Dental Implants in Revelstoke
At Revelstoke Dental Centre in Revelstoke, BC, we offer dental implant services for patients that are missing one or multiple teeth.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the gums or the jawbone to which replacement teeth are attached for missing natural teeth. Dental implants can provide support for improved appearance, speech, comfort, and chewing ability.
What is the dental implant process?
First, you will need to discuss your options with the dentist. Together, it will be decided if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Then, a complete dental history, x-rays, and a thorough oral examination will be taken.
If you are a candidate for dental implants, the procedure is as follows:
- Surgical placement of the implant(s) into the bone. This is usually done in the dentist's office with a local anaesthetic. After surgery, there is a healing period of approximately four months. During this time, the implants fuse to the bone by a process known as "osseointegration".
- Next, there is a minor surgical exposure of the top of the dental implant, whereby the dental will attach the post to the implant. The function of the post is to become the support for either one tooth or a set of teeth. This is a short procedure that usually requires only local anesthesia.
- The last phase is the restorative phase. The dentist will take impressions and then make a prosthesis that will attach to the implants. This will require several visits. Once completed, your mouth will be restored to natural looking, strong teeth.
On top of the implants, we can place a denture .The denture can easily be removed for cleaning, but will stay in place firmly while in the mouth. We can place an implant supported fixed partial denture (bridge). A single crown (tooth) can be placed as well.
Dental Implants in Revelstoke: The Benefits
- Improved aesthetic look of smile
- Improved comfort
- Improved speech
- Improved chewing ability
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you are missing one or more teeth, then you may be a candidate for dental implants. A good candidate for dental implants should:
- Be in a good state of health
You must be in a good state of general health. You should inform your dentist of any systemic illness or condition that may adversely affect healing. Conditions such as diabetes may not prevent you from having dental implant treatment provided that the disease is being treated successfully. Any concerns that you may have regarding your medical history should be discussed with your dentist at the initial appointment. - Have enough bone in the jaw
A candidate for dental implants should have enough high quality bone to support the dental implant(s). When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to change and may slowly disappear. This slow process is called resorption. If the amount of resorption is slight, then a dental implant may be placed into the bone. However, if the amount of resorption is too great, there may be insufficient bone available to support the implant and bone grafting may be required prior to the dental implant procedure. At the initial consultation appointment, a complete examination will be performed and you will be informed of the condition of your bone and the options you have with regards to dental implants.
Why have dental implants become so popular?
As our lifespan increases, the need for some type of permanent dental replacement system becomes very important to our overall health. Dentures and removable bridges have obvious disadvantages: they are loose and unstable. Dental implants can provide people with dental replacements that are functional, stable, and aesthetically pleasing.
Does it hurt to have dental implants placed?
The actual procedure to place a dental implant is done under local anesthesia, thus the patient should feel no pain. When the anesthesia wears off (about 3-4 hours later), you might expect some discomfort. The level of discomfort is different from patient to patient, but most patients do not have significant problems. Some temporary swelling and bruising may develop.