Dental Implants in Spanaway, WA

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental implants last? Are they really permanent?

Dental implants are considered a permanent solution for tooth loss. The lifespan of a dental implant is around 25 years, but if cared for properly, a well-maintained dental implant can last you for the rest of your life. The best way to ensure that your implant lasts for many years is to establish a thorough twice-daily oral care routine and visit the dentist for biannual checkups. There are no food limitations with dental implants; a good rule of thumb is to simply not eat anything with a dental implant that you wouldn’t eat with natural teeth.

How would a dental implant impact my gums?

Because dental implants are surgically placed into the gums, they will need at least one to two weeks to heal after the procedure. Sometimes a soft food diet is recommended for up to six weeks. For patients who have receding gums, that will need to be treated before the dental implant can be placed which is usually done through a tissue graft. Without a tissue graft, the implant would be partially exposed, leaving the patient susceptible to a variety of different dental issues.

Can dental implants be whitened?

Dental implants cannot be whitened once they are installed. This is because implants are made of stain-resistant materials, so they are unable to absorb whitening products. We will work with you to figure out how white you would like your implant to be and make sure that it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth so that it is virtually indistinguishable. Have you been searching for a restorative dentist in Spanaway? Our knowledgeable team has many years of restorative dentistry experience, including placing dental implants. For more information about our affordable dental implants, give our Spanaway office a call or contact us through our online form and someone will get in touch with you shortly!

How Do I Care For My Dental Implants?

One of the best things about dental implants is that you can treat them just like natural teeth. To keep your dental implants healthy, you need to brush 2-3 times per day for 2 minutes using fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss once per day, and come to Spanaway Dental Wellness every six months for a checkup. Dr. Perlman or Dr. Mai will clean your teeth and your implant, and make sure your mouth is healthy. Beyond this, simply take other steps to maintain a healthy mouth. Eat a diet that’s low in sugar and processed foods, and eat plenty of healthy dairy, lean meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, and whole grains. You should also quit smoking and tobacco use, since tobacco use of any kind is associated with a much higher risk of premature implant failure.

How Long Does It Take To Heal From Implant Surgery?

The initial healing process takes only about 1-2 weeks. After this time, your mouth will feel completely normal and you’ll be able to get back to your day-to-day routine. However, this doesn’t mean you’re ready for your next appointment. This is because your implant must go through a process called “osseointegration.” This is when the titanium of your implant permanently bonds and attaches to your jaw bone. This process can take up to 3-6 months depending on your overall health and the strength of your jaw bone. So while the initial healing period is very fast, it will still take up to 6 months or longer to complete your dental implant. You’ll need to be patient, and you’ll come back to Spanaway Dental Wellness several times during this process to make sure that you’re healing properly, and that your treatment is on track.

Who Is A Candidate For Dental Implants?

First, you must have a healthy mouth. If you have any serious oral health problems like gum disease, infected teeth, or other such conditions, these must be resolved before you can get dental implants. A healthy mouth is required to minimize your risk of oral health complications. You also must have a strong jaw bone. After you lose a tooth, you can lose as much as 25% of the underlying jaw bone mass within a year. That’s why you should get a dental implant in Spanaway as soon as possible. If your jaw bone has deteriorated, you can still get a dental implant. However, you will need a bone graft to strengthen it and ensure the implant can be placed safely. Non-smokers or those who are willing to quit smoking are also strongly preferred for dental implants. Smoking and tobacco use are associated with a much higher risk of complications. Smoking after dental implant surgery can prevent the bone from fusing with the implant properly, and slows down the healing process dramatically.

Are Dental Implants Covered By Insurance?

Typically, dental implants are not covered by dental insurance. That means that you will have to pay for your implant out of pocket. Dental implants are a fantastic investment in your oral health, and we want to make it easy for patients to get the care they need at Spanaway Dental Wellness. That’s why we offer financial options for our patients. We provide both in-house payment plans and monthly financing through CareCredit. We can split up the cost of your treatment, and ensure that you get the dental care you need without breaking the bank.

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