Restorative Dentistry
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a long-term replacement for a missing tooth. A small titanium post is placed in your jaw where the root used to be, then topped with a crown that looks and works like the tooth it replaces — no clicking, no removing at night, no compromise.
Why it matters
Benefits
- Looks and feels like a natural tooth — most people forget which one it is.
- Doesn't rely on adjacent teeth, so neighbouring teeth stay untouched.
- Preserves the jawbone, which shrinks when a tooth is missing.
- Eat what you want — no soft-food restrictions like with some bridges.
- Designed to last decades with normal care.
What to expect
The process
- 01
Assessment and 3D CT scan
We use a 3D cone-beam CT to map your jawbone, nerves, and sinuses in detail. This is what makes implant placement predictable and safe.
- 02
Treatment planning
We plan the exact implant position digitally before any work happens — so the final crown is the goal, not an afterthought.
- 03
Bone grafting (only if needed)
If you've been missing the tooth for a while and bone has shrunk, a small graft restores the foundation. Many cases don't need this step.
- 04
Implant placement
The titanium post is placed during a single appointment — usually 60–90 minutes — with local freezing and sedation options if you'd like.
- 05
Healing
Over 3–6 months, the implant fuses with your jawbone (osseointegration). You wear a temporary tooth during this time.
- 06
Final crown
We scan and craft a custom crown that matches your other teeth in shape, shade, and bite. Snap it on and you're done.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that takes the place of a missing tooth root. Once it integrates with your jawbone, we top it with a custom-made crown — and you end up with a replacement that looks like, feels like, and functions like a natural tooth.
Implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they stand on their own. Bridges rely on cutting down neighbouring teeth to anchor them. Removable dentures shift, click, and need adhesive. An implant just lives quietly in your mouth doing its job.
When implants make sense
You’re likely a candidate if you’re dealing with:
- A single missing tooth that you want to replace without involving the teeth on either side.
- Multiple missing teeth in a row — we can use implants to support a fixed bridge.
- Full upper or lower replacement — an All-on-4 design can replace a full arch on just four implants.
- Loose dentures — implants can anchor an existing denture so it stops shifting.
Why have your implants done at Fish Creek Dental
Many clinics place implants but send you elsewhere for the crown — or vice versa. We do both under one roof, with the same team planning and finishing the case. That means:
- One point of contact through the whole process.
- Better aesthetics, because the implant position is planned around the final crown from day one.
- 3D CT planning so we know exactly what we’re working with before any surgery.
- Sedation options (oral or IV) for anyone who prefers to sleep through it.
Curious whether you’re a candidate? Book a consultation or call 403-271-2221 — the first conversation is no-pressure and no-cost.
FAQ
Questions we hear most often
- How much does a dental implant cost in Calgary?
- A typical single implant (implant + abutment + crown) is one of the larger investments in dentistry. We provide a complete written quote after your consultation, and we direct-bill most insurance plans. We'll also walk you through financing options if useful.
- Is the implant placement painful?
- Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is. Local freezing keeps you numb during the procedure, and we offer oral or IV sedation for anyone who prefers to be more relaxed. Post-op discomfort is usually less than a typical extraction.
- How long does the whole process take?
- From first consultation to final crown, expect 4–9 months. The bulk of that is healing time, not in-office time. You'll only be in the chair for a few short visits.
- How long do dental implants last?
- With proper care, implants commonly last 20+ years — many last a lifetime. The crown on top may eventually need replacement after 10–15 years of normal wear.
- What if I'm missing multiple teeth?
- We offer implant-supported bridges and full-arch options like All-on-4. These use a smaller number of implants to support a larger restoration, often at a lower total cost than individual implants for every missing tooth.
- Can I get the implant placed and the crown the same day?
- In specific cases — particularly for front teeth — yes. We can place a temporary crown the same day as the implant. The final permanent crown still waits for healing to complete. We'll tell you up front whether you're a candidate.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a consultation.
We'll listen first, then build a plan around your goals and comfort.