Dental Implants in Coquitlam
Request a Dental Implant Consultation
Missing one or more teeth? Call (604) 942-6282 or complete the appointment form to request an implant evaluation.
Missing teeth can affect chewing, appearance, and the way neighbouring teeth function. Dental implants in Coquitlam provide one option for replacing missing teeth with restorations supported by implants placed in the jawbone.
Coast Dental evaluates patients interested in implant treatment to determine whether this approach is appropriate for their oral health and replacement needs. Planning considers the number and location of missing teeth, gum health, available bone, medical history, and the type of restoration required.
Not everyone is immediately ready for implant placement. Some patients may need treatment for existing dental or periodontal concerns first, while others may be better suited to a bridge, denture, or another option.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are small fixtures inserted into the jawbone to create a foundation for replacing missing teeth. Many dental implants are made from titanium or titanium alloys. During healing, the surrounding bone can integrate with the implant surface through a process called osseointegration.
An implant abutment connects the implant to the restoration above it. Depending on the treatment plan, the final restoration may be an implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture.
Unlike a conventional bridge, a single implant can replace a missing tooth without relying on neighbouring teeth for support. However, the appropriate option depends on the condition of the surrounding teeth, gums, bone, and bite.
Dental Implant Options for Missing Teeth
Implant treatment can be planned in different ways depending on how many teeth are missing.
Single-Tooth Dental Implant
A single implant may support a crown when one tooth is missing. The implant replaces the support normally provided by the tooth root, while the crown restores the visible portion of the tooth.
Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth
When several teeth are missing, implants may sometimes support individual crowns or an implant-supported bridge. The number and position of implants depend on the location of the missing teeth, available bone, bite forces, and restorative plan.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Some dentures can be supported or retained by dental implants, improving stability compared with conventional removable dentures. The design may be removable or fixed depending on the clinical situation and services available.
Full-arch implant treatment may also be an option for some patients missing most or all of the teeth in an arch. Specific full-arch systems and procedures should be discussed during an implant consultation.
Who May Be a Candidate for Dental Implants?
For adults with missing teeth, implant treatment may be considered after evaluating their dental health, overall health, and individual needs.
An assessment considers:
- The number and location of missing teeth
- Gum and periodontal health
- Bone available to support the planned implant
- Oral hygiene
- Medical conditions and medications
- Smoking or vaping
- Previous tooth loss or extraction
- Bite and neighbouring teeth
- Ability to heal following treatment
Having reduced bone does not automatically rule out implant treatment. Bone grafting or another approach may be discussed when appropriate.
If implants are not recommended, alternatives such as dental crowns and bridges or dentures can be considered according to your needs.
Dental Implant Treatment Process
Implant treatment takes place in stages, and the sequence varies from patient to patient.
1. Consultation and Examination
The dentist reviews your dental concerns, medical history, medications, missing teeth, gums, bite, and remaining teeth.
2. Imaging and Treatment Planning
Dental X-rays and, when clinically indicated, three-dimensional imaging may be used to assess available bone and nearby anatomical structures. CBCT implant planning can provide three-dimensional information that may assist with evaluating an implant site.
3. Preparatory Treatment
A damaged tooth may need extraction before implant placement. Periodontal treatment or bone grafting may also be considered when clinically necessary.
4. Implant Placement
The implant is surgically positioned in the planned area of the jawbone. Instructions are provided for caring for the site during the early healing phase.
5. Healing and Osseointegration
Healing allows the implant to become integrated with the surrounding bone over time. The healing period varies according to factors such as implant location, bone condition, grafting, general health, and treatment complexity.
6. Final Restoration
Once healing is complete enough to proceed, the implant can be fitted with an abutment and the appropriate dental restoration. Follow-up visits help the dentist assess the restoration, surrounding tissues, and bite.
When Might Bone Grafting Be Considered?
Bone volume can decrease after tooth loss because the area no longer receives the stimulation provided by a natural tooth. Periodontal disease, infection, trauma, and other factors may also affect available bone.
Before implant placement, the dentist evaluates whether there is sufficient bone for the planned treatment. When additional support is needed, bone grafting for dental implants may be considered.
Grafting can sometimes be completed before implant placement or in conjunction with another procedure, depending on the clinical situation. When grafting is necessary, it may extend the overall treatment timeline because the area needs time to heal.
Whether grafting is appropriate and where it would be performed should be confirmed after examination and imaging.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures
Implant treatment is one approach that may be considered when replacing one or more missing teeth.
A conventional dental bridge uses neighbouring teeth for support. A removable denture replaces several or all missing teeth and rests on the oral tissues, while certain dentures can also be supported by implants.
Implants provide support through the jawbone and do not necessarily require preparation of neighbouring teeth. They also transfer forces to the surrounding bone during function, which may help maintain bone in the area, although bone changes can still occur over time.
No single replacement option is appropriate for everyone. The condition of your remaining teeth, gums, bone, health history, cleaning needs, and treatment goals should all be considered.
Recovery and Dental Implant Aftercare
Some swelling, tenderness, bruising, or minor bleeding can occur after implant surgery. The care instructions you receive will depend on the type of procedure performed.
During early healing, you may be advised to:
- Choose softer foods
- Keep the mouth clean as instructed
- Avoid disturbing the surgical area
- Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed
- Avoid smoking and vaping during healing
- Limit strenuous activity for the recommended period
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointments
Contact the dental office if you develop persistent bleeding, worsening swelling, fever, drainage, severe or worsening pain, or any other unexpected concern.
After healing, implants and their restorations still require daily care. Regular brushing, cleaning around the implant restoration, dental examinations, and professional maintenance help monitor the surrounding gums, bone, and restoration, as well as the bite.
Technology Used for Implant Assessment
Dental imaging helps evaluate structures that cannot be assessed through a visual examination alone. When clinically appropriate, CBCT imaging provides three-dimensional views of the teeth, jawbone, and nearby anatomical structures that can assist with implant planning.
The type of imaging required depends on the proposed treatment and individual clinical findings.
Dental Implant Care in Coquitlam
Our clinic is located at 3030 Lincoln Avenue in Coquitlam, near Coquitlam Centre. Patients considering implant treatment can begin with an examination to discuss the missing tooth or teeth, available replacement options, and whether further imaging or preparatory care is needed.
Details about the dentist responsible for implant placement, specific implant procedures available, bone grafting, and restorative responsibilities should be confirmed with the clinic when scheduling your consultation.
Request a Dental Implant Consultation in Coquitlam
If you are considering a missing tooth replacement, an examination can help determine whether an implant, bridge, denture, or another option is appropriate for your needs.
Call (604) 942-6282 or complete the appointment form to request a dental implant consultation in Coquitlam.