complete patient guide
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post placed into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth — the only option that restores the full structure of a natural tooth, root and all.
Lifetime warranty
Financing available
Ontario-based
On this page
- What is a dental implant?
- How does the implant process work?
- Types of dental implants
- Who qualifies?
- Benefits vs. alternatives
- What is osseointegration?
- Implants vs. dentures vs. bridges
- Cost in Ontario
- Common myths
- FAQ
The basics
A dental implant has three parts
Unlike dentures (which sit on the gum) or bridges (which anchor to neighbouring teeth), an implant replaces the entire tooth — root, connector, and crown.
1
The crown
Custom porcelain or zirconia tooth — shaded to match your natural teeth exactly.
2
The abutment
A connector piece joining the post to the crown. Placed after osseointegration.
3
The implant post
A titanium screw placed into the jawbone — the permanent "root" that fuses with bone.
Dental implants were developed in the 1950s by Swedish surgeon Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who discovered that titanium forms a permanent bond with living bone. That discovery — osseointegration — is the foundation of every modern implant.
With a 95–98% ten-year success rate and over 50 years of clinical research, they are the most evidence-backed tooth replacement option available.What makes implants uniquely powerful: they are the only option that stimulates the jawbone.
When a tooth root is missing, surrounding bone slowly resorbs — changing your facial shape over time. An implant post prevents this.
Key distinction: Dentures and bridges replace only the visible tooth. A dental implant replaces the entire tooth — root, connector, and crown — restoring full function and preventing bone loss.
The process
How does the implant process work?
From first consultation to final crown, a single implant typically takes 3–6 months. Here's what happens at each stage.
01
Free Consultation
X-rays, 3D imaging, and a full oral assessment. A detailed treatment plan with costs at no charge.
02
Implant Placement
Titanium post placed under local anesthetic. 1–2 hrs. Most patients return to work next day.
03
Osseointegration
Post fuses with jawbone. A temporary crown is fitted — you're never without a tooth during healing.
04
Crown Fitting
Custom crown fitted once healed. A permanent tooth indistinguishable from natural — guaranteed for life.
COMING SOON "How the implant process works" — patient explainer video
Implant types
Types of dental implants
The right type depends on how many teeth you're replacing, your bone density, and your goals. Each card links to a dedicated guide.
Most common
Single tooth implants
One post, one crown. Used when one or a few teeth are missing and surrounding teeth are healthy. No impact on adjacent teeth.
Common
Multiple teeth implants
An implant-supported bridge uses 2+ posts to support 3+ teeth — without affecting healthy surrounding teeth.
Full arch
All-on-4 implants
A full arch of teeth on just 4 strategically placed implants. Ideal for patients missing most or all teeth. Often same-day.
Full arch
All-on-6 implants
Six implants for additional stability. Recommended for patients wanting the most secure full-arch result where bone allows.
Full arch
Implant-supported dentures
Dentures anchored to 2–6 implants. No slipping, no adhesive, and actively preserves bone. Removable or fixed.
Specialized
Same-day implants
Post and temporary crown placed in a single visit for eligible patients. Candidacy determined by bone density and case specifics.
Specialized
Mini dental implants
Smaller posts for limited bone volume or narrow spaces. Lower cost, shorter healing, but less bite force than standard implants.
Comparison
Implants vs. dentures
A full side-by-side breakdown — cost over time, comfort, bone health, and lifestyle impact.
Comparison
Implants vs. bridges
Bridges are faster upfront but require grinding healthy adjacent teeth. See how the long-term picture compares.
Candidacy
Who qualifies for dental implants?
Most healthy adults qualify. Here's a general overview of who tends to be a great candidate — and what can be addressed beforehand.
