When it comes to tooth replacement, dental implants are the best and most popular choice with patients for several reasons. Dental implants both function and appear exactly like your natural teeth, which means not only will you regain your natural smile and ability to chew, but caring for them is also just as easy as caring for your regular teeth. Most people who choose dental implants can tell you that they even forget which tooth is the implant because it so closely resembles their natural tooth.
One of the best ways to learn more about dental implants and to reassure yourself that they're the right choice is to hear from other patients about their experience with implants. We have provided short videos below featuring our dental implant patients discussing their positive experiences at our practice. You can also hear from these patients about why they chose Columbia Basin Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and how their positive interactions inspired them to recommend us to their family and friends.
The placement of dental implants is one of the best long-term options for permanently restoring one or more missing teeth. Missing teeth can cause a variety of oral health problems in addition to making everyday functions, like chewing and smiling, more difficult. Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth, allowing you to eat and smile with confidence and avoid associated oral health problems.
A dental implant consists of three main parts: the medical-grade titanium implant post, the custom-made crown, and the connecting abutment. The dental implant post is placed in the jaw and naturally integrates with the jaw bone, providing a secure base for a custom-made porcelain crown. This crown is fabricated to look just like your missing natural tooth or teeth and is firmly secured to the implant post through the connecting abutment. This solid foundation allows patients to experience a lifetime of benefits if their dental implants are cared for properly.
See how life-changing dental implants can be. Learn more about the dental implants experience and how to get the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
The three-part design utilized to create dental implants allows oral surgeons to provide patients with the most functional, natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing restoration possible. Other restorative options, such as a bridge, do not restore the entire tooth; they merely restore the crown. This means that there is nothing present to stimulate the jaw bone because the tooth root has not been restored. This can cause shrinkage of the jaw bone which can result in the shifting and loosening of healthy teeth over time. By using the three-part design, oral surgeons eliminate the jaw bone issues that are caused by the missing tooth root. Traditional restorations also rely on the strength of remaining natural teeth to bear their burden, damaging otherwise healthy teeth. The dental implant screw provides a sturdy base for the restorative crown, which ensures that the health of the mouth is maintained. Because the dental implant is non-removable, patients can eat, speak, and smile with ease and confidence.
Dental implants are one of the most versatile tooth restoration options. Dental implants can be used to restore individual teeth, multiple missing teeth as part of a bridge, a full set of teeth through full-arch restoration, and even as a temporary anchorage device for orthodontic treatment. This versatility makes them one of the most attractive options for tooth replacement.
When placed properly by a trained oral surgeon, dental implants can last a lifetime. The team at Columbia Basin Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons works with every patient to understand their individual needs and provide treatment that will provide the desired results.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation to learn more about dental implants, please contact our office in Kennewick, WA, to meet with one of our highly trained oral surgeons.
Placing dental implants typically requires a two-part process — one surgical procedure to place the implant screw and a second procedure to secure the custom-made crown and complete the restoration. The placement, fabrication, and final restoration process is completed hand in hand with our fantastic network of restorative dentists in the Tri-Cities area.
To begin the placement of your dental implants, you will first receive a consultation with one of our highly qualified oral surgeons. Dr. Cooper, Dr. Teeples, Dr. Toponce, Dr. Reddinger, or Dr. Black will perform a thorough oral examination and form a specialized treatment plan just for you. Additional imaging may be obtained to map out the best possible placement of the implant. During this time, we will review your options for anesthesia and answer any questions you may have about the treatment. It is our goal to ensure that every patient feels well informed and confident about their treatment prior to the surgical visit.
The surgical procedure to place your dental implants is typically the next step of treatment. If extensive extraction or bone grafting procedures must be completed to prepare the mouth to receive implants, these procedures may be performed in advance of your dental implant placement to ensure that the mouth has ample time to heal.
Next, the oral surgeon will restore the empty tooth site by placing the dental implant post into its proper position in the jaw bone. An anesthetic will be administered to maximize comfort during the surgery, and the type used will have been determined by you and your surgeon during your initial consultation. All of our surgeons are highly trained in the administration of anesthesia, and dental implant placement is an outpatient procedure that should not take more than an hour or two.
Once the implant has been placed, the surgical site will be closed, and you will begin the healing process. Some patients use a temporary prosthesis so that they do not have to go without teeth during this healing phase. Typically, a few months of healing time are required to allow the implant to integrate with the jaw bone. The oral surgeon will provide specific post-operative care instructions to ensure that the proper steps are taken to maximize implant success. A connective piece will eventually be attached to the dental implant post to anchor your new crown to the implant. Once your jaw has healed, your general dentist will attach the new tooth or bridge to the implant, and you can begin reaping the benefits of your new smile.
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants or your upcoming procedure, please contact our office in Kennewick, WA. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and schedule your consultation with Drs. Teeples, Toponce, Cooper, Reddinger, or Black.
With any surgical procedure, one concern for many patients is the cost of dental implants. Patients typically want to ensure that the treatment itself is worth its value. We are happy to tell our patients that dental implants are usually the best investment that you can make when it comes to restoring missing teeth.
The cost associated with the procedure itself is dependent on several factors that will be determined before agreeing to treatment. Our oral surgeons will scrutinize each unique situation, taking into consideration the patient’s health history, the number of missing teeth, the need for extractions or bone grafting, and the relationship of adjacent structures in the mouth such as the nerves and sinuses. Next, a custom treatment plan will be tailored to achieve optimal results. While some advertisements may boast bargain dental implants, it is important to understand that the only way to get an accurate cost assessment is through a thorough consultation with a trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
At Columbia Basin Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, the patient’s desired outcome is our top priority. We make every effort to work hand in hand with our patients to ensure we fully understand their restorative goals and develop a plan that best suits these needs.
