Implant Dentistry

There are many reasons you might need to consider dental implants. Perhaps you have cracked a tooth beyond repair. Maybe you've lost a tooth playing sports. Sometimes, teeth need to be extracted due to infection or decay.

Even if you've lost a tooth, there is a permanent solution in which it is replaced with something that will function just as your old tooth did. A dental implant can replace one or more teeth that need to be extracted (or were knocked out). You may not be familiar with how dental implants work. Keep reading to learn all the ins and outs of implant dentistry and how you can contact us at Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics to get your implants done.

What are Implants?

Implants are designed to replace teeth which have been forcibly removed, either by accident or extraction. Implants are comprised of three parts which work together: the implant post (or screw), the abutment, and the replacement crown.

The implant post is the part that replaces your tooth's root. It is drilled into your jawbone and forms the foundation for the replacement tooth. The implant post is entirely implanted, so it needs a way to connect to the crown. That's where the abutment comes in. It is attached to the implant post, with a piece that juts out. That piece will hold the third part of the appliance, the replacement crown. Implants are generally permanent and cannot be removed in the way dentures can. (Although there are options for removable appliances we'll address a bit further down.)

How Do Implants Work?

The process of getting implants put in can be time-consuming, but it's worth it to have a permanent solution to missing teeth. At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, we're here to help you every step of the way. The very first step of getting dental implants is a comprehensive dental exam. We'll take 3D x-rays and may have models made of your teeth and jaw. We'll go over your medical history to make sure there's nothing that would interfere with dental implant surgery. After we've done all that, we'll create a detailed treatment plan that's tailored to your needs.

At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, we use computer-enhanced treatment planning that allows a 3D analysis of your bone quality, bone quantity, and bone density. This will allow us to offer you the best possible implant placement. If there is not enough bone to hold the implant, a bone graft may be necessary. Using either synthetic bone or healthy bone from another part of your body, bone is added to your jawbone to ensure the implant has plenty of room to be securely seated. You'll be under anesthesia for this part.

The bone graft may take anywhere from three to nine months to heal. We will give you something temporary to put in place until healing is complete. Once the bone graft finishes healing, it's time to install the implant. You'll be under anesthesia for this one, too. You won't feel anything as the dentist cuts into your gum to expose the bone, then drills a hole for the implant. The implant will serve as the new tooth root, so it's placed deep into the bone.

Now you must wait for osseointegration to take place. This is where the jawbone grows into the implant, becoming one. This process can take three to six months. Again, we'll provide a temporary tooth to fill in the space while you wait.

When osseointegration finishes, the abutment gets placed on top of the implant. This will be the piece that attaches to your replacement tooth. (It's possible that the abutment may have been attached to your implant during the previous surgery, but many people don't like the way that looks or feels while healing, so they opt for waiting.)

The dentist will need to cut into the gum once again to place the abutment. Once that's in place, the gum will need about two weeks to heal around it. When that part is done, impressions will be made and used to create your new tooth. The new tooth will look natural and will match the teeth around it. When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental Implant Options

Dental implants are not one size fits all. There are options you and your dentist will need to discuss to make sure that the implant process works for you. If you have more than one tooth that needs replacing, we can offer a permanent bridge attached to a few, strategically placed implants. If you need all your teeth replaced, strategically placed implants can attach to a full bridge or full denture.

Your replacement tooth can be permanent or removable. Both would attach to an abutment. A removable bridge or denture snaps onto the abutment, and it can easily be removed for cleaning. You may choose a combination of permanent and removable. We can go over the pros and cons with you to help you decide what's best for you.

Implants are made from a number of different materials. Zirconium oxide, titanium, gold alloys, cobalt alloys, and ceramic are the most common. Titanium is currently the most popular option, as it has an excellent safety profile and is long-lasting. All devices can be tested for biocompatibility to make sure there won't be any complications when the implant is placed in your jaw.

Zirconia implants are a good alternative to titanium, especially if you're having an implant near the front of your mouth. They offer good biocompatibility and will match the natural color of your teeth.

There are several different types of implants that can be considered when it becomes necessary to replace a tooth. The most common is the endosteal implant. These are the ones that are surgically drilled into your jawbone.

A subperiosteal implant is a metal framework attached to the bone. These are not used often but can be employed if a patient isn't a good candidate for a bone graft or an endosteal implant. Mini-implants may be installed to stabilize an overdenture. These implants are smaller than traditional implants and have a rounded end which can be easily connected to a removable bridge or denture. Mini-implants are not recommended for those who just need a single replacement tooth.

Do You Need Dental Implants?

If you need a tooth extracted and replaced or if you have lost teeth due to infection or accident, we would be happy to go over all your options with you. We can work seamlessly with your restorative dentist to make sure you have an ideal implant fit.

Contact our office and make an appointment to talk with us about your implant needs. We're here to help restore your smile!