Dental implants · Kitsilano, Vancouver

Dental Implants in Kitsilano, Vancouver

Replace a missing tooth with an implant that looks, feels and works like your own. We plan every case with 3D CBCT imaging at our West Broadway clinic, so you know exactly what to expect before treatment starts.

  • 4.9 stars from 319 Google reviews
  • 3D CBCT planning in-house
  • CDCP patients welcome
  • Evening hours Wed and Thu
Dental implant model showing a titanium post replacing a missing tooth between natural teeth
4.9★★★★★
319 Google reviews
Quick answer

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium or zirconia post placed in your jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Once the bone bonds to it, usually over three to six months, it holds a custom crown, bridge or denture. With good care, the implant itself can last for decades.

Tooth replacement that lasts

A permanent way to replace missing teeth

Losing a tooth changes more than your smile. You chew differently, nearby teeth start to drift into the gap, and the jawbone underneath slowly shrinks. If you've been putting off a decision, our guide on what happens if you don't replace a missing tooth explains why timing matters.

Dental implants in Vancouver solve the problem at the root. Unlike a fixed bridge, an implant doesn't lean on the teeth beside it. Unlike a removable denture, it stays put when you eat, talk and laugh.

At Enhance Dental Centre, we place and restore implants right here in Kitsilano, starting with a CBCT scan and finishing with your final crown. Because planning, surgery and restoration all happen in one office at 2219 West Broadway, you won't be sent back and forth between clinics.

Cross-section illustration of a dental implant anchored in the jawbone next to natural teeth
Diagram of a dental implant: crown, abutment and implant post in the jawbone CrownAbutmentImplant postJawbone connects crown to post titanium or zirconia root
The anatomy of an implant

How a dental implant works

Every implant restoration has three parts that work together. Think of it as a natural tooth rebuilt from the ground up.

1

The implant post

A screw-shaped post made of medical-grade titanium or zirconia sits in the jawbone where the root used to be. Bone grows tightly around its surface in a process called osseointegration.

2

The abutment

A small connector attaches to the top of the post and rises just above the gumline. It holds your new tooth firmly in position.

3

The crown

Your visible new tooth is made from porcelain or zirconia and shaded to blend in with your other teeth. It's either cemented or screwed onto the abutment.

Because the post stimulates the bone the way a natural root does, implants help keep your jaw and face from losing shape over time. Bridges and dentures can't do that.

Candidacy

Are you a good candidate for dental implants?

Most healthy adults who are missing one or more teeth can get implants. The two things that matter most are healthy gums and enough bone to hold the post, and we check both at your consultation with a 3D scan and a full gum exam.

You're likely a good fit if

  • You're missing one tooth, several teeth or a full arch
  • Your gums are healthy, or gum disease has already been treated
  • Your jaw has finished growing, which is usually by the late teens
  • You don't smoke, or you're willing to stop around the time of surgery
  • You want a fixed tooth that won't move or come out

You may need an extra step first if

  • You've lost bone in the area. A bone graft can rebuild it before or during placement.
  • You have active gum disease. We treat it first, sometimes with periodontal surgery.
  • Your diabetes isn't well controlled. Implants heal far better once blood sugar is stable.
  • You smoke heavily. Smoking slows healing and raises the risk of implant failure.
  • You take bone medications for osteoporosis. Tell us about them so we can plan safely.

Age on its own is rarely a barrier. Many patients in their 70s and 80s do very well with implants, especially when they're tired of loose dentures. Read more about dental implants for seniors.

Treatment options

Implant options we offer

Whether you're missing one tooth or all of them, there's an implant solution that fits. We'll recommend the option that gives you the most stable result with the fewest implants.

1

Single tooth implant

One post and one crown replace a single missing tooth, and the teeth on either side stay untouched. It's the closest thing to getting your natural tooth back. Learn more about the single tooth implant.

2

Implant-supported bridge

When several teeth in a row are missing, two implants can hold a bridge of three or more teeth. You get a fixed result with fewer posts than teeth, which keeps surgery simpler.

