Dental Implants

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Dental implants in Longview, Washington

Losing a tooth through an accident or bad oral hygiene and tooth decay can cause a massive lack of self-esteem and shyness when smiling naturally. Tooth loss not only affects our physical appearance but can also start a process in which the teeth move inside the archway into the space left by the missing tooth. 

This grave situation can eventually ruin dental care overall health by misaligning the jaw and bite. Taking too much time to get a dental replacement can damage the structure of the maxillary bone and can even alter speech.

We live in exciting dental times. Getting back to flashing a healthy and natural smile is possible thanks to dental implant surgery. Permanent dental implants are the most durable, effective, and long-term solution to teeth loss. Apart from that, the replacement teeth match perfectly with your natural teeth.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made from titanium that replaces natural tooth roots, either because of a previous extraction or because teeth were absent. The titanium root is surgically inserted into the jaw. Once healed, a crown (the artificial tooth) is placed upon the metal post. Click here to learn more.

Dental implants are permanent, stable replacements that can replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or all your teeth. 

Dental implantology is the most advanced technology to replace lost teeth. Thanks to implants, it is possible to recover the functionality and aesthetics of the mouth.

What should I expect in a dental implant procedure?

During the treatment of dental implants, the teeth in good condition remain intact, focusing only on restoring the missing teeth. The placement of an implant is done through surgical intervention and always under local anesthesia.

The dental implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. A period of healing is required to allow the bone to begin to bond with the biocompatible post. Once bonded completely, the titanium post fuses to your bone, becoming a part of you. Following this healing period, Dr. Gourley will place the dental implant restoration or replacement tooth, which fits on top of the implant post. Read here to learn more.

Depending on personal dental needs and which teeth are missing, your implant restoration might be a single tooth dental crown, dental bridge, complete denture, or partial denture. Each dental implant restoration is custom-made to fit your smile comfortably and aesthetically. After placing an implant post in your jaw bone, your dentist will create a durable, natural-looking crown to top the post and blend in perfectly with your smile.

To guarantee a quality service, at Apple Family Dental in Longview, WA., we pay special attention to treatment planning. We have the latest state-of-the-art technology to perform complete studies of each patient’s case before beginning surgery.

Dr. Gourley can accurately analyze the exact situation of bone and soft tissues and anticipate the need for bone grafting in advance. We only work with high-quality materials that allow us to achieve the best success rates. 

What are the benefits of dental implants?

  • Bone loss prevention, caused by the gap left by the missing tooth.
  • Improves chewing and restores the use of the teeth.
  • Osseointegration: bone and the dental implant fuse together, creating a solid and robust union.
  • The most durable option.
  • Returns the natural aesthetic of our mouth.
  • Improves self-esteem.

Replacing a missing tooth can restore your smile to optimal oral health, function, and appearance. A dental implant is a gold standard for restoring smiles because the implant looks, functions, and feels just like your natural teeth. With proper care, the implant can last a lifetime. 

What is the downside of dental implants?

With any surgical procedure, there are risks. The risks for dental implants include infection, damage to other teeth, delayed bone healing, nerve damage, prolonged bleeding, jaw fractures, and more. But all in all, the success rate of implants is relatively high at 90-95. If you are willing to take these risks, dental implants might be right for you.

Dr. Gourley at Apple Family Dental is extensively trained in dental implant procedures. Are you plagued by your gaps and want more information on replacing missing teeth through implant dentistry permanently? Then schedule a consultation at our practice in Longview, Washington.

We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your best smile.  

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