Dental Implants in Seattle

Permanent solution for missing teeth

Dental implants have quickly become the preferred tooth replacement solution for adults. Dental implants have a beautiful natural appearance and are highly durable. And the functional benefits of implants make them an excellent choice for restoring your smile.

Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, trauma or overcrowding, it’s important to visit your dentist immediately. Because teeth support each other, it only takes one missing tooth to cause the surrounding teeth to shift. When this happens, chewing often becomes difficult and speech patterns can become impaired.

Dental implants are the only permanent solution available to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are becoming the go-to procedure to fill the space left by a missing tooth. While some turn to temporary solutions—such as dental bridges or removable dentures—patients who want a permanent solution look to dental implants.

Dental implant process and timing

1. Initial Exam – Before the procedure, your implant dentist will examine your jaw and make sure it’s safe for you to receive an implant. They’ll take x-rays of your mouth to study the structure and strength of your jaw and the positioning of your teeth. In some cases, other preparatory procedures may need to be performed before your implant surgery.
2. Implant placement – You will be put under local anesthesia before surgery and may be offered other forms of anesthesia. After the implant site is numb, our dentist will create a small opening and place the implant directly into the bone. Your gums will be stitched closed around the implant and it will take around 3 to 6 months for your gums to heal. During this time, the jawbone will fuse with the implant through a process called osseointegration. After your gums have healed, the incisions will be reopened and a metal piece called an abutment is inserted. The gums will be stitched up again with the exposed abutment and a temporary crown will be attached to the abutment.
3. Placement of crown or denture – When your gums have fully healed again, your dentist will place the permanent crown or bridge. And you have and very naturally looking and performing tooth that can last you a lifetime.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants last a lifetime! After 6 -8 years, the crown may need to be changed, but the implant will last for the rest of your life.

Why choose Gateway Dental for dental implants?

At Gateway Dental, our experienced implant dentists will create a personalized implant treatment plan that’s affordable. We offer flexible financing so you don’t have to stress about restoring your smile.