Dental Implants in St. Albert: Who They Suit, How Treatment Works and How to Care for Them
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up. A small titanium post is placed in the jaw, the bone heals around it, and a crown, bridge or denture is attached above it. At The Smile Garage in St. Albert, implants are one of the ways we restore a missing tooth or several, alongside bridges and dentures. This article explains who implants suit, what the stages of treatment involve and how to care for one afterwards.
Who dental implants suit
Implants are an option for most healthy adults who have lost a tooth to decay, gum disease, a fracture or an accident, and for people who are tired of a loose denture. They can replace a single tooth, support a bridge where several teeth are missing, or anchor a full denture so it no longer moves.
A few things need to be in place first. The jaw needs enough bone to hold the implant, the gums need to be healthy, and conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can slow healing and need to be discussed openly. Where bone has shrunk after a tooth was lost, bone grafting can rebuild it before or during implant placement.
How implant treatment works at The Smile Garage
The consultation and planning
We begin with an examination, photographs and a 3D scan of your jaw. The scan shows bone height and width and where nerves and sinuses sit, which lets us plan the exact position of the implant before anything is done. You leave the consultation with a written plan, a timeline and a fee estimate.
Placing the implant
Placement is done under local anaesthetic, with sedation available for patients who are anxious or having several implants placed at once. A small opening is made in the gum, the implant is placed in the prepared site, and the gum is closed. Most people are surprised by how straightforward the appointment is, and discomfort afterwards is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief for a few days.
Healing
Over the next three to six months the bone grows onto the implant surface. This step is what gives an implant its stability, and it cannot be rushed. Depending on the site, a temporary tooth can often be worn during healing so there is no visible gap.
The final tooth
Once the implant is stable, a connector called an abutment is attached and a custom crown is made to match the shape and shade of your other teeth. For several missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge or denture is fitted at this stage instead.
Implants compared with bridges and dentures
A fixed bridge uses the neighbouring teeth for support, which means reshaping them. A partial denture is removable and rests on the gums and remaining teeth. An implant stands on its own, so the adjacent teeth are left untouched and the bone around the implant keeps its stimulation. Each option has a place, and the right choice depends on the number of missing teeth, bone levels, budget and how you feel about surgery. We walk through all three at the consultation.
Caring for a dental implant
An implant cannot decay, but the gum and bone around it can become inflamed if plaque is left to build up. Daily care is the same as for natural teeth: brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth with floss or small interdental brushes, and regular hygiene visits. Grinding or clenching can overload an implant, so a night guard may be recommended. Looked after well, implants commonly last for many, many years.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting an implant hurt?
The placement itself is done with local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the appointment. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days afterwards is normal and manageable.
How long does the whole process take?
From consultation to final crown, most single-tooth cases take four to eight months, mostly healing time. Cases that need grafting take longer.
Is direct billing available?
Yes. The Smile Garage offers direct billing to dental plans, and we provide a written estimate before treatment starts so you know what your plan covers and what remains.
If you are missing a tooth and want to know whether an implant is the right fix, book a consultation at The Smile Garage in St. Albert or call (780) 851-4554.
Clinical review: Dr. Matt Pavlic, The Smile Garage. This article is general information and does not replace an examination.