Dental Implant Specialist – Top Reviewed Periodontist

Struggling to smile after an accident, gum disease, failed root canal, or severe tooth decay? You’re not alone: 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one tooth, and 26% lose all their permanent teeth by 74.

Among dozens of periodontists in Mississauga, our expertly trained and dedicated specialists can help you reclaim your healthy, beautiful smile with dental implants. More people are getting a second chance at their smile — there was a 6.3% increase in dental implant procedures in 2020 and as much as 23% more expected by 2026.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are not the artificial teeth themselves. Made of titanium, dental implants are artificial roots of teeth fused with your jawbone, creating a solid base for artificial teeth. Once implants are attached, these can anchor your new teeth in place. The result is a fully restored smile that looks and functions like your natural teeth.

Before dental implant procedure

X-ray of dental implants

After dental implant procedure

Why are periodontists and dental implants important?

Out of all tooth restoration treatments, only dental implants can fully replace the natural look and function of missing teeth. Made with tiny titanium posts that are bonded with the jawbone, implants give you a strong foundation for replacement teeth. See why our periodontists recommend dental implants:

Permanent tooth restoration: Dental implants are fixed for life. They effectively replace missing teeth — they won’t come loose or fall out, there are no adhesives required for holding them in place, and they don’t need to be removed periodically.
Better oral health: Unlike with dental bridges, adjacent teeth don’t require alteration, which preserves their health. Maintain good oral hygiene to keep dental implants healthy.
Better for eating and talking: Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants fit precisely, and can withstand heavy biting and chewing. Allowing you to eat and talk as normal.
Preserves jawbone and facial structure: By bonding with the jawbone and replacing the tooth’s root, dental implants keep the jawbone healthy and improve your appearance.

What is a periodontist? How are they different from regular dentists?

Everyone knows that dentists help keep smiles strong and healthy. But can they save lost permanent teeth? This is what our periodontists do — dental specialists who study for three more years after dental school, focusing on the gums, bones, and tissues supporting the teeth.

Periodontists treat periodontal diseases, such as periodontitis, gum recession, and gingivitis. Most importantly, they specialize in surgically replacing lost and severely damaged teeth with dental implants. At Periodontal Associates, we restore your healthy smile with dental implants that look, feel, and function like natural teeth — a permanent fix for long-lasting oral health, and talking, eating, and smiling confidently.

Our Dental Implant Process

Restore your smile with Periodontal Associates’ five-step dental implant procedure.

1. Consultation and Dental Exam

Your periodontist will perform a full dental exam, including x-rays and 3D imaging, to assess your oral health and the need for dental implants. We’ll look at your medical and dental history and create your personalized treatment plan for replacing missing teeth. We’ll discuss anesthesia options and the prescription of antibiotics to prevent infection.

2. Removal of Damaged Teeth and Bone Grafting

Your periodontist will remove any remaining parts of the damaged tooth, and assess the surrounding tissues and jawbone. If the jawbone is too fragile or isn’t thick enough, your periodontist will place a bone graft to strengthen the base for the implant.

3. Placing the Dental Implant

Your periodontist will make an incision in the gums to expose the bone, then drill holes where the titanium posts will be placed. These posts will serve as the new tooth root implanted deep into the bone. To cover the gap where your tooth is missing, you can wear a temporary partial denture while waiting for bone growth.

4. Osseointegration and Placing the Abutment

Once the titanium implant is placed, osseointegration — the process of bone growth and fusion with the surface of the implant — begins. This can take a few months, and creates a solid base for the replacement tooth, much like the roots of natural teeth. Once complete, your periodontist will place the abutment, or the piece where the crown of the replacement tooth is attached.

5. Placing the Replacement Teeth

Once your gums are healed, your periodontist will take impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth to create the crown. You can choose either removable or fixed replacements. And there you have it — a brand-new smile that lasts a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits.

Fig. 1: An implant is necessary to replace the missing tooth

Fig. 2: An implant has been placed in the jaw bone

Fig. 3: The replacement tooth is attached to the implant

How long is the recovery after receiving dental implants?

Dental implants consist of a series of procedures, with progress and recovery depending on individual dental needs. These factors influence recovery and full restoration of your new teeth:

Dental implant procedure: The number of teeth extracted, and the number of implants and their location. The strength of your jawbone and whether bone grafting was required.
Post-surgery: Expect bleeding in the gums, swelling around the cheeks, and discomfort for 2 to 3 days.
Diet during recovery: Following a soft foods diet consisting of smoothies, soups, yogurt, and pureed food anywhere from 1 week to 30 days helps ensure optimal healing.
Osseointegration: The process of healing and fusion of the implant and jawbone, generally 5 to 7 months.
Oral hygiene and lifestyle: How well you maintain oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits, including avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol for at least one week after the surgery.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are permanent: they’re designed to replace missing teeth and restore your healthy smile for life. For most people, implants can last up to 25 years or more, with proper oral hygiene and dental care. Here’s how dental implants can last a lifetime:

Your oral hygiene routine, including daily brushing and flossing, dental check-ups and cleaning.
Your periodontist’s skill and experience, with proper evaluation of the jawbone to make sure the implant is fully fused before proceeding with crown reconstruction.
Your lifestyle habits and overall health.

How much do dental implants cost?

Every smile is unique, and so is every dental implant procedure. Dental implants can cost from $1,500 to $6,000 per implant in Canada, depending on individual tooth restoration and dental care needs. The bottom line is dental implants are an investment in restored strong and healthy teeth:

Dental needs: The number of missing teeth that need replacing, check-ups and scans, and the actual crown reconstruction following the implants.
Procedure: Depending on the strength of your jawbone, a periodontist may recommend endosteal implants (fused directly with the jawbone) or subperiosteal implants (placed under the gum line and secured to the jawbone).
Dental insurance: If you have coverage, check with your insurance provider if dental implants are included. Some providers consider implants as cosmetic or don’t cover the full reconstruction.
Periodontist: The most important consideration — who is your periodontist? An experienced, board-certified, and trusted periodontist makes all the difference in your dental implants.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Today, many insurance providers now cover dental implants. As a result, replacing missing teeth and restoring your oral health has become more accessible and affordable. Keep in mind that some insurers still consider implants as elective or cosmetic treatments; check with your provider and see how much is covered.

What to Look for When Choosing a Periodontist

Periodontists are not your typical dentists: they specialize in treating the gums, bones, and tissues surrounding the teeth, and train in complex treatments like dental implants. Find the right specialist in periodontal care:

Qualifications: At Periodontal Associates, our periodontists are board-certified and highly experienced in periodontal care, particularly in dental implant and tooth restoration procedures.
Treatment approach: Are dental implants right for you? The best periodontists develop a personalized treatment plan with your best outcome and quality of life in mind. If implants are not the best course, they are honest and upfront about it and can recommend other options.
Cost: Dental implants are an investment in your oral health. At Periodontal Associates, we strive to make implants accessible through insurance and financing options.
Clinic location and amenities: Choose a conveniently located and accessible clinic with a warm and inviting atmosphere for optimal care.

Why choose Periodontal Associates for your dental implants?

At Periodontal Associates, we’re periodontists: we provide specialized dental care for treating your gums, bones, and tissues surrounding the teeth. Our team of specialists in periodontics and implantology are board-certified, highly trained, and experienced in dental implants and tooth restorations.

We are committed to your lasting oral health beyond your dental implant procedure, as we work closely with your dentist to ensure successful treatment. With a professional staff and a state-of-the-art clinic, we provide periodontal care that goes above and beyond, as quickly and smoothly as possible.