What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone where a tooth is missing. The titanium post fuses with the jawbone and provides a strong foundation for a replacement tooth.

Dental implants look and function just like your natural teeth, and they can last a lifetime with proper care! 

How do dental implants work at our dental office in Vancouver, WA?

After the implant has been placed, it will begin fusing with your jawbone. This process can take up to a few months. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, your dentist will place a small connector called an abutment on top of the implant. The final step is placing a replacement tooth, known as a crown, on top of the abutment. Crowns are made to match your natural teeth to create a seamless smile.

Dental implants provide a strong, stable foundation for replacement teeth that look and function just like your natural teeth. If you’re missing one or more teeth and are interested in exploring your tooth replacement options, talk with an implant dentist to see if dental implants are right for you.

Why do our Vancouver WA implant dentists prefer dental implants?

1. Dental Implants Look and Feel More Natural

One of the main advantages of dental implants is that they look and feel more natural than other tooth replacement methods. Dental implants are placed directly into your jawbone, providing a sturdy foundation for artificial teeth. And, because dental implants fuse to your jawbone, they also help preserve your facial structure.  

2. Dental Implants Are More Durable 

Another advantage of dental implants is that they are much more durable than other tooth replacement options. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Other tooth replacement methods, such as dentures and bridges, typically need to be replaced every five to seven years. 

3. Dental Implants Don’t Require Special Care 

Dental implants are easy to care for— you simply brush and floss them like your natural teeth. Other tooth replacement options, like dentures and bridges, require special care and cleaning solutions to keep them clean and bacteria-free. 

4. Dental Implants Can Help Preserve Your Jawbone 

When you lose a tooth, the alveolar bone in your jaw begins to deteriorate. This is because the roots of your teeth stimulate your jawbone when you bite and chew. When the alveolar portion of your jawbone no longer receives proper stimulation, it will begin to wear away.  Dental implants mimic the function of the roots of your teeth, providing stimulation to your jawbone, and helping to prevent bone loss. 

Dental implants offer many advantages over other tooth replacement options. If you are considering dental implants, reach out to your dentist to discuss all of your options.

What does the typical dental implant procedure look like?

How much do dental implants cost?

If you have dental insurance, your policy may cover some or all of the cost of your implants. However, this is rare. Most policies consider dental implants cosmetic procedures and do not offer coverage. Therefore, before proceeding with the process, you’ll need to contact your insurer to see if you have any coverage for dental implants.

Dental implants offer many advantages over other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges. They’re more secure and provide a more natural appearance; however, they’re also more expensive. If you’re considering dental implants, be sure to factor in the cost of implant surgery, abutments, and replacement teeth when budgeting for your procedure. You should also check with your dental insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage for dental implants before scheduling your surgery.

Are there risks associated with dental implants?

1. Infection

One of the most common risks associated with dental implants is infection. This can occur at the implant’s site or surrounding tissue. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, and pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.

2. Nerve damage

Another risk of dental implants is nerve damage. This can occur if the implant is placed too close to the nerves in your mouth. Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in your lips, gums, teeth, and chin.

3. Implant rejection

In some cases, your body may reject the dental implant. This occurs when the body’s immune system sees the implant as a foreign object and attacks it. Symptoms of implant rejection include pain at the implant site, inflammation, and bruising.

Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth. However, you should be aware of all the risks before getting the procedure done. If you have any concerns about the risks of getting dental implants, be sure to talk to your dentist before moving forward with the procedure.

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