​Dental Implants

A dental implant is a synthetic tooth root made of titanium, a metal well-suited to pairing with human bone. In fact, titanium is commonly used in hip and knee replacement procedures as well. A titanium implant is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of a tooth, and a dental prosthetic is then fixed to the implant. The tooth replacement can be permanently attached or removable.

Being locked to the jawbone, dental implants function like a natural tooth. Implants can replace a single tooth or several teeth by holding a bridge, and can be used to secure removable, partial, or whole dentures.

Unlike conventional bridges and dentures, dental implants are fixed to the bone, making them sturdy and stable. Implants not only look more natural, but feel and act like natural teeth, granting users the ability to chew with confidence.

Another advantage of dental implants over conventional bridges is that the former do not alter adjacent teeth. Furthermore, while bridges can last 10-15 years, dental implants can typically last a lifetime.

​Dental implants are a great alternative for people who are missing one tooth, but can also be used to attach a permanent bridge or denture.

At Pacificview Dental Centre, we will make a medical and dental evaluation to make sure you don’t have any conditions that could make the surgery unadvisable. Dr. Tjorhom may use diagnostic tools such as CT scans and X-rays to develop an evaluation and treatment plan.

​We will make sure you have healthy oral tissue and there is enough space and bone to insert an implant. In case the jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, it is possible you may require bone grafting so that the implant can be successfully attached.

Once Dr. Tjorhom has given the green light to the process, two separate surgical procedures will take place. The first consist of placing the implant post in the jawbone. This is carried out under local anaesthesia. After making an incision in the gum, a hole is made in the bone. The implant is placed in to the hole and the gum is stitched closed. The site is left to heal so that the titanium post can integrate with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.

At Pacificview Dental Centre, we favour dental implant products from Nobel Biocare, which allows placing implants in areas with limited space. These products also provide high stability in the posterior and foster enhanced osseointegration.  Nobel Biocare is a leader in the implant industry.

The second stage takes place between three to eight months later. Firstly, we will some tests to find out if the post has successfully locked into the jawbone. If the implant has failed to lock in, it could be changed or placed in a different area. Success rates of implant surgery is expected between 95-98%.  The variation mostly due to bone quality or a patient's general health.

When the implant has successfully merged with the jawbone we take an accurate impression of our implant position within the jawbone using a metal post.  Sometimes if the original implant was in soft bone a second surgery is required to expose the implant and insert a healing cap. This small metal cylinder is used to shape the gum so that a prosthetic tooth or crown extending above the gum line can be attached. The health cap is removed after a few weeks and an impression is made of the implant position and gum shape.  Your prosthesis is then crafted at a dental laboratory.  Dr Tjorhom will call you back to the office when your crown, bridge, or denture or ready to be attached firmly to the implant(s).

It’s worth mentioning that Nobel Biocare implants and components as well as our custom crowns are designed to optimize bone and soft tissue volume, giving your prosthetic teeth a natural appearance.

If your gums are bleeding constantly, you might have a bacterial infection that can spread. This can harm the structures that support your teeth. These can become so loose over time that they might have to be extracted.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Advanced inflammation around the tooth is called periodontitis and it can pull the gums away from the teeth, ultimately destroying supporting gum tissue.

Bleeding gums, new spaced between teeth, and pain when chewing are common signs of periodontitis, which is caused by bacteria in dental plaque.

​Dental implants provide a solution for people who have loose or missing teeth as a consequence of periodontal disease. The procedure will help them regain the ability to chew comfortably and smile confidently.

Taking care of your dental implant is very much like caring for your natural teeth. Keep in mind that proper oral hygiene is important to prevent diseases around the implants.

​Implants should be brushed preferably twice a day to eliminate plaque with low-abrasive toothpaste. A sonic, electric, or manual toothbrush will do the trick as long as it does not have metal wire, as this can scratch the crown’s surface.

​Use unwaxed or dental-specific floss to remove bacteria and plaque between teeth and protect the supporting tissue.

A dental implant’s success mainly depends on osseointegration, the jawbone’s ability to join with the titanium post. Additional considerations affect how successful an implant is, such as the implant’s characteristics, the quality of the surgery, and proper maintenance.

​Other factors, however, depend directly on the patient. These include quality and quantity of the bone, oral hygiene, and general health status. Since dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, it’s crucial for your gums and teeth to be in good health. These are a few patient-related factors that impact the success of a dental implant