Single Tooth Dental Implants

When faced with the loss of a single tooth, a dental implant coupled with a crown emerges as a viable solution. This approach effectively replaces both the missing natural tooth and its root, ensuring a comprehensive restoration of both form and function. Dental implants stand out among various tooth replacement options due to their ability to seamlessly mimic the appearance and performance of natural teeth while preserving the integrity of adjacent teeth—a crucial advantage over conventional tooth-supported fixed bridges.

Benefits of a Single Tooth Dental Implant

One of the primary benefits of opting for a single-tooth dental implant over a bridge lies in its capacity to maintain the health of surrounding teeth. Unlike bridges, which necessitate the alteration of neighboring teeth to support the prosthetic structure, dental implants stand independently, thus obviating the need for any modification of adjacent healthy teeth. Consequently, the structural integrity and vitality of neighboring teeth remain uncompromised, contributing to overall oral health and stability.

The inclusion of a dental implant addresses the issue of bone preservation, a critical aspect of long-term dental health. By replacing the natural tooth root, implants integrate with the jawbone, fostering bone health and preventing the resorption or deterioration commonly associated with bridges.

This not only sustains the structural integrity of the jawbone but also ensures a more aesthetically pleasing outcome over time, as it mitigates potential complications such as gum recession and bone loss beneath the prosthetic structure. Thus, opting for a single-tooth dental implant not only offers immediate functional and aesthetic benefits but also promotes enduring oral health and well-being.


Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

An individual is deemed an optimal candidate for a dental implant under the following conditions: They maintain good overall physical and oral well-being, possess sufficient jaw bone to accommodate the implant, and exhibit healthy gum tissues devoid of periodontal disease. Dental implants are intricately linked with both the soft tissues, such as gums, and the underlying hard tissues, namely bone, within the oral cavity.

Types of Dental Implants

Single Tooth Dental Implant

A single-tooth dental implant offers distinct advantages over alternative tooth replacement methods. Firstly, it closely resembles and operates like a natural tooth, thus providing a seamless aesthetic and functional solution.

Moreover, unlike a tooth-supported fixed bridge, which necessitates the alteration of adjacent healthy teeth to support the bridge, a dental implant preserves the integrity of neighboring teeth by independently replacing the missing tooth without impacting surrounding dental structures.

Multiple Tooth Implants

Multiple tooth implants offer distinct advantages over fixed bridges and removable partial dentures. Beyond their ability to closely resemble and operate like natural teeth, multiple tooth dental implants stand out by replacing teeth without relying on adjacent natural teeth for support. This stands in contrast to conventional treatments for multiple tooth loss, such as fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, which are contingent upon the support provided by neighboring teeth.

As a result, multiple tooth implants not only provide a seamless and functional replacement for missing teeth but also eliminate the need to compromise the integrity of adjacent teeth, thus promoting long-term oral health and stability.


Do Dental Implants Work Well For The Elderly?

No One Is Too Old For Implants

For some of you in the elderly group category, you might want to ask if dental implants can work for you as it does with the younger set of adults. Fortunately, dental implants are just as effective and long-lasting in older age. A lot of dentists’ experience and clinical studies say so. Learn more here.

Some experts say that if you are over age 60, you may want to consider the risks of implants. According to a 2020 published study, older persons have a slower healing time from a surgical procedure, such as implant surgery. They also have other preexisting conditions that may be affected, like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. As such, the elderly may have compromised bone health from the procedure. Nonetheless, as an elderly, discuss options with your surgeon if you’re concerned about any of these risks prior to getting dental implants.

Due to the support of this growing trend of dental implant placement in older adults, a retrospective study reported the five-year implant survival rate in elderly patients was 99.0% and the 10-year cumulative survival rate was 98.1%. Clearly, this demonstrates that dental implants work well in this population.

