Missing a tooth isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a health issue. Whether it’s a single missing tooth or several, gaps in your smile can lead to difficulty chewing, impaired speech, jawbone deterioration, and even a shift in your remaining teeth. At Parkway Smiles Dentistry in Windsor, ON, Dr. Vishal Sohal offers a long-lasting solution that addresses both function and appearance: dental implants.

Unlike temporary fixes like dentures or traditional bridges, dental implants restore not just the crown of your tooth, but the root as well. This makes them the most stable, natural, and comprehensive option for replacing missing teeth.

What Makes Dental Implants So Effective?

• Unmatched Stability and Function: Dental implants are titanium posts surgically embedded into your jawbone, where they act as artificial tooth roots. Over time, the bone fuses with the implant—a process called osseointegration. This integration creates a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture, offering the closest possible feel to a natural tooth.
• Long-Term Jawbone Health: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink due to a lack of stimulation. Dental implants help preserve bone density by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots. This means you can maintain your facial structure, avoiding the sunken look that often comes with long-term denture use.
• Protection for Adjacent Teeth: Unlike crowns and bridges, which require adjacent healthy teeth to be filed down for support, implants are standalone restorations. This means no unnecessary alteration of neighbouring teeth, preserving more of your natural smile.
• A Natural Look and Feel: Every dental implant placed at our Windsor dental clinic is carefully matched to your existing teeth in shape, size, and color. Because implants are fixed in place and don't shift like dentures can, they feel completely natural and allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

While most adults with missing teeth are candidates for implants, Dr. Sohal performs a detailed evaluation to ensure optimal outcomes. You may be a good fit if:

• You are in generally good health (with no uncontrolled diabetes or immune conditions)
• You have sufficient bone density in your jaw to support an implant
• You don’t smoke, or are willing to quit during the healing process
• You’re committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups

We recommend starting with a comprehensive New Patient Exam at our Windsor office to evaluate your oral and bone health before planning implant placement.

Comparing Dental Implants to Other Solutions

While dental implants are a top-tier solution, it’s natural to compare them with other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges.

• Dental bridges often require adjacent teeth to be shaved down, and they don’t support the jawbone underneath.
• Dentures are removable and can shift during eating or speaking. They also require more maintenance and don’t stimulate the bone, leading to eventual bone loss.

In contrast, dental implants offer stability, longevity (often 15+ years), and bone preservation—benefits that no other tooth replacement method can match.

For more on this comparison, read our blog: Dentures vs. Implants.

What to Expect During the Implant Process

The process of receiving a dental implant is typically broken down into several steps:

1. Initial Consultation: At your first visit, Dr. Sohal will conduct a detailed examination, which may include digital X-rays or 3D scans. This helps determine if you’re a good candidate and whether any preparatory work (like bone grafting) is needed.
2. Surgical Placement: The implant post is placed into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia. Most patients report only mild discomfort afterward, similar to a tooth extraction.
3. Healing and Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the bone fuses with the implant, anchoring it firmly. During this time, you may wear a temporary crown or bridge.
4. Final Restoration: Once the implant has fully healed, we attach a custom-made crown or bridge, restoring function and aesthetics.

Throughout this process, Dr. Sohal and our team at Parkway Smiles Dentistry will provide detailed instructions and check in regularly to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

The beauty of implants is that they function like your natural teeth—and can be cared for just the same:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily, especially around the implant
• Avoid using your teeth as tools or chewing hard items like ice
• Visit us every six months for routine cleanings and exams

With proper care, your dental implants can last decades, making them a smart investment in your long-term oral health.

Your Path to a Confident Smile Starts Here

If you’ve been living with one or more missing teeth, it’s time to take the next step toward restoring your smile. At Parkway Smiles Dentistry in Windsor, ON, Dr. Vishal Sohal and his team specialize in comprehensive dental implant treatment designed to last.

To explore your options, contact us today to schedule your consultation or book your appointment online. We’re proud to be your trusted family dentist in Windsor, delivering care that’s not only advanced—but compassionate.