Dental Implants
Do you have missing teeth that make it challenging to eat, speak, or smile? Are you dealing with damaged teeth that cause discomfort or pain? Dental implants can give you the foundation needed for replacing lost or damaged teeth, and be personalized to your facial structure and bone condition.
Restoring your mouth to healthy function and appearance is important for not only your looks but also your mental, emotional, oral, and total physical health. A cohesive and fully-functioning smile can make you feel a lot better!
While there are many options available to replace missing or broken teeth, dental implants are one of the best out there in terms of durability and look. With dental implants, you can get a natural-looking smile that is just as strong, if not stronger, than your natural teeth. At Torrey Dental in the Pullman area, Dr. Marcus Torrey and his dental team offer dental implant services so you can love your smile again.
Contact us today to set up a dental implant consultation.
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How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants work so well as a tooth replacement option because they are designed similarly to your natural teeth. Teeth have a tooth root that is below the surface of the gums. Having a strong root system ensures the tooth is anchored in place and strong enough to handle eating and chewing.
With dental implants, you get a replacement that functions similarly to a natural tooth. The dental implant is a titanium post placed in the gums. This post acts like an artificial tooth root. After the gums heal around the metal post, a crown goes on top to become your new tooth. The new tooth matches your other teeth; it is both natural-looking and strong.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Every mouth is different, and while we believe dental implants are a very beneficial and secure treatment option, they may not be for everyone. Meeting with you to understand your specific needs and concerns is the best way for us to find out if this is a viable option for you.
Dental implants involve a longer healing process, and they can be a bit more expensive than some other methods—but that accounts for how much longer they last than the usual restoration options.
At your consultation, we will talk with you about all possible treatment options. While dental implants are often the most tooth-like, we can also provide an alternative if they don’t seem like a good option for you.
Top Advantages of Dental Implants
When you have missing or damaged teeth, going about your daily life can be difficult. Tooth issues can impact your quality of life, and they can also impact your self-confidence and happiness. Dental implants can help change that.
Dental implants are popular because they provide many benefits as replacement teeth. Some of the top advantages of dental implants include:
- Long-lasting: While many restorative dentistry and replacement tooth options only last around 10–15 years, dental implants often last at least 20, if not a lifetime.
- Natural: The dental implant acts as the support root for the replacement tooth, creating a natural system that functions like real teeth.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Dental implants match the shade of your other teeth, so they look completely natural.
For these reasons and more, many patients love dental implants. Dr. Torrey and the team will happily talk to you about the process if you have questions. Give us a call to set up your dental implant appointment!
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Proper oral hygiene is always recommended for maintaining good dental health. It is especially important when a patient has received a dental implant, to properly clean and maintain their teeth daily.
It is important for patients with dental implants to:
- Visit the dentist at least twice a year to ensure their implants are healthy
- Brush and floss twice a day
When teeth are not cleaned properly, bacteria can attack sensitive areas in the mouth, such as gums, causing them to swell and gradually recede. This can result in gum disease which can cause your gums and your jawbone to decay.
Dental Implant Procedure Steps
Are you confused about the dental implant procedure? The dental implant procedure requires 2–3 visits over 3–4 months. Here’s an outline of what the process entails:
Step 1: Dental Implant Consult
It all starts with an initial consultation to find out if a dental implant is right for you. At Torrey Dental, Dr. Torrey and his team will take X-rays and digital jaw scans to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
During the consultation, Dr. Torrey will help answer any questions you might have about the procedure and provide you with the dental implant plan designed just for you.
Step 2: Tooth Extraction
It’s time to get excited; you’re about to take the biggest step toward your beautiful new dental implant! If you still have a remaining tooth that needs replacing, Dr, Torrey will remove it before the dental work is performed.
Don’t worry! Dr. Torrey and his team will discuss anesthesia options with you to help you feel numb and comfortable during the procedure.
Step 3: Inserting the Dental Implant
The main step in this process is inserting the titanium post into your jaw. During this procedure, Dr. Torrey will open a hole in the gum to access the jawbone. He will then insert the implant post that will replicate the root of your artificial tooth.
Step 4: Abutment Placement
Next, Dr. Torrey will place the abutment. This is the part that screws into the implant and on which we will attach the crown. Depending on different patient needs, a temporary crown will be placed to wear for about 4-6 weeks while your custom-fit permanent crown is being made.
