Dental Implants
Seattle, WA
 At Pacific Modern Dentistry, we specialize in several dental implant treatments, as well as preliminary procedures to ensure you qualify for treatment. Over the past few decades, implants have become the industry standard when it comes to tooth replacements. Whether you are missing one tooth or all your teeth, implant treatment may be the ideal solution!
One of the biggest benefits of implants is superior esthetics. Your implant-supported restoration will be fabricated using porcelain, zirconia, or some other type of ceramic. This material can be colored, shaped, and textured to match the appearance of natural enamel.
Patients that have little or no teeth could benefit from a treatment concept known as Teeth in a Day. The Teeth in a Day concept allows us to place your implants and full-arch restoration within a single appointment, eliminating the need for a temporary appliance. A full-arch implant restoration will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth!
Most people healthy enough to undergo minor oral surgery should qualify for implants. During your consultation, Dr. Jae Seon Kim will review your medical history and perform a thorough examination to determine if implants are right for you. Your exam may include digital x-rays, CBCT scans, and other 3-D imaging technology.
A dental implant is a titanium post that we place underneath the gum tissue and into the jawbone. The titanium post then fuses to the bone in the following month's thanks to a process known as osseointegration. Osseointegration allows implants to serve as the root component for a single crown, fixed bridge, or full-arch restoration.
Because the implant fuses to the bone, your restoration will function just like a natural tooth. This makes implant appliances much more convenient than removable alternatives like dentures. Most implant-supported restorations can be maintained with daily brushing and flossing and routine checkups and cleanings.
The upper posterior (back) teeth are among the hardest to restore. This area of the jaw does not typically have enough naturally-occurring bone to support an implant. In this case, we may recommend a sinus lift. During the procedure, we gently lift up the sinus membrane to make space for grafting material, which improves the quality and quantity of bone.
When you lose a tooth, you lose the physical stimulation that keeps your bone healthy and strong. Over time, the bone will deteriorate, affecting your facial appearance and chances of receiving an implant. We perform a socket graft immediately following a tooth extraction to prevent bone deterioration.
Grafting material can come from your bone, a donor, an animal (usually a cow), or a laboratory (synthetics). Regardless of the source, your grafting material is designed to foster the growth of new, healthier, and stronger bone. Bone regeneration is often an integral part of implant treatment.
During ridge augmentation, we use grafting material to repair an empty socket or widen the jaw for implant treatment. You may need a ridge augmentation due to periodontal disease, tooth loss, trauma, or denture use.
Bone grafting is often a preliminary procedure for implant treatment. You may need a bone graft if your jawbone is too thin or too soft to support an implant on its own. The type of graft we recommend depends on the location and severity of your bone deterioration.
A soft tissue graft can help correct the harmful effects of periodontal (gum) disease, especially severe gum recession. We usually recommend a soft tissue graft if you have exposed roots at risk for decay or disease. After your graft, your gums should return to a healthier, fuller state.
Schedule a Consultation
Find out if dental implants are right for you! Call (206)284-4505 to schedule your consultation today!
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