There is also another study where patients between 66 and 93 years of age, who received implants had excellent implant survival rates, low periodontal disease index scores, minimal changes in interproximal bone health, and outstanding quality of life scores. Additionally, they suggest this cohort can be maintained in good oral health. The study also showed that implants proved to work well in elderly people or patients with reduced bone density and heal with the same predictability as those in younger groups. In many cases implants, rather than dentures, are the treatment of choice for the senior ones.

The take-away here is that dental implants improve the quality of life for many older patients by enabling better and quality nutritional intake and encouraging a more active social lifestyle.

Moreover, depending on the professional provider’s training, skill and confidence, older patients with many medical conditions can take advantage of recent advances in oral healthcare, like implants. With the appropriate patient and proper treatment planning, adults in their 90s can still benefit from implant therapy.

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Dental Implants For Seniors in Federal Way

We take very special care of our senior patients who we feel are great candidates for dental implants. If you are considering implants, rest assured of a safe and pleasant implant journey with us at West Campus Dental Center.


How Safe Are Dental Implants? Are There Risks?

Staying Safe with Implant Surgery

In many cases that dental implants are recommended by the attending dentist, they are safe. However, there are instances when the procedure is not indicated and other alternatives may be more suitable. Learn more here about the complications, and risks associated with dental implants. Knowing them may give you a better understanding about implant safety.

Dental implants have amazing benefits, but there may be reasons some people are just not suited for it.

For example, smokers, those with periodontitis, diabetes, an autoimmune disease, or a compromised immune system, including those who have osteoporosis, and those under chemotherapy, are not as good candidates for implants. Likewise, certain allergies and medications are also contraindicated. These conditions may only compromise the implant stability, the healing process, and overall gum health. Hence a thorough oral exam and medical history are important prerequisites for implants.

On the other hand, patients must be advised well by their health provider about possible complications arising from implant dentistry. It’s an invasive procedure as you know it and just like any other surgery carries with it some risks and possible complications.

First of all, there may be problems during the surgery. For example some injury may happen to your other teeth, the soft tissue around, including the bone, sinus cavity, and nerve supply. The choice of a qualified and experienced surgeon should decrease this risk.

In like manner, a surgeon-dentist with sufficient expertise may decrease the likelihood of implant failure arising from insufficient setting of the implant, lack of implant to bone integration from technique, or even loose implant may happen.

Other complications may arise from the long healing time. Patients may not be mindful that strenuous activities, choice of food, lack of proper cleaning, among others, may affect implant stability while its healing. Infections, such as peri-implantitis may jeopardize implant success. In some cases tooth sensitivity can occur. Nonetheless, if you are in good health, you follow supportive gum care, and have regular dental visits for follow-up can ensure low incidence of complications.

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Observing Safety and Risk Reduction in Federal Way

When you have your implants with West Campus Dental Center, rest assured that your safety and dental health success are our business. We are your go-to dental implant provider in Federal Way, WA.


Which Dental Implant Option is Best Suited To You?

Dental Implant Options

If you have already settled to have a dental implant for a missing tooth, have you planned with your dentist as to which type is best suited to you? It’s good to know about your options since there are several. Learn more about your choices here.

There are single implants that replace a sole missing tooth. Multiple implants replace a few missing teeth. Now if you are edentulous, meaning you do not have any more natural teeth left, there are such cases of full-mouth implant. For full-mouth, you will get the full complement of upper and lower artificial teeth supported by only several implants anchored to the jaw bone. The ideal candidate should be in relatively good health and healthy and strong enough jaw bone.

There are several types of dental implants and two of the most common are endosteal implants or subperiosteal implants. They differ in how they are anchored to your jawbone. 

The most common of the two is the endosteal type. It’s in the shape of a small screw, cylinder, or a blade that can hold one or more replacement or artificial teeth. The implant is drilled into the jawbone that holds the artificial teeth in place. It is the option implant if you already have dentures or bridges. The subperiosteal type is made up of a metal post that is placed on or above your jawbone; it sticks through your gum to hold it in place. This is an option if your jawbone is too thin or soft, or you are against a bone augmentation procedure, or if you cannot wear dentures. 

