Dental Implants
Silverdale, WA
Dental Implants provided by Dr. Kasey Gillespie, DDS
in Silverdale, WA at Life Long Dental
Your teeth are an essential feature of your body. When you lose them, your whole life is affected. Eating becomes a challenge. You suddenly find that speaking is difficult, and others cannot understand you. What's more, your appearance is greatly affected, leading you to hide your smile.
At Life Long Dental, our goal is to provide you with the best oral healthcare possible. With dental implants, we can restore your smile, and the functions of your mouth, giving you your life back.
Wondering if you are a candidate for implants? Call (360) 633-2377 to schedule a free implant consult.
What causes tooth loss?
One of the most common causes of tooth loss is gum disease. When you neglect oral hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth multiply and feed on lingering food particles. Plaque collects on your teeth, providing a sticky surface for bacteria to adhere to. Your gums become swollen and red.
Eventually, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, and bacteria fall below the gum line. From there, bacteria attack your jawbone and periodontal ligaments. Your gums recede, your teeth become loose, and they eventually fall out.
Other causes of tooth loss include:
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Oral trauma
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Bruxism
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Lifestyle habits such as smoking
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Age |
Dental Implants
Dental implants consist of small titanium rods, which are surgically inserted into your jawbone. As your bone heals, it fuses with the rods, creating a strong "root" on which your false tooth, or teeth, is placed.
Implant Case: Front tooth with previously placed crown that broke off. 
Implant with All-Ceramic Crown
Fractured tooth previously treated with root canal (before). 
All ceramic crown with zirconia abutment (after).
Types of Dental Implants
There are several types of implants, allowing your specific tooth replacement needs to be easily met:
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Single tooth implants used to replace a single missing tooth.
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Multiple tooth implants, where one or more implants are used to replace a section of missing teeth (in place of a bridge or partial denture).
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All on 4 is an implant-supported denture solution to missing teeth.
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Implant supported dentures, used when you are missing an entire arch or teeth. The number of implants needed to support this type of restoration depends greatly on your needs. Typically, 6 to 8 are used, but in some circumstances, as little as 4 can be placed. |
Getting Your Implants
Getting dental implants is a procedure that takes several months. After you have been determined as a candidate for implants, we start by removing any unhealthy teeth that may still be remaining. Then, with the assistance of images taken during your consultation, we begin surgery. We make incisions in your gum tissue to expose the bone. Once we have finished drilling, the implants are placed, and your gum tissue sutured around the rod. Then the healing begins.
We will provide you with temporary teeth so that you can resume normal functions while you heal. During this time, we will monitor the progression of your healing to make sure everything is progressing as it should. When you have fully healed, abutments are placed on the exposed portions of your implants. Impressions of your mouth are taken, which will allow for the fabrication of your permanent teeth. When your teeth are ready, they will be secured firmly in place.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have several benefits:
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Restored abilities to eat and speak.
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Easier to clean and care for than traditional dentures.
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Implants stay firmly in place. There is no need to worry about slipping or even falling out.
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Your smile is restored, as is your confidence. |
FAQs
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, and help maintain the structure of your jaw and overall oral health.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A good candidate for dental implants is someone with good oral health, sufficient jawbone density, and healthy gums. Non-smokers and individuals without chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease are also ideal candidates. A thorough evaluation by a dentist is necessary to determine candidacy.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth and can last many years, often a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to the longevity of your dental implants.
What is the process of getting dental implants?
The process of getting dental implants typically involves several steps: initial consultation and planning, surgical placement of the implant into the jawbone, a healing period to allow the implant to integrate with the bone, and finally, attachment of the replacement tooth or teeth. This process can take several months to complete.
Are dental implants painful?
The dental implant procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the surgery. Some discomfort and swelling may occur after the procedure, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and will subside within a few days.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary widely based on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the complexity of the case, and any additional procedures that may be required. For an accurate estimate, it's best to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
Are dental implants covered by insurance?
Dental implants are often considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be fully covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans might cover a portion of the cost, especially if the implants are necessary due to an accident or medical condition. It's best to check with your insurance provider for details.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintain the health of your implants and surrounding gums. Avoiding hard or sticky foods can also help protect your implants.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer several benefits, including improved appearance, better speech, increased comfort, easier eating, enhanced self-esteem, and improved oral health. They are a durable and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth.
What are the risks or complications associated with dental implants?
While dental implants have a high success rate, there are some risks and complications to be aware of, such as infection, implant failure, nerve damage, and sinus problems. Your dentist will discuss these risks with you and take steps to minimize them during the procedure.
Schedule An Appointment Today!
If you are around Silverdale and have suffered tooth loss, dental implants can give you a permanent solution, and give you back your beautiful, healthy smile. Call Life Long Dental at (360) 633-2377 today for more information. |
