Dental implants are a common restorative method that uses titanium screws as artificial tooth roots to support a dental prosthesis. They are used to restore teeth that are in need of extraction due to severe decay or damage, as well as teeth that have already gone missing. Dental implants are considered to be the gold standard for teeth restoration because they preserve the jawbone, do not harm adjacent teeth, look and function like natural teeth, and are easier to maintain. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

You may be a candidate for dental implants if you are in relatively good overall health, but have teeth that are missing, or severely decayed or damaged. Additionally, ideal candidates for dental implants will have healthy gums and enough bone mass to safely support an implant. To find out if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation with your North Vancouver implant dentist today. 

What dental prosthetics can be used with dental implants?

Dental implants can be used with a variety of dental prostheses. Depending on the number of teeth being restored, dental implants may be used in coordination with a crown, bridge, or denture. Implant-supported crowns are usually used to restore a single tooth, implant-supported bridges are used to restore multiple adjacent teeth, and implant-supported dentures are used when an entire arch of teeth is in need of restoration. 

How are dental implants placed at my North Vancouver implant dentist?

At your North Vancouver dental office, the first step in placing dental implants is making our patients comfortable. To accomplish this we will administer a dental anesthetic and offer a range of dental sedation options. Dental implants are placed during a minor surgical procedure performed in our office. First, a small incision is made in the gums in order to reach the jawbone. Once the jawbone is visible, the gum tissue will be flipped back to expose the jawbone. 

At this point, a dental drill will likely be used to shape any empty tooth sockets that are receiving a dental implant. Once the implant screw is adequately fasted in place, a connecting piece known as an abutment is attached. The gums are then sutured so that the abutment in visible from the top of the gums. 

What can I expect after having dental implants placed by my North Vancouver implant dentist?

After having a dental implant placed, you can expect to be sore and experience minor swelling. Your implant dentist will provide you with post-treatment guidelines to follow after your procedure. Generally these guidelines revolve around eating soft foods and practicing good oral hygiene. 

It will take about 3-6 months for your implant to fuse with the surrounding bone. Since the implant cannot heal properly if it does not fuse with bone, it is highly important to follow the guidelines provided by your implant dentist. Once your dental implant has completely healed, a dental impression will be taken and the permanent restoration will be fabricated and placed in the mouth.