Prosthodontics – Dental Implant
Seattle, WA

Seattle dentist operatory room with a screen to view dental x-rays at Pacific Modern Dentistry.

Tooth loss can happen for some different reasons, including gum disease, facial trauma, or severe tooth decay. Teeth may fall out on their own, or they may need to be extracted. However you lose your teeth, it is essential that you replace them right away. Traditionally, teeth have been replaced with bridges or dentures. At Pacific Modern Dentistry, we can provide you with an alternative using dental implants.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a treatment used to replace missing teeth. While the concept of implants has been around for thousands of years, the implants we use today to replace teeth are the result of an accidental discovery in the 1950s. During this time, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon found that bone fused to titanium. This discovery led him to the eventual development of modern-day dental implants. Since their discovery, continued research and development have led to the implants we use now.
Dental implants consist of three components.

•	The post. The post, typically made from a titanium alloy, is the piece surgically placed in your jawbone. The bone fuses to it, stabilizing it in your jaw in a natural process called osseointegration. The post becomes a replacement root.
•	The abutment. The abutment is the connector that provides stability for the crown.
•	The crown. The crown, made from ceramic, is made to look and function exactly like your real tooth. It is secured into place on the implant post with a small screw.

Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants are incredibly versatile and can be used in many different situations. Types of dental implants include:

•	Single tooth. A single tooth implant is used to replace an individual tooth. A single crown provides support for a single tooth.
•	Multiple teeth. Also called an implant supported bridge, this restoration is used to replace two or more consecutive missing teeth.
•	Full arch restorations. This type of restoration is also called an implant supported denture, and is used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Typically, 6 to 8 implant posts are used with this treatment. However, if you lack the necessary bone mass to support these posts, you may be a candidate for the All on 4 treatment concept. This alternative full arch restoration uses only 4 posts to support your replacement teeth. The posts are placed to maximize contact with existing bone mass, enabling you to avoid a bone graft.

What to Expect During Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants require a surgical procedure for placement. The procedure is done under a local anesthetic and sedation. Small incisions are made in the gums, which provides access to the jawbone. Next, holes are drilled into the bone, and the titanium posts are placed directly inside. Your gums are sutured closed, and temporary teeth are placed.

As you heal, your jawbone gradually fuses to the implant posts, stabilizing them in your jaw. Healing can take several weeks to several months. Once you have fully healed, impressions of your mouth are taken, and your permanent restorations are created and placed.

What Benefits Do Implants Offer?

There are many benefits associated with dental implants.

•	Your new teeth look, feel, and function exactly like your real teeth.
•	The dental restorations are supported by the posts, which are secured in your jawbone. This provides greater comfort, avoiding pressure on your gums or adjacent teeth.
•	You can brush and floss your new teeth just like your natural teeth.
•	The posts hold your teeth securely in place, preventing them from slipping out of place or falling out.
•	The posts restore stimulation to your jawbone, which aids in stopping and preventing bone loss in your jaw.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Dental Implants?

Even though there are some incredible benefits that come with dental implants, there are also a few drawbacks as well.

•	You need to undergo surgery for implant placement.
•	Healing can take several weeks to several months.
•	Health factors and lifestyle habits can impact healing and the success of your implants.
•	If you do not have enough bone mass in your jaw, implants may not integrate properly, or at all. This could mean that you need a bone graft first.
•	Implants can be expensive.

Dental implants are an incredible treatment that provides you with a unique alternative to bridges and dentures. Call Pacific Modern Dentistry today at (206)284-4505 to learn more and find out if dental implants are right for you.