DENTAL IMPLANTS
Bringing Smiles to the Seattle Community
Dental implants are perhaps the most significant dental innovation of our generation! They are designed to mimic the entire structure of our natural teeth, With the highest success rate of all tooth replacement options, implants are the best long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. When properly placed and cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
The Procedure
Dental implant surgery is usually performed in stages over the course of several months, though at Rainier Beach Dental, we can sometimes provide same-day implants!
Large fillings will actually weaken a tooth’s structure, greatly increasing the risk of the tooth breaking, cracking, and eventually requiring extensive restoration treatment such as root canal therapy. And if a good amount of healthy tooth structure is still intact, a crown would needlessly require a large amount of the tooth to be removed.
The traditional method of implant surgery consists of several stages, as follows:
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First, the dentist places the implant post into the jawbone and stitches closed the site where the implant was placed.
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The patient goes through a healing period during which the jawbone fuses with the implant; this period usually lasts three to six months.
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Once the healing period is done, the dentist makes an incision to expose the implant and places a healing cap on top of the implant, which helps the surrounding gum tissue to heal.
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After a few weeks, the dentist removes the healing cap and attaches the abutment.
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Finally, the dentist makes an impression of your teeth and sends it to the dental lab to create your custom-made crown.
For cases in which structure must be built up to support the implant, additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus augmentation must be completed before the implant can be placed. At Rainier Beach Dental, we can offer highly advanced regenerative therapy treatments which can greatly quicken the healing time for bone grafting and other related implant surgery procedures. Contact us to learn more about our range of regenerative therapy options!
Dental Implant Options in Seattle
Dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth from anywhere along the jaw, as long as there is sufficient quality and quantity of jaw bone to support the implant. Whether you have lost a single tooth in the front of your mouth or an entire arch in the upper or lower row, you can enjoy all the advantages of implants! Dental implants can support a single dental crown, bridge, or a complete fixed or removable denture. our dentists will discuss all of your options with you (including treatments for patients without sufficient bone such as bone grafting or sinus lift procedures), to help you understand which is best for your smile, and why.