What is a Dental Implant?
An implant is a titanium screw that replaces the tooth root. The screw is placed where the tooth has been lost, and a crown is attached to the implant.
Implants can create replacement teeth that look, feel, and function very closely to that of a natural tooth.
Implant supports for dentures can be an effective way of improving the fit and retention of prosthetic teeth, especially for individuals who are missing all of their teeth.
Dental implants can replace a single lost tooth or multiple missing teeth, and may address many oral health issues while leaving you with a functional, natural-looking smile. They can:
- Prevent bite and jaw joint problems caused by teeth shifting
- Improve the ability to chew, speak and digest
- Resolve jaw joint pain or bite issues
- Restore the 'sunken face' look associated with missing teeth
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
To perform the implant procedure, your dentist will need three pieces: a metal root, an abutment, and a tooth replacement such as a bridge or crown.
First, the metal root will be surgically placed into the jaw bone. Generally, it will take 4 to 6 months for the surgical implant to heal before the artificial tooth or teeth can be placed.
Once the implant has healed, the dentist will attach the abutment and tooth replacement to the metal root, creating the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth.
In some cases, you may not have enough bone to support an implant and oral surgery will be needed to restore the jaw bone to allow for implants.
More Dental Implants FAQs
These are some of the most frequently asked questions our patients have about dental implants.
- Are implant procedures typically successful?
The cylindrical implant system, which we use at North Burnaby Dental Group, is successful for many patients. However, as with any dental procedure, there is some risk of complications occurring.
- Will the dental implant procedure be painful?
You are unlikely to experience major discomfort during and after the procedure. Your dentist will review anaesthesia options with you and plan your procedure based on the wishes you express. However, dental implant placement is usually completed with local anaesthesia.
- Will I be able to chew normally?
Chewing will often improve significantly following treatment with cylindrical implant systems. In fact, after a brief period to get used to your new implant, you may be able to chew almost as well as you would with your natural teeth.
- How long will my dental implants last?
With proper care, there is no time limit on how long successful cylindrical implant systems can last and dental implant systems continue to improve.