At Alta Dental Studio, our dentists usually provide several replacement options for patients with missing tooth. Bridges and implants are both reliable solutions, but have their own pros and cons for our patients to consider. The biggest difference between the two procedures is how new teeth are held in place. 

Dental Implants in East Vancouver

Dental implants are individually placed into gum and serves as an artificial root, anchoring the replacement tooth in place. This also helps prevent bone loss and preserves jaw structure in the long run just like how your natural teeth do. An implant can be cared for just like any natural tooth. It also does not require removal of potentially healthy structure form the neighboring teeth to support it. A considerable time span is needed to complete the procedure. In such cases your doctor can place a temporary tooth in the empty space while you heal.

Dental Bridges

In comparison, a bridge provides a replacement tooth by using teeth on either side of the missing tooth for support. They can generally be completed in a week. Teeth adjacent to the missing teeth will need to be reduced, which may compromise the healthy tooth structure. Since a bridge does not replace the missing root structure, you are at an increased risk of bone loss over time. Also, keeping a bridge clean requires frequent cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup.

Every patient is different. Schedule a consultation appointment at Alta Dental Studio. Our experienced dentists will work with you to identify the best option for your tooth, your long-term oral health, and your budget.

An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants in the jawbone. Unlike regular dentures that rest on the gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants, which provide greater stability and support. The implants help keep the overdenture securely in place, yet it can still be removed for cleaning.

What Are the Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures in Vancouver?

Implant-supported dentures can be made for both the upper and lower jaws, but are most commonly used in the lower jaw, where traditional dentures are less stable.

They offer a number of benefits, including:

• Improved comfort — Implant dentures don't rely on suction to stay in place and can be more comfortable for patients to wear. 
• Excellent stability — There's no movement or slippage with implant dentures.
• Enhanced chewing ability — It's easier to chew and eat with dentures that are stable and don't move or slip during chewing. 
• Prevention of bone loss — Implant dentures keep the bone healthy and stable, preventing the bone loss that often occurs with tooth loss.

It's important to have a thorough evaluation with a dentist to determine if implant-supported dentures are the best option for you. These dentures require a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone to support the implants. If you lack a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure, additional procedures like bone grafting may be required to rebuild the jawbone for proper implant and denture support.

Contact Dental Studio 

Do you have questions about dentures or implant-supported dentures? We're here to help! Contact our team at (604) 876-5032 for more information about dentures in Vancouver. 

Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution to tooth loss, with proper placement and care. However, certain factors can influence their lifespan, including:

1.  Oral Hygiene: Maintaining oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing plays a vital role in preserving the health of the implant and the surrounding tissues.
2. Regular Dental Check ups: Regular check ups and cleanings are essential for ensuring the long term success of the implant.
3. Lifestyle Choices: Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can reduce the lifespan of implants by affecting the gum and bone structures surrounding them.
4. Overall Health: Conditions such as diabetes or diseases that affect bone and gum healing may also affect the longevity of an implant.
5. Material and design: Advancements in both the materials used and the design of implants have also played a significant role in improving their durability.

Implant Care

With proper maintenance, the implant screw can last a lifetime. However, the crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear. Regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene practices can help extend the lifespan of your entire dental implant structure.

Dental implant treatment requires a number of visits over several months. The whole process may take from three to nine months, depending on the complexity of your treatment and how well you heal.

First, a record of CT scan, impressions, and photos are taken of the jaw and interested area to evaluate bone, gum tissue, and space available for a dental implant. Once the implant is placed, there is a healing period from three to six months. Once the implant is integrated with your body, the artificial teeth or implant crowns are then securely attached to the implant, functioning just like any natural teeth.