All About Dental Implants
Hoping to bring your smile back to its former glory? Do you have trouble chewing or speaking, and want some relief from your discomfort? Dental implants may be a good option for you to consider if you are wanting to replace missing teeth.
Dental implants are a durable, natural, and low-maintenance way to replace missing teeth. It is surgically inserted into the jawbone in place of a tooth’s missing root. Our team at Flagship Dental can help restore your confidence in your smile and you can reach out with any questions if you are considering our restorative dentistry services.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial reconstructions of teeth with roots that are surgically inserted into your jaw by your dentist or periodontist. Tooth implants are made to integrate with your jawbone.
Usually, these implants are made of titanium (at Flagship Dental they’re made of a combination of metal and ceramics), are attached to the implants, look very natural, and simulate real teeth. It can be hard to distinguish between a real tooth and a tooth implant.
Dental implants offer a strong and durable means of replacing missing teeth that will endure for years to come. You may need to have your dental implants tightened or replaced as time goes on, so ensuring you come in for regular checkups will extend the longevity of the implants you’ve had put in place.
Cost of Tooth Implants
While the average cost of a tooth implant in Surrey and Langley is advertised around $1800-$2500, this is typically only for the tooth that will be inserted in the jaw, and does not include the restoration process. The cost of a fully restored tooth is around $5,000 on average, not including extraction and grafting if necessary.
Part of the cost of dental implants may also be covered by insurance. It would be best to check in with your insurance provider to get an outline of what is covered. You’re also welcome to send us an email or give us a call if you want more information on the cost of dental implants at our clinic.
Every smile is different and we know that each patient has a unique vision for what they hope to achieve. We would be glad to work with you to achieve the smile you’ve always been dreaming of with dental implants or other options for replacing missing teeth.
All of our services are charged according to the BC fee guide issued from BCDA.
Why Do People Get Dental Implants?
You use your teeth to do so much in your everyday life – without them, you wouldn’t be able to speak or chew. Life happens and people can lose teeth for many reasons: they get older, they suffer from gum disease, or their teeth are knocked out from an injury.
Tooth implants also improve the quality of your oral health overall – it supports the function of a healthy bite and jawbone, and will prevent the bones in your jaw from deteriorating. Your jawbone may have started to deteriorate already since a tooth was already missing, as the tooth was what preserved the health of that jawbone in the first place.
Losing teeth is not only a physically painful experience, but it also comes with a range of emotions. Many people feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile if they are missing teeth, and it can definitely impact your self-esteem.
Dental implants not only restore the cosmetic appearance of your smile, but can also help you chew food and speak with ease again. We want you to be able to eat comfortably, laugh and speak without pain, and go back to living your life.
What types of teeth can be replaced by dental implants?
Dental implants are a versatile way to restore your natural smile. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth or several teeth, depending on what you are looking for. An implant can:
- Secure a crown in place for a single tooth
- Secure a bridge for several missing teeth
- Replace the need for a removable denture
- Support any existing dentures in your mouth
- Also be used during orthodontic treatment
Due to their versatile nature, we can create a custom treatment plan for your dental implants, tailored to the results you hope to achieve.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants work with your smile rather than replacing it completely. Here are some of the benefits of dental implants.
- Dental implants look good. When you lose teeth, your intra-oral bone can shrink, causing you to look older. By having dental implants inserted, you’ll stop that process from happening, and your face and smile will look better as a result.
- Less maintenance: Dental implants are less bulky than traditional dentures, which need regular maintenance over time to keep up the appearance of natural-looking teeth in your mouth. Dentures may also lose their adherence to your teeth over time, whereas you know your dental implants aren’t going anywhere.
- Your natural teeth don’t suffer. With traditional dental bridges, any teeth that are next to your missing teeth often take a blow, as they need to be ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. In contrast, tooth implants will enhance your natural smile, won’t affect the health of your natural teeth, and will prevent any other teeth in your mouth from shifting positions.
- Easy to care for: You will take care of your dental implants as if they were your natural teeth too – instead of having to buy costly tooth cleaning products, you can just brush and floss your implants as normal.
