Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants
At Westcoast Smile Dental Studio, implant dentists Dr. David Cheng and Dr. Jeffrey Norden blend proven science with aesthetic artistry to deliver results that look and feel like your own teeth.
35+ Years Experience • Published Clinical Expertise • Kois Center Mentor
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Dental implants are the most advanced way to replace missing teeth. They don’t just sit on the gums like dentures or rely on nearby teeth like bridges. Instead, they act as artificial roots that fuse with your jawbone. This makes them strong, natural-looking, and reliable for everyday life.
Unlike temporary fixes, dental implants are built to last for decades when cared for properly. They help protect bone health, keep your bite stable, and restore your ability to smile without worry.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Missing teeth affect more than your smile. They can change how you chew, speak, and even the shape of your face over time. Dental implantsreplace the root and crown of a missing tooth, helping you:
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Eat comfortably and speak clearly
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Maintain jawbone and facial structure
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Smile with confidence—every day
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Look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
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Protect your jawbone from bone loss.
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Allow you to eat and speak with confidence.
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Provide stability without slipping or shifting.
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Can last for decades with proper care.
When compared to bridges and dentures, implants stand out as the longest-lasting and most natural option. Bridges often require grinding down healthy teeth for support, while dentures may slip or feel uncomfortable. Implants, on the other hand, stay fixed in place and preserve your natural teeth.
“Replacement of a single upper central incisor is one of the most challenging procedures in esthetic dentistry.” — Clinical OD, May 2022 (view Dr. Cheng’s case)
Why Choose Westcoast Smile for Dental Implants in Vancouver?
How Dr. Cheng’s expertise powers your results:
At Westcoast Smile Dental Studio in Vancouver, we combine advanced technology with a personalized approach. Every smile is unique, and every treatment plan is customized. Patients choose us because we:
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Expert-led care: Dr. David Cheng is a published clinician and Kois Center mentor with 35+ years of practice.
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Science-backed approach: Your treatment follows evidence-based protocols refined through real-world, peer-reviewed cases.
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Comfort-first experience: Gentle techniques, modern anesthesia, and clear guidance at every step.
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Use 3D digital scans and surgical guides for accuracy.
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Offer both titanium and zirconia implant options.
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Provide sedation choices for comfort.
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Design restorations that match your natural smile.
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Have a trusted reputation in Vancouver and Kitsilano.
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Our clinic is designed to feel welcoming, not clinical. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice a difference: friendly staff, modern equipment, and a patient-first philosophy. We take time to answer questions, explain every step, and help you feel at ease before, during, and after treatment.
“Preserving blood supply during surgical access is key to optimal healing.” — Clinical OD Case Report (read case)
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What is a dental implant? – in plain English
A small titanium post replaces the tooth root. After it bonds with your bone, we connect a custom-made abutment and crown. The result looks and functions like a natural tooth, no slipping, no taking it out at night.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants work for many people, but not everyone is immediately ready. Ideal candidates are adults with missing teeth, healthy gums, and enough jawbone to hold the implant.
Some situations that may need extra care include:
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Gum disease that hasn’t been treated.
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Significant bone loss in the jaw.
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Health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes.
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Smoking, which can slow healing.
The good news is that even if you aren’t a perfect candidate right away, treatments such as bone grafting or sinus lifts can prepare your mouth for implants. During your consultation, we’ll use digital scans to evaluate your bone density and overall oral health, then create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Dental Implant Materials: Titanium vs. Zirconia
Dental implants aren’t all the same. The material matters because it affects appearance, durability, and comfort.
Most dental implants are made of titanium, a metal that has been safely used in dentistry for decades. Titanium is strong, lightweight, and fuses well with bone. It’s one of the most trusted options in modern medicine.
For patients who want a metal-free alternative, we also offer zirconia implants. Zirconia is ceramic, tooth-colored, and blends naturally with your gums. It’s a great choice for patients with metal sensitivities or for those who want the most natural-looking solution.
