What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal screw that replaces a missing tooth. During a simple surgical procedure, the dentist places the implant into the bone beneath your gums where your natural tooth used to be. The implant functions as a new tooth root, and it’s topped with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to restore both the look and feel of your original tooth.
Getting a dental implant is an important decision. If you’re considering an implant but aren’t sure what to expect, we’ll guide you through the entire process to help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth play a crucial role in supporting the shape and height of your smile, and they allow you to eat and speak comfortably. When you lose a tooth, the gap it leaves can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of alignment, increasing the risk of further oral health issues. Even losing just one tooth can trigger a chain reaction that affects both your oral health and the appearance of your face.
One unavoidable consequence of missing teeth is bone resorption, a natural process in which your body breaks down bone tissue from areas that no longer serve a purpose, such as where a tooth once was. Normally, the pressure from your teeth stimulates the production of new bone tissue. However, once a tooth is gone, the jawbone loses that stimulation and gradually dissolves, which can result in a shortened jaw and chin, creating a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips.
Dental implants are the next best thing to having your natural teeth. By replacing missing teeth with implants, you can prevent or correct these issues, preserving your smile and maintaining the structure of your face.
The Benefits of dental implants
Losing a tooth can be a significant blow to both your self-confidence and your oral health. A missing tooth can affect your smile, make biting uncomfortable, and even cause bone loss or shifting teeth over time. Fortunately, dental implants offer a solution that not only restores your smile but also improves your overall oral health.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance – Dental implants are designed to look and feel like your own teeth. Custom-made to blend seamlessly with your smile, they are sized, shaped, and colored to match your natural bite and enamel. Implants provide a permanent, natural-looking restoration that enhances your appearance.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort – Once placed, a dental implant fuses with the jawbone, ensuring a secure fit. Whether you’re getting a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, the implant remains fixed in place. This stability allows you to eat, smile, and laugh without worrying about shifting teeth or sudden pain.
- Improve Bone Strength – When a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported it can weaken over time. Dental implants help prevent this by stimulating new bone growth, strengthening the jawbone and maintaining facial structure.
With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants are a long-term solution that can last for decades, providing both natural function and appearance.
Dental Implant Restorations
A dental restoration is the “false tooth” that covers the implant, providing a natural-looking replacement. While the implant itself is not visible when you smile, the restoration that covers it is what makes it appear as if you have a new, functional tooth.
- Dental Crown – A dental crown is the most common implant restoration. It covers a single-tooth implant, providing a strong and natural-looking replacement for a single missing tooth.
- Dental Bridge – A dental bridge spans the gap where multiple teeth are missing. With just one or two implants, we can support a bridge that replaces several teeth in a row. For larger gaps, a full implant-supported bridge can replace an entire arch of upper or lower teeth, supported by four or more implants.
- Implant Denture – An implant denture offers enhanced stability for a removable denture. By securing it to two small implants, you can improve the fit and comfort, providing a more secure and reliable option for those needing a full set of replacement teeth.
A New Life With Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile won’t be the same after you get a dental implant; it’s going to be much better.
Dental implants are easy to maintain and care for. Gently brush and floss your implant daily and protect it from injury while playing sports. Visit us periodically for checkups so that we can make sure your implant is staying healthy.
In return, your dental implant could reward you with many years of strong, happy, and beautiful smiles!
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How It Feels
While the idea of a metal implant being placed into the bone of your mouth might sound uncomfortable, the procedure is actually much more pleasant than you might expect.
Before starting, we numb your mouth with a mild anesthetic, ensuring you feel no pain during the surgery. Thanks to advanced dental technology, we can place implants quickly, accurately, and with minimal invasiveness, reducing discomfort and downtime during recovery.
Many implant patients report feeling relaxed and even sleepy during the procedure, which typically takes about half an hour. The most uncomfortable part might be holding your mouth open for a few minutes, but beyond that, there is little to no discomfort.
It’s normal to experience some swelling, mild discomfort, and bruising within the hours following the procedure. However, the pain is manageable, and we will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to help reduce any discomfort before the anesthetic wears off. Your implant site should start to feel better within a week.
