Restorative Dentistry

Dental Implants in North Vancouver

Tooth loss following sports injuries, accidents, and periodontal disease has historically been treated with dental inserts or bridges that are placed over the gap and secured to adjacent teeth. Although overall rates of tooth bone loss have declined over the past few decades, periodontal disease affects nearly half of North American adults and tooth loss is still common.

The first step in maintaining strong and healthy teeth should always be preventative care. But modern treatments for tooth loss can offer patients a more permanent and cost effective solution that replicates the look and function of real teeth. This more natural result is achieved with dental implant placement, a procedure that can replace missing teeth in the full mouth or part of the mouth with lifelong results.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a sophisticated and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth that closely mimics the natural structure and function of your original teeth. It consists of three main components:

Implant Post: The foundation of a dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. This post acts as a substitute for the natural tooth root, providing a stable and durable anchor for the replacement tooth.
Abutment: Once the implant post has fused with the jawbone, a connector called an abutment is attached to it. The abutment serves as a link between the implant post and the prosthetic tooth, crown, or denture.
Prosthetic Tooth: The prosthetic tooth, whether it’s a single crown, bridge, or denture, is custom-designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. This visible part of the implant is securely attached to the abutment, resulting in a restoration that looks and functions just like real teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants look and act like regular teeth and have several benefits:

The titanium anchors are lightweight, strong, and biocompatible, which means that they are not rejected by the body. Titanium also fuses with the jaw bone, allowing it to replace the former root structure.
The titanium anchor helps preserve jaw structure. With a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth can start to deteriorate, but dental implants help maintain the bone shape and density. This means the facial structure and soft tissue are better supported.
Dental implants preserve the health of neighboring teeth, compared to bridges that require adjacent teeth to be ground down to support the bridge.
Implants can be easier to keep clean than a bridge because there are no superficial structures added to the mouth.
With the stability and strength of dental implants, you can enjoy enhanced chewing capabilities and speak with confidence.
With proper care, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, making them a durable and cost-effective investment in your oral health.
The stable and secure nature of implants allows you to eat, speak, and smile without worry, providing a renewed sense of self-assurance.

How are Dental Implants Installed?

Consultation and Treatment Planning: Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation of your dental needs. Our experienced team at the Pier Dental Centre in North Vancouver, BC clinic will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and formulate a personalized treatment plan.
Implant Placement: During the implant placement procedure, a titanium post is carefully positioned in the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. This surgical process is performed with precision, and many patients report minimal discomfort. After the implant is anchored, a small post is added to the top of the implant to connect the artificial tooth.
Healing and Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the implant undergoes a process called osseointegration, where it fuses with the surrounding bone tissue. This integration ensures a strong and stable foundation for the prosthetic tooth.
Abutment Attachment: Once osseointegration is complete, the abutment is attached to the implant post, creating a connection point for the prosthetic tooth.
Prosthetic Tooth Placement: The final step involves attaching the custom-designed prosthetic tooth to the abutment. This results in a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing restoration that seamlessly blends with your natural smile.

The procedure for dental implants often takes several visits to your dental clinic and check-ups should be continued regularly afterwards. Like natural teeth, implants need to be properly cleaned and cared for. Speak to your dentist during your next appointment or visit to learn more about dental implant treatment and other cosmetic dentistry and restorative treatments.

Our Dental Implant Services

1. Single Tooth Implants: Whether you have one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, our team can create a custom implant solution that seamlessly integrates with your natural smile.

2. Full Arch Implants: For those with extensive tooth loss, our full arch implant solutions provide a stable and durable option for restoring your entire upper or lower dental arch, replacing multiple teeth at a time.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures: Experience the benefits of dentures with added stability. Implant-supported dentures offer a secure and comfortable solution for patients seeking a reliable alternative to the traditional removable denture.

4. All-on-4 Implants: This innovative technique allows for the placement of a full arch of teeth using just four strategically positioned implants. It’s a cost-effective and efficient way to achieve a beautiful, functional smile using fewer implants.

All-on-4 Dental Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth

Dental implants look and act like regular teeth and have several benefits:

Tooth loss is incredibly common among adults. Once most or all of the teeth are damaged or missing, many people seek out treatment options that will allow them to fully replace their lost or missing teeth, so that they can continue to eat, talk, smile, and maintain all other normal functions.

All-on-4® treatments provide dental patients with an option for the full replacement of their natural teeth with four non-removable implants per arch. The technique was developed by Nobel Biocare and Dr. Paulo Malo in Europe, and has become popular across the world as a dental implant option for full arch replacements.