Dental Implants – Kent, WA
The Gold Standard of Tooth Replacement
For most dental patients missing one or more teeth, dental implants are considered the ideal solution due to their numerous, revitalizing benefits, including stability, high cosmetic quality, and valuable oral health benefits. No additional teeth need to be altered to make room for the new dental restorations (as is the case with dental crown supported fixed bridges), and the nature of the dental implant is so seamless and lifelike that many dentistry patients forget after a while that they ever lost their natural tooth to begin with. It’s for these reasons and many more that dentists and dental patients alike consider dental implants the gold standard of tooth replacement. If you’re interested in discovering if this unique tooth replacement service is right for you, we invite you to keep reading to learn more or call us to schedule a consultation to discuss tooth replacement with dental implants in Kent, WA.
Why Choose Complete Dental Care for Dental Implants?
- Team of Highly Trained & Experienced Dentists
- Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth for Life
- Free CT Scan for All Dental Implant Procedures
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are small, screw-shaped titanium screws. They are designed to be placed underneath the gumline directly into the jawbone. Since titanium is biocompatible, the implant will integrate into the bone tissue to essentially replace the roots of the missing tooth. One or more dental implants can be used to support a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture above the gumline, depending on how many teeth you’re missing. The end result is a smile that looks, feels, and functions just like natural.
The Dental Implant Process
There are four general steps for the dental implant process. First, you’ll need to visit us for a consultation to ensure that dental implants are a good choice for you. Then, you will undergo a minor surgical procedure in which the implant itself is placed precisely within the jawbone. Next, after an appropriate amount of time has passed for the area to heal, an abutment (the base for your new tooth) is placed, followed by the restoration itself sometime later.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several exceptional benefits to patients, including benefits for health, confidence, and quality of life. Some of the most notable include:
- Improved appearance
- Increased confidence
- Greater stability and durability
- Longer-lasting restoration (decades or a lifetime)
- Little to no food restrictions
- Easy to maintain
- No chance of developing tooth decay
- Improved functionality
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Depending on your unique needs and preferences, our team can design a dental implant treatment plan to replace any number of teeth. Our dental implant options include:
Missing Single Tooth
A single implant designed to replace one missing tooth can complete your smile in a way that’s both conservative and completely satisfying in regard to look and feel. Dental implants are an exceptional replacement option because they help rejuvenate the health of your jawbone, which can deteriorate over time from tooth loss.
Missing Multiple Teeth
An implant bridge makes it possible to replace more than one consecutive missing tooth in a row. Using two dental implants, which will be surgically placed into the jawbone, the restoration will be comprised of three or more dental crowns fused together. After the average healing time of 3-6 months, you will return to our dental office to have your abutments and custom restoration put into place.
Missing All Teeth
If you are missing all your teeth, there’s no need to worry that traditional dentures will be your only solution to a restored smile. Now, with implant dentures, you can enjoy the stability, functionality, and longevity offered with dental implants. We will place between four and six implants along your arch before securing your customized denture in place. There will be no need for messy denture adhesives with this new and improved restoration.
All-On-4 Dental Implants
Severe tooth loss can be a struggle, especially if you wear a denture and are generally unsatisfied with the fit and feel of it. Thankfully, we can now combine the structure of a denture with the sturdiness and durability of implants through the All-On-4 system. By utilizing four implants that are strategically placed at an angle along the arch of your gums, we can create a foundation for a full, personalized restoration that is fixed, resulting in natural and comfortable feel.
Learn More About All-On-4 Dental Implants
Mini Dental Implants
Of course, sometimes our team discovers that a specific patient may not be a viable candidate for traditional implants, or that the spaces in their mouth are too narrow to adequately support them. When faced with these cases, we instead turn to mini implants. As the name implies, mini implants are about half the size of a regular implant, but they still provide the same valuable health and cosmetic benefits that patients can enjoy with traditional implants. In addition, they’re more versatile, less expensive, and they often eliminate the need for a recovery period, making them a faster tooth replacement overall.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants are associated with a large price tag, but they are more affordable than you might believe. Many factors affect the cost of dental implants in Kent because no two situations are identical. We strive to keep a complete smile affordable for everyone. You can benefit from the next best thing to your real teeth without it costing you an arm or a leg.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
Your consultation is your first step to replacing your lost teeth. Your implant dentist in Kent will examine your mouth and review a CT scan of your oral tissues and structures. They’ll learn more about your medical history, including any medications you’re taking. Based on their findings, they may recommend preliminary treatments, like periodontal therapy, tooth extractions, or bone grafting, which may be covered under your dental insurance.
