Dental Implants
Before & After: See the Difference!
Smile transformation! This patient's severe gum disease resulted in the loss of their upper 4 front teeth. We used two dental implants to support a four-unit implant bridge, restoring their smile and confidence. A happy, healthy smile is always possible!
AFFORDABLE DENTAL IMPLANTS IN EVERETT, WASHINGTON
Dental implants are widely regarded as the “gold standard” when it comes to replacing missing teeth. They look and function just like natural teeth and can last a lifetime when cared for well. Wave goodbye to dentures that stop you from enjoying your food!
If you are one of the 178 million Americans missing at least one tooth, dental implants at Perfect Smiles Dentistry in Everett, Washington, could be an ideal solution.
Take a look at what Dr. Kavitha Gowda and her experienced team can do for your smile.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a type of false tooth. It consists of three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the crown.
The post is a titanium screw which is surgically placed into the jawbone. The crown, usually made from porcelain or zirconium, sits above the gum, and the abutment goes in the middle to hold everything securely in place.
The result is a natural-looking and safe dental restoration which will allow you to talk, smile and eat without feeling conscious about your missing tooth.
Types of dental implant offered at Perfect Smiles Dentistry
Teeth implants are very versatile. We can place:
- A single implant to replace one tooth
- An implant bridge to replace 3-5 teeth in a row, supported by just 2 implants
- A series of single implants and bridges to fill larger gaps
- All-on-4 implants; a system that replaces all the teeth in the jaw with just 4 or 6 implant screws.
So, no matter how many teeth you are missing or where they are located in your mouth, there is probably a solution involving dental implants.
When are dental implants recommended?
If you come to Perfect Smiles for dental implants in Everett, Washington, we’ll first check that you are a good candidate. This will involve an oral examination as well as a panoramic x-ray, which shows the state of your jawbone and any remaining teeth.
Generally speaking, you must:
- Have sufficient jawbone to support the implants
- Have reasonably healthy gums
- Be in generally good health
It also helps if you are a non-smoker since tobacco use is known to increase the chances of implant failure. Patients who do not have sufficient bone structure may be able to get a bone graft before proceeding with the implant procedure.
Benefits of dental implants vs. bridges or dentures
If you’re researching teeth implants, you probably already know a bit about the alternative tooth replacement options: bridges and dentures.
A dental bridge spans a gap of 1 or 2 missing teeth, secured to the neighboring teeth. A denture is a removable device which can contain any number of fake teeth to replace those which are missing.
There are several reasons why dental implants are preferable to dentures or bridges for most patients:
- They are fixed in place permanently – no risk of falling out.
- They are long-lasting; whereas a bridge can last 5-10 years, implants can last for decades.
- You can eat whatever you like with implants.
- They help to retain the structure of the jawbone and the shape of the face.
- They don’t require special cleaning, just a thorough oral hygiene routine.
- A single implant doesn’t harm the adjacent teeth, whereas a bridge uses them as anchors.
If you’re still weighing up the different options, Dr. Gowda would welcome the chance to offer you a consultation and answer any questions you have.
What do dental implants cost?
Another area where implants differ from bridges and dentures is cost. Although they may require a bigger up-front investment, they will last much longer, so can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Dentures have to be relined every year or so and replaced after around 5 years, while bridges last for 5-10 years on average.
At Perfect Smiles Dentistry, we aim to offer affordable dental implants in Everett, WA. The exact cost for you will depend on your individual diagnosis: how many teeth you are missing, what preparatory treatments you need, and so on.
Again, we recommend you book an appointment so that Dr. Gowda can prepare a personalized treatment plan for you.
What Steps are Involved in Dental Implant Treatments?
You might be wondering what it’s like to get dental implants, so here’s an overview of the procedure. Note that the exact steps and timing can vary from one patient to another.
Consultation
At your initial consultation, your dentist will take panoramic X-rays, examine your teeth and mouth, and talk to you about the outcome you want to achieve. You’ll have the chance to ask questions about your treatment options as well. We want you to feel completely comfortable with your decision to get teeth implants.
Implantation
If you need to have any teeth extracted, we will do this first. Sometimes an implant can be placed immediately after extraction, but usually, we need to let the bone and gum heal for several months.
The implant will be placed under local anesthetic. Although it might feel strange, it won’t hurt at all. The dentist will make an incision in the gum to access the site, then drill a hole in the jawbone. Then, the post is screwed in and tightened.
Crown placement
Sometimes it is possible to place the permanent crown immediately, but more often we have to let the implant fuse with the bone before it is ready to take any biting force. This takes around 3-6 months. In the meantime, you may be fitted with a temporary crown for better esthetics – especially if the implant is at the front of your mouth.
Recovery
Getting teeth implants is a type of oral surgery and, just like any other surgical procedure, you should give yourself time to recover afterward.
Some people recover very quickly after having implants placed, whereas others experience soreness and swelling for several days.
Your dentist will give you special care instructions at each stage of the procedure to help aid fast healing.
Maintenance and Aftercare
Unlike dentures, implants don’t require a special cleaning routine. However, you will need to be vigilant with your oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
If you don’t take good care of your teeth and gums, you may develop periodontal disease, which will increase the chances of the implant failing.
After getting teeth implants, it’s important to maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings. This will keep your teeth in the best condition possible and allow your dentist to identify any problems in the early stages.
Book Your Dental Implant Treatment Consultation with Perfect Smiles Dentistry Today!
Dr. Gowda knows how life-changing dentistry can be, and she strives to provide exceptional solutions for each patient. Book an appointment today to find out about getting dental implants to restore your smile.
When you need dental services, trust Perfect Smiles Dentistry in Everett, Washington, to provide you with the best local dentist care.
Contact us for all your dental needs, and let us maintain your oral health and smile with precision and compassion.