Dental Implants Seattle WA
Implant Teeth Bellevue, Federal Way, & Woodinville
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental Implant Options
Dental Implants Cost
Dental Implant FAQs
Benefits of Dental Implants
Missing a tooth isn’t just bad for your looks; it can be bad for your health as well! Healthy teeth play an important role in the body from head to toe. When you are missing one, your jawbone deteriorates, your self-esteem suffers and so does your diet, which negatively affects the health of your entire body. Dental implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth and are widely recognized as the best replacement method.
Implants Last Longer
Fact: Dental implants last two to three times as long (25+ years) as traditional tooth replacement approaches such as bridges (5-15 years) and dentures (5-8 years). Simply put, in terms of longevity, dental implants can’t be beat. This is why, although they are more expensive upfront, they are usually a better investment over time. When compared to bridges and dentures, which will likely have to be replaced 2-3 times during a person’s life, dental implants pay for themselves.
Saving Jaw Bone Structure
Without the regular stimulation of chewing, biting and speaking provided by teeth, the jawbone deteriorates. In the first year alone after the loss of a tooth, a patient may lose 25% of his or her supporting jawbone structure. There is only one way to stop the recession: with dental implants. Because the titanium screw fuses with the bone, it provides the stimulation that is needed over time to maintain jawbone mass.
Eat and Feel Great Again
With dentures and bridges, there are limitations to what you can eat, and dentures look unnatural and have a reputation for falling out at inopportune times. By contrast, dental implants give you back your ability to eat anything, and your self-esteem at the same time.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants
Experience the benefits of dental implants, from improved oral health to a confident smile. Book a consultation today and take the first step towards a restored and natural-looking set of teeth.
Dental Implant Surgery Seattle
Our bodies are truly amazing – their ability to coexist with a variety of native and foreign materials means that our treatment options, as oral surgeons, are constantly expanding. “Osseointegration” refers to the fusing of bone with an artificial material. Its origins date back to the 1940s and 50s, when Swedish physician Per-Ingvar Branemark discovered that titanium fuses so well with bone that it is nearly impossible to remove! Since then, the biocompatibility of titanium has proven itself to be amazingly reliable over and over again.
Normal
Tooth Loss
Healed Bone
Implant Placed
Healing
Implant Restored
- Consultation and Treatment Plan: During the initial phase of the dental implant process, imaging is gathered along with your medical and dental histories to give us a clear picture of your current health. We will then explore your treatment options with you to formulate a plan that ensures that both your health goals and budgetary needs are met.
- Extraction: The next step is to have the tooth in question extracted. In some cases, we may be able to place the implant at the same time of extraction. In others, bone grafting will be required prior to implant placement (see next step).
- Bone Grafting: It is fairly common for the jawbone to lack the mass needed to accept an implant. In this case, a bone graft will be performed first to strengthen the target area. Bone grafting is typically followed by several months of healing before the implant can be placed.
- Dental Implant Surgery: During the implant procedure itself, a titanium screw is inserted into your jawbone. You will be anesthetized for comfort during the surgery, which takes about 1-2 hours.
- Osseointegration: After placing the implant, we cover it with the surrounding soft tissue and let it sit for 3 months in order to fuse with the bone.
- Final Restoration: After osseointegration is complete, an abutment is placed on the implant to connect with the final crown restoration. Typically, the final restoration is done by a general dentist.
Dental Implant Options Seattle
Single Tooth Implant
Dental implants are made of titanium. A completed implant includes three pieces: the implant itself (a titanium screw that is placed in the jawbone), the abutment (a connector between the implant and crown) and the crown (the part that is visible and looks like a tooth). The doctors will place the implant and the abutment, and the crown will be completed by your general dentist.
Full Mouth Dental Implants
A patient that is missing an entire row of teeth is in a unique position: a chance to start fresh with a full-arch restoration! While there are other options for treating a full row of missing teeth such as single implants and dentures, patients these days are expressing a desire for a solution that is more affordable, quick and convenient.
The demand for immediate replacement teeth has led to a revolution in how we deal with missing teeth: the full-arch restoration. Also known as “implant supported dentures”, this innovative treatment allows the doctors to combine implant technology with dentures to give our patients a new smile and a renewed outlook on life, all in one day!
Traditional dentures can be inconvenient, painful and unstable. And while dental implants are an excellent choice for single tooth replacements, on the scale of a full arch, they can be expensive and complicated. However, putting these two treatments together yields a solution that works for nearly everyone: implant supported overdentures. During this treatment, four dental implants are placed in the jaw and a full dental bridge attached to them, giving you a full row of teeth in just one appointment.