Step 5: Healing
You’ll then be given instructions on how to care for the implant during healing. Over the next month or two, your implant will integrate with your jaw, creating a solid foundation for your new tooth.
Step 6: Crown Placement
The last step in this process is to place the crown, which is the piece that people will see, and the piece that looks like the real tooth! Dr. Torrey will attach it to the abutment and your tooth will be ready for use!
What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery
Directly after surgery, our dental team will send you home with instructions for the following 72 hours, including how to manage symptoms. If symptoms persist, please call our office to speak with our dental professionals.
As with any oral surgery, you’ll most likely experience some pain, swelling, maybe some bruising, and minimal bleeding after implant placement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Almost anyone who is missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth is a candidate for dental implants. If you are wondering if you are a candidate you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Torrey.
What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
Like any minor oral surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, inflammation, or pain. You can discuss these disadvantages with Dr. Torrey to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
It can vary from individual to individual depending on health and habits. For a healthy individual with good oral hygiene and good health, dental implants are predictably successful with reported success rates above 90–95 percent!
Are dental implants removable like dentures?
Dental implants are fixed solidly in the bone to create a natural-feeling tooth replacement. Some restorations can be made to snap on and off of the denture post itself. If you’re interested in snap-on dentures or bridges, talk to Dr. Torrey.
Do dental implants last?
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are not susceptible to dental disease and decay; however, the health of the gums is vital to maintaining lasting implant success. Patients should maintain good oral care at home while also attending to professional cleanings at least twice a year.
Are dental implants safe?
Although not everyone is familiar with dental implants, dentists have been using them for many years. Over time, the technology for dental implants has continued to improve and evolve. Today, dental implants are considered one of the safest and most reliable ways to replace missing teeth.
How painful is getting a dental implant?
Each person feels pain or discomfort differently, so it can be challenging to pinpoint precisely how you will react to the procedure. Most people report getting their implant was less uncomfortable than they thought it would be.
Here at Torrey Dental, we take every precaution to help provide a calm and relaxing environment during procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Torrey will explain anesthesia options to help reduce pain during your dental implant process.
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
The timeline of the implant process is different for everyone. The number of teeth being replaced and the number of extractions needed can affect how long the whole process will take. Generally, it can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months in most cases.
How common are dental implants?
Tooth loss is a prevalent issue nationwide. Due to this, dental implant use has grown into a common practice throughout the nation. Dental implants are more reliable and provide a more natural appearance compared to full or partial dentures. Dental implants can last significantly longer than other dental restoration forms.
What do dental implants cost?
One question many people have is about the cost of dental implants. The exact price will vary depending on many factors, such as the number of implants and dental insurance. If you have dental insurance, it may cover some or all of the cost. If you would like to learn more about the costs and the process, don’t hesitate to call our office!
Why Choose Torrey Dental for Your Dental Implant Needs
Going through the dental implant process can be intimidating for most patients. Here at Torrey Dental, we believe in providing quality and personalized care to our patients. Our job is to help patients feel confident in their treatment plans.
No question or concern is overlooked at Torrey Dental. Dr. Torrey and his team will help answer any questions and guide you along your dental implant journey.
Solutions That Enhance Lives
When it comes to replacing teeth that are missing or damaged, you have several options. However, dental implants offer benefits that other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, just can’t offer.
- Prevent Bone Loss: When you lose teeth, you tend to lose bone mass in your jaw. Dental implants are the only replacement option that also facilitates jaw bone stimulation.
- Match Your Natural Teeth: Dental implants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Dr. Torrey will work with you to design implants that match the color of your surrounding teeth and fit perfectly in the gap.
- Restore Bite Force: Dental implants are anchored into your jaw with a titanium post that replaces the tooth root. This allows you to bite with more or less the same amount of force you could with your natural teeth.
- Enable Natural Speech: Some tooth replacement options, like dentures, impact the ability to pronounce words correctly. Dental implants feel and function like natural teeth which will enable you to speak easily and naturally.
- Won’t Get Cavities: Artificial teeth still need to be cared for to prevent bacteria from building up, but the material that is used won’t decay. You’ll never have to worry about getting cavities on your dental implants!
Request an Appointment to Learn More!
Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement solution, whether you have one or multiple damaged or missing teeth. The best way to know if you’d be a good candidate for dental implants is to set up a consultation.
Contact Torrey Dental today to learn more about dental implants!
