Digitally Planned Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial roots, placed under the gums, that provide a permanent base for fixed replacement teeth.

Compared to dentures, dental bridges, and dental crowns; dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement. For EVERY case at River District Dentistry we virtually plan and place an implant using our 3D scanner. This allows us to safely position it well away from adjacent tooth roots or nerves - this pre-planning also helps make the procedure more predictable.

Over time, the medical grade titanium actually fuses to the living bone cells of your jaw. This union forms a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth, meaning there’s no slippage or other movement during talking or eating. You don’t need to worry about your implant getting cavities because dental implants don’t decay (but you still have to floss to keep the surrounding gums healthy).

Dental implants have the advantage of being a conservative treatment option- the two adjacent “innocent bystander” teeth on either side of a gap don’t need to be shaved down like they would with a more aggressive bridge treatment. Give us a call at 604-423-3577 to set up an appointment to see if you are a dental implant candidate!

How long do Dental Implants last?

One of the main benefits of dental implants is their durability and longevity. With proper care, dental implants can last many years, and many patients can keep their dental implants for the rest of their lives! All you have to do to care for a dental implant is treat it like a normal tooth: continue to brush twice per day, floss once per day, and come in for routine checkups and cleanings. While dental implants can’t get cavities, they can get gum disease, which is why they need to be routinely professionally cleaned below the gumline.

Just like a regular tooth, a dental implant and restoration (prosthetic tooth) can be damaged by oral injury or trauma and need restoration or replacement. It is a good idea to get a protective mouth guard if you play contact sports. The good news is that it is highly unlikely that your dental implant will be damaged by an accident. However, the prosthetic tooth that attaches to your dental implant could be damaged or dislodged by an oral trauma. If your dental implant or artificial tooth becomes damaged, give us a call and we will help you restore your smile.

When Do I Need to Get Dental Implants?

After you lose a tooth, it is best to get it replaced as soon as possible. If you wait too long, your surrounding teeth could begin to shift towards the open space where your missing tooth used to be (think of books falling over on a bookshelf when you take one out). This can cause bite and alignment problems, requiring additional orthodontic correction prior to your implant placement. Also, since there is no longer a tooth applying pressure to your jaw bone in the empty socket, bone shrinkage can occur. This means that you will lose jaw bone tissue where your missing tooth used to be, since it is no longer being stimulated as you chew. If you lose too much bone in your jaw, we may need to do additional graft surgeries before we can proceed with a dental implant. Getting a dental implant before any major issues arise will prevent bone resorption, shifting teeth, and help you smile with confidence once again.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Yes! Dental implants are very safe. In, fact they are one of the healthiest options for tooth replacement. Dental implants are made of titanium, a special type of biocompatible metal. This means that as you heal, your natural bone and oral tissues will bond with the titanium implant through a process called osseointegration. Essentially, your dental implant will become a natural part of your mouth. Your artificial tooth root will be strong, stable, and provide stimulation to your jaw bone as you chew, preventing bone loss and teeth shifting.

Additionally, we use advanced technology and digital scans for our implant planning, allowing for more accuracy (down to a tenth of a millimetre!), efficiency, and successful implant placements. With years of experience, you’re in good hands with the team at River District Dentistry. We take the time to sit down with you and explain the treatment process from end-to-end to ensure you feel comfortable and excited to begin! Our goal is to ensure you feel informed about treatment and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have!