3

Implant-supported dentures

A denture that clips or screws onto four to six implants won't slip or rub. Many patients can eat foods they'd given up for years. Compare implant dentures with traditional dentures.

4

Full-arch restoration

For people who've lost most or all of the teeth in one jaw, a full set of fixed teeth can be anchored on several implants. It never comes out at night, and it feels like a natural set of teeth.

Compare your options

Dental implants vs bridges vs dentures

Each option has its place. Here's how they compare on the points our patients ask about most.

FeatureDental implantFixed bridgeRemovable denture
How it stays in placeFused to the jawboneCemented to the teeth beside the gapRests on the gums, held by suction or clasps
Effect on nearby teethNone, neighbours stay untouchedHealthy teeth are reshaped to hold crownsClasps can put pressure on remaining teeth
Effect on the jawboneHelps preserve boneBone under the gap keeps shrinkingBone keeps shrinking and the fit loosens
Typical lifespanPost can last decades; crown 10 to 15+ yearsAbout 10 to 15 yearsAbout 5 to 10 years with relines
Eating and comfortBite and chew like a natural toothStrong, but food can trap underneathCan slip with hard or sticky foods
Daily careBrush and floss like your own teethFloss threaders needed under the bridgeTake out and clean every day
Treatment time3 to 9 months in most cases2 to 3 weeksA few weeks

Still weighing it up? Our articles on implants vs bridges and dentures vs implants go into more detail, and we also offer dentures and bridges if an implant isn't right for you.

Step by step

The dental implant process at our Kitsilano clinic

Most implant cases take three to nine months from consultation to final crown. Most of that time is quiet healing, not appointments. Here's what each stage looks like with us.

  1. Consultation and 3D scan

    We examine your mouth, review your health history and take a CBCT scan. It shows bone height, width and the position of nerves and sinuses, so we can plan the size and angle of each implant. You leave with a written plan and estimate.

  2. Preparing the site, if needed

    If the damaged tooth is still there, we remove it gently during a tooth extraction. A bone graft is sometimes added at the same visit, and some cases allow the implant to go in that day.

  3. Placing the implant

    Under local anaesthetic, the post is placed in the jawbone. A single implant usually takes about an hour. If you're nervous, tell us, and we'll talk through ways to keep you comfortable.

  4. Healing and osseointegration

    Over the next three to six months, the bone bonds to the implant. You can wear a temporary tooth during this time, so you're never left with a visible gap.

  5. Abutment and digital impressions

    Once the implant is stable, we attach the abutment and take digital impressions for your custom crown.

  6. Your final crown

    Your crown is fitted, checked for bite and colour, and secured. From then on, you'll care for it like any other tooth.

For more detail on each stage, see our implant timeline and recovery guide.

Close-up of a dental implant post and crown between healthy natural teeth
95%+implant survival at 10 years in long-term studies
3 to 6months for the bone to bond with the implant
~1 hrtypical time to place a single implant
1 dayoff work for most patients after surgery
Aftercare

What implant recovery feels like

Most people are surprised by how manageable implant surgery is, and many go back to work the next day. Expect some swelling, mild bruising and tenderness for two to four days. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough to stay comfortable.

The first week is about protecting the site while your gum heals. After that, you'll eat and brush normally around the area, while the bone keeps bonding to the implant in the background.

Call us at 604-210-3603 if bleeding won't stop, swelling gets worse after day three, or you develop a fever. These problems are uncommon, but it's always better to check early.

Recovery tips for the first week

  • Bite gently on gauze for the first hour to control bleeding
  • Hold a cold pack on your cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 off, for the first day
  • Stick to soft, cool foods for a few days and chew on the other side
  • Skip straws, smoking and alcohol for at least 72 hours
  • Rinse gently with warm salt water from the second day
  • Keep brushing your other teeth, and go easy around the implant
  • Sleep with your head slightly raised for the first two nights
Cost and coverage

How much do dental implants cost in Vancouver?

The cost depends on your case, so we don't quote a single price before we've seen you. After your consultation, you'll get a written estimate that covers every stage.

