Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

Patients often want to know if dental implants are the best choice for them, and they are for many. Dental implants offer the look and functionality of natural teeth and they have impressively high success rates. Clinical research has shown that if you are in overall good health, dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth. Other tooth replacement options like bridges and dentures require far more maintenance. They also don’t last as long as dental implants, as they typically need to be replaced every 8-10 years.

Unlike other dental replacements, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. Though the idea of dental surgery may cause concern, the results far outweigh the medical procedure necessary to install these dental prosthetics. So how do dental implants work?

Dental Implant Material and Construction

The dental implant itself is composed of three parts:

• Titanium Rod: The first part of the implant is a titanium rod.
  • This is installed into the jawbone and acts as like the root of the tooth.
  • Titanium is considered biocompatible, meaning the body will accept the titanium. This can minimize the risk of infection, as well as improving the quality of the implant itself.
• Abutment: The second part of the implant is called the abutment. This is placed on the end of the rod, and helps the crown adhere to the implant itself. 
• Artifical Tooth: The third part of the implant is the artificial tooth in the form of a crown. This will be molded to fit your facial structure, and will also be shaded to match surrounding teeth. This truly makes the dental implant look and function like a natural tooth.

Timeline for the Dental Implant Process

The dental implant process starts with an initial consultation and a thorough exam. We’ll take full x-rays and evaluate your current oral health, so we can create a personalized tooth restoration plan. Depending on the condition of your jaw bone, we may determine that you also require bone grafting to strengthen your jaw.

During the surgery, rods are placed into the jaw bone. We’ll place temporary crowns on the ends of the rods, and allow you to heal for 4-6 months. This healing time allows for osseointegration, which is the process of the rod becoming integrated with the jaw bone. Because it is a surgery, choosing a qualified and competent dental professional is important, as well as choosing a dental professional with implant experience.

Dental Implant Surgery with Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry

We are committed to restoring patients’ smiles and lifestyles, and dental implant surgery is an important component of our practice. We want our patients to feel comfortable, welcome, and at ease with every dental procedure we perform. When you choose Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, you’ll receive the best in dental implant surgery and dental care. Contact us today for more information on how dental implants work, or to schedule your consultation. Dental implant information from an experienced professional is available to help you.