Losing a tooth affects more than appearance. Over time, the jawbone beneath a missing tooth begins to resorb, adjacent teeth drift toward the gap, and bite function changes — often in ways patients don’t immediately connect to the original loss. Dental implants address the root of the problem, not just the visible gap. At Sky Dental Centre, Dr. Ahmed Al-Obaidi (BDS, DDS) offers dental implant assessment and treatment as part of his general dental practice at 2817 Arthur St E, Thunder Bay.
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a replacement for a missing tooth root. Once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone — a biological process called osseointegration — a custom-fabricated crown is attached to restore the visible tooth. The result is a fixed, permanent replacement that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Implants are distinct from other tooth replacement options because they address what happens below the gum line, not just above it. Dental bridges span a gap by anchoring to adjacent teeth; they don’t affect the bone beneath the missing tooth. Removable dentures sit on the gum surface; they also don’t stimulate the underlying bone. An implant, by integrating with the jawbone itself, stimulates the bone the way a natural root does — which is clinically significant for the long-term health of that area.
Modern dental implants are fabricated from commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy, a biocompatible material with a well-documented history in both dental and orthopaedic medicine. The surface texture of contemporary implants is designed to encourage bone cell attachment during the healing phase, which supports stable osseointegration over a 3–6 month period.
The titanium post placed into the jawbone. Biocompatible, it integrates with bone over 3–6 months through osseointegration — becoming a stable, load-bearing root replacement.
The connector attached to the top of the fixture. Provides the foundation on which the crown is secured. Material options include titanium, zirconia, or gold alloy.
The visible, tooth-shaped restoration — typically zirconia or porcelain-fused-to-metal, shade-matched to adjacent teeth and cemented or screw-retained to the abutment.
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth may be considered for implant treatment. The key clinical requirements are sufficient jawbone volume, healthy gum tissue, and no systemic health conditions that significantly impair healing. These factors are assessed thoroughly at your consultation.
Single or multiple missing teeth can be restored using dental implants, either individually or through implant-supported bridges. Implants replace teeth without affecting healthy neighbours, while treatment design depends on spacing, bone support, and bite forces, requiring careful planning during consultation.
The period following extraction is often an appropriate time to begin implant planning — bone tends to be best preserved when replacement is considered promptly. In some cases, an implant may be placed at the same appointment as the extraction (immediate placement), though this is assessed on a case-by-case basis based on site conditions and healing factors.
Removable dentures can affect chewing efficiency, speech, and comfort over time. Implants can be used to stabilise an existing denture (implant-supported overdenture) or as part of a fixed replacement strategy. This option is discussed based on clinical assessment, bone volume, and the patient’s overall oral health status.
Sufficient jawbone height and width at the intended site is necessary for implant placement. Where bone has resorbed following a long-standing tooth loss, a bone graft procedure may be recommended before or at the time of implant placement to create a viable foundation. This is assessed through imaging prior to treatment planning.
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth may be considered for implant treatment. The key clinical requirements are sufficient jawbone volume, healthy gum tissue, and no systemic health conditions that significantly impair healing. These factors are assessed thoroughly at your consultation.
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Your first appointment covers significantly more than a typical dental visit. Our Thunder Bay dentists reviews your dental and medical history, assesses the tooth loss site, and evaluates adjacent teeth, bite alignment, and gum health. Digital X-rays are taken to evaluate bone structure. In many cases, a cone beam CT (CBCT) scan provides three-dimensional imaging of the bone volume and anatomy at the proposed implant site. This imaging guides precise surgical planning — knowing the exact dimensions of available bone before any procedure begins is what allows treatment to proceed predictably.
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Based on the consultation findings, a complete treatment plan is developed. This includes the number of implants, proposed placement positions, whether site preparation such as bone grafting is required, and the planned final restoration. If any preliminary work is needed — extraction, bone grafting, or gum treatment — it is sequenced into the plan and explained clearly before you commit to proceeding. Cost and timeline are discussed in full at this stage. An insurance pre-authorisation letter can be submitted to your provider before treatment begins.
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The titanium fixture is placed under local anaesthesia. A small incision is made in the gum to access the bone, a precisely sized channel is prepared, and the implant is positioned at the planned depth and angulation. The area is sutured and allowed to heal. The procedure involves pressure and vibration — not pain, as the area is thoroughly anaesthetised. Most patients return to normal daily activities within 24–48 hours post-surgery, with some expected swelling and mild soreness in the days following that resolves on its own.
