When a tooth is missing, it can change how we eat, speak, and even feel about our smile. An implant dentist in Maple Ridge helps replace that missing tooth with something that looks and feels natural. The process doesn’t happen all at once. It takes a few planned steps to make sure everything goes just right. From the first visit to the day the new tooth is in place, each part of the process has a clear reason behind it. By understanding what happens and when, it’s easier to feel calm and ready for what comes next.
Step One: Getting Ready for a New Tooth
The first step isn’t about placing anything. It’s about planning. When someone comes in to talk about a dental implant, we start by taking a close look at what’s happening in their mouth.
• We use scans and X-rays to check the bone beneath the gums
• We look at the gap where the tooth is missing and the teeth around it
• We talk about medical history to make sure it’s a good fit
Kanaka Creek Family Dental uses digital X-rays and 3D imaging to plan the exact position and depth of every dental implant, making sure the treatment is tailored to your mouth.
This visit helps us decide if there’s enough healthy bone to hold the implant. If there is, we map out the next steps and go over the timing. If bone needs more support, that’s something we can plan for too. Every mouth is a little different, and that’s why this early check matters so much. It helps us avoid surprises later.
Taking time to look at all aspects of the mouth, including factors like gum health and the spacing of other teeth, gives our team a complete picture. It’s important to catch any potential issues before they can slow the implant process. Sometimes, we may recommend a little preparation work to get the foundation as healthy as possible before moving forward.
Step Two: Placing the Implant Post
Once the plan is in place, it’s time for the actual implant. This part involves placing a small metal post into the bone where the root of the tooth used to be. It sounds big, but it’s a simple and careful procedure.
• The gum is gently opened to reach the bone
• The post is placed exactly where it needs to go
• The area is closed up and given time to heal
We focus on comfort and take our time to do things carefully. You won’t leave the office with a new tooth on the same day. The implant needs to sit quietly in the bone and get strong before anything goes on top of it.
The placement of the post is very precise, so we use guides and the plan built with earlier scans to put it in exactly the right spot. Once placed, the site is carefully stitched and the healing phase begins. Often, patients are surprised by how little discomfort this part involves, especially when compared with removing a tooth.
Step Three: Healing and Checking In
After the post is placed, the body starts to heal. This takes a while. For most people, it’s a few months, and during that time, the bone slowly shapes itself around the implant.
• The healing process is called "osseointegration," which just means the bone and implant are joining
• There may be checkups during this time to make sure everything is healing well
• If anything doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to come in
We know people may be excited or even a little nervous waiting for the next step. That’s completely normal. But waiting is what helps make the final result strong and steady. Rushing this part can affect how well the implant lasts.
During this healing phase, our team checks in to ensure the gums and surrounding area are adapting well. If you feel any unusual discomfort, we encourage you to reach out and let us know. It’s rare to have complications at this stage, but keeping the lines of communication open is important for peace of mind. This waiting period also gives you time to maintain good overall oral hygiene and get used to the idea of your new tooth.
Step Four: Attaching the New Tooth
Once healing is complete and the post feels strong in place, we move to the fun part, the visible new tooth. This is called a crown, and it’s made to match the rest of your teeth in shape and color.
• We take a mold or digital scan to get the right fit
• A custom crown is made for your mouth
• The crown is attached to a small piece called an abutment, which holds it onto the implant
Kanaka Creek Family Dental uses custom-made crowns crafted from tooth-colored material designed to blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
The crown is designed just for you, so it fits the space and sits at the correct height next to the surrounding teeth. Care goes into making sure it looks as natural as possible. Once it’s in, it fills the space and works like a natural tooth. You can bite, chew, brush, and smile like you did before the gap. All of that careful planning from earlier pays off in this moment.
What to Expect After Treatment is Complete
After everything is done, most people forget they even have an implant. That’s the goal. It doesn’t shift or move, and it blends in with your smile.
To help it last, we suggest keeping up with a few simple habits:
• Brush and floss every day, just like you would with natural teeth
• Visit for dental cleanings and checkups
• Avoid chewing on very hard items like ice or pens
Since the new tooth is supported by the bone, it is steady enough for normal eating and everyday activities. Caring for an implant is a lot like caring for the rest of your teeth. Being gentle and consistent with your oral hygiene keeps everything in top shape. Winter is a good time to check in on habits at home and start fresh with dental care while you look ahead to the new year.
Bringing Back Comfort and Confidence
Getting a new tooth with a dental implant takes time, but each piece has a reason. From the early scans to the healed crown, the steps are steady and built around your own needs. It’s not a rushed fix. It’s a slow, thoughtful way to bring back something that feels like yours.
When the gap is filled, it’s about more than how things look. It’s about making smiling, speaking, and eating feel normal again. A full smile often brings more comfort than people expect, both on the outside and the inside.
Working through each stage alongside an experienced dental team helps calm the nerves and keeps things on track. The implant process is designed to be as low-stress as possible when you know what’s ahead and who is supporting you.
Replacing a missing tooth can feel overwhelming, but working with an implant dentist in Maple Ridge gives you guidance and support every step of the way. At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, we take pride in creating personalized plans that help restore both comfort and confidence. Ready to get started? Call us to schedule your visit today.