A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. We place it in the jawbone where it fuses with the bone over a few months, then attach a crown on top. The result looks, feels, and works like a natural tooth. Implants are the most durable way to replace a missing tooth: they preserve your jawbone, do not put pressure on neighbouring teeth, and last for decades with proper care.

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Implants are the long-term gold standard for replacing missing teeth.

Compared to bridges (which use neighbouring healthy teeth as anchors) and dentures (which sit on the gums), implants stand alone, preserve your jawbone, and let you eat and speak normally. They cost more upfront but typically last decades, which makes them the best value over a lifetime.

When a dental implant is the right choice

  • ✓Missing one tooth and the neighbouring teeth are healthy
  • ✓Missing several teeth in a row (implant-supported bridge)
  • ✓Missing all teeth in an arch (full-arch implant-supported denture)
  • ✓Loose, ill-fitting denture causing sore spots or trouble eating
  • ✓Failing bridge or large failed restoration that cannot be redone
  • ✓Want to preserve jawbone and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting

If any of these describe your situation, book a consult. We will examine the area, take a 3D scan if needed, and tell you whether you are a good candidate. Implants are not right for everyone, and we will be straight with you either way.

How the dental implant procedure works

  1. Consultation and 3D scan. We examine the area, take a digital scan and X-rays, check that you have enough healthy bone, and plan the implant placement digitally. We discuss whether oral sedation is right for you and answer all your questions about the procedure.
  2. Implant placement. Under local anaesthetic (and oral sedation if you chose it), we make a small opening in the gum and place the titanium implant in the jawbone. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per implant. You leave the appointment with a healing cap or temporary tooth in place.
  3. Healing and osseointegration (3 to 6 months). The implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This is what makes implants so stable. During healing you can eat and speak normally and most patients have only mild discomfort for the first few days.
  4. Abutment placement. Once the implant has fused, we attach a small connector called an abutment to the top of the implant. This is a brief appointment under local anaesthetic.
  5. Final crown. We take an impression of the abutment and place a custom-made crown that matches the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth. The crown screws onto the abutment and the result looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth.

Bone grafting and sinus lift (when needed)

If you have been missing a tooth for more than a few months, your jawbone in that area starts to shrink. For an implant to be stable, the bone must be tall enough and wide enough to support the implant.

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Bone graft. If the bone is too thin or short, we place a small amount of grafting material in the area and wait 3 to 6 months for it to integrate with your natural bone before placing the implant. Many cases need only a minor graft done at the same appointment as the implant placement.

Sinus lift. For implants in the upper back teeth, the floor of the sinus is sometimes very close. We may perform a sinus lift, a specialized graft that lifts the sinus membrane and adds bone underneath. This adds time and cost but is often the difference between being able to get an implant or not.

We will tell you up front whether you need a graft, what it adds in time and cost, and what your alternatives are.

Recovery and long-term care

First week

Most patients have only mild discomfort for 1 to 3 days, managed with over-the-counter pain reliever and a soft-food diet. Swelling and bruising are normal and resolve within a week. Stick to soft foods and rinse gently. Avoid the implant area when brushing for the first few days.

Months 1 to 6

The implant fuses with the jawbone (osseointegration). You eat and speak normally during this time. We check on progress with a brief visit at 6 weeks and again at 3 to 4 months. Once the implant is fully integrated, we proceed with the abutment and crown.

Years and decades

An implant is cared for exactly like a natural tooth: brush twice a day, floss daily, see us for regular cleanings and check-ups. With good home care, implants routinely last 20+ years. The crown on top may need replacement every 10 to 15 years.

Pain management and oral sedation

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable implant placement is. The area is fully numb during the procedure. Mild discomfort after the freezing wears off is well-controlled with ibuprofen and acetaminophen alternated.

For patients who feel anxious about the procedure, we offer oral sedation: a medication you take by mouth before your appointment that helps you stay calm and relaxed. You will be awake and able to respond, but the procedure will feel shorter and far less stressful. Oral sedation requires a ride home from the appointment.

Note: we do not offer IV sedation or general anaesthesia. If your case requires those, we will refer you to an oral surgeon and coordinate your care.

Cost, insurance, and CDCP

The cost of a dental implant varies based on whether you need bone grafting or a sinus lift, how many implants you need, and the complexity of the crown. We give you a full written quote at the consultation so there are no surprises.

Dental implants are covered (partially or fully) by most extended health plans and by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. We bill your insurance directly so you only pay your residual at the appointment. See our insurance and financing page for the full list of insurers we work with, or call us at 604-282-3800 for a quote on your specific situation.

Why choose Madison Dental Studio for implants

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Over 20 years of implant experience, digital 3D planning for precise placement, on-site crown completion (no referral needed), oral sedation available for anxious patients, BCCOHP-registered team, direct insurance billing, and a multilingual team (English, Punjabi, Hindi, Persian, Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean).

Dental implant FAQ

How much does a dental implant cost?

The cost depends on whether you need a bone graft or sinus lift, how many implants are placed, and the type of crown. The single-implant range varies, and we give you a full written quote at the consultation so you know exactly what your case will cost. Most insurance plans cover part of the procedure and CDCP covers eligible patients.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

From consultation to final crown, plan on 4 to 9 months. The implant placement itself is one appointment. Most of the time is the 3 to 6 month healing period during which the implant fuses with your jawbone. If you need a bone graft, add another 3 to 6 months before implant placement.

Does implant placement hurt?

The procedure itself does not hurt because the area is fully numb. You may feel pressure and movement but not pain. Discomfort during the first few days after the procedure is mild for most patients and well-controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long do dental implants last?

The implant itself routinely lasts 20+ years and often a lifetime with good home care and regular check-ups. The crown on top usually lasts 10 to 15 years before needing replacement. The titanium post fused into the bone is the durable part.

Am I a good candidate for a dental implant?

Most adults are good candidates. The key factors are: healthy gums, enough jawbone (or willingness to do a bone graft), and being a non-smoker or willing to quit during healing. Diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain medications can affect healing but rarely rule out implants. We assess your specific situation at the consultation.

What is the difference between an implant and a bridge?

A bridge uses the two neighbouring teeth as anchors. Those teeth need to be filed down to support the bridge, and they take on extra chewing load. An implant stands alone, does not affect neighbouring teeth, and preserves the jawbone underneath. Bridges are faster and cheaper upfront, but implants are typically the better long-term choice.

Can I get an implant the same day as the tooth is removed?

Sometimes yes (called immediate implant placement). It depends on the condition of the bone after extraction and whether the area is free of infection. We assess this during the consultation. Even when an immediate implant is not possible, we can sometimes place a temporary tooth so you do not leave with a visible gap.

Is the implant covered by CDCP?

CDCP covers dental implants for eligible patients at a coverage level of 40, 60, or 100 percent depending on your adjusted family net income. We are an enrolled CDCP provider. See our CDCP page for full details.

Ready to find out if an implant is right for you?

Book a consultation and we will examine the area, take a 3D scan if needed, and give you a clear treatment plan with full written cost.

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Call 604-282-3800