Your most important feature .... your SMILE.  
At the IMPLANT SMILE CENTER of Alberta, we believe that your smile is your most important feature. A beautiful, natural-looking smile enhances all of your features.  Dental Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry can provide patients with a smile that exudes confidence, and allows them to live more fulfilling lives. The benefits of implant-supported dentures over conventional dentures are numerous. No slippage, no embarrassing moments ... and you can eat all the favourite foods you have missed for so many years, just to name a few.
       
How do I know if I am a candidate for dental implants?
A thorough examination by the surgical team at the Implant Smile Center will determine, based on several factors, whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants. Not every patient case is suitable for implants. Good health and sufficient bone density and structure are two of the main factors in making that determination. A Complimentary Consultation at the Implant Smile Center will assess and evaluate your dental needs and requirements. The costs involved and the treatment plan will be explained in detail, and any questions or concerns you may have will be answered at that time.

                          

Who performs the treatment?
It is always best to choose a practitioner who has had the knowledge and advanced training necessary to perform dental implant treatment. The Implant Smile Center encourages you to ask questions regarding qualifications, training, success rates, and the length of time the practitioner has been performing implant related treatments. You are also encouraged to compare the costs involved as well as the level of after-care that the practitioner provides, and the availability of that practitioner should complications arise. It is for your own benefit to be an informed consumer; especially where it involves your health or your quality of life.

Is there an age factor for implants?
The health of the patient is a far more important factor than the patient's age. Dental Implants have been placed in patients in their teens. Implants have also been placed in patients in their 80s, allowing them a new lease on life. As a result they have achieved better nutritional standards, and appear physically younger. New techniques and advancements in implant dentistry allow the practitioner to augment bone structure in cases where bone was insufficient for placing implants. So, even though you have lost teeth many years ago, or have worn conventional dentures for many years, and have subsequently lost some bone mass, this can be reversed through bone augmentation.

How long do implants normally last?
It has been demonstrated through long-term studies that endosseous implants regularly last for periods up to 25 years and more. The effectiveness and durability of dental implants is often determined by the patient's lifestyle. For example, those who smoke, have poor oral hygiene, or grind their teeth, will likely have a lower success rate and shorter implant-life.

Is the implant procedure painful?
During the procedure, the treatment area is anaesthetized in virtually the same way  as for other dental, or cosmetic dentistry procedure. Patients will normally experience only mild discomfort after the procedure. This can be controlled by over-the-counter or prescription medication, and antibiotics. In almost all cases, the patient will return to work, or their regular routine, the next day. A regimen of daily mouth care will be prescribed by the staff at the Implant Smile Center, together with suggestions for nutritional supplements, and diet.

Will I be without teeth until the final implant-supported crowns or dentures are
fitted?
Not necessarily. You can be fitted with a temporary appliance following the implant surgery. It will have a very similar appearance to the final prosthesis and will allow you to maintain your normal daily routine.

         The Implant Smile Center of Alberta -- here to help you regain your beautiful smile.