Certified by the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mario Cabianca is proud to provide dental implants to patients from across the Trail, Castlegar, and Nelson area.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. Surgically placed in the jaw where a natural tooth has been lost, they fuse with the bone as the area heals.
Once healing is complete, an abutment and crown are attached to the implant, creating a strong, natural-looking tooth replacement.
Dentures may also be supported with dental implants, making these restorations an effective way to improve the fit and retention of prosthetic teeth, especially for individuals who are missing all of their teeth.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
In order to perform a dental implant placement procedure, our dentists use three pieces: a meta root, an abutment and a tooth replacement such as a crown or bridge.
First, the metal root will be surgically placed into the jaw bone. It will then take four to six months for the surgical implant to heal before the artificial tooth can be placed.
After the implant has been placed and the surgical site has fully healed, your dentist will attach the abutment and tooth replacement to the metal root, creating the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth where the gap in your smile once was.
In some cases, you may not have enough bone in your jaw to support an implant so bone graft surgery will be needed to restore the jaw bone to allow for implants.
Dental Implants FAQs
Learn more about dental implants by reading through the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions from our patients about this surgery and restoration.
- Why should I choose dental implants?
One of the primary reasons people seek dental implants is to enhance personal appearance. By eliminating gaps in one’s smile, dental implants help people attain confidence. Additionally, dental implants offer several functional benefits:
- Maintain healthy bone and prevent bone loss.
- Stay secure and comfortable – no slipping like dentures.
- Protect surrounding teeth without grinding for bridges.
- Regain most of your natural chewing power.
- Enjoy full taste and flavour without palate coverage.
- Keep teeth aligned and gums healthy.
- Simple care – just brush and floss like natural teeth.
- Are implant procedures typically successful?
The cylindrical implant system, which we use at Trail Dental & Surgery, is successful for many patients. However, as with any dental procedure, there is some risk of complications occurring.
- Will the dental implant procedure be painful?
You are unlikely to experience major discomfort during and after the procedure. Your dentist will review anesthesia options with you and plan your procedure based on the wishes you express. However, dental implant placement is usually completed with dental sedation.
- Will I be able to chew normally?
Chewing will often improve significantly following treatment with cylindrical implant systems. In fact, after a brief period to get used to your new implant, you may be able to chew almost as well as you would with your natural teeth.
- How long will my dental implants last?
With proper care, there is no time limit on how long successful cylindrical implant systems can last and dental implant systems continue to improve.