After healing from any preliminary procedures, you’ll have your implant placement surgery. Your dentist will use sedation or anesthesia to keep you comfortable, which will be included in your estimate.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
The amount you’ll pay will also be determined by the number of teeth you’re treating. You must pay for each part needed to replace your teeth, which will include:
- Implant Post: Titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone to replicate roots.
- Abutment: Each implant post will require an abutment to attach your restoration.
- Restoration: You’ll need either a crown, bridge, or denture.
Since your treatment is performed in multiple steps, you won’t have to come up with a lump sum. You can pay for each phase individually, giving you more time to pay.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
Dental implants might cost more upfront than traditional methods, but they are the most cost-effective overall. They can last for decades, not a few years, so you won’t have to budget for replacements. Dental implants are also the only solution to preserve your jawbone to avoid common issues caused by tooth loss. You won’t need costly procedures later to save even more money down the road.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Your dental insurance won’t cover the entire cost, but it can be used to lower the amount you’ll pay for certain steps in your plan, like your consultation, prep work, or restoration. You can use your annual allowance after meeting your deductible. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage. We’ll explain how your benefits are being used and your options for any remaining balance.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
Our office accepts many payment options to keep your new smile within your budget, including:
- Traditional Payments: We accept all traditional payment methods, including cash, personal checks, and credit cards.
- Special Offers: We routinely run promotions for select services.
- Monthly Payments: Pay using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
If you have any questions about your payment options, contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.
Dental Implant FAQs
If you’re interested in a more comprehensive restoration solution, then dental implants may be the ideal treatment you’re looking for. These titanium posts are considered the gold standard of tooth-replacement options, and you can be sure to enjoy numerous advantages from this procedure. That said, it’s normal to want to know as much as you can about the treatment before committing to anything. For this reason, our team at Complete Dental Care has taken the time to collect and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants in Kent. Read on or give us a call today to learn more!
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
Firstly, your jawbone doesn’t have very many nerve endings, so you’re less likely to feel much discomfort during your procedure. More importantly, our team will ensure your mouth is completely numbed with a local anesthetic before beginning any work on your smile. This means you should feel completely comfortable and pain-free throughout your appointment. Though the surgery itself shouldn’t hurt, you might experience some soreness in your mouth for several days afterward. This can easily be managed by taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers as directed. You can also use a cold compress to help alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling. If any pain persists or worsens, give us a call right away.
Will I Have to Take Off Work for Dental Implant Surgery?
Many of our patients only require taking one or two days off work to undergo dental implant surgery. But if your job is physically demanding, then we’ll highly suggest you take three to four days off instead. Since strenuous activity can end up diverting blood from the surgical site, you’ll want to have an extra number of days to rest and recover. That said, every dental situation is different, so we’ll provide you with a more specific recommendation once we’ve assessed your unique case.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I’m Diabetic?
As long as you have your diabetes in check, your chances of having a successful dental implant treatment will be comparable to that of nondiabetic patients. If left untreated or out of control, chronic high blood sugar can end up slowing down your healing process, making it more challenging for your titanium posts to integrate effectively with the jawbone. If you require dental implants for rebuilding missing teeth, make sure to consult your primary care physician about addressing your blood sugar levels to increase your odds of success.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The longevity of dental implants depends mostly on a patient’s lifestyle choices and overall health. However, on average, you can expect your metal posts to last anywhere between several decades to a lifetime! That said, they’ll only work as long as you practice good oral hygiene. This should involve brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash every single day. You’ll also want to schedule routine dental checkups and cleanings every six months to preserve them. With preventive care, you can avoid more serious issues like decay and gum disease while making the most of your new pearly whites.