Free Guide to Dental Implant Options in Burnaby

Understanding Dental Implants: What They Are and How They Work

Dental implants are replacement teeth that work differently than traditional dentures or bridges. An implant consists of three main parts: a titanium post that goes into your jawbone, an abutment that connects to the post, and a crown that looks like a natural tooth. The titanium post acts like an artificial tooth root, which is why implants feel and function so much like real teeth.

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The process of getting an implant typically takes several months. First, the titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone. Over the next three to six months, the bone grows around the post in a process called osseointegration. This is what makes implants so stable and long-lasting. Once the bone has grown sufficiently, the abutment is attached, and finally, a custom crown is placed on top. The crown is made to match the color and shape of your other teeth.

Implants are different from bridges and dentures in important ways. A bridge requires grinding down the teeth next to the gap, which means damaging healthy teeth. Dentures sit on top of your gums and can move around while eating or talking. Implants don't require damaging other teeth, and they don't move because they're anchored to your bone.

The cost of implants in Canada typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 per tooth, though this varies by location and complexity. In Burnaby, prices may differ from other parts of British Columbia. Most dental insurance plans don't cover implants because they're considered cosmetic, though some plans may cover a portion. Many dental offices offer payment plans to spread costs over time.

Takeaway: Implants are a long-term solution that replaces the entire tooth structure. Understanding how they work helps you decide if they're the right option for your situation. Ask your dentist in Burnaby about the specific timeline and costs for your case.

Types of Dental Implants Available in Burnaby

There are several types of implants, and dental offices in Burnaby offer different options based on your needs. The most common type is the endosteal implant, which is placed directly into the jawbone. This type works well for most people and has a success rate of around 95 percent. Another type is the subperiosteal implant, which sits on top of the jawbone under the gum. This option is used when someone doesn't have enough bone height for a traditional implant.

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Single tooth implants replace just one missing tooth. This is the most straightforward type and doesn't affect neighboring teeth. If you're missing multiple teeth, you might consider an implant-supported bridge, which uses two or more implants to anchor a bridge that replaces several teeth. This is more cost-effective than getting individual implants for each missing tooth.

For people missing all their teeth, implant-supported dentures are an option. These dentures attach to implants, making them much more stable than traditional dentures. You might have four to eight implants placed, depending on the plan. Some people get a fixed denture that's permanently attached, while others get a removable denture that snaps onto the implants.

Burnaby dental practices also offer implants in different materials and brands. Most use titanium because it's strong, lightweight, and doesn't cause reactions in the body. Some newer options include zirconia implants, which are white instead of gray and may be preferred for front teeth where the color shows through the gum. Your dentist can discuss which materials and types make sense for your situation.

Takeaway: Your options depend on how many teeth you're missing and the amount of bone you have. Meeting with a Burnaby dentist lets you learn what types are suitable for your specific case and what the differences in cost and outcomes might be.

The Implant Process: What to Expect From Start to Finish

Getting a dental implant is a step-by-step process that takes time. The first step is a consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and sometimes use a 3D scan to look at your jawbone. This helps determine if you have enough bone to support an implant and whether any bone grafting might be needed. If you have gum disease, your dentist may need to treat it first, since healthy gums are important for implant success.

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If bone grafting is necessary, this happens before the implant is placed. A bone graft adds material to your jawbone to build it up where it's thin or weak. This can take several months to heal before the implant surgery can happen. Not everyone needs bone grafting—it depends on how much bone loss you've experienced.

The implant surgery itself usually takes one to two hours for a single tooth. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area, and you may be given sedation if you're anxious. The dentist makes a small opening in the gum, prepares the bone, and then carefully places the titanium post. The gum is stitched closed, and a temporary cover may be placed on the implant. This surgery doesn't hurt because of the anesthesia, though you might feel pressure or hear a small drilling sound.

After surgery, healing takes time. You'll need to avoid chewing on the implant area for several months while the bone grows around the post. Your dentist will give you specific instructions about eating soft foods and caring for the area. Some swelling and discomfort in the first week are normal, and over-the-counter pain medication usually handles this. Follow-up appointments let your dentist check that healing is progressing well.

Once healing is complete, usually three to six months later, the next step is placing the abutment and crown. The dentist removes the temporary cover and attaches the abutment to the implant post. An impression is taken, and a dental lab creates your custom crown to match your other teeth. When the crown is ready, it's attached to the abutment, and your new tooth is complete.

Takeaway: The full process from start to finish takes several months, but each step serves a purpose. Understanding the timeline helps you plan accordingly and know what to expect at each stage.

Factors That Affect Implant Success and Longevity

Dental implants have a high success rate, but several factors influence whether they'll last. The amount of bone you have is crucial. Your jaw needs enough bone to anchor the implant securely. If you've been missing teeth for a long time, you may have bone loss that requires grafting. Smokers have lower success rates because smoking reduces blood flow to the healing area. If you smoke, your dentist may recommend quitting before implant surgery.

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Gum health is another important factor. Gum disease can lead to implant failure, so your gums must be healthy before surgery. If you have a history of gum disease, your dentist may monitor you more closely after getting an implant. Regular brushing and flossing continue to be important with implants, just as with natural teeth.

Your overall health matters too. Conditions like diabetes can slow healing and increase the risk of infection. Certain medications may affect bone healing. Your dentist needs to know about all your health conditions and medications when planning your implant. If you have uncontrolled diabetes or take medications that affect bone, your dentist may recommend waiting or taking extra precautions.

Age isn't usually a barrier to getting implants. Younger people must have finished growing, which is why implants aren't typically done until the late teens. Older people can get implants as long as they're healthy enough for surgery. Bone quality matters more than age.

How well you care for your implant after surgery affects how long it lasts. You must follow your dentist's aftercare instructions carefully. Once healed, implants need regular care just like natural teeth—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. With good care, many implants last 20 years or more, and some last a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years, but the implant post itself often lasts much longer.

Takeaway: Your bone health, gum health, overall health, and home care all play roles in implant success. Discussing these factors with your Burnaby dentist helps you understand your personal chances of success.

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