If you’ve had a missing tooth, you’re aware of the various oral issues that can arise regularly. Even a single missing tooth can cause the rest of your teeth to move and rotate, making it more difficult to chew and talk properly. It can also make you more susceptible to dental decay. Our objective at West Valley Dental in Tukwila, Washington, is to provide you with a beautiful, healthy smile. A dental implants are one of the most effective techniques to restore your smile after losing a tooth. A dental implant will not only improve the appearance of your smile but will also help you maintain a healthy jaw bone and prevent your other teeth from shifting. We want you to know all of the benefits and the difficulties of getting a dental implant so that you can make a well-informed decision. If you have any questions, please reach out to us!
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a prosthetic dental appliance that restores your mouth and smile. An implant consists of three parts: the post, the abutment, and the crown. We must place each piece at a different time to allow your mouth to heal. Our dentist will help you know how to best prepare for the dental implant. While the time it takes to complete the dental implant is extensive, the results are permanent and will last decades.
What is the Procedure?
The dental implant is a surgical procedure. We know that this may turn off several patients, but we want you to know there is no need to worry. With today’s technology, we can make the process smooth and straightforward. We still understand that some can be anxious about the surgery. Please ask us about our different sedation options available to you. We are more than willing to accommodate you in any way possible. Your comfort is our number one priority.
The post is a metal screw surgically inserted into the jaw bone. Because the post is a strong, permanent implant into your jaw bone, it will provide a strong foundation for the rest of the dental implant. The dentist will drill down into the jawbone to place the post. Your mouth will need time to heal. As your mouth tissue heals around the post, it will secure it in place, making it more stable to hold the rest of the implant.
The abutment is the dental implant component that links the post to your new tooth crown. We will insert the abutment after the implant we placed has healed. Your gum line will then need time to heal around the abutment. We will give you a temporary crown while waiting for your mouth to heal.
The crown is a prosthetic tooth custom-made to match the requirements and color of your tooth anatomy. Whether your crown is constructed of porcelain or a composite material, it will function normally. Tooth crowns should be cared for in the same way natural teeth are. It is critical to maintain appropriate dental hygiene to keep the implant in place and free of infection and harm.
Dental Implants in Tukwila, WA
A dental implant is one of the most beneficial cosmetic procedures available. We are excited to announce that we have the experience, education, and technology necessary to administer dental implants. If you are interested in dental implants, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We would love to get you started on this procedure as soon as possible.