Do you have a missing tooth or teeth? Do you have a denture replacing your natural teeth? Do you find it uncomfortable to chew your food?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, dental implants may be the solution for you. Dental implants are titanium posts that can be inserted into the jaw bone and can be used as replacement for natural teeth roots. Crowns, bridges or dentures can be attached to these artificial roots. Once attached to the implants, the restorations are very stable and can allow you to chew comfortably.
Implants also have another significant advantage. They help to preserve bone in which they are placed. Studies show that once teeth are removed from the jaw, bone starts to shrink. Over time, the bone loss can be very significant. Occasionally, if you have been missing a tooth for a long time, you may not have enough bone left to support an implant. In these cases, you would need a bone grafting procedure prior to getting an implant placed.
At Atlantis Dental Roundhouse, we use special x-rays called cone-beam CT scans to evaluate your bone to make sure that there are no vital structures such as nerves or blood vessels in the area that the implant is planned for. Implants can be placed in a single short appointment. Normally, the implants are allowed to heal and “integrate” into the jaw bone for 3-4 months before a restoration is placed on the implant.
If you have any other questions about dental implants, please call us to arrange a free consultation. Our phone number in Yaletown is 604-224-6262 and our New Westminster phone number is 604-525-4391.