Does a missing tooth need to be replaced?

Yes, a missing tooth needs to be replaced as soon as possible. By not reversing tooth loss, you may experience: Shifting of the surrounding teeth: When you experience tooth loss, the surrounding teeth may shift to fill the gap. Shifting teeth can lead to misalignment and bite problems. Bone loss: The jawbone needs stimulation from the roots of the teeth to maintain its density. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone may shrink, leading to bone loss. Increased risk of periodontal disease: Missing teeth can create space for bacteria to accumulate, increasing your risk of gum disease. Difficulty speaking and eating: Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly and chew food properly.

What Are Dental Implants? | Seattle Implant Dentists

Q: How long do dental implants last?

On average, dental implants can last for between 20 years and a lifetime. To increase the long-term success of your dental implant, maintain excellent at-home dental care and schedule regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings.

Exceptional Implant Dentistry Services at Aesthetic Dental Associates

Table of Contents

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves the surgical placement of small metal posts into the jawbone to support a natural-looking prosthetic. Their design mimics the look and function of natural teeth, providing individuals with a fully restored beautiful smile. Our Seattle dentists can use them to restore one or several teeth.

A dental implant is made of a biocompatible material, commonly titanium, allowing it to naturally fuse with the jawbone over time. This process, known as osseointegration, creates a strong foundation for the custom prosthetic. It also allows patients to achieve a natural-looking smile that can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene care.

Seattle Dental Implants

At Aesthetic Dental Associates, our downtown Seattle dentist offers dental implant treatment options. We’re here to help you meet your oral health goals and restore the function and beauty of your smile.

Serving Seattle and its surrounding areas, including Queen Anne, Green Lake, Ballard, Pike/Pine, Bellevue, and Belltown, our dental practice is dedicated to your oral health and well-being. We offer a wide range of services, from routine dental cleanings to complex procedures, all tailored to meet your specific needs. Take the first step towards optimal dental health—reach out to us today at (206) 682-3888 to book an appointment and experience the compassionate care our team provides.

The Dental Implant Structure

A dental implant consists of the following three components:

Implant Body: The main part of the implant that’s usually made of titanium or a titanium alloy. It’s surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the rest of the implant.
Abutment: The part that protrudes above the gum line and provides a connection point for the prosthetic tooth. It’s typically made of titanium or a similar material.
Artificial Tooth: The visible restoration that replaces the tooth. It’s most often a dental crown that can be made of porcelain, ceramic, or acrylic resin.

Man getting dental treatments at the dentist

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal Dental Implants

With endosteal dental implants, the post gets inserted directly into the bone and is used for those who have enough bone structure to support it. There are various dental implant treatments available today. However, each dental office offers different options.

To learn more about the dental implant treatments we offer at our Seattle dental practice, contact our dentist today at (206) 682-3888.

Single-Tooth Dental Implants

Single-tooth dental implants completely replace one lost tooth from root to crown. It involves the placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone that serves as the foundation for a custom-made prosthetic single-tooth replacement itself. Most patients receive a dental crown as the visible portion of their implant treatment. Single-tooth replacement with a dental implant provides patients with a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth.

All-On-Four Implants

All-on-four dental implants are full-arch replacement options. It involves placing four dental implants in the upper or lower jawbone and securing a full arch of prosthetic replacement teeth to them. The All-on-four technique is less invasive and can be completed in one day. All-on-four implants, or full-mouth dental implants, are a good option for those who have lower bone density, as they allow for the restoration of a full arch of teeth while using fewer implant posts.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are excellent options for replacing multiple teeth. A traditional dental bridge or artificial tooth root is anchored to the jaw using dental implants. The bridge is typically made up of two or more artificial teeth that are connected and attached to the implant abutments. The number of posts needed will vary depending on the size of the bridge.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are removable appliances anchored to the mouth and jaw using dental implants. They provide a more secure fit and eliminate messy adhesives that removable dentures typically need. Implant dentures are also a more stable option than traditional dentures and can improve overall oral health by providing stimulation to the jawbone.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are a smaller version of traditional implants. They’re a less invasive implant surgery option typically used to replace a single tooth or stabilize a loose denture. They shorten the healing process and have a lower cost. However, they may not be suitable for patients who don’t have adequate bone density.

