A single missing tooth can have a profound impact on your appearance. Several missing teeth may impair speech and chewing function, and lead to bone loss. Dental implants have become the gold standard to replace teeth. Implants provide patients in the Kirkland, WA area with options for restored smiles.
Dental implant basics
A dental implant is a substitute tooth root, made of a biocompatible material. It is placed into the jawbone to stabilize a replacement tooth, or a multi-tooth prosthetic. The procedure is an oral surgery, but has minimal soft tissue involvement, and heals quickly. Over the course of several months, bone fuses with the implant, providing a solid foundation for restoration.
Tooth replacement options
- Stand-alone restoration – This is the most common application. Once the implant site is fully healed, a post is inserted into the implant, and topped with a porcelain crown. A single tooth may be replaced in this manner, several, or an entire arch.
- Fixed bridge – A bridge contains one or more artificial teeth in a row. A traditional bridge is anchored to teeth adjacent to the gap. However, it can also be affixed to dental implants. In essence, just two implants are needed to replace up to five consecutive missing teeth.
- Partial denture – This method is similar to an implant retained bridge, except replacement teeth can be at various locations in the arch. A partial denture clips to dental implants, but is removable.
- Full denture – Just a few implants provide an amazing level of stability for a full denture. Dr. Kelley can create a comfortable, lightweight implant-supported denture for this purpose. If you have an existing denture that fits well, she may be able to retrofit it to snap over the implants.
Kingsgate Dental offers a broad array of treatment options for customized care. Call (425) 385-0080.
Ann Kelley, DDS
Dr. Ann Kelley is a graduate of the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. She highly values the comfort of her patients, and places the needs of the patient above her convenience. Her dental clinic is built to bring the best and most comfortable dental experience to all her patients. She builds relationships with her patients based on trust and always acts to safeguard this trust.