Dental Implants Services in Seattle WA

Who Needs Dental Implants?

If you have the following signs, you are a good candidate for this dental tratment:

• You have difficulty chewing, speaking, or lack confidence because of gaps in your smile.
• Your missing teeth can cause nearby teeth to shift and affect eating and jaw health.
• Your dentures slip or cause discomfort. (implants can provide stability)
• You want a lasting fix without daily upkeep.

Dental Implant Types

This treatment fall into different types. Let’s see different types together:

Single-Tooth Implants

They are a good option for those who need to replace just one missing tooth. For this type, dentists use a titanium post that acts as an artificial root. They place it into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. When the it connects securely to the bone, the dentist attaches a custom-made crown to complete the new tooth. They look and work just like natural teeth and help keep your surrounding bones strong.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Dentists recommend bridges when two or more teeth in a row are missing. Unlike traditional bridges, implant-supported ones don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support. Typically, one implant is placed at each end of the gap, and the bridge spans across to create a continuous set of teeth. They are more cost-effective than placing individual ones for each missing tooth. They also provide stability and strength while they protect surrounding teeth from the stress of supporting a traditional bridge. Bridges are a durable, long-term solution for multiple missing teeth.

All-on-4 Implants

The All-on-4 system is appropriate for those who need a full arch of upper or lower teeth. For this kind, they place four implants in the jawbone to support a complete denture or arch of prosthetic teeth. The posterior implants are angled to maximize contact with the bone. All-on-4 provide a stable and secure fit and help patients regain full chewing function and a natural smile without the need for bone grafting. This kind is less invasive compared to traditional methods and is generally completed in one day.

Tooth Implant Procedure

Our dentists insert them through different steps. Let’s see the steps together:

1. First, our dentists assess your oral health and bone structure.
2. Then, they make a customized plan to meet your specific needs. If your dentist notices that the bone is too thin or weak, bone grafting may be necessary to strengthen the area.
3. Before the placement, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area.
4. After the area is fully numb, the implant post is carefully placed in the jawbone.
5. Over the next few months, the bone will fuse with the implant to create a strong base.
6. After healing, your dentist attaches an abutment to the implant. This connector holds the crown securely.
7. Finally, a custom crown is secured to the abutment and completes your new tooth.

Dental Bridge vs. Implant

They both replace missing teeth, but they are different in some aspects. Let’s take a closer look at their differences.

• Dental implants don’t involve surrounding teeth, so no reshaping of nearby teeth is needed. However, bridges require adjacent teeth for support, which may involve reshaping or modifying these teeth.
• They help preserve jawbone density by stimulating the bone, and they prevent bone loss. But, bridges are usually chosen when jawbone density is low or when budget constraints make implants less feasible.
• They are typically a longer-lasting solution compared to bridges.

Dental Implants Before and After

Before the Process:

• You feel uncomfortable when eating and speaking.
• You feel too shy to smile.
• Your face looks sunken or older.

After the process:

• You eat and speak easier and more comfortably.
• You feel confident in your appearance again.
• You look and feel more youthful.

Dental Implant Benefits

The most common benefits are:

• They help you to eat, speak, and smile without worry.
• They prevent bone loss that can lead to facial sagging.
• They look indistinguishable from natural teeth.
• With good care, they can last for decades, which makes them a smart investment.
• They offer superior stability compared to traditional dentures.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

With regular oral hygiene and dental visits, they often last 20 to 30 years or more. Their longevity depends on different factors like gum health, smoking habits, and jawbone quality. Let’s see how long they last based on their type:

• With proper care, single-tooth types can last 20 to 30 years or even longer. Their durability depends on good gum health, regular brushing, and flossing.
• Bridges typically last 15 to 25 years. Routine care and professional cleanings can help you maintain the supporting implants and surrounding gum health.
• All-on-4 can last 20 to 25 years. With proper care, these full-arch types can stay durable and effective for decades.
• Dentures usually last 10 to 15 years.

Note: Regular checkups to monitor bone health and detect any early signs of potential complications can help you maintain your dental implants for a longer time.