Dental Implants in Vancouver
What are dental implants?
A natural tooth is composed of two main parts: the root and the crown. Implant-supported replacement teeth are designed with the same fundamental structure. Both feature a crown—the visible part used for chewing—and a root that anchors the tooth securely beneath the gum and into the jawbone. The key difference is that the implant’s root is made of titanium, a durable, proven material also used by surgeons for artificial joints. When a tooth is lost, both the crown and root are lost as well. To restore the tooth, a dental implant is first placed to replace the root.
After placement, time is given for the surrounding bone to heal and grow around the implant. This process allows the bone to bond with the titanium, forming a solid foundation for the artificial tooth. Once healing is complete, a support post (called an abutment) is attached to the implant, and a new crown is placed on top. In many cases, a temporary crown can be placed immediately after the implant. If all teeth are missing, several treatment options are available to support a full set of replacement teeth.
Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, J. Blake Perkins, DDS is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort usually between a dental surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. J. Blake Perkins performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist, Dr. J. Blake Perkins fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Overview of Implant Placement
The Surgical Procedure
The procedure to place a dental implant takes 30 to 60 minutes for one implant and only 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and time required, vary from patient to patient. The surgeon will bring great precision and attention to the details of your case.
Prior to surgery, you may receive antibiotics and for greater comfort, intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These options are discussed with you at your consultation appointment. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the dental implant will be placed.
When you are comfortable, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the bone, creates space using special instruments, and gently inserts the titanium implant. The top of this implant is often visible through the gum. Sometimes it is better in the early stages of healing to have the implant covered by the gum tissue.
1. Normal
2. Tooth Loss
3. Healed Bone
4. Implant Placed
5. Healing
6. Implant Restored
Healing and What to Expect After Implant Placement
Once your dental implant is placed, your body begins the healing process. Healing time varies for each person, depending on the quality and amount of bone in the area. In some cases, implants can be restored immediately after placement. Your surgeon will guide you on the next steps and schedule follow-up appointments as needed.
After the initial healing period, a small support piece called an abutment—or sometimes a healing cap—is placed on the implant during a brief follow-up visit. This helps the gum tissue heal properly and keeps the implant accessible for the next phase of treatment.
In some situations, impressions may be taken at the time of implant placement, allowing your final crown to be ready once healing is complete. Healing timelines vary, and your care team will monitor your progress closely. Typically, one to four follow-up visits are needed to ensure everything is healing well and to determine when you’re ready for the next step: restoring your tooth.
In certain cases, a soft tissue graft may be recommended. This involves moving a small amount of gum tissue from one area of your mouth to the implant site. It helps create stronger, more natural-looking gum tissue around the implant and makes it easier to keep the area clean. This is usually a simple, minimally invasive procedure with a comfortable recovery.
Whether you’re replacing one tooth or several, your dentists will complete your treatment by fitting a custom-made crown (replacement tooth) onto the implant.
When Are Dental Implants Placed?
Dental implants are most commonly placed a few months after a tooth has been removed. However, in some cases, the implant can be placed immediately after extraction. While this can make the process faster by reducing the number of appointments, it does carry slightly more risk. If there is infection or damage to the bone, immediate placement is usually not recommended.
If your tooth has been missing for a while, the bone in that area may have started to shrink. This happens because natural tooth roots help stimulate and maintain bone structure. Within a year of losing a tooth, up to one-third of the jaw’s thickness in that area can be lost. If this has happened, a bone graft may be recommended to rebuild the area and provide a strong foundation for your implant.
How Many Implants Will I Need?
In most cases, one dental implant is used to replace each missing tooth. However, teeth in the back of your mouth often have two or three roots. To support these larger teeth, your provider may recommend using wider or more robust implants to ensure a secure and long-lasting result.