Missing teeth can make eating, speaking, and smiling more difficult, leaving you less confident day to day. Dental implants replace missing teeth with restorations that look and feel natural. They also protect long-term oral health by keeping the jawbone strong and stable. At Strawberry Hill Family Dental in Surrey, BC, we invite you to schedule a consultation and discover how implants can transform your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small biocompatible posts that act as artificial roots, creating a stable base for new teeth. Once placed in the jawbone, they bond naturally with bone, making them secure and long-lasting. They are a reliable way to restore both function and appearance.
- Artificial roots: Implants integrate with the jawbone for strong support
- Natural aesthetics: Custom crowns are color-matched and shaped to blend seamlessly
- Long-term solution: With proper care, implants can last for decades
Comparing Dental Implants To Other Tooth Replacement Options
Bridges and dentures can restore your smile, but they often require compromises. Bridges rely on altering healthy teeth, while dentures may slip or feel less secure. Dental implants are designed to act like natural teeth, offering lasting stability and protection.
- Long-lasting solution: Implants can last decades, while bridges or dentures may need replacement sooner
- Preserves healthy teeth: Implants stand independently without reshaping nearby teeth
- Everyday stability: Dentures can slip during meals, but implants stay firmly anchored
The Dangers Of Resorption After Tooth Loss
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath no longer receives stimulation to stay strong. Over time, bone begins to shrink in a process called resorption, which can affect facial appearance and make you look older. It can also shift nearby teeth and limit options for future treatment.
- Bone shrinkage: Without the root to stimulate bone, the jaw naturally loses density over time
- Facial changes: Loss of bone can lead to a sunken look around the cheeks and mouth
- Shifting teeth: Neighboring teeth may drift into the gap, creating misalignment or bite issues
This is why addressing tooth loss early matters. Many patients choose a replacement option that protects the jawbone to avoid these long-term issues.
The Benefits Of Restoring Your Smile With Dental Implants
Dental implants are the only replacement option that stimulates the jawbone, preventing shrinkage from resorption. They restore everyday function so you can chew normally, speak clearly, and smile confidently. With benefits that last, implants can greatly improve oral health and quality of life.
- Jawbone protection: Keeps the bone strong and reduces changes to facial structure
- Restored function: Lets you bite into crisp apples or chew steak without worry
- Long-term reliability: With regular dental visits, implants can serve you for decades
- Everyday confidence: Whether at work or with friends, implants help you feel secure in every situation
The Dental Implant Process
Getting implants is a straightforward journey designed with your comfort in mind. It begins with a consultation to evaluate your oral health and plan treatment. The implant is placed, allowed to heal as it bonds with bone, and finished with a custom restoration.
- Personalized consultation: A detailed exam and imaging are used to design your treatment plan
- Implant placement: A biocompatible post is gently positioned in the jaw to act as a root replacement
- Healing phase: The bone and implant fuse naturally, creating a stable foundation
- Final restoration: A custom crown, bridge, or denture is added for a complete smile
Types Of Dental Implants
Not every patient has the same needs, which is why there are different types of implants available. The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing and the condition of your jawbone. Your dentist will recommend the option that best restores your smile.
Immediate Implants
In some cases, implants can be placed the same day a tooth is removed. This shortens treatment time and reduces the number of visits. It also prevents time spent with a visible gap in your smile.
- Time-saving: The implant is placed right after removal, saving weeks or months
- Convenient care: Fewer overall appointments are required
- Faster results: Helps restore appearance and function sooner
Single Tooth Implants
A single implant is ideal when only one tooth is missing. It blends naturally with neighboring teeth and avoids altering healthy enamel. This solution is durable and long-lasting.
- Custom crown: Designed to match your existing teeth in shape and color
- Tooth-friendly: Protects healthy neighboring teeth from unnecessary alteration
- Durable support: Handles everyday chewing and speaking with ease
All-On-X Implants
All-On-X implants are a modern full-arch solution for patients missing most or all of their teeth. This method uses a small number of strategically placed implants to support an entire arch of replacement teeth. It offers a permanent alternative to dentures that feels secure and restores natural function.
- Complete restoration: Replaces a full set of upper or lower teeth using fewer implants
- Anchored fit: Teeth are attached firmly to the implants without the need for adhesives
- Stronger bite: Allows you to enjoy foods that are difficult with traditional dentures
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges replace several missing teeth without relying on healthy natural teeth. They are anchored securely for strength and balance. This option restores chewing ability while protecting your remaining teeth.
- Secure anchoring: Implants act as stable anchors for the bridge
- Tooth preservation: Healthy neighboring teeth remain untouched
- Balanced bite: Distributes chewing pressure evenly across your smile
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures snap into place for added comfort and stability. Unlike traditional dentures, they will not slip or irritate the gums. They let you eat, laugh, and speak with confidence.
- Firm stability: Dentures stay steady when eating or laughing
- Better comfort: Reduces sore spots caused by shifting dentures
- Confidence restored: No fear of dentures slipping at the wrong moment
Tooth In A Day
For patients seeking a faster solution, Tooth In A Day offers the convenience of receiving an implant and a temporary crown all in a single visit. This advanced approach is ideal for those who want to avoid going without a tooth while their implant heals. Using state-of-the-art planning and digital imaging, our dentists precisely place the implant and restore your smile the same day — blending efficiency with exceptional results.
At Strawberry Hill Family Dental, our doctors frequently perform immediate implants to make the process easier and faster for patients, often reducing overall treatment time from about 8 months to just 3–4 months. This approach minimizes waiting periods while maintaining comfort, precision, and long-term success.
- Immediate results: Walk out with a complete smile the same day as your implant placement
- Advanced precision: Guided technology ensures optimal placement and comfort
- Seamless experience: Eliminates the waiting period between surgery and restoration
- Confidence restored: Enjoy a functional, natural-looking smile right away
With Tooth In A Day, you can experience the benefits of dental implants without delay. It’s a modern, patient-centered option that allows you to move forward with confidence, comfort, and a renewed smile in just one appointment.
What To Expect During Recovery
Recovery after implant surgery is generally smooth and predictable. Some swelling or tenderness is normal at first, but it usually improves quickly. With proper care and follow-up, healing is straightforward and long-lasting results are expected.
- Normal adjustment: Mild swelling and discomfort may occur for a few days
- Follow-up visits: Checkups track progress and ensure proper healing
- Healthy outcome: Good brushing and flossing support long-term success
Dental Implant FAQs
It’s normal to have questions when considering dental implants, and clear answers help you feel confident in your decision. From how long implants last to who qualifies, our team is here to guide you with helpful information. Here are some of the most common questions we hear.
- How long do implants last?: With proper care, many last for decades
- Are implants safe?: Yes, they are widely trusted and reliable in dentistry
- What is the success rate?: Implants placed by experienced providers have very high success rates
- Who qualifies for implants?: Most healthy adults with enough bone density are good candidates
Invest In A Smile That Truly Lasts
Dental implants are more than just a replacement—they are a foundation for lasting confidence and health. They restore natural function while protecting the bone beneath your gums. At Strawberry Hill Family Dental in Surrey, BC, our trusted providers deliver advanced implant solutions tailored to your needs. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a complete and lasting smile.