A Solution for a Healthier Smile
A dental implant is a surgical option for replacing missing teeth. Spaces left by missing teeth can lead to a number of issues, which can include trouble chewing and speaking normally and they may even cause surrounding teeth to shift out of place, due to a loss of bone structure. For many people, their confidence comes from their smiles, so it is important to restore and maintain a healthy and full smile.
For many adults with missing teeth, dental implants provide an ideal solution when it comes to replacing teeth that have fallen out or been extracted. Whether you're hoping to maintain the look of your facial features and smile or you are hoping to prevent bone deterioration, a professionally placed dental implant may be the right choice for you.
This surgical restoration, combined with a crown, bridge, or denture may be able to give you back a natural-looking smile. We will consult with you to determine if dental implants might be right for your smile goals and schedule your procedure. Once the healing process is complete our dental team will finish your dental restoration by attaching a crown, bridge, or denture.
With dental implants, you can achieve a natural-looking smile. Additionally, you won't need to worry about adhesives or specialized cleaning like you would with other types of restorations, making them a convenient and hassle-free option.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
For the implants to be anchored properly, it is necessary to have a strong jaw bone and good overall oral health. If you have experienced some minor jaw deterioration, a bone graft or sinus lift may help to reinforce the jaw sufficiently to make dental implants a suitable tooth replacement option for you.
The Dental Implant Process
While we may speak about dental implants as a single unit, it's actually a tooth replacement option consisting of two parts.
The actual dental implant is a tiny titanium screw that is surgically placed in the jaw. The implant acts much like the root of a natural tooth and will anchor your tooth replacement in place.
The implant restoration is the artificial tooth (or teeth) that are permanently secured to the dental implant. Depending on the number of implants placed, your restoration could be an individual crown, a bridge, or a full denture.
When combined, the two parts of the dental implant work together to help restore your oral health, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and prevent jaw deterioration and facial collapse.
FAQs About Dental Implants
The dentists at either of our two Brush Dental Clinic locations can assess your oral health and then work with you to determine whether dental implants may be right for you.
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Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants?
If you are a suitable candidate for implants, we will refer you to an oral surgeon in the Vancouver area to undergo dental implant placement.
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I am a senior. Are dental implants an option for me?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age.
If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, there is a good chance that you are healthy enough to receive dental implants. That said, certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment.
Our team of dentists in Vancouver can examine your teeth and oral health to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. After a careful evaluation of your dental and health history, we can help you to decide which tooth replacement option is best for you.
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Will I be able to chew with the same force I use with my natural teeth?
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity with dental implants is comparable to that of natural teeth.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
You should care for a dental implant just like you care for your natural teeth.
Visiting your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent decay or diseases from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, which can negatively affect your dental implants.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable, so you won't feel pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, there is not usually much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
You will also need to eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure to avoid pain or irritation.
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How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of tooth replacement with dental implants depends on a number of factors, including how many teeth are being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your new teeth.
Some patients will require additional procedures prior to the placement of dental implants to ensure the long-term health of their dental implants.
To receive an estimate for your specific case, contact the Brush Dental Clinic location nearest you to book an examination with our team of dental professionals. Our dentists can assess your oral health and provide you with recommendations and an estimate of how much your implant restoration may cost.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance companies will cover the cost of dental implants, while some will only pay for a portion of the cost, and others won't pay for any part of it.
To determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.