Generally excellent candidates
- Adults with one or more missing teeth
- Adequate jawbone volume and density
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit before treatment
- Controlled diabetes or other managed conditions
- Any age — there is no upper limit for implants
- Current denture wearers seeking a permanent solution
Cases requiring assessment
- Significant bone loss — often addressable with bone grafting
- Active gum disease — must be treated and resolved first
- Uncontrolled diabetes — may qualify once stabilized
- Heavy smokers — higher risk, many succeed after quitting
- Teenagers — typically deferred until jaw growth is complete
- Bisphosphonate medications — requires specialist review
Even if you've been told elsewhere you're "not a candidate," it's worth a second opinion. Bone grafting and sinus lifts have dramatically expanded who qualifies. The consultation is free — there is nothing to lose by finding out.
Why implants?
The benefits no other option can match
Implants are the only tooth replacement that works on every level — cosmetic, functional, and biological.
Looks and feels natural
Custom-shaded crowns match surrounding teeth. Most patients forget it isn't natural.
Preserves your jawbone
The post stimulates bone like a natural root, preventing the facial changes that follow tooth loss.
Permanent — no removal needed
No adhesive, no overnight soaking, no slipping. Brush and floss like natural teeth.
Eat everything — no restrictions
Steak, apples, corn on the cob. Full biting force restored — 250–350% stronger than dentures.
Protects neighbouring teeth
Unlike bridges, implants don't require grinding healthy adjacent teeth. Completely self-supporting.
Lifetime durability
The titanium post is designed to last a lifetime. The crown may need replacing after 15–25 years.
The science
What is osseointegration?
The biological process that makes implants permanent — and explains why the timeline exists.
1
Placement
Titanium post is placed. The body does not reject titanium — bone cells can attach directly to its surface.
Day of surgery
2
Initial healing
Gum tissue closes. Blood supply increases and bone cells begin depositing on the titanium surface.
Weeks 1-4
3
Active bone integration
New bone grows into the post's threaded surface. Implant becomes progressively more stable.
Months 1–4
4
Full fusion
Post and jawbone are now a single unit. Abutment placed, impressions taken, final crown fitted.
Months 3-6
COMING SOON Video: "Osseointegration explained"
Why titanium?
Titanium is unique in its ability to form a direct structural bond with living bone — first documented by Per-Ingvar Brånemark in 1952. Implant surfaces are often sandblasted or acid-etched to maximize surface area for bone attachment.
Zirconia implants are also available for patients with titanium sensitivity, though true titanium allergies affect fewer than 0.6% of people.
Comparison
Implants vs. dentures vs. bridges
Every option has trade-offs. Here's an honest breakdown across the criteria that matter most.
| Implants | Dentures | Bridges | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Looks & Feels Natural | ✓ | Partial | ✓ |
| Preserves Jawbone | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| No Removal or Adhesive | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| No Damage to Adjacent Teeth | ✓ | — | ✕ |
| Longevity | Lifetime | 5–7 yrs | 10–15 yrs |
Cost in Ontario
How much do dental implants cost?
Costs vary by type and complexity. Here are typical Ontario ranges — and what affects the final price. A free consultation gives you an exact quote.
Starting from
$3000
Single tooth implant
Includes post, abutment, and crown. Bone grafting, if needed, is additional.
Starting from
$20,000
All-on-4 (per arch)
Varies by clinic and materials. Both arches typically $40,000–$60,000+.
Financing from
$99/mo
Payment plans available
Flexible financing makes implants more accessible than most patients expect.
Does insurance cover implants in Ontario? OHIP does not cover dental implants. Many private plans cover portions — often the crown, x-rays, or consultation. We run a full benefits check at your free consultation so you know exactly what your plan covers before committing to any treatment.
Myth vs. reality
Common implant myths — addressed
Misinformation keeps patients from exploring the best option for their health. Here's what the evidence actually shows.
MYTH
"I'm too old for implants."
REALITY
Placed under local anesthetic — you feel pressure, not pain. Post-op discomfort is mild, comparable to a tooth extraction, and managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
MYTH
"Dental implants are too painful."
REALITY
Placed under local anesthetic — you feel pressure, not pain. Post-op discomfort is mild, comparable to a tooth extraction, and managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
MYTH
"I don't have enough bone."
