What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal screw that serves as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. During a simple surgical procedure, the dentist places the implant into the bone beneath your gums, right where the tooth should be. The implant then acts as a natural tooth root and is topped with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to restore both the function and appearance of your tooth.
Deciding to get a dental implant is a significant choice. If you’re unsure about what to expect, we’re here to explain the process in detail, so you can make an informed decision about your dental care and feel confident moving forward.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth not only enhance the appearance of your smile but also help maintain its shape and provide the functionality necessary for eating and speaking comfortably.
When you lose a tooth, the gap it leaves behind can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment. This can lead to various oral health issues, including difficulty chewing, speech problems, and an increased risk of further dental damage. Even losing a single tooth can set off a chain of events that negatively affects your oral health, facial appearance, and overall quality of life.
One key issue that can arise from missing teeth is bone resorption. This is a natural process where the body breaks down bone tissue that is no longer needed, in order to use the minerals elsewhere in the body. When your teeth are still in place, they stimulate the bone beneath them, promoting bone growth. However, when teeth are lost, the jawbone no longer receives this stimulation, causing the bone to gradually shrink and dissolve. Over time, this can result in a shorter jaw, a recessed chin, and a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips.
Dental implants are the next best thing to having your natural teeth. They prevent or correct the issues mentioned above by replacing missing teeth and preserving both the bone structure and your facial appearance. By choosing implants, you can restore your smile, protect your oral health, and maintain a youthful look for years to come.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be a life-changing experience. Not only can it affect your confidence, but it can also lead to a variety of oral health problems. Gaps in your smile can make your bite uncomfortable, hinder your ability to enjoy your favorite foods, and even contribute to bone loss or shifting teeth.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance
Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your own teeth. These permanent, custom-made restorations are tailored to blend seamlessly with your smile. The size, shape, and color of the implant are carefully crafted to match your natural enamel and bite, ensuring a flawless result. - Feel Confident in Your Comfort
Once a dental implant is placed, your jawbone actually fuses with the titanium post as it heals, making it a stable and long-lasting solution. Whether it’s a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, your implant will stay securely in place. You can smile, laugh, and eat your favorite foods without worrying about shifting teeth or discomfort. - Improve Bone Strength
When a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported it can begin to weaken and shrink over time. Dental implants help stimulate new bone growth around the implant, preserving the bone structure and maintaining the strength of your jaw.
Dental implants are a durable, natural-feeling solution that can last for decades with proper care. They restore both the function and appearance of your teeth, providing a long-term option that enhances your smile and overall oral health.
Dental Implant Restorations
A dental restoration is the “false tooth” that sits atop the implant, giving it the appearance of a natural tooth. While the implant itself is hidden beneath the gums, the restoration is what makes the tooth look and function like your own.
- Dental Crown
This is the most common type of restoration for a single tooth implant. The crown covers the implant, restoring the tooth’s function and appearance in a natural-looking way. - Dental Bridge
When multiple teeth are missing in a row, a dental bridge can span the gap. With just one or two implants, you can replace several teeth with a bridge. For larger tooth loss, a full implant-supported bridge can replace an entire set of teeth on the upper or lower jaw, supported by four or more implants. - Implant Denture
For those with removable dentures, an implant denture offers enhanced stability. By attaching the denture to two small implants, it becomes more secure and comfortable, providing better functionality compared to traditional dentures.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Once you receive a dental implant, your smile will transform—becoming stronger, healthier, and more beautiful than ever before.
Caring for your dental implant is simple. Just brush and floss gently every day, and make sure to protect it from injury during sports. Regular checkups are essential to ensure your implant remains healthy and intact.
With proper care, your dental implant will reward you with many years of confident smiles, allowing you to enjoy life with a strong, beautiful, and natural-looking set of teeth!
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How It Feels
The idea of having a metal implant placed into the bone of your mouth may sound intimidating, but the reality is that the procedure is far more comfortable than most people expect.
To ensure you feel no pain during the surgery, we will numb the area with a mild anesthetic. Thanks to advanced dental technology, implants can be placed quickly, precisely, and with minimal invasiveness. This results in less discomfort and a quicker recovery for you.
Many patients report feeling relaxed or even a bit sleepy during the brief, 30-minute procedure. The most discomfort you may experience is having to keep your mouth open for a few minutes, but that’s usually the extent of it.
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, discomfort, or bruising, but these symptoms are easily manageable. We’ll provide you with clear aftercare instructions to help minimize any discomfort before the anesthetic wears off. Most patients begin to feel better within a week.
Dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%, making them one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry. You can feel confident knowing you’re in good hands.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The process of getting a dental implant is smoother and more comfortable than you might think, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Assessment
Your journey begins with a consultation to determine if dental implants are the best option for you. During this visit, your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to evaluate the bone tissue and plan the best approach. The team will also take a scan or impression of your teeth to help ensure the implant is positioned accurately and aligned with your natural bite.
Inserting the Implant
To ensure you are comfortable, we will numb the surgical area with a local anesthetic. The dentist will then make a small incision in your gums and create a space in the bone where the implant post will be placed. In some cases, sutures are used to close the gums, although this is not always necessary.
Finalizing the Restoration
After the implant is placed, you’ll go home to allow it to heal over the next few months. This healing process enables the implant to fuse with the bone in your jaw. Once healing is complete, you’ll return to our practice where your custom dental restoration—whether a crown, bridge, or other option—will be ready. We’ll place the restoration, and you’ll leave with a brand-new, fully functional tooth, ready to restore both the appearance and function of your smile.
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to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost of Dental Implants in Vancouver
In Vancouver, the cost of a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. For full-mouth reconstructive dental implants, the cost can vary widely, ranging from $6,000 to $60,000 and beyond. A full set of implant-supported dentures generally averages around $30,000. However, it’s important to note that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone, as the dental implant procedure is complex and depends on many factors unique to each person.
- Several factors contribute to the overall cost of dental implant surgery:
- Type and Number of Implants Needed: The more implants required, the higher the cost.
- Materials and Supplies: The quality and type of materials used for the implants and restorations can impact the price.
- Experience of the Dental Team: The expertise and experience of the dental professionals performing the procedure may affect the cost.
- Location and Complexity of the Surgery: The complexity of the surgery and the location of the dental practice will also influence the price.
- Recovery Time: We are committed to supporting you throughout your recovery, and this may impact the overall cost.
How Is the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery Determined?
Since every patient’s case is unique, it’s essential to schedule a consultation and have an oral exam to assess your individual needs. Based on this, we can provide a more accurate estimate and discuss the treatment options best suited for you.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
For those missing 1 to 3 teeth, a dental bridge might be a viable option. For more extensive tooth loss, dental prosthetics or removable dentures may be recommended. When comparing dental implants to other tooth-replacement options, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
While dental implants may involve a higher initial cost, they offer long-term durability and security, providing a more permanent solution compared to bridges or dentures. Removable dentures require ongoing care, adjustments, and potential replacements over time, whereas dental implants are cared for like natural teeth—through regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a smart long-term investment for your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one will be able to tell that you have dental implants. The implant itself is hidden beneath your gums, and it’s topped with lifelike restorations designed to blend naturally with your existing teeth. Your new teeth will look and feel completely like your natural ones.
Dentures and implants are very different, and each has its advantages. Dentures rest on top of your gums and put pressure on the underlying bone, while implants are placed directly into the bone and provide better bite strength. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s best to visit us in person so we can help determine which solution suits your needs best.
If dental implants aren’t the right option for you, there are alternatives like dental bridges and full or partial dentures. These options can be effective in replacing missing teeth. The best way to explore your options is to book an appointment with us, where we can discuss your specific needs and find the solution that works for you.
To qualify for dental implants, you need to be an adult with good oral health. Your jawbone must be strong enough to support the implant, and your gums should be healthy. If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. There are often alternative treatments available if implants aren’t suitable for you.
Absolutely! Your implants will be custom-made to match your existing teeth in terms of shape, size, and color. Whether it’s a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, your new teeth will blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
The dental implant procedure is generally quite comfortable. Thanks to advances in dental technology, it’s become a predictable and relatively pain-free process. We use anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable, and with proper aftercare, you can expect minimal swelling and almost no bleeding. If you’re feeling anxious, let us know, and we’ll do everything we can to make you feel at ease.
In most cases, you can return to work the day after your dental implant surgery. However, the exact timeline will depend on your specific treatment. We’ll give you a more accurate recovery estimate and ensure you have all the post-operative care instructions you need.
To keep your implants healthy, we recommend checkups every 6 months, though this may vary depending on your individual needs. Regular professional cleanings and exams are essential to maintaining the success of your implants.
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly, keep up with routine cleanings and checkups, and let us know if you experience any issues. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining the longevity of your implants.
No, dental implants do not need to be replaced regularly. Once placed, they are designed to last for many years, often a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. They offer a long-term solution that eliminates the need for frequent replacements.
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