Dental implants have been a dental treatment option for years, and they are now more popular than ever, offering several benefits for patients suffering from tooth loss. First, they provide an opportunity to get your smile and confidence back after experiencing dental problems. Second, they provide a natural-looking, long-term solution for lost teeth and leave all your teeth looking natural and beautiful. Third, implants typically last 15-20 years, but they can last your entire lifetime if taken care of properly.
Today, dental implant surgery is often considered an ideal treatment for those who have lost teeth due to age or accidents. Implants offer numerous benefits, including stability, strength, and a natural feel in the mouth, as well as improving your overall oral health. Dr. Chilton at Olympic View Dental in Seattle, WA, offers several options for dental implants.
If you’re looking to replace missing teeth and are considering a dental implant, here are eight things you should know about this tooth replacement procedure:
1) What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small post that is surgically inserted into your jawbone. The post will replace the tooth roots and provide support for a replacement tooth or teeth. Implants consist of titanium, steel, or ceramic material. It’s an excellent option for people who have lost teeth because they often last longer than dentures and bridges and don’t interfere with chewing as removable partial dentures do. Implants also prevent bone deterioration, support facial structure, improve your smile and speech function, and increase self-confidence with a new healthy smile.
2) Dental Implants Are a Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
Whether you are missing a single tooth or an entire arch of teeth, dental implants can be a great option for replacement. Dental implants will not slip out of place, unlike dentures or bridges, and they cannot be knocked out accidentally by eating hard foods like apples or carrots. And unlike dentures that patients must remove at night for cleaning purposes, there is no need to remove your implant after every meal. Implants also do not require the use of adhesives which may wear over time, leading to further deterioration in your mouth’s condition.
3)They Can Be Used To Replace Multiple Natural Teeth
Implants are a great way to replace one tooth, but we can also replace several teeth or even provide a whole arch of new teeth. This is called implant-supported dentures or an implant overdenture. An implant-supported denture offers many benefits over traditional dentures and bridges, including the ability to eat without restrictions, improved appearance in the mouth and jawline, and increased comfort with no sore spots around your mouth like you would get with dentures that don’t fit correctly.
4) There Are Two Types of Dental Implants
There are two types of dental implants: endosteal or subperiosteal. Endosteal implants require less bone removal, but they have higher risks of implant failure than subperiosteal implants. Subperiosteal dental implants require more bone removal but are safer than endosteal ones in cases where there is an insufficient bone volume in the jawbone for an implant. When you visit our dental office, we will help you determine the right treatment based on your needs.
5) Dental Implants are Different Than Dentures
Although some people choose to wear dentures, it is not always the best option for some, as they may interfere with speech and cause discomfort. Dental implants provide several advantages to over dentures. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implants replace the missing teeth with artificial ones that fit your mouth like they are your own. They look just like your other teeth, and they provide a secure fit that allows you to eat your favorite foods without the worry of breaking the teeth. They can also help prevent further bone loss, which dentures will not do. In addition, implants will replace your missing teeth without needing support from an adjacent natural tooth. Other options your dentist may choose for missing multiple teeth, like fixed dental bridges or removable dental bridges, must have support from your remaining teeth.
6) The Cost of Dental Implants Varies
Before undergoing any procedure, it is important to know all of the costs involved. The cost of a dental implant varies from patient to patient and can depend on various factors. For example, it will vary depending on the type of implant material used, the number of teeth you need to replace, whether bone grafting is required, and more. The best way to determine the cost for your particular situation is to schedule a consultation with our office in Seattle.
7) The Procedure and Recovery
When you need dental implants, it’s essential to know what the procedure entails and how long recovery will take. You will start with an appointment to visit our dentist, where we will perform x-rays to determine if you have any bone loss. Dental implants are prosthetic devices that we will surgically place into your jawbone, so knowing if the existing bone can support it is essential. The implant is composed of three parts: the fixture, the abutment, and the crown. The fixture is placed in the bone, while the abutment attaches to the crown that replaces your lost tooth.
Depending on what your treatment entails, recovery time can vary. For example, if you require bone grafting or multiple teeth get replaced, your recovery can take a little longer than average. After surgery, most people experience pain in their mouth for up to two weeks while everything heals around the implant. Good oral care is extra important during this time to prevent infection or post-surgery complications.
8) Dental Implants Can Last a Lifetime
Dental implants can be a long-term solution for a missing tooth or even a full set of teeth. They can permanently replace the tooth root and become one with your jaw bone, bonding together to create a solid foundation for your new tooth. Unlike other treatment options for tooth loss, dental implants can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Other options like dentures and bridges typically have to be replaced every 5-10 years.
Contact Us in Seattle, WA Today To Schedule Your Implant Treatment
Our office in Seattle, WA, specializes in restoring dental health with high-quality implants that last for years. Implants offer a long-lasting solution to patients who have lost some or all their teeth. They can help give you back the smile of your dreams. In addition, our dentist can customize them for your mouth with different shapes and sizes available. Our office also accepts most major dental insurances and offers multiple financing options, so you don’t have to worry about the cost of treatment upfront! To find out if you are a good candidate for implants or to schedule an appointment, please get in touch with our Seattle office by phone at (206) 824-4700.