Dental Implants in Bellevue, WA

If you are looking for a long-lasting solution to replace a missing tooth or teeth, dental implants from Premier Periodontics may be a great choice. Dental implants are biocompatible posts often made of titanium and surgically placed in the upper or lower jawbone to replace the natural tooth root. Dental implants look, act, and feel like real tooth structure and can be placed in the front or back of the mouth. To fix a gap in your smile or restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably after tooth loss, request a consultation at Premier Periodontics to learn if implants are right for you. Our board-certified periodontists use state-of-the-art procedures to perform implant surgery and are pleased to offer implant solutions to patients in the Bellevue, WA and surrounding Seattle area.

Dental implant surgery can be beneficial to your oral and overall health. It assists in remedying the effects that come with tooth loss and can revitalize your smile. Dental implants carry multiple benefits, whether you are getting an implant for a front tooth or in the back of your mouth. Some of the most common benefits of dental implants include:

• Enhanced facial appearance
• Long lasting: up to 30 years
• Do not decay
• Improved speech
• Bite and chew with greater ease
• Safeguard against jaw deterioration

Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or a whole missing arch with an implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture. Implants can be cleaned just like your natural teeth with daily flossing and brushing and routine care from your general dentist.

During your dental implant consultation, our specialists will assess the health of your gums and jawbone to determine if a dental implant is a viable option. You may be an ideal candidate for a dental implant if you:

• Need to replace one or more missing or damaged teeth
• Have a traditional bridge or denture tooth replacement but are dissatisfied with its look, fit, or comfort
• Have healthy gums and adequate bone support in the jaw
• Are looking for a long-term tooth replacement
• Do not clench or grind your teeth
• Good oral hygiene
• Do not smoke or use tobacco products

In some cases, a bone graft may be completed prior to implant surgery to strengthen the foundation necessary for long-term implant success. If you are searching for an implant specialist in Seattle, WA or the surrounding areas, please contact Premier Periodontics to schedule a visit.

During your implant consultation at one of our Seattle-area offices, our team will take 3D cone beam images of your mouth and jaw to assess your oral health and tooth replacement needs. These detailed images will allow us to precisely plan where to position your implant posts within your jaw. Before the implant is placed, you may need to have damaged teeth extracted and a bone graft performed. In a number of cases, we can remove a tooth, perform a bone graft, and place a dental implant all within the same visit.

When it is time to place the implant, local anesthesia will be administered to the treatment area to numb your mouth. Sedation methods may be used to keep you comfortable throughout the treatment. Our implant surgeons will make an incision in your gums and prepare your jawbone to receive the implant using the minimally invasive Densah Protocol. This advanced approach can enhance the stability of your implant and encourage a faster healing response. Once the titanium post is inserted into the jawbone, the incision will be closed with part of the post exposed above the gumline. The process will continue if multiple implants are required.

Following your dental implant surgery at Premier Periodontics, you may have short-term inflammation in your mouth and face, as well as bruising, discomfort, and minor bleeding. Our team will explain what to expect and when to contact our office to report symptoms. Pain relievers may also be prescribed to keep you comfortable while you recover.

As the implant integrates into the bone and gum over the next few months, providing a solid foundation for your replacement teeth, a temporary restoration may be used to protect the post and maintain your oral needs. Once the implant has healed into your jaw and gums, your restorative dentist can then create your custom restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) and attach it securely to your implant post(s).

Dental implant surgery may be covered at varying levels by individual insurance plans. Prior to your procedure, our staff will review your plan and let you know of any estimated personal costs for your treatment. The Premier Periodontics team wants you to get the specialized care you need and strives to make high-quality services affordable for Seattle dental implant patients. We are pleased to accept an array of easy payment options, including special 12-month financing and CareCredit® plans for dental implant procedures.

Do dental implants really work like natural teeth?

Dental implants are often a preferred solution for tooth loss because they mimic the function, appearance, and feel of natural teeth. Implants can also offer increased biting stability over removable tooth replacement options, such as full or partial dentures. Thanks to advancements in technology, implants can often function within 90% of the efficiency of real teeth in terms of how they feel as well as their biting and chewing ability.

How soon can I eat after getting a dental implant?

Our implant specialists in Seattle, WA, may recommend a soft-food diet following your dental implant surgery and until your implant restoration is ready to be placed. Once your dental implant is complete and your crown, bridge, or denture has been securely attached, you can enjoy your favorite foods, and you will typically have few (if any) dietary restrictions.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can be a long-lasting tooth replacement option when they are cared for properly, and may even last a lifetime for some patients. They are also impervious to decay and will not develop cavities. While the dental implant screw may never need to be replaced, the implant restoration might require replacement over time due to natural wear and tear in the mouth. To help ensure your implant lasts as long as possible, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene each day as recommended by your implant surgeon and general dentist, follow any guidelines given by your dental team, attend routine visits for cleanings and exams, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How much does a dental implant cost?

The cost of dental implants in Seattle, WA, varies among patients and from case to case. Factors that affect the price of implants include the number of teeth to replace, the type of restoration chosen, and whether or not any preparatory procedures are required (such as bone grafting). In general, however, the cost of an implant is often comparable to that of a fixed dental bridge.

Dental implants are preferred by many patients for their ability to mimic natural teeth and provide long-term tooth replacement results. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or an entire arch, we invite you to meet with our implant surgeons and learn if this option is right for your smile. If you are in need of dental implants in Bellevue, WA or other communities throughout Greater Seattle, please contact us today to schedule an appointment at Premier Periodontics.