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Over 3–6 months following placement, bone cells grow onto and around the implant surface, integrating it structurally with the jawbone. This phase cannot be accelerated — it’s a biological process, not a procedural one. Our trusted dentists schedules monitoring appointments during this period. Where appropriate, a temporary restoration may be provided to maintain function and aesthetics while healing progresses. Loading the implant with the permanent crown before osseointegration is adequately established significantly increases the risk of failure.
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The custom crown is seated and checked carefully for fit, bite contact, and aesthetics. We will evaluate how it meets the opposing teeth — the implant crown should contact with similar force to the natural teeth around it. Any adjustments are made at this appointment. A follow-up visit at several weeks confirms the restoration is settling well and the surrounding soft tissue is healthy. Patients receive clear aftercare guidance on maintenance and hygiene at this stage.
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth may be considered for implant treatment. The key clinical requirements are sufficient jawbone volume, healthy gum tissue, and no systemic health conditions that significantly impair healing. These factors are assessed thoroughly at your consultation.
Preserves alveolar bone at the tooth loss site — preventing the jawbone resorption that follows unaddressed tooth loss over years
Replaces the complete tooth structure, root and crown, rather than compensating for the missing root with adjacent tooth modification
Fixed in place — no removal, no adhesives, and no restriction on normal eating when fully restored
Hygiene maintenance follows the same approach as natural teeth — brushing and flossing rather than special cleaning protocols
Long-term outcomes are well-documented in the clinical literature: implant fixture success rates at 10 years exceed 90–95% in appropriately selected patients with good oral hygiene
Total treatment time spans months. The osseointegration healing phase is a biological requirement, not a procedural delay. Most patients complete treatment within 6–12 months from consultation to final crown, though bone grafting cases take longer. This timeline cannot be safely shortened.
Smoking affects healing outcomes. Smoking impairs blood supply to healing bone tissue, which affects osseointegration. Patients who smoke are not automatically excluded, but the effect on healing is real and needs to be discussed honestly before treatment proceeds.
Smoking affects healing outcomes. Smoking impairs blood supply to healing bone tissue, which affects osseointegration. Patients who smoke are not automatically excluded, but the effect on healing is real and needs to be discussed honestly before treatment proceeds.
Not every site is ready without preparation. Long-standing tooth loss often results in bone resorption that requires bone grafting before implant placement. This adds a healing phase and cost. The consultation imaging assessment clarifies whether grafting is necessary for your specific case.
Candidacy is assessed individually. Certain health conditions and medications affect healing and implant outcomes. Some situations are contraindications; others can be managed with modified protocols. The consultation is the only accurate way to determine what applies to your case.
For local-anaesthetic-only procedures, a normal meal before your appointment is fine. If sedation has been discussed, specific fasting instructions will be provided. Bring a current medication list — certain medications affect bone metabolism and healing and will be reviewed as part of your medical history. If you smoke, reducing or stopping in the weeks before and after placement supports better healing outcomes. Arrange transport home if any sedative medication has been prescribed for the appointment.
Implant placement is performed under local anaesthesia. Pressure and movement are felt during the procedure; sharp pain should not occur. Most single-implant placements take 60–90 minutes. Our dentist explains each step as it occurs. If dental anxiety is a concern, discuss this at the consultation — options to support your comfort can be arranged in advance.
Some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are expected for several days following surgery. Cold packs applied to the outside of the face during the first 24 hours help manage swelling. Soft foods on the treated side are recommended for the first week. Avoid smoking, alcohol, vigorous rinsing, and straws for the first 24–48 hours, as these can interfere with initial clot formation. Take medications as prescribed. Contact the clinic promptly if you experience significant worsening of pain, increasing swelling after 72 hours, or any signs of infection.
Dental implant treatment varies considerably in overall cost from one patient to the next. A number of clinical factors determine what your specific treatment will involve — and therefore what it will cost. Because of this variability, an accurate cost estimate can only be provided after a clinical examination and imaging assessment at your consultation.
A single missing tooth requires one implant and one crown. Multiple missing teeth may require several implants, or fewer implants supporting a bridge. The total number of fixtures placed is one of the primary cost variables
Where the jawbone has resorbed following long-standing tooth loss, bone grafting may be required to create a viable implant site before placement can proceed. Bone grafting is a separate procedure with its own clinical and cost implications, and it extends the overall treatment timeline.
The visible crown placed on the implant is custom-fabricated by a dental laboratory. Material selection — zirconia, all-ceramic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal — affects both laboratory costs and the overall fee. Crown complexity also varies depending on location, bite requirements, and aesthetics.
Preparatory procedures, such as tooth extractions or treatment of gum disease, may be required before implant placement and can affect overall treatment planning. Additionally, the abutment type—connecting the implant to the crown—varies based on clinical needs and contributes to the final restoration design and cost.