There are other kinds of implants for special issues. For example, the Zygomatic implant, which is not for singular teeth but for a whole set of upper teeth. It anchors in the upper bones of the face and it is for patients with severe bone defects.The All-on-4 implant is a trademarked implant that uses only four standard implant posts to anchor a full-arch bridge in place. If it’s for a full mouth that should be eight implants in all. It’s the same as wearing traditional dentures.

Mini dental implants are small implants that are toothpick-sized or as small as the lead of a pencil. The implants use a less invasive procedure and are an option if you have a lower denture that needs stabilizing. Also, it’s a choice when there is severe bone loss and limited jawbone available.

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Best Dental Implant Options in Federal Way 

Come see your Federal Way dentist for more dental implant options. Whatever your jawbone health status and your personal preferences, we give you choices to suit your specific needs.


Understanding The Step-By-Step Process of Implant Dentistry

General Dental Implant Outline 

Patients are told to expect that the dental implant process can last as long as 12 months to complete as it involves multiple procedures and requires a healing period before the next procedure commences. Hence, convinced patients must have a certain degree of commitment to the process for a successful outcome. Here’s a general outline of the process.

For the preparation, a thorough evaluation includes a comprehensive dental exam, a review of your medical history, and a discussion of your treatment plan. The evaluation is important to assess your dental health, especially the health of the bone that will support the implant.Likewise, your medical history might reveal existing conditions that may impede the healing process or affect implant longevity.

The next step is the removal of the damaged tooth or teeth that are planned for replacement. To control pain, anesthesia options during surgery include local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia.

A bone graft follows if you don’t have sufficient bone to support the implant; like if your jaw bone is too thin or soft. Bone is taken from elsewhere in your body and added where it’s needed. If not, synthetic and natural donor bone options are also available.

After some healing time, the implant will be inserted deep into its place in the jaw bone, just like a natural tooth is anchored into your jaw. Now another healing time is allowed so that bone grows around the implant (called osseointegration). In the meantime, you will have to wear a temporary denture to cover the gap where the original crown had been.

A few months later, when bone growth has stabilized and the implant is secured in place, an abutment (a metal extender) is added on top of the implant that will hold a permanent crown in place. An abutment is used to connect the replacement tooth to the implant. The gum area is closed around its edges. It will take another 4 to 6 weeks for the gum to heal.

The final step is the new crown placement. It’s the artificial tooth atop the abutment that matches your teeth color and is of the shape and size of the original damaged tooth. It was made by your dentist who had taken an impression of your teeth so that your permanent artificial replacement tooth can fit. 

Although the process may be long and quite tedious, the benefits of implant dentistry are amazing. Your new implant can serve you long and in good stead. Be sure you visit your dentist regularly.

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Learn More About Dental Implants in Federal Way 

Experience the benefits of implant dentistry when you see the experts in West Campus Dental Center. Rest assured that you’ll understand all the steps involved… plus more!


What Age Should I get Dental Implants?

What to Consider Before Getting Dental Implants

The age at which you can get dental implants can vary depending on individual factors. Generally, dental implants are suitable for adults who have finished growing and have fully developed jawbones. This typically occurs in the late teens or early twenties. However, it’s important to note that chronological age is not the sole determining factor for implant candidacy.

The main consideration for dental implant placement is the condition of your jawbone and overall oral health. Your jawbone needs to be fully developed and have enough density and volume to support the implant. If there is insufficient bone, bone grafting procedures may be necessary to create a solid foundation for the implant.

Other factors that can influence the timing of dental implant placement include:

Oral Health

It’s essential to have good oral health before undergoing implant surgery. This includes having healthy gums and being free of any active gum disease or tooth decay. Any existing dental issues should be addressed and treated before considering dental implants.

