Thinking about dental implants in Vancouver? You want teeth that look real, feel strong, and last for years. This guide walks you through what implants are, who they help, the steps, recovery, cost factors, and daily care. It’s written in simple language, with the right amount of detail, so you can make a confident choice.
When you’re ready to see how this applies to your smile, visit our service page:
Dental Implants in Vancouver
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small post, usually made of titanium, that works like a new tooth root. It goes into your jawbone. After it heals, we attach a custom connector (an “abutment”) and a crown on top. The crown is the tooth you see when you smile. One implant can replace one tooth. A few implants can also hold a bridge or even a full set of teeth.
Why many patients choose implants
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Natural feel: They feel stable, so you can eat and speak with confidence.
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Bone support: Implants help keep the jawbone strong by acting like a real root.
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No trimming of nearby teeth: Unlike a bridge, the teeth next to the space stay intact.
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Long-term value: With good care, implants can last many years.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Most healthy adults can consider implants. The best way to know is a consult with an exam and a 3D scan (CBCT). This shows bone thickness, sinus and nerve location, and lets us plan your case with care.
Good signs you’re a candidate
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Healthy gums and no active infection
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Enough bone to hold an implant (bone grafts can help if the bone is thin)
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Medical conditions, like diabetes, under control
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Willingness to keep up with brushing, flossing, and follow-up visits
Things we will discuss
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Smoking and grinding: These raise risk but don’t always rule you out. We can add tools like a night guard and a tailored follow-up plan.
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Medications: We’ll review anything that affects healing and plan around it.
Implants vs. Bridges vs. Dentures
It helps to compare options before you decide.
Dental Implants
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Feel and function close to natural teeth
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Help protect jawbone
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Higher upfront cost but strong long-term value
Fixed Bridge
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Uses the teeth beside the gap for support
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Those teeth must be trimmed and crowned
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Good solution when an implant is not ideal
Dentures or Partials
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Lower cost at the start
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Can move while eating or speaking
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Need more upkeep and may reduce chewing power
If you want the most natural look and bite, implants often come out on top. But the “best” choice is the one that fits your mouth, your goals, and your budget.
The Main Types of Implant Solutions
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Single-tooth implant: One implant and one crown.
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Implant-supported bridge: A few implants hold several teeth in a row.
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Full-arch fixed bridge: Several implants support a full set of teeth that stays in place.
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Overdenture (snap-on denture): A removable denture that snaps to implants for better hold.
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Immediate implant (“same-day” placement): In some cases, we place an implant the day a tooth is removed. A temporary tooth may be used while you heal.
Want a deeper look at materials, shapes, and when each option helps most? Read:
Understanding Different Types of Dental Implants
Step-by-Step: How Treatment Works
1) Consultation and Digital Plan
We start with a full exam, photos, and a CBCT 3D scan. This lets us map bone, nerves, and sinus areas. We talk about your goals, timelines, and budget. If the missing tooth is in your smile line, we plan a temporary tooth so you can look good during healing.
2) Site Preparation (if needed)
If the bone is thin or has shrunk, we may add a bone graft to build it up. In the upper back jaw, some people need a sinus lift. These steps help your implant last.
3) Implant Placement
We place the implant with local anesthesia. Many people say it felt easier than they expected. For added accuracy, we may use a surgical guide, which is made from your 3D plan.
4) Healing and Bonding
Your bone bonds to the implant surface. This is called osseointegration. It usually takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the site and your health. While you heal, we protect the area and guide you on food choices and cleaning.
5) Abutment and Crown
Once the implant is stable, we attach a custom abutment and take a digital or traditional impression. A lab makes a crown that matches your shade and shape. We check your bite so it feels natural.
6) Reviews and Maintenance
After placement, regular checkups and cleanings keep the gums and bone healthy. If you grind or clench, a night guard helps protect your new crown and the implant interface.
What Does Recovery Feel Like?
Most patients do well with simple care at home. You will feel pressure during placement, not sharp pain. After the visit:
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Mild swelling or soreness is common for a few days
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Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relief usually work well
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Stick to softer foods at first and chew on the opposite side
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Call us if pain increases after day three or you notice unusual bleeding
Typical timeline
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Days 1–3: Swelling and tenderness peak, then settle.