Implant treatment frequently begins with an extraction. Our Thunder Bay dentists familiarity with both procedures means the transition can be planned carefully — including whether immediate implant placement at the extraction site is appropriate, or whether a healing interval is clinically indicated. Managing extraction and implant planning at the same clinic ensures continuity of care.
Implant treatment frequently begins with an extraction. Our Thunder Bay dentists familiarity with both procedures means the transition can be planned carefully — including whether immediate implant placement at the extraction site is appropriate, or whether a healing interval is clinically indicated. Managing extraction and implant planning at the same clinic ensures continuity of care.
The crown placed on an implant is fabricated using the same materials and processes as a standalone crown — zirconia, all-ceramic, or PFM. For patients replacing multiple teeth, implant-supported bridges offer a solution that uses fewer implants to support more teeth. The full restoration pathway — from implant placement to final crown — is handled at Sky Dental Centre.
Traumatic tooth loss or an infected tooth requiring urgent extraction can be the unexpected starting point of an implant treatment journey. Sky Dental Centre provides same-day emergency assessments for urgent dental situations. If an emergency extraction is needed, implant planning can begin as part of the follow-up care.
Dental implant treatment is provided within a general practice setting, combining focused clinical experience with comprehensive care. Each case begins with a thorough clinical and radiographic assessment to evaluate bone structure, oral health, and medical history, ensuring precise planning and predictable treatment outcomes.
The entire implant process—from consultation to final restoration—is managed in one clinic, with treatment planned comprehensively from the start. Patients receive honest assessments of their options, ensuring recommendations are based on clinical suitability and informed decision-making, not assumptions.
Implant procedures are carried out under strict infection control protocols, including sterilisation and barrier systems that meet regulatory standards. Located in Thunder Bay’s east end, the clinic offers accessible, consistent care for patients undergoing treatment over a longer implant timeline.
The questions patients ask most often about dental implants. If yours isn’t here, call the clinic — we’re happy to answer before you book.
The placement procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. You should feel pressure and vibration during the surgery, but not pain. Post-surgery, mild-to-moderate soreness and swelling for several days is normal and expected. Most patients manage this with over-the-counter pain relief and find it comparable to the discomfort following a tooth extraction. If anything feels significantly worse than expected or doesn’t improve after several days, contact the clinic.
For a single implant without grafting, total treatment typically takes 6–12 months from consultation to final crown. The osseointegration phase alone accounts for 3–6 months of that timeline. Cases requiring bone grafting first extend the total to 12–18 months in some situations. Each stage exists for a clinical reason — the healing phases cannot be meaningfully compressed without increasing the risk of implant failure.
Dental implant costs depend on several clinical variables — how many implants are required, whether bone grafting is needed, the type of crown restoration, and any preparatory procedures involved. Because of this, there is no single standard price for implant treatment. An accurate cost estimate requires a proper clinical assessment with imaging. Our trusted dentists provides a full written cost breakdown at the consultation, before you commit to anything. If your dental plan may cover any components, a pre-authorisation letter to your insurer can be arranged before treatment begins.
Yes — but bone grafting may be required first. When a tooth has been absent for an extended period, the alveolar bone in that area gradually resorbs. If the remaining bone volume is insufficient for implant placement, a bone graft procedure is performed to rebuild the site. This adds a healing phase of several months before the implant can be placed. CBCT imaging at your consultation will show exactly how much bone is available and whether grafting is indicated.
The titanium implant fixture, once osseointegrated, is designed to be a long-term replacement — clinical studies with 10-year follow-up consistently show success rates above 90–95% in appropriately selected patients who maintain good oral hygiene. The implant crown typically lasts 15–25 years or longer depending on hygiene, bite forces, and other individual factors. At some point, the crown may need replacement; the fixture itself rarely does. Individual results vary based on health, hygiene, and compliance with maintenance appointments.
SERVING THUNDER BAY
Sky Dental Centre is located at 2817 Arthur St E, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 5P5 — in the east end of the city, accessible from across Thunder Bay including Current River, Vickers Heights, Westfort, McIntyre, and communities throughout Northwestern Ontario.
Dental emergencies are unplanned by definition. When they happen — at night, on a weekend, or in the middle of a working day — knowing who to call and where to go matters. Sky Dental Centre provides same-day emergency appointments and can triage your situation by phone to advise on urgency and prepare appropriately for your arrival.
Sky Dental Centre is currently accepting new patients for both emergency and routine care. If you’re in dental pain or have experienced a dental injury, call the clinic directly rather than waiting to see if it resolves.
807-623-9445
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