Specialty Services
Dental Implants in North Vancouver
If you’ve been affected by tooth loss, dental implants can be an excellent option for tooth replacement. When a tooth is lost and not replaced, some people experience negative effects, such as pain or discomfort while chewing, bone loss, shifting of the surrounding teeth, or defective speech. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant reduces or eliminates these issues and restores the full function of the teeth.
Many people choose dental implants to replace missing teeth. As it becomes a common restorative procedure in dentistry, people want to know, “What are dental implants?”
How Dental Implants Work
As an overview, dental implants are made up of three components:
- The implant body (a titanium post)
- An abutment (a connection piece between the body and the crown)
- A dental crown (an artificial tooth)
The process begins with your dentist surgically implanting the implant body below the gumline. It takes some time to heal and fuse with the jawbone and gums, but once it does, it functions much like the natural tooth roots, keeping your implant firmly in place.
After healing, the abutment is attached to the post, and a dental crown is placed on top of that. The dental crown is custom-made for you and looks and feels much like a natural tooth.
Dental implants can be used in several ways in dentistry:
- To replace a single missing tooth
- To replace many missing teeth (or even all missing teeth)
- As a foundation for other dental restorations (such as dental bridges)
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Many people are choosing dental implants to replace their natural teeth. The longevity of this solution is what makes it most desirable. Although the crowns on top of the implant may need to be replaced every 10-15 years, the dental implant itself is permanent and does not require maintenance in most cases.
A dental implant functions, looks, and feels much like a natural tooth. In many cases, it can significantly improve a person’s quality of life over many years (and even decades).
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
There are several considerations you and your dentist will need to make before you receive dental implants.
First, your dentist will assess your oral health to ensure your bone structure and gum tissue can adequately support a dental implant. If not, additional procedures, such as gum grafting or bone grafting, may be required as a first step toward dental implants.
Like any restoration, there are also several risks to consider with dental implants. Some of these relate to the procedure itself, while others relate to the healing process and final results. Before you choose dental implants, your dentist will walk you through all of the potential risks to make sure you understand them.
The Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants varies from patient to patient. Many factors can impact the final cost of dental implants, including whether you need initial restorations to the gums and jaw, how many implants you’ll receive, and any specific considerations for your oral and overall health.
We encourage anyone considering implants to book a free consultation with our experienced dental team. We can help you learn more about the costs of dental implants and provide you with a personalized estimate.
How to Care for Dental Implants
During the Healing Process
After the implant body is placed under your gum line, it may take several months for your mouth to fully heal around it. During this time, you will not have a dental crown placed on top of the implant. It’s important to take care of the site and avoid hard or chewy foods which could damage the site of the implant. Your dental team will provide you with detailed dental hygiene instructions after your procedure, which should be followed carefully.
Smoking can make healing more difficult and prolonged, so it is recommended not to smoke during the healing period.
If you experience any pain or discomfort during the healing process, get in touch with your dentist right away.
After a Dental Implant Location is Fully Healed
Once your mouth has healed around the post of the implant, your dentist will attach the abutment and dental crown, giving you back full function of your new tooth (or teeth).
Mostly, your usual oral hygiene routine and diet can be resumed. Be sure to brush and floss regularly to keep the area clean and the surrounding gums healthy. Keep in mind that hard foods may damage your crown, while others (such as coffee, wine, and black tea) may stain your crown over time.
Routine visits to your dentist are important after receiving a dental implant. Your dentist will check in on the position of your implant and assess any wear on the crown.
Ready to Talk with Your Dentist About Dental Implants?
If you’re ready to learn more or have questions, contact us to book a consultation for dental implants in North Vancouver. The IQ Dental team provides personalized information so you can make a decision you’ll feel good about for years to come. We look forward to helping you in your restorative dental journey.
