dental implantsDental implants are artificial roots and teeth implanted into the jaw to replace missing teeth.

Today’s dental implants are durable, and feel and function like natural teeth. They are also crafted to shape and enhance your smile sometimes even more than the teeth they replace!

Implants can achieve several benefits:

  • replace a missing tooth without affecting adjacent teeth
  • maintain proper alignment by preventing teeth from moving into the gap left by a missing tooth
  • support proper biting, chewing and speech
  • restore confidence with a beautiful, healthy-looking smile
  • support a bridge or denture for optimal comfort and function

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also to provide a fixed solution as an alternative to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants can also provide excellent support and stability for these removable dentures in some cases.

As dental implants are artificial roots (usually titanium), they are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by our dentist at our North Vancouver clinic. Crown or bridge attached to implants are very natural looking and restore or even enhance your smile.

dental implant x rayReasons for dental implants:

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space
  • Restore your confident smile
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
  • Restore or enhance facial tissues
  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable

For more information about implants, please see the videos below:

Stage 1: Placing the implant

Stage 2: implant restoration

At our Lynn Valley office, we offer the renowned Straumann and Nobel Biocare brands of implants.

Please contact us if you need more information or would like a consultation to see if you are a candidate for dental implants.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

After deciding that an implant is right for you, X-rays, CT Scan and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place.

implants

With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing, the artificial teeth or crowns are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will help to maintain your new implant.