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A stable foundation for dentures, crowns, or bridges is essential when you have one or more missing teeth. With four convenient locations in Bonney Lake, Sumner, Puyallup, and Tacoma, Washington, the experienced dental team at Rainier Dental offers unmatched expertise in dental implant surgery and restoration. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that support and stabilize prosthetic teeth. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Dental Implants Q&A
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium restorations that replace your natural tooth roots. Every tooth includes two parts: the crown (the visible portion) and the root (the part beneath the gum line). The roots of your teeth help stimulate the gum tissue and underlying bone.
When you lose a permanent tooth, the bone that holds it in place breaks down. This process, called bone resorption, can start a domino effect that jeopardizes your surrounding teeth. Dental implants provide stimulation to protect your jawbone and support your replacement teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer many advantages over less permanent tooth replacement options. Popular benefits include:
Support and stability
Your dentist surgically inserts dental implants into your jawbone to stabilize and hold your replacement teeth in place.
Appearance
Implants allow your replacement teeth to blend seamlessly with your smile. They also stimulate your underlying bone to prevent resorption. Keeping your jawbone intact helps maintain your facial structure and prevents your skin from sagging.
Function
Dental implants don’t loosen or shift out of place like dentures can, allowing you to chew comfortably and speak clearly.
Oral health
Implants help prevent the adjacent natural teeth from moving into the gap left by missing teeth. This helps maintain proper bite alignment and reduces the risk of dental issues like misalignment, overcrowding, and uneven wear.
Longevity
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for several years. They can even last a lifetime.
I’m getting dental implants. How can I prepare?
Getting dental implants is a multi-step process that takes months of planning. Before dental implant surgery, you can expect the following:
- Initial consultation
- Complete dental evaluation
- Digital X-rays
- Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans
- Smoking cessation
- Proper oral hygiene
- Tooth removal (if necessary due to decay or damage)
- Dietary modifications
Dental implant surgery requires anesthesia, so make sure to arrange transportation and reliable aftercare before the appointment.
What happens after getting dental implants?
Your mouth may take about 6-12 weeks to heal completely after implant surgery. Once all swelling subsides, your dentist takes impressions of your mouth to create custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures. The team connects your replacement teeth to your implants at your final visit, restoring your tooth function instantly.
Call Rainier Dental today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about dental implants.