Lynn Valley Orthodontics and Family Dentistry
Dental Implants in North Vancouver
Lynn Valley Orthodontics and Family Dentistry
Book a Consultation at your ‘Dental Clinic Near Me’
Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
If tooth loss has affected you or a family member, there are plenty of restorative options to replace missing teeth. Dental implants have become a more popular option in recent years because of their longevity, aesthetic appeal, and convenience.
Dental implants offer a long-term solution for tooth loss, whether you’ve lost a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even all your teeth. Let’s look at some of the most important facts you’ll want to know if you are considering dental implants.
What To Expect from Dental Implants
The Basics of Dental Implants
Dental implants require a surgical procedure to “implant” a steel post through the gums and into the jawbone. This post acts like a tooth root, anchoring the false tooth or crown that will replace the tooth.
A dental implant is made up of three components:
- The implant, which is made of titanium metal and looks a bit like a screw. The implant is placed in the gums and jawbone and eventually integrates into the bone, securing it in place firmly.
- The abutment acts as a connector between the implant and the crown/false tooth.
- The crown or false tooth is the part of a dental implant that you can see. The crown looks and functions just like a real tooth once it’s attached to the abutment and implant.
Do I Need Dental Implants?
Missing teeth can cause several oral health issues over time, including:
- Difficulty chewing or eating.
- Difficulty in speaking clearly and being understood.
- Changes to the positions of the surrounding teeth.
- Changes to the facial shape, often resulting in a “sunken in” look in the cheeks.
- Confidence issues, such as not wanting to smile due to the look of the teeth.
Dental implants are just one restorative option for replacing missing teeth. It’s always best to explore your options with your dentist, who can share the associated benefits, risks, costs, and considerations. Dental implants could work well for your tooth replacement if one of your main considerations is a permanent replacement option.
How and When Dental Implants Are Used
Dental implants are most often used to replace missing teeth. However, implants can also be used as part of a larger restorative strategy, such as anchoring a dental bridge or dentures. A single dental implant replaces a single tooth, but many can be placed to restore extensive tooth loss.
Why People Choose Dental Implants
A Permanent Replacement for One or Many Missing Teeth
Once placed, dental implants permanently integrate with the jawbone. This makes them a long-term solution for tooth loss. Although the implanted post most likely won’t need to be replaced or altered in your lifetime, the crown or artificial teeth attached to them may need replacements every decade or so.
What You Should Know About Getting Dental Implants in North Vancouver
Dental Implants Require a Certain Level of Oral Health
It’s very important to our dental team that any dental restoration you choose will offer you an ideal solution for tooth loss. To ensure you are a good candidate for dental implants, we’ll need to assess your current oral health. Dental implant procedures require healthy gums and a healthy jawbone. In some cases, bone grafting can be completed before a dental implant procedure to ensure you have enough healthy bone for the implant to attach to.
We also want to assess your overall health and well-being before the procedure. Smoking can interfere with the implant healing process.
Dental Implants Require an Initial Time Investment
Dental implants require some extra time, unlike some dental restorations, which can be created and used within hours, days, or weeks. It can take several months for the implanted posts to integrate with the bone (a process known as osseointegration) and for the oral tissues to heal fully. The abutments and artificial teeth will not be placed over a dental implant until the healing process is complete.
Dental Implants Are Just One Option for Tooth Loss
Although many people prefer to consider dental implants because of their longevity, other options exist to replace missing teeth. If your teeth are damaged and may require a replacement, or if you already have missing teeth, you can discuss all your options with our experienced dental team. We’ll ensure you have all the information you need to make a decision about your oral health plan.
Talk to Our North Vancouver Dentists About Getting Dental Implants
Do dental implants make sense for you or a family member? If you want to learn more about dental implants, find out if you are a candidate, or get a personalized quote, our dentists in Lynn Valley are here to help! Contact us or book a consultation today to learn about your restorative options.
Lynn Valley Orthodontics & Family Dentistry
Accepting New Patients