What are dental implants?
An implant is a small metal screw that replaces an entire tooth. In a brief surgical procedure, the dentist inserts an implant into the bone beneath your gums right in the spot where a tooth should be. The implant acts like a natural tooth root and is finished off with a restoration such as a dental crown to help it look and feel just like a real tooth.
Getting dental implants is a big deal. You think you might like an implant, but you aren’t sure what to expect. We explain everything here so that you can make an informed decision about your dental treatment.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth support the shape of your smile and allow you to eat and speak comfortably. Missing teeth can lead to your remaining teeth shifting out of alignment, increasing your risk of oral health issues. Even losing a single tooth can trigger problems that affect both your oral health and facial appearance.
One unavoidable consequence of missing teeth is bone resorption. Without teeth to stimulate your jawbone, the bone tissue gradually breaks down. This can lead to a shortened jaw and chin, resulting in a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips.
Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth. By replacing lost teeth with implants, you can prevent or correct these issues and restore both your smile and facial structure.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be challenging, affecting both your self-esteem and oral health. Gaps in your smile can lead to discomfort while eating, misaligned teeth, and even bone loss.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance: Dental implants mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth. Custom-designed to match the size, shape, and colour of your existing teeth, implants seamlessly blend into your smile.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort: Once placed, the titanium post of the implant fuses with your jawbone, making it a permanent fixture. Whether topped with a crown, bridge, or used to support dentures, the implant stays in place, allowing you to smile, laugh, and eat without worry.
- Improve Bone Strength: Dental implants stimulate bone growth, preventing bone atrophy that can occur when teeth are lost. This helps strengthen your jawbone and preserve your facial structure.
- Dental implants provide a long-term solution that not only feels natural but also lasts for decades with proper oral care.
Dental implants provide a long-term solution that not only feels natural but also lasts for decades with proper oral care.
Dental Implant Restorations
A restoration is the “false tooth” that covers the implant. While the implant itself isn’t visible when you smile, the restoration makes it look like you’ve had a new tooth placed.
- Dental Crown: The most common implant restoration, a dental crown covers a single-tooth implant, providing a natural-looking replacement.
- Dental Bridge: A dental bridge spans the gap when multiple teeth in a row are missing. One or two implants can support a bridge to replace several teeth, while a full implant-supported bridge replaces an entire arch of upper or lower teeth, secured by four or more implants.
- Implant Denture: Enhance the stability of a removable denture by attaching it to two small implants, offering better support and security.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile will transform with a dental implant – it’ll be healthier and more confident than ever.
Dental implants are simple to care for. Just brush and floss gently each day, and take precautions to protect your implant during sports. Regular checkups will help ensure its long-term health and function.
With proper care, your dental implant will reward you with years of strong, vibrant smiles!
Start today by booking a consultation
How It Feels
While the idea of having a metal implant placed into the bone of your mouth may sound painful, the procedure is actually much more comfortable than you might think.
We will numb the area with a mild anesthetic to ensure you feel no pain during the surgery. Thanks to advanced dental technology, implants are placed quickly, accurately, and with minimal invasiveness, reducing discomfort and recovery time.
Many patients report feeling relaxed or even sleepy during the brief 30-minute procedure. The most discomfort you may experience is holding your mouth open for a few moments.
It’s normal to experience some swelling, mild discomfort, or bruising in the hours following the procedure, but these symptoms are easy to manage. We’ll provide you with instructions to help minimize discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. Most patients begin to feel better within a week.
Additionally, dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%, making them one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The process of getting a dental implant is far more comfortable than you might expect.
Assessment
Your journey begins with a dental implant consultation to determine if implants are the right solution for you. Your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan to assess the bone tissue and plan the treatment. An impression or scan of your teeth will also be taken to help plan the correct angulation of the implant.
Inserting the Implant
An anesthetic will be administered to numb the surgical area. The dentist creates a small hole in your gums and bone to place the implant post. Depending on the case, sutures may be required to close the gums.
Finalizing the Restoration
After the implant heals over the next few months, you’ll return to our practice. We’ll have your custom dental restoration ready to be placed, and you’ll leave with a brand-new, fully functional tooth.
Contact us today
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 North Vancouver
In North Vancouver, a single dental implant typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000+. For full-mouth reconstructive implants, costs can range from $6,000 to $60,000 or more. A full set of implant-supported dentures averages around $30,000. Keep in mind, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone as the procedure is complex and varies from person to person.
How is the cost of dental implant surgery determined? Several factors contribute to the cost of dental implants, including:
- The type and number of implants required
- The materials and supplies used
- The time and expertise of the dental team
- The location and complexity of the surgery
- Your recovery time and ongoing support
Since every case is unique, it’s essential to consult with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to assess your individual situation. We’re happy to provide a more accurate quote based on your needs.
Are there other solutions for missing teeth?
For gaps caused by one to three missing teeth, a dental bridge may be a viable option. Larger gaps or full-mouth restorations may require dental prosthetics or removable dentures. When comparing dental implants to other replacement options, it’s important to consider the pros and cons.
While dental implants may involve a higher initial investment, they offer greater security and durability compared to bridges or dentures. Removable prosthetics require ongoing care and may need adjustments or replacement as you age. In contrast, dental implants require the same care as natural teeth and, with proper maintenance, can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dentures sit on your gums and apply pressure to the bone, while implants are placed below the gums, offering a more stable bite. Both options have pros and cons. We recommend scheduling a consultation to find the best treatment for you.
Yes! Your implant restoration, whether it’s a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, will be custom-made to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless look.
The procedure is now highly predictable and relatively pain-free. We take great care to minimize discomfort, and with proper aftercare, you can expect minimal swelling and little to no bleeding. Let us know if you feel anxious; your comfort is our priority.
Most patients return to work the day after surgery. We’ll provide a time estimate based on your specific treatment plan and let you know if you should adjust your schedule.
