Your teeth play a critical role in your oral and overall health. First of all, they help you chew/digest food and help you speak clearly and support your facial shape. In addition, healthy teeth improve your confidence- which impacts your relationships, careers, social interactions, and more.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest functional dental issues is missing teeth. Millions of people are missing at least one tooth, with many missing most or all. This can be due to poor oral hygiene habits, lifestyle habits, genetics, and more. This is why restorative dentistry is such a popular field.
There are many options for tooth replacement. The best one, according to the experts, is dental implants. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about dental implants at Rainier Ave Dental.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a tooth replacement device consisting of three parts: implant screw, abutment, and crown. The implant screw is implanted into the jawbone, where it acts as an artificial tooth root. The crown sits on top of the implant screw, replacing the visible portion of the tooth. The abutment is the connector that unites the two pieces.
Things to Know Before Dental Implants
The first step in the dental implant procedure is the initial consultation. The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, including x-rays and other pertinent imaging. They will also discuss your current medical conditions and history to determine if your health is stable enough for implants.
Once you have been cleared for surgery, a plan will be established. In most cases, local anesthesia is used. However, if you need sedation, you will need to bring someone with you to help you get home after the surgery.
If you are having local anesthesia, a light meal a few hours prior to the procedure will be fine. However, if you are undergoing IV sedation, you should not eat anything after midnight the night prior to the surgery to ensure that your stomach is empty.
Patients with an increased risk of implant failure may be prescribed antibiotics to start taking a few days prior to the surgery. In addition, you may be given a special antibacterial mouthwash to rinse your mouth with.
If you are a smoker, it’s important to understand that smoking can have a negative impact on healing. Therefore, now might be a good time to give it up.
Things to Know After Dental Implants
If you have oral or IV sedation, you’re going to feel a bit groggy for a few hours following the procedure. After implant placement, you may have some minor bleeding, pain, swelling, and/or bruising. You may be advised to use OTC pain relievers to manage pain and to eat warm to cool/cold soft foods during healing.
Since dental implants are similar to natural teeth, they require the same oral hygiene habits as natural teeth. You should be brushing at least twice daily, flossing at least once, and visiting the dentist every 6 months- or as directed- for an exam and cleaning. While it’s true that dental implants will not decay, you are still susceptible to gum disease.
Dental Bridge vs Implants
Both dental implants and dental bridges are designed to replace missing teeth. We offer both of these options at Rainier Ave Dental.
However, there are several differences between the two.
Dental Bridge |
Dental Implants |
|---|---|
| Fixed, not removable | Fixed, not removable |
| Average cost of $2,500, depending on the type of bridge chosen, as well as the material and the number of teeth required | Average cost of a single implant is $5,000, and the average cost for a full-mouth restoration with dental implants is around $60,000. Hybrid options usually cost around $12,000 per arch/$24,000 for both |
| Usually requires at least 2 dental visits spaced out over a few weeks | Entire process usually takes several appointments spaced out over several months to a year |
| Typically lasts about 10 to 15 years, but may last up to 20+ with proper care and maintenance | Typically, the implant screw lasts a lifetime- it is the prosthesis that must be replaced after about 20 years |
Dental Implants Options
Dental implants are an appropriate option whether you are missing a single tooth or all of your teeth in one or both arches. There are several options, including:
Single Implants
A single implant is designed to replace a single tooth.
Implant Bridge
An implant bridge is designed to replace several missing teeth in a row.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures can be partial or complete and may be permanent or removable.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants is a tooth replacement system designed to support a full arch of missing teeth with 4 dental implants.
All-on-6 Dental Implants
All-on-6 dental implants is a tooth replacement system designed to support a full arch of missing teeth with 6 dental implants.
Choose the Best Doctors for Your Missing Teeth Treatment
Dr. Jiyon Kim and Dr. Sang C. Kim have the experience and expertise to restore your smile with implant-based options. Both take a patient-centered approach to treatment, taking the time to make sure that you understand and are satisfied with your treatment options.
There are several reasons that you should choose us:
- We have lots of satisfied patients
- We are child-friendly
- Our staff is friendly, helpful, and professional
- We only use high-quality materials and equipment
We are located on Rainier Avenue in Seattle. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Schedule your dental implant consultation today.
Dental Implants FAQs
Dr. Jiyon and Dr. Sang Kim understand that you have questions when it comes to your dental procedures. We are here to help you resolve those questions. Some of the most common questions include:
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a lifelong solution. The crown or prosthetic typically lasts for about 20 years, depending on care and maintenance.
Do dental implants hurt?
Patients are given local anesthesia prior to implant installation, which means you should not feel any pain. You may have some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, but this is usually minor and doesn’t last long. Some patients may also have some minor discomfort as they get adjusted to having the implants in place, but again this doesn’t usually last long and it’s easily treated with OTC or prescription medications.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, research has proven dental implants to be safe for most patients. However, if you have underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or uncontrolled diabetes, this may not be the best option.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants look, feel, and function more like natural teeth because they consist of three pieces. The implant screw is inserted into the jawbone, which replaces the missing tooth roots and creates a stable base for your prosthetic. The crown sits on top of the implant screw, replacing the visible portion of the tooth. The abutment connects the two pieces.
How long does a dental implant procedure take?
The entire procedure from start to finish can take up to a year, depending on your body’s ability to heal. However, the implant installation itself usually only takes about 30 minutes to an hour per implant.