Immediate-Load “Same Day” Dental Implants

Immediate-load dental implants, also known as same-day implants, are done in one appointment. With immediate-load implants, dentists place the implant and prosthetic tooth in the mouth at the same time, allowing the patient to leave the dental office with a fully functional replacement tooth after just one dental implant procedure.

Zygomatic Dental Implants

Zygomatic dental implants can restore lost teeth for patients who don’t have enough jawbone density to support a traditional endosteal implant. While zygomatic implants are still in use, they’re less common today and aren’t used by our Seattle dentist.

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Subperiosteal dental implants sit on top of the jawbone but under the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are rarely ever used because of modern technological advancements in the field of implant dentistry.

What Is the Best Dental Implant Treatment for You?

If you’re missing one or more natural teeth, you’ve likely considered dental implants. If you’re unsure if they’re right for you, contact our trusted Seattle dentists today at (206) 682-3888. Do you wear dentures? Are you suffering from periodontal disease? We’ll evaluate your dental health to create a custom treatment plan and get you on the path to dental implant treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a missing tooth needs to be replaced as soon as possible. By not reversing tooth loss, you may experience:

Shifting of the surrounding teeth: When you experience tooth loss, the surrounding teeth may shift to fill the gap. Shifting teeth can lead to misalignment and bite problems.
Bone loss: The jawbone needs stimulation from the roots of the teeth to maintain its density. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone may shrink, leading to bone loss.
Increased risk of periodontal disease: Missing teeth can create space for bacteria to accumulate, increasing your risk of gum disease.
Difficulty speaking and eating: Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly and chew food properly.

On average, dental implants can last for between 20 years and a lifetime. To increase the long-term success of your dental implant, maintain excellent at-home dental care and schedule regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings.

Dental implants require maintenance just as natural teeth do. By brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly, your tooth replacement can last for decades.

Learn More About Your Dental Implant Options

Ready to find out if dental implants are exactly what your smile needs? Contact our downtown Seattle implant dentist today to schedule a consultation at (206) 682-3888 and see how we can improve your oral health with a customized treatment plan.

If you’re not a good candidate for a dental implant, we also offer other restorative dentistry options.

What Our Happy Patients Are Saying

“My husband and I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to fix his partial during our vacation. It isn’t often you come across someone that will take the time on such short notice to help out. You and everyone in the office were great!”

— Jim and Terri, Watertown

“I would highly recommend the SUAD Device for any patient suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea, like me. After struggling to adjust to a CPAP machine—unsuccessfully, I have found that this device has helped me immensely. I sleep through the night without snoring and generally wake up feeling rested… Unlike the CPAP, which I’d always want to take off after a couple of sleepless hours, or my normal mouth guard for teeth grinding, which I also couldn’t stand after five to six hours, the SUAD device is not uncomfortable… surprisingly. Two thumbs up for the SUAD Device!”

— Michelle, Seattle

“How fortunate I am to have such a warm and caring professional relationship with my dentist and his partner and staff, who are also friends. Your thoughtfulness and concerns are much appreciated.”

— Ruth, Seattle

“Dear Dr. Johnson, …It has been about three years since I was in your office. I recently went to my local dentist here in Sequim. First the dental hygienist cleaned my teeth and after three years, they were plaque free. Then the dentist could find absolutely nothing wrong with my teeth and gums and just kept looking to admire the work you had done. He kept saying perfect. He was completely impressed with your work.”

— Cheryl, Sequim

“I just wanted to thank you for the truly exceptional service. I really appreciate you all making yourself available to me last minute to address my pain with your office’s positive and friendly atmosphere and the apparent team-oriented dynamic. It is refreshing to be treated by a staff that seems to really and sincerely enjoy their profession, clients, and the company of their own co-workers. Thank you again for going above and beyond the standard. It really made me feel like a valued client. I’m so impressed with everything I’ve been talking about your service to all my co-workers!”

— Cameron, Seattle

More Reviews