Dental Clinic in Kitsilano
Dental Clinic in Kitsilano
Dental Implants in Kitsilano, Vancouver
Dental Implants in Kitsilano, Vancouver
If you are missing one tooth or a few teeth, dental implants are a great option to restore your smile and rebuild your confidence. This type of tooth replacement offers the most natural-looking restoration by promoting bone formation, a feature that other alternatives cannot do.
Because of this primary benefit, dental implants are able to support the muscles of the face for a more youthful appearance, help with proper eating for a lifetime of better health, and keep the smile beautiful and intact for a lifetime. If you’d like to know more about dental implants and what they can do for your smile, read on below.
Dental Implant Clinic in Kitsilano
At our clinic at Arbutus Station Dental, we are proud to offer dental implant treatment with a highly experienced and skilled team, led by Dr. Christopher Low. Using state-of-the-art dental equipment, Dr. Low and our team will do a thorough assessment of your oral health and smile goals to determine if dental implants are the best option for your smile. And, with accurate treatment planning and precise implant surgery, we ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Dental implants offer numerous benefits, such as:
- Prevents shifting of teeth
- Enhances the face shape and smile aesthetics
- Improves chewing and biting of food
- Keeps bone healthy and intact
- Adds a confidence boost
- Prevents dental problems, such as gum disease
- Improves overall health and quality of life
As a tooth replacement, dental implants are able to mimic the form and function of the natural tooth. With that, you can enjoy eating your favourite foods without worrying that your tooth might come off. You can also smile as comfortably and confidently with your complete set of beautiful, pearly whites.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
At Arbutus Station Dental, we have several tooth replacement treatments that you can consider if you have missing teeth, however, certain aspects make implants the best option.
They include:
- Fixed in bone for enhanced confidence during wear
- Improved comfort and functionality when chewing, eating
- Prevents loss of bone and sagging facial muscles
- Resistant to decay and severe wear
- Low maintenance, highly convenient
- Permanent and lifetime solution
The Dental Implant Procedure
Getting a dental implant involves a series of steps that are essential to the success of your treatment. To give you an idea, here are the three procedures you can expect:
Consultation and Assessment
At Arbutus Station Dental, the first step is to understand your smile and bite using diagnostic tools such as X-rays, scans, and photos. These will help Dr. Christopher Low plan your treatment, including where to put the implants, how to accurately place them in the bone, what type of anaesthetics to use, and how to complete the smile restoration. Treatment planning is crucial in preventing complications that can affect the result.
Surgical Implant Placement
Once everything is planned out, the next procedure is the implant surgery itself. Usually, this is done under local anaesthesia or mild sedation. But, multiple implant surgery or longer procedures may require general anaesthesia. Once the implant is placed, the wound will be closed with sutures to facilitate ideal healing.
Healing and Osseointegration
Recovery from implant surgery can take a few months. During this time, osseointegration will take place in which the bone will fuse with the implant to permanently hold it in place. This is key to the implant treatment. Without proper osseointegration, the implant will fail. This usually occurs after 4 to 6 months. While you wait, a temporary tooth restoration is made to fill the gap.
Final Restoration
Once osseointegration is complete, you will be called back in to complete the implant treatment at Arbutus Station Dental. If you are missing just one tooth, a custom dental crown will be made. This is properly fitted on top of the implant to complete your smile. Meanwhile, a few missing teeth are replaced with dentures which are supported by a few implants across your jaw.
However, not every implant treatment is completed by just four steps. Some patients may require additional procedures, such as bone grafting, gum disease treatment, or sinus lift. These procedures will help improve the outcome of your implant treatment and should be discussed during treatment planning.
Dental Implant FAQs
Want to learn more about implants? Here are a few FAQs answered!
How long does a dental implant last?
A dental implant is meant to last forever. However, the artificial tooth attachment can experience natural wear and tear that may require a replacement after a few years.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Take care of your implants as you would take care of your natural teeth. Brush and floss twice a day to prevent dental diseases that may compromise the health of the implants. Also, make sure to visit Arbutus Station Dental every 6 months so Dr. Low can check for early signs of problems and provide the suitable treatment. Neglecting proper implant care and maintenance can result in complications down the road such as gum disease and early implant failure.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The dental implant procedure is done under anaesthesia or sedation for a painless and comfortable experience. However, once the anaesthesia has worn off, some discomfort can be felt. This can be relieved with the prescribed painkillers.
What are the side effects of dental implants?
With proper treatment planning and following your dentist’s post-surgical instructions, you can expect little to no side effects for your implant treatment. Some bleeding, swelling, bruising, and discomfort can be expected, but this should subside in a few days.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The implant surgery can take an hour or two depending on how many implants are to be placed. Meanwhile, the implant process can take up to 6 months or more to give time for osseointegration to occur and allow Dr. Low to create a bespoke tooth restoration to complete your smile.
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Implant coverage depends on your insurance policy. Government programs, like the Canada Dental Care Plan, do not cover dental implants as it is not an essential treatment. However, some private insurance plans may provide partial or full coverage. It is best to check with your provider to determine the specifications and limitations before you undergo treatment.
Contact Us Today
Dental implants are a revolutionary smile makeover procedure that can transform the life and health of many patients. So, if you are missing a tooth and want to bring back your beauty and confidence, Dr. Christopher Low at Arbutus Station Dental recommends dental implants.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and we’d be happy to provide a more in-depth discussion on dental implants and what it can do to your smile.
Meet Our Kitsilano Dentist
Dr. Christopher Low, an experienced dentist based in Kitsilano, established his roots in this community alongside his wife and family. Dr. Low, a native of Victoria, British Columbia, embarked on his academic journey by pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Victoria, successfully earning his degree in 2003.
Following his undergraduate pursuits, Dr. Low’s fascination with the realm of biological sciences initially led him toward a career in academia. He started his professional journey at the BC Cancer Research Centre, where he conducted pioneering research in prostate cancer. This period of scholarly engagement culminated in the completion of a Master’s degree in Oncology from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2010.
Subsequently, Dr. Low’s evolving interest in clinical practice prompted him to further his education, culminating in him earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from UBC in 2014. This academic achievement was complemented by a year-long general practice residency at Montefiore Medical Centre in the Bronx, New York. During this pivotal phase of his career, Dr. Low gained invaluable experience across the spectrum of general dentistry, including the management of emergency dental cases.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Dr. Low can often be found outdoors amidst the picturesque landscapes of our local mountains, indulging in activities such as mountain biking and snowboarding. When not pursuing his adventurous passions, he dedicates cherished moments to his family life in the city, enjoying quality time with his wife Julia and actively engaging with their lively 6-year-old son, Theo, and their 2-year-old daughter, Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Trusted Dental Partner
Why Choose Arbutus Station Dental
Your trusted dental partner
Why Choose Arbutus Station Dental
Articles & Stories
