Long-Lasting Tooth Replacements
At Whidbey Dental Associates, replacing lost, damaged, or decayed teeth is more than just a procedure – it’s one of our passions. We know how quickly missing teeth can affect an individual’s confidence and well-being. It’s our mission to help patients find the best solution for their oral health needs, which is why we offer dental implants.
To help restore our patients’ smiles, our Oak Harbor dentists offer this long-lasting tooth replacement treatment. By relying on the latest dental technologies and techniques, we’re able to help patients live without restrictions and more confidence with natural-looking, fully functional dental implants.
What is a Dental Implant?
At their core, a dental implant is a prosthetic device that is surgically placed into the jawbone. During recovery, the bone grows around the implant through a naturally-occurring process known as osseointegration. This creates a sturdy foundation for the remaining components of the implants and ultimately leaves patients with a healthy, stable, and reliable bite. After recovery, patients return to our dental office to have the final tooth restoration placed and secured with an abutment.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Many of the advantages offered by dental implants come from their surgical placement. Rather than relying on neighboring teeth, adhesion, or suction to hold them in place, implants are independently secured to your smile. This leads to a number of benefits, including:
Jawbone Preservation
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option to provide proper stimulation to the jawbone. While denture or bridge patients often face bone deterioration or resorption over time, implants help stimulate bone regeneration. In the long-run, this helps patients avoid the need for extensive bone grafting or prosthetic replacement while preventing the appearance of premature aging.
Improved Speech and Bite
Too often, patients with removable prosthetics face a future of instability. Even with thick layers of adhesion, their denture will come loose, often at the least convenient moment. As the bone deteriorates, dentures become ill-fitting, making basic dental function painful and frustrating. Dental implants are permanently placed into the jawbone, and given sufficient time to become a part of your smile, they improve your ability to bite, chew, swallow, and speak with confidence.
Improved Oral Health
One of the most important advantages of this tooth replacement option is its easy maintenance and longevity. Whereas dentures and bridges require special daily care in order to preserve your oral health, dental implants are cleaned and cared for just like your natural teeth. To help them last for their full potential, patients need to also visit our dentists in Oak Harbor for routine cleanings and exams.
Dental Implant Options in Oak Harbor
One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is their adaptability. While traditional prosthetics require a certain number of teeth to be missing in order for patients to qualify, implants provide the flexibility to support any sized restoration. At Whidbey Dental Associates, we tailor dental implant solutions to your smile and offer advanced dental implant options including single-tooth or multi-tooth replacements, and All-on-4.
Our office is known for providing high-quality dentistry with a personalized touch. We utilize the latest technologies in order to create the best treatment strategies for your unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last for decades and may even last for the rest of your life. They’re made from durable and biocompatible materials that become a part of your natural jawbone. You won’t have to worry about breaking your implant, because it’s made to function like a natural tooth.
Your dental implant will last for much longer if you take care of it through routine oral hygiene. This is easy because implants don’t require any special care beyond regular brushing and flossing.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants varies depending on your unique situation. The number of implants, the type of implant, and whether you need supplemental procedures are all factors that can affect the cost of your treatment.
Dental implants are made from high-grade biocompatible materials that are meant to last for a lifetime. Though treatment costs may seem high, implants are an investment in your health and appearance that confer benefits no other tooth-replacement option can.
While lower-cost dental implant procedures might be tempting, it’s important to remember that these providers may be cutting costs and eliminating parts of the treatment that are essential for your safety. Here at Whidbey Dental Associates, your safety and satisfaction are paramount.
How do you take care of your dental implants after the procedure?
Dental implants can be taken care of daily through regular brushing and flossing. You don’t need to pay any special attention to them — just treat them like natural teeth. Cleaning your implants properly helps them to last longer and keeps your mouth healthy.
Routine visits to our office are also recommended. At your appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and implant, ensuring they’re healthy. We’ll also clean your mouth thoroughly and remove any spots of plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach areas.
While implants are easy to care for on a daily basis, you’ll have to be careful right after your procedure. Avoid using a straw, spit gently, and stick to soft foods until you’ve healed.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are safe. They’re one of the safest dental procedures because they have such a high success rate. Complications with dental implants are rare.
Dental implants are made of high-quality biocompatible materials, so they’re safe for your body. The dental implant fixture will integrate directly into your jawbone, becoming a natural part of your mouth through a process called osseointegration.
Does insurance cover my dental implants procedure?
Many insurance providers cover at least part of the cost of dental implants. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to find out the details of your plan and what your dental implant coverage looks like.
If you’re worried about affording dental implants, don’t hesitate to talk to our office about it. We accept many payment options and offer financing options, which break down your treatment costs into smaller monthly payments.
What do I do in the event of a complication with my implants?
If you have an issue with your dental implants, contact our office at (360) 675-6404 so we can help you. We can schedule an appointment to examine your dental implant and correct the issue so you’ll be able to enjoy your new tooth.
Complications with dental implants are rare and dental implants have a very high success rate. But in the event of a complication, know that we’re here for you.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
It doesn’t take long for missing teeth to affect your overall well-being and quality of life. In order to prevent any compromise in your dental and overall health, it’s critical that patients find a permanent and effective tooth replacement option. Explore your options by visiting our dedicated website on dental implants and then schedule your consultation with our team today. We look forward to seeing you smile!