Dental Implants in Kent, WA
Most dentists agree there is no better method by which to replace a missing tooth than with a dental implant. Implants restore the look of a complete smile as well as oral function, in a way that is very similar to a natural tooth.
How Dental Implants Work
Implants are tiny metal posts or screws surgically placed in your jawbone to imitate the root of a healthy tooth. Once the implant post or screw has integrated with the surrounding jawbone, a false tooth is attached to the top and rests on your gumline alongside your remaining natural teeth.
Implants are commonly used to replace a single tooth using a crown, but if you are missing most or all of your teeth, implants can also be used to support partial dentures, bridges or complete dentures. Some of our patients who already have dentures opt to anchor them to several dental implant posts to enhance the stability and security of the appliances.
Implants are a great long-term solution to tooth loss, particularly because they promote good oral health. The placement of the post or screw in your jawbone helps keep the bone stimulated and prevent it from wasting away due to lack of use (which can then compromise adjacent healthy teeth). The false teeth close the gaps left by missing teeth and prevent your remaining teeth from shifting around in your mouth (and possibly throwing off your bite). Implants can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth and cannot develop cavities.
The Dental Implant Placement Process
The implant placement process has three stages. First, the implant post will be surgically placed in your jawbone underneath the gap left by the missing tooth. It is then left to heal for approximately three to six months during a stage called osseointegration.
Once the post and jawbone have fully integrated, the third or restorative phase occurs. Dental implant restoration involves Dr. Amrita covering the top of your implant post or posts with an artificial tooth. If he is restoring a single implant, he will attach a crown that is customized to match your surrounding teeth in color, shape and size. Dr. Amrita can also place a partial denture, bridge or complete denture, depending on your specific case and needs. The false tooth or teeth should look and feel very natural and support complete chewing and biting function.
With the proper care, dental implants can last virtually indefinitely. They will not affect your neighboring healthy teeth, and they should prevent jawbone loss and any related complications.