Ball Attachment Denture
Bar Attachment Denture
Hybrid Half-Denture/Half-Fixed
Ball Attachment Denture
Two implants are placed in the lower jaw, onto which a denture snaps into place. This option is more stable than traditional, removable dentures; however there will still be some movement. Sore spots can develop if food is caught underneath. Periodic appointments ensure proper adjustment.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Bar Attachment Denture
Referred to above as “overdentures”, this process involves the placing of four to six implants in the lower jaw. A custom support bar connects the implants, and a denture with internal retention clips is attached to the support bar. This option is very popular as the denture is more stable than with ball attachments, yet it is still removable for cleaning.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Hybrid Half-Denture/Half-Fixed
Also known as a screw retained denture, this option offers maximum stability. Placed on five or more implants and secured by screws or clasps, the denture is permanent, only removed by us at maintenance visits. The denture does not contact gum tissue, allowing you to clean under it without removal.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Dental Implants Cost Seattle
The doctors know that when deciding between dental implants and alternative tooth replacement methods, there’s a lot to think about. That’s why we offer you this guide – a list of things to consider when making an informed decision about options for replacing your teeth.
Tips for Comparing Dental Implant Providers
When comparing quotes from various providers, keep in mind that there are several steps in the dental implant process that often involve more than one specialist – each should be figured into the cost.
- x-rays & imaging
- tooth extraction
- bone grafting
- implant surgery
- final restoration (crown)
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Most dental insurance plans do not cover dental implants because insurance companies feel that there are cheaper alternatives available. Helping you understand your benefits and alternative treatments is part of our job – we will be with you every step of the way.
Dental Implants: Estimating your Cost
The cost of dental implants depends heavily on a variety of details about each individual patient’s case. That’s why the best way to get an accurate estimate of what your cost will be is by calling us to schedule a consultation – we look forward to putting a smile back on your face.
Dental Implant FAQs
Will I have temporary teeth during the healing phase?
Do dental implants hurt?
Do dental implants feel like real teeth?
Will I need to miss work for dental implant surgery?
What are single-stage implants?
What if I am missing a lot of teeth?
What are the risks and complications associated with dental implants?
How long do dental implants last?
When will I have my permanent teeth?
Will I have temporary teeth during the healing phase?
If the implant site is near the front of your mouth, we have a variety of temporary options such as bridges and transitional implants to get you through the healing phase. In some cases, the permanent tooth can even be placed (“loaded”) onto the implant at the same time as surgery.
Do dental implants hurt?
During the surgery, you will be properly anesthetized at all times – you will not feel a thing! And after surgery, you will be relieved to know that most of our patients experience very little, if any, pain that is usually managed well with over-the-counter pain medications. Any necessary prescriptions will be discussed during your visit.
Do dental implants feel like real teeth?
Yes! Your dental implant will feel, look and operate just like your natural teeth. You will be eating all of the foods that you used to enjoy with your new, permanent tooth before you know it!
Will I need to miss work for dental implant surgery?
Patients typically take anywhere from a few hours to a few days off of work, depending on the type of sedation, the implant site and their pre-op health.
What are single-stage implants?
In some cases, we are able to place the implant and leave the soft tissue surrounding it as is. This way, we can avoid a second surgical procedure to uncover the dental implant during the abutment/restoration stage.
What if I am missing a lot of teeth?
If you are missing many teeth, implant-supported dentures can give you a full arch of prosthetic teeth attached to just a few implants. This option is a great solution for those who need the quantity of teeth provided by a denture, but do not want the hassle associated with it.
What are the risks and complications associated with dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and the procedure has been around for decades, with continual improvements and discoveries made all along the way. The risks are very low, and closely resemble those of other minor surgical procedures (infection, injury to adjacent teeth, etc.).
How long do dental implants last?
Studies have shown that properly placed and well cared-for dental implants can last as long as 25 years. Advanced technology and experience enable us to give you the very best shot at keeping yours for life!
When will I have my permanent teeth?
Permanent restorations are placed as early as 1 and as late as 12 months following implant surgery, depending on your case.
Do You Have Additional Questions About Dental Implants?
Visit our more extensive answers to common questions about dental implants!
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants
Experience the benefits of dental implants, from improved oral health to a confident smile. Book a consultation today and take the first step towards a restored and natural-looking set of teeth.