False Creek Pure Dental / Replacing missing teeth
Dental Implants
A missing tooth can affect what you eat and how you feel about your smile. An implant may be one option. We start by looking at your oral health, what you want to regain, and the choices available to you.
How an implant replaces a tooth
An implant is a fixture placed in the jaw to support a replacement tooth. For a single tooth, a connector called an abutment joins the fixture to a crown. Implants can also support some bridges or dentures.
Planning considers the gums, available bone, bite, medical history, and the surrounding teeth. Some people need treatment for gum disease or additional bone procedures before an implant is suitable.
- First step
- Examination and appropriate imaging
- Timing
- Usually a staged plan over months
- Long-term care
- Home cleaning and professional review
What is on your mind?
Comfort
Talk with us about anaesthesia and your concerns before surgery. You should know what to expect during the procedure, how discomfort will be managed afterwards, and who to call with a concern.
Time & visits
Immediate placement after an extraction is possible in selected cases. It is not the same as placing a permanent tooth into full function immediately. Bone, stability, infection, and the bite all affect the plan.
Costs & coverage
Our fees follow the BC Dental Association’s Suggested Fee Guide. Your quote explains the recommended stages, which may include imaging, grafting, implant placement, and the final restoration. Insurance benefits depend on your dental plan. Call 604-877-1712 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Xu for an assessment and a personalized treatment quote.
The main stages of implant care
Your sequence may differ if a tooth first needs removal, grafting is needed, or more than one tooth is being replaced. We will discuss temporary tooth options during the planning stage.
01 / Assess and compare
We review your mouth and health history, discuss alternatives, and explain the proposed treatment, risks, and estimate.
02 / Place the implant
The implant is placed in the jaw using local anaesthesia as appropriate. The surgical plan depends on the site and your health.
03 / Allow healing
Bone needs time to integrate with the implant. Follow-up checks help determine when it is ready for the next stage.
04 / Restore and maintain
A crown or other restoration is fitted when appropriate. We check the bite and discuss cleaning and ongoing review.
Immediate placement after an extraction is possible in selected cases. It is not the same as placing a permanent tooth into full function immediately. Bone, stability, infection, and the bite all affect the plan.
An implant still needs care
Implants do not develop tooth decay, but the gums and bone around them can become inflamed or diseased. Clean around the restoration daily using the tools recommended for its shape, and keep your follow-up appointments.
Risks and uncertainties
Implants may fail to integrate or develop later problems. Infection, injury to nearby structures, and restoration complications are among the risks to discuss for your specific site.
Other ways to replace a tooth
A bridge or removable denture may be an alternative. In some situations, retaining a treatable natural tooth or monitoring a space is part of the conversation.
Questions we often hear
How long will treatment take?
There is no single timeline. Healing often takes several months, and extraction or grafting can add stages. Ask for the sequence and expected review points for your own plan.
Will my implant last for life?
It may function for many years, but no lifespan can be guaranteed. Gum health, smoking, medical conditions, the bite, and maintenance all matter. The crown or other parts may also need repair or replacement.
Which implant system does the clinic use?
Our clinic offers MegaGen implants. The choice of implant and restoration is explained as part of treatment planning; the brand alone does not determine suitability or outcome.
What is PRF?
Platelet-rich fibrin is prepared from a sample of your own blood and may be proposed as an adjunct in selected surgical procedures. Ask why it is recommended, its limitations, and the alternatives. Dr. Xu can explain how it fits into your treatment plan during your consultation.
How do I get a quote for dental implants?
Our fees follow the BC Dental Association’s Suggested Fee Guide. Your quote explains the recommended stages, which may include imaging, grafting, implant placement, and the final restoration. Insurance benefits depend on your dental plan. Call 604-877-1712 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Xu for an assessment and a personalized treatment quote.
