Dental Implants
At Salmon Creek Family Dental in Vancouver, WA, we are an experienced and knowledgeable provider of high-quality dental implants. Led by our experienced dentist Dr. Dale Nelson, our practice provides a full range of implant services, from implant placement to implant restoration.
Dental implants are a revolutionary form of tooth replacement widely available today. Implants are the closest thing to natural teeth in terms of appearance and function. They are an excellent choice for patients who are missing one or several teeth due to disease, decay, or injury.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a type of prosthetic device that is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. They are made of titanium, a metal that is naturally compatible with the human body. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a root for the artificial tooth. We then top the implant with a dental crown, a custom-made artificial tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth; they are strong, stable, and look and feel like natural teeth. They also help to maintain a healthy jawbone and prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting, which can lead to gum disease and other dental health issues.
Why Replace Your Missing Teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is essential for both physical and psychological reasons. On the physical side, replacing missing teeth can help maintain the health of your existing teeth and keep your jawbone strong. The jawbone can lose density and stability over time without a tooth in place, leading to a weakened bite, shifting teeth, and even additional tooth loss. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant or bridge can help prevent these issues.
On the psychological side, missing teeth can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem. People with missing teeth often feel embarrassed and self-conscious when they smile, laugh, or talk. Replacing these teeth can help restore a person’s confidence, allowing them to be more outgoing and social. Additionally, having a full and complete smile can help a person feel more attractive, and attractive people tend to be more successful in their personal and professional lives.
What is the Dental Implant Process?
At Salmon Creek Family Dental, the implant process starts with a comprehensive assessment. Dr. Nelson works in conjunction with Oral Surgeons to complete the implant process. He will refer you to a trusted Oral Surgeon that he works with often. The Oral surgeon will evaluate the jaw and consult with Dr. Nelson to arrive at the best way to approach your particular situation.
Once you are deemed a good candidate for dental implants, the Oral Surgeon will place the implant in the jawbone. A titanium post is inserted into the bone during the procedure and allowed to heal. After the implant fuses with the bone, Dr. Nelson will attach a connector post, and a replacement tooth, or crown, is placed on top.
Dental Implant Restorations
Dr. Nelson has taken many hours of specialized training in restoring implants and has been placing the crown restorations for over 10 years. If a patient already has implants, Dr. Nelson can assess them and perform any necessary restoration or repair. He is experienced in performing implant restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants are generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment option. However, it is essential to have a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Dental implants can last for many years with proper care. The success of the implants depends on the health of the patient, consistent follow-up care from Dr. Nelson and his staff and the best of home care on a daily basis.
Recovery times vary from patient to patient, but most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure.
Dr. Dale Nelson and his team at Salmon Creek Family Dental have helped countless patients restore their smiles with dental implants. With our experience and expertise, we can provide a safe and effective implant solution for those in Vancouver, WA. Whether you need implant placement or restoration, you can be confident that you are in good hands with Dr. Nelson and his team. Schedule an appointment today.