Overall Health

Your overall health plays a role in determining implant candidacy. Certain medical conditions or medications may affect the success of the implant procedure. It’s crucial to consult with your dentist and discuss your medical history to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

Jawbone Development

In some cases, individuals may experience delayed jawbone development, which may require waiting until the jawbone matures fully before implant placement.

It’s important to consult with a qualified dentist to assess your individual case. They will evaluate your oral health, jawbone condition, and overall health to determine the appropriate timing for dental implant placement. They can provide personalized recommendations and guide you through the process of restoring your smile with dental implants.


Dental Implant System

Tooth Loss

To address the complications that arise from tooth loss, dental implants offer an effective solution. When a tooth is lost, issues like bone loss, speech difficulties, and discomfort while chewing can arise. By replacing the lost tooth with a dental implant, a person’s overall quality of life and oral health can be significantly improved.

What is a dental implant?

Dental implant systems typically consist of three components: the dental implant body, dental implant abutment, and an abutment fixation screw. The dental implant body is surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as a replacement for the tooth’s root. The dental implant abutment is attached to the implant body using the abutment fixation screw. This abutment extends through the gums and provides support for the artificial teeth that will be attached to it.

By mimicking the natural tooth structure, dental implants offer a stable and durable foundation for prosthetic teeth. This allows individuals to regain proper oral function, maintain facial structure, and enjoy a confident smile. Dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement options, providing a long-lasting solution that enhances both aesthetics and oral well-being.

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Dental Implant: Bone Grafting

Assessing the Jawbone

Before undergoing dental implant surgery, it’s important to assess the thickness and strength of your jawbone. If it is deemed insufficient or too soft, you may require a procedure called bone grafting. This is because the tremendous pressure exerted by the chewing action of your mouth necessitates a sturdy bone foundation to support the implant. Bone grafting helps create a more solid base for successful implant placement.

Bone Graft Material & Process

Various materials can be used for bone grafting to rebuild the jawbone. Options include natural bone grafts, where bone is harvested from another area of your body, or synthetic bone grafts, which utilize bone-substitute materials that provide support structures for new bone growth. It’s essential to consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable option for your specific case.

The process of bone grafting and subsequent new bone growth typically takes several months before it can adequately support a dental implant. However, in certain situations, only minor bone grafting may be required, and this can be performed simultaneously with the implant surgery. The extent and condition of your jawbone will determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the success of the implant procedure.

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Are Teeth Extractions Painful?

Tooth extractions can be painful, but your dentist will typically use local anesthesia to numb the area during the procedure. Depending on your comfort level and the complexity of the extraction, your dentist may also offer additional sedation options to help you relax. After the procedure, your dentist may recommend OTC or prescription pain medication to manage any discomfort.

Simple Extraction vs. Surgical Extraction

For simple extractions, your dentist or oral surgeon will loosen the tooth with an elevator tool and then use forceps to pull it out. If necessary, they may make an incision and remove bone to access the tooth’s root during a surgical extraction. Following the extraction, your dentist or surgeon will clean the site and may place sutures to close the wound.

Post-Procedure

After the extraction, you may experience tenderness and discomfort in the area for a few days. Your dentist may recommend self-care practices like resting, using ice packs, and eating soft foods to manage the pain. If you experience severe pain or a dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site is dislodged, your dentist can provide additional treatment. Overall, tooth extractions are common and typically well-managed with proper anesthesia and postoperative care.

Pain After Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s common to experience tenderness and discomfort in the extraction site for a period of 1-3 days, although healing time varies from person to person. You may also feel tightness and stiffness in your jaw and joint due to the procedure.

However, if the pain worsens or persists around day 3, it could indicate the development of a dry socket. This occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site fails to form or is dislodged, exposing the socket walls’ bone. Fortunately, a medicated gel can be applied to the socket to cover it up, which is a typical treatment for dry socket.

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