Dental implants are a surgery option that helps people who have lost their teeth get back a regular life.
Implants look and feel just like real teeth and are the best choice among all other cosmetic dentistry procedures.
At Thurston Oaks Dental, we are proud to have the best implant dentist in Vancouver.
If you need professional dental implants in Vancouver, WA our team is here to help.
Give us a call at (360) 514-9212 or schedule a consultation today!
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What Are Dental Implants?
In simple terms, dental implants are human-made tooth roots. They are made of materials like ceramic and titanium that are put in the jaw with surgery.
Once they are in place, they act as strong anchors for replacement teeth.
A big advantage of dental implants is that they stop the jawbone from getting weaker. When a tooth is lost, the bone around it can weaken over time because it is not being used.
Implants work like natural tooth roots, keeping the jawbone strong and healthy.
Another good thing about dental implants is how long they last. If you take care of them properly, they can last a lifetime. This is different from bridges or dentures, which might need to be replaced every few years.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Dental implants are much more stable and comfortable compared to dentures. Dentures can move when eating or talking, but implants stay firmly in the jawbone.
This stability means you can eat and speak confidently without worrying about dentures moving around.
Another important benefit is that implants help keep the jawbone healthy. When a tooth is lost, nearby teeth might move, affecting how you bite and chew.
Implants fill in this space, keeping the other teeth in place and healthy.
Dental implants are easy to take care of. You just need to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly, which is similar to caring for natural teeth.
You do not need messy adhesives or special cleaning solutions like you would with dentures. Additionally, dental implants are durable and long-lasting.
With proper care, they can last a lifetime, eliminating the need for frequent replacements that dentures may require.
Implants also look and feel like natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, providing a seamless and natural appearance.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer numerous benefits, including a natural look and feel that mimics real teeth, stability for adjacent teeth, restoration of facial appearance by preventing jawbone loss, and improved speaking and chewing functionality.
Below are some of the key benefits of implants:
Support Speaking and Chewing
When speaking and chewing, dental implants behave more like natural teeth compared to traditional dentures or bridges.
They also aid in maintaining speech patterns by filling gaps in teeth that affect air passage during speech.
Improve Natural Appearance and Comfort
A dental implant serves as an artificial root for your tooth, allowing for the placement of a crown that closely resembles the look and feel of a natural tooth.
This option often feels more comfortable compared to alternatives such as dentures.
A 2016 study from Sweden revealed that 94 percent of 400 respondents expressed satisfaction with the aesthetics of their implant.
Preserves Adjacent Teeth
Loss of a tooth can lead to neighboring teeth shifting toward the gap, impacting your bite and chewing ability. Implants fill this space and maintain the health of surrounding teeth by preventing their movement.
Restoration of Facial Appearance
The loss of a tooth or teeth can result in jawbone loss, altering facial features such as sagging skin, collapsed cheeks, a sunken appearance, or bite misalignment.
These changes are often most noticeable when multiple teeth are missing. Dental implants help prevent such changes by preserving the structural integrity of the jaw and preventing bone loss.
Types of Dental Implants
There are different types of dental implants to suit different needs: Endosteal implants, the most common, are placed directly into the jawbone.
On the other hand, subperiosteal implants sit on top of the jawbone and are good for patients with less bone height.
All-on-4 implants support a full set of teeth with just four implants. We also have zygomatic implants that anchor in the cheekbone. They are useful when there is not enough jawbone for an endosteal implant.
Immediate-load implants are those that allow for a temporary crown on the same day.
Understanding these types helps when selecting the best option for each person. Our Vancouver all-on-4 implant dentist can guide you to the best choice.
Dental Implant Procedure
Getting dental implants usually involves a few steps.
First, the dentist checks your oral health and might remove any damaged teeth.
Then, the implant, usually made of titanium, is put into the jawbone with surgery.
Over some months, the implant bonds with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
Finally, once the implant is firmly in place, a custom-made crown is attached to make it look and work like a real tooth.
Dental Implant FAQ
Many patients are looking to find a reliable dental implant expert. At our dental implant Vancouver clinic, we meet such patients daily.
They have many concerns, just as you may also have. Below, we have compiled a list of questions patients commonly ask before implants.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
During the procedure, local anesthesia is used, so discomfort is minimal. Post-surgery, mild soreness can be managed with prescribed medications.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants have a lifespan of at least 10 years. However, they can last a lifetime. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential.
What is the Recovery Time for Dental Implant Surgery?
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week. Full integration of the implant with the jawbone can take a few months.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
Generally, candidates for dental implants should have good overall health and adequate jawbone structure. Your dentist will evaluate your suitability.
Are Dental Implants Expensive?
The cost can vary based on how many implants you need and other factors. They are a long-term investment in your oral health.
Dental Implants in Vancouver!
Thinking about getting dental implants starts with asking the right questions. This article covers many common questions about dental implants.
But to know for sure if implants are right for you, you will need an exam and consultation.
For dental implants in Vancouver, WA Thurston Oaks Dental can help. You can trust our experience and success as dental experts.
To set up a consultation or appointment, call us at (360) 514-9212 today!