Both materials are safe and effective. During your consultation, we’ll help you decide which type best fits your health needs, lifestyle, and smile goals.
Advanced Technology for Precision and Comfort
Technology plays a big role in how successful and comfortable dental implants can be. At Westcoast Smile, we invest in tools that make your treatment safer, faster, and more predictable.
We use:
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3D Cone Beam Imaging – Gives us a complete view of your jawbone and nerves.
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Digital X-rays – Allow us to plan with accuracy and lower radiation exposure.
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Computer-guided surgery tools – Help place implants with pinpoint precision.
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CEREC same-day technology – Designs and creates crowns that fit perfectly.
These tools mean less guesswork, shorter appointments, and more predictable healing. They also improve comfort, as procedures are planned with accuracy before we even begin.
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Our Vancouver implant process: Clear and Predictable
Getting implants is a step-by-step process. Here’s what you can expect:
1) Consultation & planning
We start with an exam and digital scans. This helps us understand your bone structure and oral health. We’ll also discuss your goals, review your medical history, and go over possible treatment options.
2) Implant placement Surgery
During this procedure, a small titanium or zirconia post is placed into your jawbone. You’ll be given local anesthesia, and sedation options are available if you prefer. Most single implants take about an hour.
“Careful graft stabilization contributes to successful ridge preservation.” — Case Summary (Media & Publications)
3) Healing & integration
Over the next 3–6 months, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This step is what makes implants strong and reliable. Temporary teeth may be used during this stage so you don’t have to go without a smile.
4) Final Restoration – Custom Crown
Once healing is complete, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant. These restorations are made to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color, so they blend in seamlessly.
“Using the natural tooth as a pontic helped shape soft tissue architecture.” — Clinical OD (read full case)
Healing Timeline After Dental Implants
Healing is just as important as the surgery itself. Every stage matters for long-term success.
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First Week: Expect mild swelling and tenderness. A soft-food diet—soups, yogurt, scrambled eggs—is recommended. Avoid chewing near the implant site.
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Weeks 2–3: Most patients return to normal routines. Discomfort is minimal, but you should still avoid hard or sticky foods.
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Months 3–6: The implant fuses with the bone (osseointegration). This step ensures strength and stability. We’ll schedule follow-ups to monitor healing.
Everyone heals differently, but by following aftercare instructions, most patients enjoy a smooth recovery.
Aftercare Tips for Long-Term Success
Taking care of your implants is simple—it’s just like caring for natural teeth. Here are some key tips:
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Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush.
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Floss carefully around the implant crown.
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Use antimicrobial mouth rinse if recommended.
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Attend regular checkups and cleanings.
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Avoid smoking, which can slow healing.
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Don’t chew on ice, pen caps, or other hard objects.
With good habits, implants can last for decades—sometimes even a lifetime.
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Real case highlight: Front tooth in the esthetic zone
A patient lost a front tooth in an accident. Dr. Cheng rebuilt the damaged area, shaped the gum tissue with a temporary tooth, then placed an implant and custom crown. The final result? A strong, natural-looking smile that’s indistinguishable from the real thing.
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“Proper soft tissue management is essential to achieve symmetry and natural contour.” — Clinical OD (view publication)
Benefits Beyond Tooth Replacement
Dental implants don’t just replace missing teeth. They bring back confidence and improve your quality of life in many ways:
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Better Chewing: Enjoy foods like apples and steak again.
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Clearer Speech: No slipping dentures to get in the way.
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Jawbone Protection: Prevents bone loss that leads to a sunken face.
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Younger Appearance: Supports facial structure and reduces premature aging.
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Confidence Boost: Laugh, smile, and talk without hesitation.
Many patients say their implants don’t just restore their teeth—they restore their lifestyle.
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Types of Dental Implants in Vancouver
At Westcoast Smile, we offer several implant solutions to fit your needs:
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Single Tooth Implant – Perfect for replacing one missing tooth. The implant and crown look and feel like the real thing.
