Losing a tooth can make it hard to smile or enjoy your favorite meals. Luckily, there is a permanent way to fix your smile that feels just like a real tooth. Visiting a dental clinic in Burnaby is the first step to seeing how a new tooth can keep your jaw healthy and your face looking young.
Unlike teeth you take out at night, an implant stays in your mouth and grows right into your bone.
This guide explains how these new teeth work and why they are the best choice for anyone who has missing teeth.
Why Should You Replace A Missing Tooth?
When you have a gap in your smile, your other teeth can start to tilt or move into the empty space. This can make your teeth crooked and hard to clean.
If you are looking for dental implants near you to fix this, you are also helping your jaw stay strong. Without a tooth root to hold onto, the bone in your jaw can shrink over time, which can make your face look older.
- Keep Bone Strong – Implants act like real roots to keep your jawbone from shrinking.
- Save Other Teeth – You don’t have to change the teeth next to the gap to hold the new one.
- Speak Clearly – A permanent tooth stays still so that you can talk without any clicking sounds.
- Eat Better – Being able to chew all foods helps your body stay healthy and strong.
Common Reasons Why People Lose Teeth
There are many different causes of tooth loss, from simple accidents to health problems. Knowing why you lost a tooth helps the team make a plan to keep your new implant safe for a long time.
Whether you had a sports injury or a cavity that got too big, modern fixes are made to help almost everyone get their smile back.
- Gum Problems – This is the most common reason adults lose teeth because it hurts the bone.
- Accidents – Falling or getting hit while playing sports can knock a tooth out.
- Big Cavities – If a hole in a tooth is not fixed, the tooth might get too rotten to save.
- Health Issues – Some illnesses, like diabetes, can make it harder for your mouth to stay healthy.
What Happens During Dental Surgery?
Getting a new tooth takes a few steps and some time for your body to heal.
During the dental implant procedure, a tiny metal post is placed into the jawbone while the area is totally numb. This post works like a new “root” for your future tooth.
Over the next few months, your bone will grow around the metal. This makes a bond so strong that the tooth can stay in your mouth for the rest of your life.
Comparing Your Choices for New Teeth
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dental Bridges | Dentures |
| How Long it Lasts | 25+ Years | 5 – 10 Years | 5 – 7 Years |
| Protects Jawbone | Very Good | None | None |
| Cleaning | Brush like normal | Special tools needed | Must soak every night |
| Eating Hard Food | Yes, very strong | Mostly | No, hard to chew |
How To Get Ready For Your New Tooth
- Mouth Exam – The team must check that your gums are healthy before they start.
- Special Pictures – 3D scans show exactly where the bone is thickest and strongest.
- Lifestyle – If you smoke, you might be asked to stop so your mouth can heal faster.
- Adding Bone – Some people need a little extra bone added to their jaw first to make it thick enough.
Taking Care Of Your New Smile
Once your final tooth is put on the post, taking care of it is just like taking care of your real teeth. Even though the implant cannot get a cavity, you still need to keep your gums clean to stop infections.
Regular checkups are very important so the team can make sure everything is staying strong and healthy.
If you brush well and go to your cleanings, your implant should stay in great shape for many years.
Who Can Get This Treatment?
Most adults who are healthy and have enough bone can get a new implant. It doesn’t matter if you are missing just one tooth or many; implants can even be used to hold onto bridges or dentures to keep them from moving.
If you have gaps in your smile or dentures that don’t fit right, this solution can give you back your confidence and help you enjoy eating again.
Getting Your Health and Smile Back
Getting a full smile again is about feeling good and staying healthy. At Burnaby Square Dental, our team wants to help you feel like yourself again with a strong, pretty smile.
We listen to what you want and make a plan that works just for you. You deserve a smile that is strong and looks great.
Call us right now to book your visit, reach out today and let us help you get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the surgery hurt?
The area is numbed before the work starts so that you won’t feel pain during the visit. Most people find that healing is much easier than they thought and only feel a little sore for a few days.
How long does it take to finish?
It usually takes three to six months for the bone to grow around the metal post. This wait is the most important part because it makes sure the new tooth is strong enough to chew food.
Can I get an implant if I smoke?
Yes, but smoking can make it take longer to heal and might cause the implant to fail. It is best to be honest with the team about your habits so they can help you succeed.
Will the new tooth look fake?
No, the new tooth is made to match the exact color and shape of your other teeth. Most people will never know that it isn’t your real tooth.
