Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made out of titanium or zirconia that are placed into the jawbone. Each material has advantages and disadvantages and both work extremely well when used appropriately with adequate bone and soft tissue.

Titanium implants have been used in dentistry for over 60 years with excellent results. Blood serum antibody testing on tens of thousands of patients has shown only 00.2% reactivity to titanium. The more sensitive MELISA test reports that 4% of people tested are allergic or sensitive to titanium.

Zirconia implants are a metal-free, all-ceramic alternative to titanium implants. Our Zirkolithtm zirconia implants are manufactured in Switzerland by Z-systems, the largest manufacturer of zirconia implants worldwide. Now teeth can be predictably replaced from root to crown with absolutely no metal. Ask us if you are a candidate for our new zirconia implant technology.

The process of receiving implants is generally comfortable and the implants literally become attached to the jawbone. Most patients report minimal post-operative pain and tell us they are as comfortable and solid as their own teeth.

The initial phase of dental implants is to have the implants placed into the jawbone. In most cases, the implants require several months of healing before they are restored. Removable or fixed partial dentures can be made to keep you smiling when the teeth are in visible areas.

In some cases with titanium implants, temporary crowns can be placed at the time of surgery to avoid the need for a temporary denture. In most cases involving complete dentures, or when extracting all remaining teeth in an arch, the full arch of new temporary teeth can be secured by implants on the day of surgery. These procedures are often advertised as “teeth in a day” or “same day teeth”.

Regardless of which option you choose, the retention of your prosthesis will be strong and secure, and your dental health may be significantly improved. Dental implants can improve the quality of your life and are considered the highest “standard of care”. Best of all, you can be more confident and comfortable when you are eating and smiling.

Transform Your Smile Today

Do not let missing teeth continue to affect your life. Dental implants can dramatically improve your quality of life and self-confidence. To learn more about how we use biocompatible materials in our dental treatments, call Enlighten Dental at (604) 876-9228 or contact us online.