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Multiple Tooth Implants – Two or more implants can support a dental bridge, restoring several teeth at once without touching healthy neighbors.
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Full Arch Implants (All-on-4 or All-on-6) – Four to six implants can support an entire arch of teeth. This is more secure than traditional dentures and offers a permanent, natural-looking solution.
During your consultation, we’ll explain which type of implant fits your smile goals, lifestyle, and budget.
Dental Implants vs. Alternatives
Choosing the right tooth replacement matters. Here’s how implants compare to other common options:
Dental implants can last 20 years or more. They feel natural and very stable, with excellent appearance. They are cared for just like natural teeth with normal brushing and flossing. While implants have a higher upfront cost, they offer the best long-term value because they rarely need replacement.
Dental bridges usually last 7 to 15 years. They are stable but require reshaping the nearby healthy teeth for support. Bridges look good, but they need special flossing tools to clean properly. Their cost is moderate compared to implants.
Dentures often last 5 to 10 years. They may slip or move, and they provide less stability and comfort. Their appearance is fair compared to implants or bridges. Dentures must be removed for cleaning, and although they cost less upfront, they need ongoing adjustments and replacements over time.
Implants are the only option that prevent jawbone loss and protect natural teeth. While they cost more at the start, they often save money in the long run because they are durable and reliable when cared for properly.
Cost of Dental Implants in Vancouver
We know price is an important factor. At Westcoast Smile, we don’t publish fixed prices online because every case is unique, but we provide clear estimates after your consultation.
Here’s a general overview:
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Single implant with crown: starts in the low thousands.
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Multiple implants or bridges: mid-range depending on complexity.
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Full-arch solutions (All-on-4/All-on-6): can reach the tens of thousands.
Factors that affect cost include:
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Number of implants placed.
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Material choice (titanium vs. zirconia).
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Extra procedures like bone grafts or sinus lifts.
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Type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture).
We also offer guidance on insurance and financing so patients can make informed decisions.
Risks and Considerations
Dental implants are one of the safest procedures in dentistry, with a success rate of 95–98%. Still, as with any surgery, there are small risks to consider:
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Minor infection after placement.
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Slower healing if bone or gum health is poor.
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Loosening if proper aftercare isn’t followed.
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Lower success rates for heavy smokers or patients with uncontrolled health conditions.
At Westcoast Smile, we minimize risks by using advanced imaging, sterile techniques, and thorough follow-up care. Patients are carefully screened before surgery, which helps ensure long-term success.
Patient Success Stories
One of our patients, a busy professional, came to us after struggling with a partial denture that constantly slipped. After implant treatment, they not only regained their ability to eat and speak confidently but also felt their self-esteem soar. Another patient, missing multiple teeth for years, received a full-arch restoration and described the experience as “life-changing”.
These are just two examples of how dental implants transform lives. For many patients, it’s not just about restoring teeth—it’s about restoring the ability to smile freely, enjoy meals without worry, and feel comfortable in social settings.
Let’s bring back your smile—schedule your visit today.
Reclaim your bite and your confidence with Dental Implants in Vancouver.
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Live closer to Kits? See our dental implants in Kitsilano.
FAQs — Vancouver patients often ask:
Longevity and Maintenance
Implants are designed to last. With good daily care and routine dental visits, they can remain strong for 20+ years. Unlike dentures, they don’t need adhesives, and unlike bridges, they don’t rely on other teeth.
Tips for long-term success:
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Brush and floss daily.
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Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol.
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Don’t chew hard objects like ice.
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Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
Think of implants as an investment not only in your smile but in your long-term health.
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, dental implants are the most reliable way to restore both your smile and your confidence. At Westcoast Smile, we combine advanced technology, proven techniques, and compassionate care to deliver results that truly last.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Book your consultation today and discover how dental implants can transform your smile—and your life.
Ready to get started?
Reclaim your bite and your confidence with Dental Implants in Vancouver.
Book Your Consultation •  Call Our Vancouver Clinic
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