a board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. Lesniak has extensive and comprehensive training to perform a broad range of specialized dental procedures. Dr. Lesniak has used his exceptional skill and compassionate care to repair the smiles—and self-esteem—of countless patients.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are necessary when teeth are missing or are too damaged to properly repair. Injury, disease, and decay can destroy the tooth so severely that even the root is missing or requires removal. It’s a problem that affects millions of people.

This process can be excruciating and can impact your ability to chew properly and speak correctly, as well as your appearance and self-confidence. Ultimately, missing teeth can be detrimental to your self-esteem and quality of life. In these cases, an artificial “root” is required before a tooth replacement can be installed. Dental implants are typically made of titanium. These materials are ideal for bonding with the bone, a process known as "osseointegration." A proper bond between the implant and the bone of your jaw is critical for the long-term stability and performance of the implant prosthetic. The implant can then function as an anchor for the prosthesis.

St Albert Dental Implants model with blonde hair

How do I know if I am a candidate for Dental Implants in St Albert?

Determining if your treatment should include dental implants will depend upon several factors. First and foremost, your overall health is considered, along with the health of the tissues inside your mouth.

In addition, any medication you are taking may affect the likelihood of successful osseointegration, so make sure Dr. Lesniak is aware of it. During your consultation for dental implants St Albert Prosthodontist, Dr. Lesniak will review your medical history in detail and consult with your physician as needed when considering your candidacy for dental implants. The location and number of implants needed are important, as the stress and strain of chewing can significantly impact the function and durability of the implant and prosthetic. Sufficient healthy bone and gingiva (gum tissue) are required for the implant prosthesis procedure to be effective. In some cases, pre-prosthetic procedures such as bone and soft tissue grafting may be necessary to ensure optimal implant conditions.

Types of Dental Implant Procedures

Implants and grafting are procedures that serve as the foundation for a variety of tooth replacement treatments.

During your consultation with St Albert dental implant expert Dr. Robert Lesniak, he will carefully evaluate your current condition before working with you to identify the appropriate treatment plan for you. He is passionately committed to restoring not only your teeth but also your quality of life. When replacing teeth, we need to make sure they are being replaced in the ideal position for comfort, function, and esthetics. This involves looking beyond the local area of the missing tooth and considering the bigger picture. We want the replacement tooth to be as predictable as possible and minimize any potential complications.

There are a variety of dental prosthetics that may utilize a dental implant for replacing missing teeth or correcting oral issues

Crowns

Dental crowns are prosthetics used to replace missing teeth individually. They are most often utilized when just one tooth needs to be replaced or the missing teeth are not contiguous.

Bridges
(fixed and supported)

Bridges replace individual or sets of teeth that are next to each other. While bridges usually utilize existing teeth to serve as abutments, they can also be useful with implanted abutments.

Dentures

Dentures are prostheses used to replace all or multiple teeth, both on the mandibular (lower) and maxillary (upper) arches. For dentures, implants can serve as anchors for removable or fixed designs.

St Albert Dental Implants model smiling

Dental Implant Procedure

The procedure for your implant surgery will follow your personalized treatment planning and consultation, so the exact procedure will vary between each patient.

Dr. Lesniak will typically begin by preparing your jaw bone to receive your titanium implant and install it to act as an artificial root. After this appointment, your jaw will start to heal and bond with the implanted metal root. Usually, this healing process takes between 12 and 18 weeks. Once the implant or implants integrate into your smile, Dr. Lesniak will work with you to fabricate the crowns, bridges, or dentures, depending on your treatment plan. Once the replacement teeth are ready, Dr. Lesniak will attach them to the abutment and make sure they look and fit just right.

Dental Implant Recovery

You should expect to experience some discomfort (occasionally requiring an anesthetic) during your implant prosthetics process. Some patients report mild soreness and discomfort following the implantation procedure, but over-the-counter pain medications usually prove sufficient.

Dental Implant Results

Following the completion of your dental implant treatment plan, your replacement teeth should function, look, and feel very similar to your natural, healthy teeth.

Long-term benefits can include:

  • Improved appearance and self-esteem - The look and feel of implants closely mimics that of natural teeth and can restore your confident smile.
  • Arch Stabilization - A full arch of healthy teeth contributes to the overall structure of your bite and, making it stronger and more stable.
  • Speech improvement - Your new teeth can provide the oral structure necessary to prevent slurring and mumbling associated with missing front teeth or improperly fitted implants.
  • Improved mastication function - When teeth are missing, chewing can be difficult. Because implants can function like your natural teeth, you will realize restored functionality.
  • Comfort - Removable or detachable prosthetics can be uncomfortable. When implants are used, the prosthetic becomes an integrated part of your body.
  • Durability - because implants fuse with the bone, they are permanent. With proper care, implants offer excellent function and comfort. However, just as with your natural teeth, complications can arise if they are not cared for properly.

Schedule your consultation for Dental Implants in St Albert with Dr. Robert Lesniak today

Dr. Lesniak provides thorough, personalized care to dental patients in St Albert. Dental implants can significantly enhance your smile and your life. To discuss your treatment with Dr. Lesniak, please call our clinic at (780) 459-3044 or fill out this form. Dr. Lesniak’s expertise and care can restore your smile and help you feel as confident and beautiful as you deserve!

Dental Implant
Frequently Asked Questions

Most implantation procedures can be performed with only local anesthesia, and residual pain is most usually minimal.

As with any surgery, there is some risk of infection, excessive bleeding, or other complications. Following the surgery, it is possible that the bone will not bond with the implant sufficiently. However, dental implants have a documented success rate of over 90%. Long term, you can alleviate most of the risks by maintaining proper care and hygiene of the implant and prosthetic. Dr. Lesniak will go over all risks associated with your procedure in detail before initiating your treatment.

There are too many variables involved with dental implants to make a useful estimate. Factors include:

  • Number and location of implants needed
  • Any procedures needed to prepare the bone for the implant
  • The type, size, and shape of the prosthetic
  • Material and manufacturing costs.

Most dental insurance plans do not cover implant surgery because it is typically considered a cosmetic procedure. However, we recommend you check with your insurance provider to confirm before your consultation with Dr. Lesniak.

St. Albert and Edmonton Implant Dentistry

For results you will love for years to come, turn to the prosthodontic dental skills of Dr. Robert Lesniak. Dr. Lesniak operates out of St. Albert. Conveniently located just north of the Anthony Henday, Dr. Lesniak makes sure each new patient is treated like family and receives undivided attention and impeccable care. Schedule your consultation today and get the smile you’ve been waiting for so long to share with the world!

202-225 Carleton Drive, St. Albert, Alberta