Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an implantable medical device that is used to replace single teeth, multiple teeth or an entire arch of teeth. By replacing missing teeth, your chewing, speech, and the appearance of your smile can be preserved. Bone preservation and longevity are also key advantages of dental implant placement. When a tooth is lost, the bone surrounding it continues to resorb over time.

By placing a dental implant at the site of the missing tooth, you are able to preserve the bone and prevent resorption. Dental implants offer other significant advantages over traditional bridges, in that the adjacent or neighbouring teeth do not need to be ground down. Dental implants also offer a significant advantage over dentures, in that a large acrylic plate is eliminated for the purpose of retention. Dental implants are extremely predictable, and if cared for properly, can last a lifetime.

Why should I consider Dr. Martyna and the team at Kelowna Oral & Facial Surgery for my implant surgery?

Dr. Martyna is uniquely trained to provide implant surgery. Following dental school, his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency training in Washington, DC included a significant focus on surgical implant placement alongside training from a prosthodontist (a specialist who focuses on replacing teeth). In this program, Dr. Martyna spent four years honing his skills with some of the most respected implant providers in North America.

Upon completing his residency program in 2016, he has continued to enjoy implant surgery and incorporate scientifically proven technology to improve treatment outcomes. At Kelowna Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Martyna and his team utilizes digital treatment planning techniques to ensure the optimal placement of your dental implants to give you the best appearance, function, and long-term health of your new teeth.

How does Dr. Martyna work with my dentist or denturist in the implant process?

Dr. Martyna, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specialist, coordinates with your dental health provider to complete your treatment plan. Dr. Martyna will complete the surgical portion, which includes placement of the dental implant into the bone beneath the surface of your gums. Your dentist, prosthodontist, or denturist will create the prosthetic portion, which are the “teeth” that attach to the implant or implants.

What options do I have when replacing multiple teeth at Kelowna Oral & Facial Surgery?

There are five typical options when choosing how to replace multiple teeth with dental implants. Each option has different benefits and associated costs. We will work with you to find the right option for your individual lifestyle and budget.
1) Fixed (or screw retained) bridge over 4-6 implants (per jaw)
2) Removable denture over 4 implants and a bar (per jaw)
3) Removable denture over 2-4 implants (bottom jaw only)
4) Traditional denture
5) Replacement of each individual tooth with implants and crowns

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implant surgery varies depending on the number of implants required in your treatment plan and whether or not bone grafting is required. Kelowna Oral & Facial Surgery will work with you to determine which option is best for your specific situation and budget. Dental implants may cost more than traditional dentures or bridges, but they will last much longer.

How long does this process take?

Generally speaking, it takes between 4-12 months until your final prosthetic, or final “teeth”, are placed. Titanium implants are surgically inserted into your jaw bone by Dr. Martyna, and take a minimum of 3 months to fuse with your jaw before the final steps at your dentist, prosthodontist, or denturist can be completed. The timeline also depends on the status of your existing jaw bone. If bone grafting is required, the process can take 8-12 months to allow for the regrowth of bone following tooth loss.
You can anticipate 6-12 appointments from your entire oral health care team at Kelowna Oral & Facial Surgery, and at your general dentist, prosthodontist, or denturist to complete your implants and insert your prosthetic “teeth”. You can expect 2-3 of these appointments to be with Dr. Martyna at Kelowna Oral & Facial Surgery. The number of appointments varies based on your specific treatment plan.

How do dental implants differ from traditional dentures?

Dental implants help preserve the natural look of your face, by preserving your jaw bone. Implants are also screwed into place and fuse with your bone to provide complete stability, and no wobbling or sliding, as you may experience with traditional dentures. Dental implants have minimal effects on your speech and chewing efficiency, especially when compared to traditional dentures. The process for dental implant surgery may only be required once in a lifetime. Due to the enhanced treatment planning and materials associated with implant surgery, the cost of dental implants is higher than the cost of traditional dentures or bridges, but the long lasting benefits and comfort of dental implants as a tooth replacement option are incomparable.