Dental Implants in Chehalis
We love caring for our young patients! We help children meet their unique dental care needs so they can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
Why Choose a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are a long-lasting and secure replacement for missing teeth. They are surgically placed in your jaw and permanently held in place by forming a natural bond with the surrounding bone. Implants can also help prevent bone loss and maintain the health and appearance of your jaws. Once they’re in place, implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, and they blend with the shape and colour of your smile.
How dental implants work
Step 1: Implant Placement
To begin, we examine your mouth and jaws to determine the ideal location for the implant. The right location will provide maximum support for the implant and ensure the replacement tooth is positioned correctly. Once the location is determined, we surgically place the implant in your jawbone.
Video: Implant procedureStep 2: Install the Abutment
When the implant has healed and bonded with the surrounding bone, we attach an abutment. This device provides a secure attachment for a dental crown, bridge, denture or other restoration.
Step 3: Place Crown or Restoration
After attaching the abutment, we can create and place a dental crown or other restoration to the implant to restore your smile. Once the restoration is in place, you can treat it just as you would a normal tooth. You can brush and floss implants just like a normal tooth to keep it healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m a candidate for dental implants?
Most patients can benefit from dental implants to restore lost teeth. To see if implants will work for you, your dentist will examine your mouth and jaws to see what type of implant and restoration you need. Because the implant is placed in your jawbone, it might be necessary to strengthen the area with a bone augmentation.
Can I get an implant if I’m missing more than one tooth?
Yes, solutions such as implant-supported dentures and bridges are a great way to replace multiple adjacent missing teeth. Single implants can be used to restore multiple teeth that are not adjacent to one another.
How long does implant treatment take?
Implants are usually placed in two or three appointments. The length of treatment depends on whether you need bone augmentation, the number of implants needed, and how quickly your bone heals and bonds to the implant. Bonding usually takes 2-3 months for most patients.
When the implant has bonded, production and placement of the crown or other restoration can take one to three weeks.
How long will my dental implants last?
Implants are permanent, so with proper care they should last your entire life. Crowns and restorations wear out over time, so they will need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. Regular brushing and flossing will help keep your implant healthy.
How do implants look and feel?
Once they are in place, implants look and feel like natural teeth. They are as strong as natural teeth so you will be able to chew food normally.
How do I take care of my implants?
Although implants don’t get cavities, it’s important to take care of them to prevent gum infections and other complications. Brush and floss around your implant just as you would your natural teeth and go for regular checkups and cleanings to make sure your implant stays healthy.