Dental Implant Placement
Edmonds, WA
 Dental implants have made a huge difference in many people’s lives by enabling them to eat and chew properly. In addition to that, it enables them to restore their self-esteem. Millions of people still lose their teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. Dental implants come to the rescue and enable people to have a great smile again. How a dental implant is done mainly depends on the condition of your jawbone and the type of implant. Perrinville Family Dentistry offers dental implants to individuals who need a permanent solution for damaged or missing teeth.
An implant is an artificial root that replaces the tooth root of extruded or lost teeth and it provides strong support for the placement of a crown. Dental implants are used to replace multiple missing teeth or a single tooth. You can have dental implants alone or combine them with other tooth replacement options including bridges and dentures. Dental implant materials are extremely strong and do not decay hence they can last a lifetime. Most people ask if they are candidates for dental implants. Yes, anyone can receive dental implants, provided you have healthy gums and a strong jawbone.
The Steps in Dental Implant Surgery
An implant is usually an outpatient surgery and it is performed in stages. The whole process can take several months including healing time. Here are some of the steps involved in implant surgery:
Planning
The process of planning involves your dental specialist performing a comprehensive dental exam. You can have 3D images and dental x-rays taken on your teeth. They will also review your medical history. Then the dentist will outline a treatment plan.
To control the pain, options for anesthesia during surgery include sedation and local anesthesia. Then a titanium metal post is placed in your bone socket in the tooth gap. Your dentist will make an incision into your gums to expose the bone. Then a hole is drilled into the bone and a metal post is placed on the bone. It will take about six weeks or several months to heal. If your bone is too soft or not thick enough to hold the post, then you need bone grafting before having a dental implant.
Attaching the Abutment
After the implant is bonded into your jawbone, an abutment (a small connector post) is then attached to the root post. This abutment will hold the tooth crown securely. During the abutment placement process, your dentist reopens the gum to expose the dental implant. They then attach the abutment to the implants.
Making and Attaching the Artificial Tooth
After your gums heal, the dentist will install a new artificial tooth. The dentist will ensure that the new tooth has a color that matches your natural tooth. These teeth function, feel, and look like your own natural teeth.
Taking Care of Your Dental Implant
You can help your dental implant last for a long time if you practice good oral hygiene. Caring for dental implants is very important by avoiding damaging habits and seeing your dentist regularly. Some of the actions that may harm your teeth include chewing hard candy or ice. You should also avoid tooth-staining caffeine and tobacco products.
Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that can renew your smile. Perrinville Family Dentistry offers a number of dental treatments that will keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find if dental implants are safe for you. |
Hours
(425) 616-0620 
Gary J. Jacky, DMD