REALITY
Bone grafting can rebuild volume before placement. Sinus lifts address upper jaw bone loss. Many patients told they "can't have implants" receive them successfully after preparatory treatment.
MYTH
"Implants aren't worth the cost."
REALITY
Higher upfront, but typically cheaper over 20 years. Dentures replace every 5–7 years. Bridges eventually fail and can damage adjacent teeth. Implants are a one-time investment.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Honest answers to the questions patients ask most.
How long does the entire implant process take?
For a single tooth implant, the full process from consultation to final crown typically takes 3–6 months. The majority of that time is the osseointegration (healing) phase — not active treatment. You'll have a temporary crown throughout so you're never without a tooth. For same-day or immediate-load implants, eligible patients can leave with a temporary crown the same day as placement.
Does the implant procedure hurt?
The placement is done under local anesthetic, so you'll feel pressure and movement but not pain during the procedure. Most patients compare it to having a tooth extracted. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen, and most people return to normal activities within 1–3 days. Sedation options are also available if you're anxious about the procedure.
Can I get an implant immediately after extraction?
In many cases, yes — this is called immediate placement. The implant post is inserted into the extraction socket the same day the tooth is removed, which reduces overall treatment time significantly. Not every case is suitable; it depends on the condition of the bone and gum tissue at the extraction site. Your implant dentist will determine whether you're a candidate at your free consultation.
How do I care for dental implants?
Exactly like your natural teeth — brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss daily, and attend regular professional cleanings every six months. No special products or overnight soaking required. The implant post itself cannot decay, but the surrounding gum tissue can develop inflammation (called peri-implantitis) if oral hygiene is neglected, so regular dental visits remain important for long-term success.
Can I get implants if I have gum disease?
Active gum disease must be fully treated and resolved before implant placement — healthy gum tissue and bone are essential for success. However, a history of gum disease does not permanently disqualify you. Once the disease is under control and tissue is healthy, implants are routinely placed with excellent outcomes. Patients with a gum disease history do require diligent ongoing maintenance to protect their implants long-term.
What happens if a dental implant fails?
Implant failure — where osseointegration doesn't fully occur — happens in roughly 2–5% of cases. Signs include persistent pain, implant movement, or infection around the site. In most cases the implant can be removed, the site allowed to heal, and a new implant placed successfully. Early failure during the healing phase is more common than late failure after years of function. Choosing an experienced implant specialist significantly reduces the risk.
Are dental implants covered by insurance in Ontario?
OHIP does not cover dental implants. Coverage under private dental plans varies widely — many plans cover portions of the cost, commonly the crown component, diagnostic x-rays, or the consultation fee, but few cover the full procedure. The Canadian Dental Care Plan, launched in 2024, may cover some implant-related costs for eligible lower-income Canadians. We run a full benefits check at your free consultation so you know exactly what your plan covers before committing to any treatment.
What is the difference between endosteal and subperiosteal implants?
Endosteal implants — placed directly into the jawbone — are what the vast majority of patients receive and what most people mean when they say "dental implant." Subperiosteal implants sit on top of the jawbone beneath the gum tissue and were historically used when there wasn't enough bone for a standard implant. They are rarely used in modern practice because bone grafting techniques have largely made them unnecessary, and endosteal implants produce far more predictable long-term results.
Explore further
Dive deeper into your options
Each implant type and topic has its own complete guide — click through to the pages most relevant to your situation.
Full arch
All-on-4 implants in Ontario
Candidacy, procedure, timeline, and cost for full-arch restoration on four implants.
For denture wearers
Implant-supported dentures
How implant-retained dentures differ and why the upgrade is so significant.
Cost & insurance
Dental implant costs in Ontario
Full breakdown of costs, what insurance covers, and all financing options.
Candidacy
Am I a candidate for implants?
A thorough guide to candidacy factors including bone loss, gum disease, and other conditions.
Comparison
Implants vs. dentures — full comparison
Long-term cost, lifestyle impact, and bone health compared in detail.
Specialized
Same-day dental implants
Who qualifies for immediate-load implants and what the procedure involves.