Dental implants can provide real help in filling-in gaps due to missing teeth and providing added stability for biting and chewing. Understanding these dental procedures can help you determine if dental implants are the right choice for your needs.
Here are four key questions you may have about dental implants.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a biocompatible (meaning it can be tolerated by the human body), metal post or screw which can be safely placed into the jaw bone to replace the function of the root/s of a natural tooth in areas where teeth have been removed or lost. Therefore, a dental implant is not the artificial tooth or row of teeth that are attached to this screw. Instead, a dental implant provides a point of attachment for artificial teeth or dentures that is stable and works much like an anchor, which connects the crowns or dentures to the bone of the jaw holding the prosthetic in place, which could be a crown, a bridge or a denture.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are placed into the jaw and allowed to heal. During this process, the bones of the jaw typically grow around the implant, bond to it and hold the implant securely in place. Once the bones have created a secure connection or bond with the implant, an artificial tooth or teeth can be attached to the top of the implant/s to replace the function of the missing teeth.
How long do dental implant procedures take?
While the process of extracting teeth and preparing for your dental implants in Vancouver may not take more than an hour or two, the entire process usually requires about four months from start to finish. The healing process between the initial implantation of the implant post and the time when the implant is ready to withstand the chewing force transferred from a prosthetic dental device is the reason for the bulk of this elapsed time.
How long will dental implants last?
With proper dental care and regular visits to your dentist, implants can last very long and even a lifetime if there is no change in the general medical health of the patient. Crowns and artificial teeth, however, may need to be replaced if they become damaged or discoloured over time.
Ace Dental Centres can provide dental implant services for Vancouver and Coquitlam patients who want to maintain a brighter and more attractive smile. With individualized attention to detail, we can customize a proper treatment plan for our dental implant patients to suit their specific needs and requirements.
To learn more about our dental implant options, give Ace Dental Centres a call today at 604-544-0404 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We also offer same-day emergency appointments to help you resolve serious dental issues quickly and effectively. Our team is here to serve you.