Dental Implants for Edmonds, WA
What are Dental Implants?
Do you have missing or severely damaged teeth? Are you tired of dentures that slip and slide? Dental implants may be the solution for you!
Dental implants can restore your ability to smile with confidence and chew your favorite foods again. Dr. Youssef knows that dental implants for Edmonds, WA patients have many benefits and he often recommends them over dental bridges.
Benefits include:
Have Questions About Dental Implants in Edmonds, WA?
- What is a dental implant?
Understanding the makeup of a dental implant reveals why it is a superior choice for replacing missing teeth. As pictured, there are three parts to a dental implant:
- Crown—A custom-made, durable porcelain tooth is securely attached to the abutment and fills the space left by your missing tooth. Your crown will match your natural teeth to look and feel like a real tooth.
- Abutment—This titanium piece connects the implant root to the crown.
- Implant Root—A bio-compatible, titanium screw is placed on the jawbone, and with time, it fuses to become a permanent part of your bone. This process is known as osseointegration. This method provides long-lasting stability and prevents bone deterioration associated with tooth loss.
- Will the procedure hurt? Although the process sounds frightening, in the hands of a skilled and gentle dental surgeon like Dr. Youssef, your dental implant procedure will not be painful. What can you expect?
- A local anesthetic is given (usually about the same amount as a filing), and a small incision is made into the gums where the implant will be placed.
- Once the implant is delivered, your gums will be sutured.
- You will be fitted with a temporary crown while your implant heals for roughly 2-4 months.
- After your dental implant heals, the abutment will be attached to the implant root. Your permanent restoration will be created based on an impression made of the abutment.
If you are anxious about the implant procedure, we offer sedation options to make you more comfortable.
- How long will it take? The primary advantage of dental implants is the stability created as the implant root or screw fuses with your jawbone. Just like it takes time for a bone break to heal, it will take on average 2-4 months for your dental implant to become part of your jawbone. During the healing process, you will wear a temporary crown so you can eat and drink normally, and never have to go without a beautiful smile!
- How much do dental implants cost? Most people think that dental implants are more expensive than alternative methods of tooth replacement, like bridges or dentures. Although dental implants can carry a higher initial cost in comparison to other solutions, a patient needs to consider the long-term cost benefits. Dental implants can save you from future expenses such as:
- Problems associated with jaw bone deterioration which causes gum shrinkage and a sunken-looking appearance.
- Decay that typically occurs to adjacent teeth securing a bridge. Since these healthy teeth need to be prepared to secure the bridge, they are more vulnerable to future decay, nerve damage, and root canals.
- Dental implants can last a lifetime without extensive future repairs, replacements, and procedures while bridges need replacing after 10 years.
The condition of your teeth, gums, and overall health will impact the cost of your dental implant procedure. If you have lost significant jawbone density or have been diagnosed with periodontal disease additional procedures may be necessary. Dr. Youssef can provide a cost estimate for your treatment after your free initial consultation.
Benefit from Modern Dental Implant Technology at Affinity Dentistry
Not all dentists offer the same expertise, training, artistic ability, or technology in providing your dental implant. Affinity Contemporary Dentistry is one of the few Edmonds, WA dental implant offices that use all the following:
- Integrated Cone Beam and Digital Scanning Careful implant planning is essential to the success of the procedure. Using integrated cone beam and digital scanning, we can virtually place your dental implant and crown in the ideal location. We can then create a digital surgical guide for minimally-invasive, accurate placement.
- Digital Impressions Digital impressions create a virtual replica of the hard and soft tissues in the mouth that are more accurate and comfortable than the gooey, impression material that causes many patients to gag.
- CAD/CAM Your implant dentist can use CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) to scan your mouth and create your permanent implant crown in the office while you wait. Save a trip to the dental office!
- Cone Beam CT Dr. Youssef uses CBCT technology to generate 3D images of dental structures, such as soft tissues, nerve paths and bone for precise treatment planning.
- Digital Workflow We streamline the workflow by having scans, images, and notes together digitally. This allows your dental implant specialist to reduce procedure time and ensures your successful results.
- Bone Grafting If your jaw bone is too thin or too soft to support the implant root, bone grafting may be necessary to replace and regenerate lost bone.
- Guided Bone Regeneration If you have dentures or missing teeth for many years, your jaw bone density will diminish. Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) can facilitate bone regeneration if the jaw bone thickness is insufficient for an implant.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants in Edmonds, WA?
Could Dr. Youssef give your smile a second chance? He will evaluate your overall health, jawbone density, and gum tissue to determine if your missing teeth can be replaced with permanent, natural-looking dental implants!
Find out if you’re a candidate by taking advantage of our complimentary implant consult appointment ($350 value).
‘‘The staff is very kind and helpful. The doctor is excellent and very thoughtful. He has amazing technology, cameras, and other equipment. He made a new crown for me on the spot with some high tech equipment. Excellent service.’’
S. Knorring (Actual Patient)