To give you peace of mind, it’s helpful to know that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%. This makes getting an implant one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The dental implant process is much more comfortable and straightforward than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:
Assessment
Your journey begins with a dental implant consultation. During this visit, your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan to evaluate your jawbone and determine if implants are the right option for you. We’ll also take a scan or impression of your teeth to plan the optimal placement and angulation of your implant.
Inserting the Implant
Once it’s determined that you’re a good candidate for an implant, we administer an anesthetic to ensure the surgical site is completely numb. The dentist then creates a small hole in your gums and jawbone, where the implant post will be placed. In some cases, sutures are required to close the gums after placement, though this isn’t always necessary.
Finalizing the Restoration
After the implant is placed, you’ll allow time for it to heal, which typically takes a few months. During this period, the implant will fuse with your jawbone, creating a solid foundation for the final restoration. Once healing is complete, you’ll return to the office, where we’ll place your dental restoration—such as a crown, bridge, or denture—onto the implant. You’ll leave with a fully functional, natural-looking tooth!
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to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost of Dental Implants in Tacoma
In Tacoma, the cost of a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. For full-mouth reconstructive dental implants, the cost can vary from $6,000 to $60,000+ depending on the complexity of the procedure. If you’re considering a full set of implant-supported dentures, the average cost is around $30,000.
Keep in mind that no dental office can provide an accurate quote over the phone, as the dental implant process is complex and depends on many individual factors unique to each patient.
- The type and number of implants required.
- The materials and supplies used.
- The experience and expertise of the dental team.
- The location and complexity of the surgery.
- Your recovery time and any follow-up care needed.
How is the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery Determined?
Since every case is unique, it’s essential to have an oral exam with a dentist who can evaluate your specific situation and provide a more accurate quote. We’d be happy to discuss your options and help you understand the cost based on your needs.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
In some cases, gaps caused by 1 to 3 missing teeth can be addressed with a dental bridge. For larger gaps or full-mouth restorations, dental prosthetics or removable dentures may be more suitable.
When comparing the cost of dental implants to other tooth replacement options, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Dental implants, while initially more expensive, offer long-term benefits, such as greater security and durability compared to bridges or dentures. Removable dentures require regular care, maintenance, and occasional adjustments or replacements. By contrast, dental implants are treated just like natural teeth—requiring only routine care and regular dental exams.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a valuable investment in both your smile and overall oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. The implant itself is hidden under the gums and topped with a custom restoration that looks just like a real tooth, so no one will be able to tell you have an implant.
Dentures and implants work differently and offer different benefits. Dentures are removable and rest on your gums, whereas implants are fixed into your jawbone, mimicking the function of natural teeth. Implants are more durable and provide long-term stability, while dentures may require adjustments over time. To determine the best option for your situation, a personal consultation will help you make the most informed decision.
If dental implants aren’t right for you, there are alternatives such as dental bridges or full and partial dentures. Bridges fill gaps with artificial teeth, while dentures replace entire sections or full arches of teeth. The best way to determine which option works best for you is by consulting with your dentist. We’ll guide you through all available choices.
Most adults in good health with healthy gums and sufficient bone density are candidates for dental implants. Your jawbone must be strong enough to support the implant, and the surrounding gum tissue should be free of infection. If you’re concerned about your eligibility, we offer evaluations to discuss treatment plans and possible alternatives.
Modern dental implant procedures are much more comfortable than in the past. With local anesthesia and advanced techniques, discomfort is minimized. After the procedure, any mild discomfort or swelling can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. We prioritize your comfort throughout the process and will guide you on post-surgery care.
For most people, returning to work the day after implant surgery is possible. The recovery time is usually quick, but it will depend on the complexity of your surgery. We will provide a detailed recovery plan, including advice on when to resume your normal activities.
To ensure the success and longevity of your dental implants, regular checkups are important. Most patients will need a follow-up visit about 6 months after placement, and then annually for routine exams. These visits help monitor the health of your implants and your overall oral hygiene.
Treat your dental implants as you would your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential to keeping them in excellent condition. We’ll also schedule periodic checkups to ensure that your implants remain functional and healthy.
Dental implants are designed to last for many years, often a lifetime with proper care. Unlike other dental restorations, implants do not need to be replaced regularly. With good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, your implants can continue to function as effectively as natural teeth.
