If you lose one or more teeth due to gum disease or cavity, there is hope. Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. With a dental implant you regain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence.
A dental implant is a titanium pin that is placed into bone under gums. In some situations, for example, when bone volume is low, an additional bone graft is placed at the same time. After the implant body is placed it is left to heal for 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. A special healing cap is placed over the implant to protect the internal threads. Sometimes the implant is submerged under the gums and requires a small second surgical procedure to expose it. Other times, the healing cap is exposed to the oral cavity right away.
In most situations the discomfort for both procedures is managed with over the counter Tylenol and Advil. Our team will carefully go over the surgical instructions with you to make sure the process is as smooth and painless as possible.
The next step in the process is attachment of an abutment (connector) to the implant by your general dentist. This is achieved by using the internal threads of the implant. Abutment is a part of the implant that will support the final crown. Finally, an impression is taken of the implant abutment and a final restoration is fabricated by a dental laboratory. This restoration is custom-made to be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing.
Call our office at (360) 524-4236 to schedule your implant consultation.
Dental Implants Success Stories
Patient came in with a broken front tooth. Tooth was removed and implant was placed with a great esthetic result.