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Week 1–2: You should feel much better; stitches may be removed.
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Weeks 3–8+: Bone keeps bonding to the implant. We tell you when you can chew on that side again.
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Final crown or bridge: Placed once the implant is stable.
How Long Do Implants Last?
With good care, implants can last many years, even decades. The crown may need replacement at some point due to normal wear. What affects lifespan?
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Daily brushing and cleaning between teeth
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Regular professional cleanings and checkups
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Bite forces (grinding and clenching)
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Health and habits (for example, smoking)
For a simple plan to protect your results, read:
Preventing Dental Implant Complications
Risks (and How We Lower Them)
All surgery has risks, but we plan to keep them low.
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Infection or slow healing: We use clean technique and give clear aftercare.
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Implant not bonding: Uncommon with careful planning. If it happens, we address the cause and often replace the implant after healing.
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Nerve or sinus concerns: 3D scans and guided placement protect key areas.
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Gum problems around implants: Good home care and regular cleanings help prevent this.
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Aesthetic mismatch: We plan the gum line, shade, and shape before we start, and we work with skilled dental labs.
If a problem appears, we act early and adjust your plan so you stay on track.
What Do Implants Cost in Vancouver?
Costs vary based on how many teeth are missing, whether grafting is needed, and the type of restoration you choose. Your bite and cosmetic goals also play a role. Many plans do not fully cover implants, though parts of the care may be covered.
You will receive a written estimate after your exam and scan. We can review payment options if you want to spread out the cost. For a clear breakdown, see:
Dental Implants Cost
Technology That Improves Comfort and Results
Modern tools help us plan and place implants with accuracy:
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CBCT 3D imaging to map bone, nerves, and sinuses
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Digital smile design to plan a look that fits your face
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Surgical guides to place implants in the best position
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High-quality materials to balance strength and a natural look
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CAD/CAM crowns and bridges for precise fit
Learn about current tools and trends here:
Advancements in Dental Implant Technology
Everyday Care: Keep Your Implant Healthy
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Brush twice a day with a soft brush.
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Clean between teeth with floss, small brushes, or a water flosser.
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Wear a night guard if you grind or clench.
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See us regularly for cleanings and reviews.
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Avoid hard habits: no chewing ice, pens, or opening packages with your teeth.
This simple routine protects your gums and the bone around the implant.
Benefits at a Glance
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Natural look and stable feel
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Easier chewing and clear speech
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Helps preserve jawbone
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No need to trim nearby teeth
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Strong long-term value
For a quick summary, read:
6 Benefits of Dental Implants
Frequently Asked Questions
Are implants safe?
Yes. Implants have a strong track record when planned and maintained well. We check your health and your bite to keep risks low.
Can I get an implant right after a tooth is removed?
Sometimes. It depends on bone quality and infection. If it’s safe, we may place the implant the same day and use a temporary tooth while you heal.
Will it match my other teeth?
Yes. Your crown is custom-shaded and shaped to fit your smile. We plan the gum line too, so the result looks natural.
What if I’m missing several teeth?
You may not need one implant for each tooth. An implant bridge or a full-arch solution can replace many teeth with fewer implants.
How soon can I go back to work?
Often the next day, depending on the complexity of your case and how you feel.
Will insurance cover it?
Many plans do not fully cover implants. Parts of the treatment may be covered. We can check your plan and explain your options.
Choosing a Dental Implant Provider in Vancouver
Look for a team that blends skill, planning, and clear communication.
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Experience: Ask how often they place and restore implants.
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Planning tools: 3D imaging and guided placement improve safety.
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Materials and lab partners: Quality parts and lab work matter for durability and looks.
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Clear timelines and fees: You should receive a written plan.
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Strong follow-up: Hygiene, reviews, and night-guard guidance protect your results.
At Westcoast Smile Dental Vancouver in Kitsilano, we focus on gentle care, clear plans, and natural results that fit your face and bite.
Your Next Step
A consultation will show if implants are right for you. We will review your goals, scan your jaw, and map out a step-by-step plan with timing and fees. You will leave with clear answers and no pressure.
See the full procedure overview:
Dental Implants in Vancouver
Prefer to talk first? Call our Kitsilano clinic and our team will help you book.