Are you missing one or more teeth? If so, dental implants may be the right solution for you. Dental implants are a permanent, durable way to replace missing teeth.
They are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that can fuse with the jawbone. This makes them very stable and secure, and they can look and feel just like your natural teeth.
At our oral surgery practice in Issaquah, we offer a comprehensive range of dental implant services. We can help you determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants and discuss the different options available to you. We will also work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, please contact our office today. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and schedule a consultation.
Dental Implant Benefits
Dental implants offer a number of benefits over other tooth replacement options, such as dentures and bridges. Some of the benefits of dental implants include:
- They look and feel like natural teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that can fuse with the jawbone. This makes them very stable and secure, and they can look and feel just like your natural teeth.
- They are very durable and can last for many years. With proper care, dental implants can last for decades.
- They require less maintenance than dentures or bridges. Dental implants do not need to be removed for cleaning, and they are less likely to become loose or damaged.
- They can help to prevent jawbone loss. When you lose teeth, the jawbone can start to deteriorate. Dental implants can help to prevent this by stimulating new bone growth.
- They can improve your self-confidence and quality of life. Dental implants can help you to regain your smile and confidence, and they can also improve your ability to chew and speak.
If you are missing teeth, dental implants are a great option to consider. They can help you to improve your oral health, appearance, and quality of life.
Here are some of the specific benefits of dental implants over other tooth replacement options:
- Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances that can be used to replace missing teeth. They are not as durable as dental implants and can be difficult to keep clean. Dentures can also cause gum recession and bone loss over time.
- Bridges: Bridges are fixed dental appliances that are attached to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. They can be a good option for replacing missing teeth, but they can damage the surrounding teeth.
If you are considering dental implants, it is important to talk to our oral surgeon in Issaquah about the benefits and risks of this procedure. They can help you decide if dental implants are the right choice for you.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants:
- Endosteal implants: These implants are placed directly into the jawbone. They are the most common type of dental implant and are considered to be the most reliable.
- Subperiosteal implants: These implants are placed under the gum tissue, but not directly into the jawbone. They are not as common as endosteal implants and are not as reliable.
There are also a number of different types of dental implants based on their design and materials. Some of the most common types include:
- Titanium implants: Titanium is the most common material used for dental implants. It is biocompatible, meaning that it is accepted by the body and does not cause any reactions.
- Zirconia implants: Zirconia is a ceramic material that is also biocompatible. It is often used for implants in the front of the mouth because it is more translucent than titanium and can look more like natural teeth.
The best type of dental implant for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Our dental implant specialist can help you decide which type of implant is right for you.
Here are some of the factors that your oral surgeon will consider when choosing the right type of dental implant for you:
- The number of teeth you are missing.
- The location of the missing teeth.
- The condition of your jawbone.
- Your overall health.
- Your budget.
Once your oral surgeon has chosen the right type of implant for you, they will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have. The procedure will typically take several visits to your oral surgeon’s office.
After the implants are placed, you will need to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for care and maintenance. This may include taking antibiotics, avoiding chewing on hard foods, and brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.
With proper care, dental implants can last for many years and provide you with a natural-looking and functional smile.
How Long Does It Take To Get Dental Implants?
The steps of a dental implant surgical procedure may vary depending on the specific situation, but the basic steps are as follows:
- Preparation: Our oral surgeon will examine your mouth and jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. They will also take X-rays to assess the condition of your jawbone.
- Anesthesia: The oral surgeon will numb the area around the missing tooth with local anesthesia or give you IV sedation.
- Making the incision: The oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gums to expose the jawbone.
- Drilling the hole: The oral surgeon will use a drill to make a hole in the jawbone for the implant.
- Inserting the implant: The oral surgeon will insert the implant into the hole in the jawbone.
- Closing the incision: The oral surgeon will close the incision with stitches.
In some cases, the oral surgeon may also need to perform bone grafting or sinus augmentation before or after implant placement. Bone grafting is a procedure to add bone to the jawbone to make it strong enough to support the implant. Sinus augmentation is a procedure to raise the floor of the sinuses to create more space for the implant.
After the surgery, you will need to take antibiotics and pain medication as directed by our dental implant specialist. You will also need to avoid chewing on hard foods and brushing the area around the implant for a few days.
The healing time for dental implants varies, but it typically takes 4-6 months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Once the implant is fully healed, the oral surgeon will attach a dental abutment to the implant. The abutment is a post that will support the artificial tooth or crown.
The final step is to attach the artificial tooth or crown to the abutment. This can be done in one appointment or may require two or more appointments.
With proper care, dental implants can last for many years. However, it is important to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to ensure that your implants stay healthy.
While some implant cases can take some time from start to finish, you may also be a candidate for immediate or same day dental implants.
Here are some of the risks and complications associated with dental implant surgery:
- Infection: The incision site may become infected.
- Bleeding: There may be some bleeding after the surgery.
- Nerve damage: The oral surgeon may accidentally damage a nerve during the surgery. This can cause numbness or tingling in the lips, gums, or chin.
- Bone loss: In rare cases, the jawbone may not heal properly around the implant. This can lead to bone loss and the need for additional surgery.
If you are considering dental implants, it is important to talk to our oral surgeon about the risks and benefits of this procedure. They can help you decide if dental implants are the right choice for you.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth. They can improve your smile, chewing ability, and overall oral health. If you are missing one or more teeth, we encourage you to contact our office to learn more about dental implants and schedule a consultation.
We understand that dental implants can be a big investment, but we are committed to making the process as affordable as possible. We offer a variety of financing options, so you can get the smile you deserve without breaking the bank.
Our oral surgeon, Dr. Luis Vega, having has performed thousands of dental implants for patients wanting to replace missing teeth. Dr. Vega is one of the premier dental implant surgeons in the country, having spent many years as an associate professor of Oral & Maxillofacial surgery at Vanderbilt’s Oral Surgery and Dentistry clinic in Nashville, TN.
Contact our office today to learn more about dental implants and schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve your smile goals!
