A permanent replacement for a missing tooth — one that looks, functions and lasts like the real thing.
A missing tooth is not only a cosmetic problem. The jawbone underneath begins to resorb once the root is gone, neighbouring teeth drift toward the gap, and chewing shifts onto the remaining teeth. Over time a single missing tooth changes how your bite works and how your face is supported.
A dental implant is the only tooth replacement that addresses the root as well as the crown. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over a period of months and becomes a permanent anchor for a replacement tooth.
Is a Dental Implant Right for You?
Implants suit most adults, but not everyone, and an honest assessment matters more than a sale.
You are likely a good candidate if you have:
- One or more missing teeth, or a tooth that cannot be saved
- Enough jawbone to support the implant, or willingness to consider a bone graft
- Healthy gums — active gum disease must be treated first, since implants fail in unhealthy tissue
- Good general health and no uncontrolled conditions affecting healing
Implants may not be the right choice if you:
- Smoke heavily — smoking substantially raises the risk of implant failure
- Have uncontrolled diabetes or another condition that impairs healing
- Have had head or neck radiation therapy
- Are still growing — implants are generally deferred until jaw growth is complete
If an implant is not right for you, we will say so and walk you through the alternatives rather than proceeding anyway.
The Implant Process, Step by Step
Implant treatment is not a single appointment. The healing period is what makes the result durable, and it cannot be rushed. Most cases run somewhere between three and nine months from start to finish, depending on whether grafting is needed and how quickly you heal.
1. Consultation and planning
We examine the site, take imaging to assess bone volume and the position of nerves and sinuses, and build a treatment plan with a written cost estimate before anything is scheduled.
2. Extraction, if needed
If the tooth is still in place and cannot be saved, it is removed first. See tooth extraction for what that involves.
3. Bone grafting, if needed
Where bone has already been lost, a graft rebuilds enough volume to support the implant. This adds several months of healing before placement.
4. Implant placement
The titanium post is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. Most patients are surprised by how manageable this appointment is — it is generally less involved than an extraction. Sedation dentistry is available if you would prefer it.
5. Healing and integration
Over the following months the bone grows around and fuses to the implant. This is the part that cannot be shortened, and it is the reason implants last. You will usually wear a temporary restoration during this period.
6. Abutment and crown
Once integration is confirmed, an abutment is attached and a custom crown is fitted on top, shade-matched to your surrounding teeth.
Types of Implant Treatment
Single tooth implant
One implant, one crown. Replaces an individual missing tooth without involving the teeth on either side — a meaningful advantage over a bridge, which requires filing down healthy adjacent teeth.
Multiple implants
Several implants placed to replace several missing teeth, either individually or supporting a fixed bridge across the span.
Implant-supported dentures
For patients missing most or all teeth in an arch, a small number of implants can anchor a full denture. It eliminates slipping and adhesives, and restores far more chewing force than a conventional denture. See implant-supported dentures for detail.
Implants Compared to the Alternatives
| Implant | Bridge | Partial denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | Decades, often permanent | 10–15 years | 5–10 years |
| Preserves jawbone | Yes | No | No |
| Affects adjacent teeth | No | Yes — requires filing them down | No |
| Feels like a natural tooth | Yes | Mostly | No — removable |
| Upfront cost | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
| Treatment time | Months | Weeks | Weeks |
A dental bridge costs less upfront and finishes faster. Over a twenty-year horizon, though, the replacement cycle often closes that gap. We will lay out both options honestly.
What Dental Implants Cost
Implants are the highest-investment treatment we offer, and vague pricing helps nobody. Here is how the cost is built.
The quote for a single implant covers three components: the implant post itself, the abutment that connects it, and the crown that sits on top. Additional procedures are priced separately — bone grafting, extraction of the existing tooth, and 3D imaging where the case calls for it. You will get a written, itemised estimate at the consultation, before you commit to anything.
See our fee ranges for how implants compare against other treatments.
Insurance. Most Canadian dental plans cover implants partially or not at all, though many will cover the crown portion. We submit a predetermination to your insurer so you know your out-of-pocket before treatment starts rather than after. See what insurance typically covers.
Implants are not a covered service under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. If cost is the barrier, talk to us — a bridge or partial denture may be the sensible route, and we would rather restore the gap affordably than leave it.
Caring for Your Implant
Implants cannot decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed and infected. Peri-implantitis is the leading cause of late implant failure and it is largely preventable.
- Brush and floss as you would a natural tooth
- Keep to your regular cleaning schedule
- Do not use your teeth as tools, and address grinding if you clench at night
- Stop smoking, or reduce it — this matters more for implants than almost any other dental treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
With good hygiene and regular checkups, the implant post itself often lasts a lifetime. The crown on top typically needs replacing after 10 to 15 years of normal wear.
Does getting an implant hurt?
The placement is done under local anaesthetic and most patients report less discomfort than they expected — commonly less than an extraction. Some soreness and swelling for a few days afterward is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long is the whole process?
Generally three to nine months. The healing and integration period is the bulk of it. Cases requiring bone grafting sit at the longer end.
What affects whether an implant succeeds?
Implants have a strong long-term track record in healthy patients. The factors that most reduce success are smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and untreated gum disease. All three are worth addressing before treatment rather than after.
Am I too old for an implant?
There is no upper age limit. General health and bone quality matter; age by itself does not.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage varies widely between plans. We submit a predetermination so you know before you commit. See insurance and direct billing.
What happens if I just leave the gap?
The bone in that area gradually resorbs, the teeth on either side tilt into the space, and the opposing tooth can over-erupt. None of it happens quickly, but all of it makes future treatment harder and more expensive.
Book an Implant Consultation
The consultation is where you find out whether an implant is genuinely the right option for you — including if the answer is no. Book online, or get in touch if you have questions first.