Dental Implants

• What are Dental Implants?
• Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
• Dental Implant FAQ’s

What are Dental Implants?

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.  A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

Surgical Advances in Dental Implants

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Chacon, Dr. Swanson, Dr. Vorono and Dr. Schlam are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist.  Drs. Chacon, Swanson, Vorono or Schlam performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary.  The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Dental Implant FAQ’s

• What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
• Who Performs Dental Implant Surgery?
• When Do I Get the Replacement Teeth?
• Is Implant Surgery Painful?
• How Do I Care for My Implants?
• How Much Does a Tooth Implant Cost?

It’s normal to have questions regarding any dental procedure, especially a life-changing procedure like dental implants. We’ve tried to address the most frequently asked questions about dental implant surgery at Oral & Facial Surgery Centers of Washington.

What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

Tooth implants have several advantages compared to bridges or dentures. If you’re not sure which procedure is best for you, consider why so many people prefer implants:

1. Dental implants last a lifetime
2. A tooth implant is fused to the jawbone for stability
3. You’ll have a natural-looking smile
4. You don’t have to disturb surrounding teeth to replace an individual tooth
5. Loose dentures and bridges aren’t an issue
6. Caring for implants is no different than caring for natural teeth
7. It’s easy to brush and floss dental implants and crowns

Who Performs Dental Implant Surgery?

One of our oral surgeons will perform the implant procedure, but your general dentist will design and place the replacement teeth. We work closely with your dentist to ensure a perfect fit between the implants, abutments, and crowns for a gorgeous, functional smile.

When Do I Get the Replacement Teeth?

There are two steps to using implants for tooth replacement. After the initial surgery, you will have to wait for the jawbone to heal and fuse with the implants to create a stable base for attaching the crowns. It can take anywhere from a week to several weeks for sufficient healing. Once the jawbone heals, the permanent crowns are attached.

If you are worried about how you’ll look without your permanent crowns, talk to your surgeon and general dentist about the possibility of temporary crowns. These are usually an option. Once the permanent crowns are in place, you’ll have a natural-looking, permanent smile that’s incredibly strong and comfortable.

Is Implant Surgery Painful?

We will perform the dental implant procedure under general anesthesia or a local anesthetic. Because the area is numb, you won’t feel any discomfort. After the surgery is over and the numbness wears off, you may feel mild pain. This is easy to control with over-the-counter pain medication and appropriate care, including icing the area according to your post-op instructions.

How Do I Care for My Implants?

After your permanent crowns are attached, oral care is the same as it is for natural teeth. Twice daily brushing and flossing are essential, as are regular dental checkups and cleaning. If cared for properly, your new teeth will last for years.

How Much Does a Tooth Implant Cost?

The cost varies depending on several variables, including whether a damaged tooth has to be extracted and whether your jawbone is healthy. The cost of anesthesia, custom crowns, and abutments should also be considered. Keep in mind that your new dental implants will last for decades once the procedure is complete, making them well worth the investment.

To learn more about the cost of dental implants, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment. We are happy to go over the potential costs and determine whether your medical or dental insurance may cover all or part of the cost. We offer payment plans and package pricing to fit any budget.