#

Number of implants

One implant for one tooth costs less than several implants supporting a bridge or a full arch.

+

Extra procedures

Extractions, bone grafting or gum treatment before placement add to the total.

◉

Type of restoration

A single crown, an implant bridge and an implant denture each involve different lab work.

◆

Materials

Titanium or zirconia posts, and porcelain or zirconia crowns, vary in cost and look.

Many insurance plans cover part of the crown, extraction or grafting, even when they don't cover the implant itself. We'll send a pre-estimate to your insurer and walk you through payment options on our insurance and finance page.

Patients covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) are welcome, and we'll explain exactly what your plan does and doesn't cover. For a closer look at the numbers, read how much dental implants cost in Vancouver.

Thinking long term? Implants cost more upfront than a bridge or denture. Because the post can last decades and doesn't need regular replacing, many patients find it's the better value over a lifetime.

Illustration of a dental implant crown attached to an implant post in the gum and bone
Longevity

How long do dental implants last?

The implant post can last a lifetime with good care, and long-term studies report survival rates above 95 percent after ten years. The crown on top usually lasts 10 to 15 years or more, depending on how much wear it takes.

Implants can't get cavities, but the gum and bone around them can still get infected. This is called peri-implantitis, and it's the main reason implants fail. You can keep your implant healthy by:

  • Brushing twice a day with a soft brush
  • Cleaning around the implant daily with floss, a water flosser or an interdental brush
  • Booking regular dental hygiene visits, usually every three to six months
  • Wearing a night guard if you clench or grind
  • Avoiding smoking, which weakens the bone around the implant

To learn more, read how long dental implants last and why they fail.

Why Enhance Dental Centre

Why Vancouver patients choose us for implants

Implant treatment is a big decision. Here's what you can expect when you trust it to our team in Kitsilano.

3D

Precise 3D planning

Our in-house CBCT scanner shows bone and nerves in three dimensions, so every implant is placed in the right spot at the right angle.

1

Everything under one roof

Extractions, bone grafting, gum treatment, implant placement and the final crown all happen at our West Broadway office.

7

Hours that fit your week

We're open Monday to Friday, with evening appointments until 7 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

4.9

Trusted by our patients

We hold a 4.9-star rating from 319 Google reviews. You can see real results in our before and after gallery.

$

Clear, honest estimates

You'll get a written plan and cost estimate before treatment, with time to think it over and no pressure.

✓

Licensed and accountable

Our dentists are registered with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals, which took over dental regulation from the CDSBC in 2024.

FAQ

Dental implant questions we hear most

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you'll feel pressure but not pain. Afterward, most people describe soreness similar to having a tooth pulled, and it fades within a few days.

How long does the dental implant process take?

Most cases take three to nine months from start to finish. Simple cases with good bone sit at the shorter end, while cases that need an extraction or bone graft take longer.

Can I get an implant right after a tooth is pulled?

Sometimes. If the bone and gum are healthy and there's no active infection, an immediate implant may be possible. We confirm this with a 3D scan before the extraction.

Will people be able to tell I have an implant?

No. The crown is custom shaded and shaped to match your neighbouring teeth, and it comes out of the gum just like a natural tooth.

Am I too old for dental implants?

There's no upper age limit. What matters is your general health, your gums and your bone. Many people get implants in their 70s and 80s with excellent results.

Can dental implants fail?

It's uncommon, but it can happen. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, gum infection and heavy grinding raise the risk. Good home care and regular check-ups keep that risk low.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Coverage varies by plan. Some plans cover the implant, while others cover only the crown or related procedures. We'll check your benefits and send a pre-estimate before you commit.

Ready to replace a missing tooth?

Book an implant consultation at Enhance Dental Centre in Kitsilano. We'll take a 3D scan, answer every question and give you a clear plan, so you can decide with confidence.

Visit us in Kitsilano

Address: 2219 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E4

Phone: 604-210-3603 or 604-733-5229

Email: care@enhancedentalcentre.com

Monday8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Thursday10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Friday8:00 am to 4:00 pm

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