Cosmetic Dental Implants

Being able to chew comfortably and feeling good about your smile are important for your quality of life! There a lot of tooth replacement options these days. Dental implant surgery is one of the many services we offer here at Plancich Dental.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the tooth root. They are anchored to the jawbone with a titanium post called an abutment, that fuses to the jawbone and acts as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.

How do dental implants work?

Implant dentistry is a type of oral surgery.

We take X-rays to determine if you have bone loss from missing teeth. The surgery can sometimes require bone grafting because when natural teeth are missing, patients can experience bone loss.

Anesthesia is used for sedation, and, if necessary, antibiotics to prevent infection following the procedure.

The procedure begins with tooth extraction, if there are teeth that need to be removed. Next, an abutment is placed in the jaw bone where the tooth root would normally be. Your new teeth are attached to this metal structure, then the jawbone eventually fuses to the abutment. It can take four to six weeks for the gums to heal completely. Strict oral health hygiene is important to prevent infection, and ensure that your new teeth last!

Who are dental implants for?

Dental implant surgery is for people with missing teeth, or painful natural teeth who would like an alternative to dentures or partial dentures.

What are the pros and cons of dental implants?

Dental implants, when cared for properly, can be a permanent solution to tooth loss, whereas dentures may need replacing several times over the course of your life.

However, the crowns, or synthetic teeth placed upon the abutment, may need to be replaced over time due to normal wear and tear. With proper care, they can last many years.

People with certain health conditions may find that dental implants fail prematurely. You will want to consult with an oral surgeon, like Plancich Dental, to know for sure if you are a good candidate.

How to start:

To find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, schedule an appointment at our Tacoma or Lakewood location today!

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