For many years, there were two main methods to replace missing teeth—dentures and dental bridges. Now, there is a third option for tooth replacement—dental implants. Our Mill Creek, WA implant team can replace missing teeth with realistic synthetic restorations anchored directly into the bone, creating a false tooth that looks and feels identical to a natural one.
Dental implants from Mill Creek Family Dentistry provide you with an exciting and effective opportunity to improve your quality of life. Even one missing tooth can cause embarrassment and compromise proper function. Patients who have lost all of their upper or lower teeth suffer from even more extensive problems. Dental implants give all patients suffering from tooth loss a chance to start over!
We can offer replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. This increases self-confidence, comfort, and peace of mind. If you are interested in replacing missing teeth, contact Mill Creek Family Dentistry to find out if implant dentistry is right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
There are two basic elements that make up dental implants—the anchor and the restoration.
- The anchor is a titanium screw that is surgically implanted into your jawbone. Bone will grow around the anchor so that it will effectively replace the roots of your tooth.
- The restoration is a natural-looking artificial prosthetic that is attached securely to this anchor.
When you come to our office for implant dentistry, our doctor will consult with a periodontist to ensure you achieve optimal function and aesthetics with the dental implant restoration. We will then have the anchor surgically implanted, and after bone and gums have grown around it, our team will attach your restoration to the dental implants. The resulting artificial tooth is so life-like that you may even forget it’s an implant.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are essentially titanium tooth roots that fuse with the jawbone to form a secure foundation for tooth replacement. The new teeth attach to this foundation, providing the comfort, versatility, and functionality of natural teeth.What Can Be Restored With Implants?
Implant dentistry is an option for anyone with missing teeth, though different needs create different challenges:
Full Upper Or Lower Replacement
The problems associated with living with a full denture extend beyond tooth loss alone. They include discomfort, inability to chew foods, and negative self-image. Dental implants provide stable functionality without the need for denture adhesives.
Anterior Or Posterior Replacement
Missing front or back teeth both have unique demands. Our team’s challenge as implant specialists is to replace your missing teeth and avoid harming your remaining teeth and gum tissue, all while achieving optimum appearance and functionality.
Single Tooth Replacement
Single tooth replacement shares the challenges of anterior and posterior replacement. Aside from placing the dental implants, the proper maintenance of the surrounding healthy teeth is also of the utmost importance.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures are an excellent option for patients who are missing all of their upper or lower teeth. These dentures are used in conjunction with dental implants and can either be permanently or temporarily attached to the implant posts. In the latter case, a bar or other attachment is affixed to the posts, completing the foundation on which your removable denture will be placed.
This option combines the look, feel, and function of permanent implants with added comfort and versatility of removable dentures. Contact Mill Creek Family Dentistry to find out if you are a candidate for implant-retained dentures.
All-On-4® Permanent Teeth
We now have the ability to restore fixed permanent teeth in patients with no teeth or unrestorable teeth. In one visit, a whole arch of teeth can be placed on four precisely placed implants, restoring chewing ability, function, and confidence.
What Are The Stages Of Implant Dentistry?
The placement of dental implants is a multi-step process that begins at our office in Mill Creek, WA. After a consultation with our implant dentist, your implant dentistry treatment will proceed in three stages:
Stage One: The Titanium Dental Implants Are Placed Under The Gum
The dental implants will remain covered underneath the gum for approximately three to six months. During this time, the dental implants fuse to the bone.
Stage Two: The Final Post Is Then Attached To The Implant
This completes the foundation on which your new teeth will be placed. In some instances, the surgeon or implant dentist may place the posts at the time of surgery.
Stage Three: The Restoration Is Placed On The Implant
Utilizing cosmetic dentistry techniques that ensure optimal size, shape, color, and fit, your replacement teeth should blend with your existing teeth and your facial characteristics. They provide the support and structure needed to achieve a beautifully natural appearance. Once complete, they are attached to the implant post.
What Are The Advantages Of Dental Implants?
- Appearance: Besides functionality, dental implants have the added advantage of looking just like natural teeth. We are able to offer patients the most natural appearance possible by combining implant dentistry and cosmetic dentistry techniques.
- Confidence: The ideal replacements for missing teeth must also feel like natural teeth and be easy to clean and maintain. It is important for you to be assured that your teeth will remain stable and supportive while eating, allow you to speak properly and easily, and eliminate the bulkiness and discomfort associated with traditional dentures.
- Security: The long-term safety of replacing your lost teeth with dental implants is well established. Patients who choose to wear traditional dentures often suffer from bone loss and disintegration of facial structure, which can also result in the loss of otherwise healthy teeth. Implant dentistry solves all of the problems associated with tooth loss, maintaining bone and facial structure while providing beautiful, comfortable, durable, natural-looking teeth.
A Smile Restoration You Can Depend On
At Mill Creek Family Dentistry, we combine advanced technology, expertise, and personalized care to deliver top-quality dental implant services. Our patients are at the heart of what we do, and their comfort, confidence, and overall satisfaction are our primary goals.
If you want a restorative dentistry solution that guarantees stability, durability, and a natural look and feel, dental implants are a remarkable choice. Don’t wait to start your journey to a more confident smile. Contact us today to learn how we can help revitalize your oral health and transform your smile through the power of implant dentistry at Mill Creek Family Dentistry. Your journey to a healthier, more confident smile starts here!