- You’ll love your smile – permanently. There won’t be any screws coming loose in your mouth, as dental implants are surgically inserted. It is a stable and comfortable solution for restoring missing teeth that will last you a very long time.
The Dental Implant Procedure
As with any surgical procedure, there is a thorough consultation process with your dentist in Surrey before you commit to getting dental implants. We will first conduct a comprehensive dental exam, where we will assess the current condition of your teeth by taking x-rays and checking your teeth’s surfaces for any underlying conditions.
There are certain factors to consider for whether you will be an ideal candidate for dental implant surgery, such as:
- You are missing one or more teeth
- Your jawbone is fully grown and developed
- You have healthy oral tissues and bone
- You are struggling with or unable to wear dentures
We will also ask you about your medical history, as people with certain medical conditions may be at risk for infection after the dental implant surgery. We will then walk through a proposed treatment plan for your dental implants, which will be tailored to your specific needs – the number of teeth you need replaced and the condition of your remaining teeth will influence the length and follow-up for your treatment.
Dental Implant FAQs
If you’re looking into getting dental implants, you’ll likely have many questions about the treatment process and its results. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from our patients from Surrey and Langley that may address your concerns. You are also welcome to call us at 604-576-8228 or email us at hello@flagshipdental.ca if you have any additional questions.
Will dental implants affect how I live my life?
Once you’ve healed from treatment, the impact that dental implants have on your daily life is minimal. Your implants are supposed to look, feel, and function like the rest of the teeth in your mouth. You can eat or drink whatever you like, flash a smile in a mirror, and enjoy the freedom of having a full set of pearly whites as you go about your day.
What are dental implants made of?
At Flagship Dental, we’re always looking for the most effective technology for our restorative dentistry services. Our dental implants are made of a combination of metal and ceramics, and are custom fit for each patient.
Will my new teeth look artificial?
Dental technology has advanced and the latest tooth implants so closely resemble your natural teeth that it can be hard to tell them apart. Since these teeth will be permanently implanted in your mouth, it is in our best interest to have them integrate with your natural teeth as seamlessly as possible. We want our work to look so seamless, that it’ll be as if you never sat in a dentist chair at all!
Are dental implants easy to care for?
Treat your dental implant with the same level of care as your natural teeth, by brushing and flossing. Consistent and thorough oral hygiene at home is essential for maintaining your oral health. Don’t forget to come in for your regular dental exams and cleanings.
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
While state-of-the-art dental technology allows us to place dental implants within a single session, the entire consultation process and healing will take place over a period of several months. We will need to check in and make sure the dental implants are still well integrated in your mouth and are aligned with your bite.
Is the treatment painful?
As with any surgery, there can be some discomfort. We will numb the area and check in throughout the procedure to make sure you’re feeling safe and comfortable throughout the entire treatment process.
How will I feel after the treatment?c
You may notice some bruising and swelling in the gums and soft tissues, but you can usually manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication. Avoid heavy physical exertion and take time to rest, but you should be able to return to work or regular activities within a few days, depending on how extensive your procedure was.
Reviews From Our Patients
We love serving our Surrey and Langley patients, and treasure their trust in us as their dental providers. Here are some of the kind words our patients have shared with us over the years.
“The Dental Hygienist was VERY professional and did a great job. The Dentist is straight up with the facts and I like that – no soft stepping when there is an issue to discuss. Been going here for years and find all the staff are great.”
— RICHARD D.
“This office is very friendly and I never feel rushed. The workmanship is top notch with the latest technologies. Appointments are easy to book.”
— WANDA P.
“I got recommended to this dentist by someone on Facebook. So happy I went. Dr. Bath is absolutely amazing. Both times I went I had molars removed. She and the hygienist made sure I was comfortable during the entire appointment and were very informative.”
— DAN F.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
There’s a reason why Flagship Dental has been a trusted dental provider for the communities of Surrey and Langley for over four decades. Every patient that walks through our doors is treated with attention and care.
Dental care is individualized and looks different for everyone, and our team will walk alongside you on your oral health journey. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that you’re comfortable with and suits your lifestyle.