Dental implants, designed with bio-compatible materials, are natural-looking tooth replacements. Implants have completely changed the art of dentistry, and many lives! Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They have dramatically improved the treatment possibilities for patients and often allow us to provide treatment results that in most cases are significantly improved over dated traditional treatment options.
The implants themselves are small titanium posts placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone surrounds the titanium, creating a strong foundation for teeth replacements. Once implants are placed in the jaw, they are allowed to heal for varying lengths of time. Implants can be used to support single teeth, multiple teeth or bridges, and may also support dentures.
BC Perio Dental Treatment
A person who has lost teeth undergoes both a physical and emotional response that can be difficult to deal with. With the use of dental implants, that person recovers the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence. In addition, they benefit from the fact that dental implants help preserve oral and facial bone, and prevents further bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Benefits of Implants
- Maintain and preserve your jawbone throughout your life
- Restore chewing ability and function
- Improve speech
- Enhance your appearance and confidence
- Decrease oral discomfort due to ill-fitting dentures
Treatment Overview
Though each dental implant consultation and treatment plan is a highly-individualized process, please read on for a general overview of dental implant treatment.
After your consultation, during which our doctors will analyze your medical and oral health, digital x-rays, and CT scan results, to assess jawbone strength, tissue vitality, and spacing necessary for a dental implant, your bio-compatible titanium implant will be surgically placed. This simple procedures (often less than 1 hour in length) is normally performed under local anesthesia (freezing). However at your request various sedation methods can be added to ease any anxiety regarding this process.
After implant placement, a healing period is required during which bone will bind to the implant surface.
Once the implant has integrated into the bone, a final restoration (tooth crown) is built onto it. In the end you will possess a new tooth that will give you the ability to chew, speak and smile comfortably.
In many cases, teeth may be placed on the implants the same day your implants are surgically placed with Teeth in a Day. If this interest you, please discuss this with your doctor at your consult appointment.
Dental implant care instructions are very similar to natural teeth – your flossing techniques may need to differ, but dental implants generally require the same oral health care routine as natural teeth. It is important that you see a hygienist routinely to help maintain your teeth and dental implants. We encourage our patients to discuss any issues with gum disease, oral health care habits, or special implant care with our doctors.
If you would like to learn more about dental implants book your consultation today with your Vancouver or Coquitlam Periodontist, contact one of our BC Perio Dental Health and Implant Centre offices.
For more information on Dental Implants, you may also visit www.implantlearn.com