Dental Implants in South Vancouver
Beautiful, Strong Replacements for Missing Teeth
Every tooth matters for everyday living; our teeth help us eat, speak, and smile with ease. When missing teeth affect your oral health, it’s common to want a solid and sturdy replacement that looks and feels like your natural tooth. Dental implants allow you to achieve this, providing long-term durability and a beautiful, seamless smile. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, our dental professionals can help you decide if dental implants are the right option for you.
The Top Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a well-rounded solution for tooth loss, providing multiple benefits. Some of the outcomes patients enjoy after dental implants include:
- A solid foundation for chewing and eating, offering more dietary options.
- A natural appearance, with each implant blending seamlessly into your smile.
- A long-lasting solution that can last a lifetime with regular dental care.
- A method for preserving the jawbone and facial structure, which can otherwise deteriorate.
- A low-impact solution for remaining teeth, as implants don’t require support from adjacent teeth.
- A secure, comfortable fit that doesn’t slip or move.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are distinct from other restorative options because they are designed to mimic the complete structure of a tooth more closely, including the tooth roots. Dental implants require a surgical procedure to place them, but once they have been placed, the implant can last a lifetime.
A dental implant consists of three main components:
- Titanium Implant Post – A titanium screw is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root.
- Abutment – This small connector attaches to the implant post to the replacement tooth (the crown, bridge, or denture).
- Crown, Bridge, or Denture – A custom-made prosthetic is attached to the abutment, completing your new smile.
The first step in the process involves placing the titanium post below the gumline. It eventually fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong and secure foundation for the new tooth. The healing process for the post takes several weeks, after which the false tooth or crown can be attached. This completes the implant process, leaving you with a new tooth.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants come with a few requirements to ensure they’ll be a good long-lasting replacement solution. Our dental team will assess your oral health, but in general, you may be a suitable candidate if:
- You have one or more missing teeth.
- You have sufficient bone density to support the implant and allow for osseointegration of the post.
- Your gums are healthy and you do not have periodontal disease.
- You can commit to maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits for follow ups.
- You do not smoke (or are willing to quit), as smoking can negatively impact the healing process.
In some cases, other procedures might be required before you are eligible for dental implants. For example, if you have experienced bone loss in your jaw, bone grafting may be recommended before proceeding with implants to ensure a strong foundation.
The Dental Implant Process
- Consultation and Assessment
Our dental team will examine your teeth, take X-rays and 3D imaging, and ask you some health questions to determine if dental implants are a tooth replacement option for you.
- Treatment Plan
If you’re determined to be a good candidate for implants, we’ll create a custom treatment plan and talk through any preparatory procedures you’ll need, such as bone grafting (if required).
- Implant Placement
During the procedure, the titanium implant post will be surgically placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia or sedation. The healing process typically takes a few months, allowing the implant to integrate with the bone structure of the jaw.
- Abutment Placement
Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone and the tissue is healed, the abutment is attached to the post. This step prepares the implant to support the final restoration.
- Final Restoration
A custom-made crown, bridge, or denture will be securely affixed to the abutment, completing the restoration. You’ll be left with a fully functional, natural-looking replacement tooth ready for just about anything!
- Regular Follow Ups
Our dental team will provide you with instructions to help you care for your replacement tooth, including at-home dental hygiene care. You’ll also need to schedule routine dental check-ups to help maintain the longevity of your tooth replacement.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants
Dental implants are a reliable, long-term solution for missing teeth, helping you regain confidence in your smile and maintain your oral health. If you’re considering dental implants in South Vancouver, book a consultation with our dental team today to explore your options and take the first step toward a healthier, more complete smile.