Dental implants are the most cost-effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth. Investing in dental implants can provide patients with more than a new smile — they can provide real value to one’s life and oral health. Dental implants present an appealing and valuable investment because:
They stimulate the jaw bone and help maintain the alignment and function of healthy natural teeth, avoiding the additional costs associated with future oral health problems, orthodontic work, or bone grafting.
They last a lifetime if cared for properly. A well-placed and cared for dental implant does not require significant adjustment or replacement, characteristics typically associated with removable prostheses.
They improve quality of life dramatically, which is extremely valuable for your overall well-being.
At Columbia Basin Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to restore their smile and oral function. We accept a variety of dental and medical insurance plans, and we also have financing options available — including CareCredit® — to make payment as simple and convenient as possible.
Proudly serving the entire Tri-Cities area, including the communities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, WA.
Contact us to learn more about your payment options for dental implants at our practice in Kennewick, Washington.
Dental implants offer a wide variety of benefits over other tooth restoration options, such as bridges and removable dentures. The numerous benefits of dental implants make them a popular restorative option for patients who are missing one or more teeth. Dental implants can last a lifetime if they are properly cared for and provide patients with a natural-looking restoration. Patients who are pursuing dental implants for tooth restoration are happy to find that they receive an array of benefits from their selection.
Dental implants are secure and permanent. When you choose to restore your teeth with dental implants, there is no risk of your flipper or denture falling out or becoming dislodged. A dental implant functions just like a natural tooth because the implant post integrates directly with your jaw bone. This integration allows you to eat almost anything you like! In fact, most patients report that dental implants feel like natural teeth once they have healed.
Your smile will look healthy and natural. The custom-made crown, which attaches to the dental implant, is designed to look identical to a healthy, natural tooth. You will be able to enjoy a beautiful, healthy-looking smile once your implant has healed. Many patients express that they can’t tell the difference between their natural teeth and their dental implants.
Dental implants promote healthy jaws, gums, and surrounding teeth. When a tooth is lost, the jaw bone slowly begins to deteriorate in the area surrounding the missing tooth site. A missing tooth also puts more pressure on surrounding teeth, which can cause tooth shifting and even jaw misalignment. Dental implants can help preserve the shape of your jaw while taking the burden off your remaining healthy teeth. Other tooth replacement options, such as tooth-supported bridges, require support from surrounding teeth, which can damage the remaining healthy teeth. Dental implants are a complete restoration system, stimulating the jaw bone and working with the healthy teeth to accomplish tasks such as chewing.
Many people are candidates for implant placement. If you are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you are likely healthy enough to have a dental implant placed. Some people do not have enough remaining jaw bone to support dental implants, but it is often possible to restore the bone through bone grafting or other bone regeneration treatments before the implant placement. Dental implants can be used to support a single tooth restoration, a bridge or a full denture. No matter what your restoration needs are, there is a dental implant solution to restore your oral function and smile.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Todd Cooper, Dr. Tyson Teeples, Dr. Ryan Toponce, Dr. Brandon Reddinger, or Dr. Matthew Black at our practice in Kennewick, WA. Our team will gladly perform a full consultation to answer any questions you may have about the benefits of choosing dental implants for your tooth restoration.
If you wear dentures, there is a longer-lasting replacement that will alleviate the discomfort, oral sores, and extra maintenance associated with traditional dentures. Dental implants are an ideal replacement for dentures because they look and feel natural, and they allow you to enjoy your favorite foods without moving parts or discomfort. Dental implants prevent bone loss, unlike removable dentures, and help maintain facial structure.
If you wear a denture to replace an entire arch of teeth, you may qualify for full-arch restoration. This treatment affixes a denture to dental implants, resulting in security, stability, and healthy restoration. Learn more about denture replacement with dental implants in Kennewick, WA.
Missing one or more teeth in your mouth can do more than impact your smile and confidence — it can dramatically impact your oral health. A single missing tooth can shift your surrounding healthy teeth out of alignment. As a result, patients with missing teeth often suffer from severe bite problems. Missing teeth also speed up the natural decline of the remaining healthy teeth as they are forced to bear the burden of additional chewing forces once accomplished by the missing tooth or teeth.
Luckily, there are many restorative options for missing teeth which can help you regain your oral function and smile. Because everyone’s mouth is different, some tooth restoration treatment options may not be the best option for you. Please review the information provided on this page to learn more about each restoration option and allow us to assist you in selecting the best treatment to replace your missing tooth or teeth. Many of these options are offered at our practice in Kennewick, WA, and we look forward to speaking with you to discuss the best restorative solution for your smile.
Quick facts:
Dental implants are made up of three parts: the screw, the abutment, and the custom-made crown. These three components work together to provide you with a sturdy tooth restoration. The base of the implant is the screw, which is seated within the jaw and acts as a replacement for the missing tooth root. Through a process called osseointegration, the screw gradually fuses with the jaw as it heals, forming a sturdy base which stimulates the jaw bone. The custom-made crown is fabricated to look just like the natural missing tooth and blend seamlessly with the rest of the healthy teeth in the mouth. These two components are held together firmly by the connecting abutment to complete the full restoration.
Can I receive dental implants?
If you are healthy enough to undergo a minor dental surgery, such as the removal of a tooth, you are likely healthy enough to undergo the placement of dental implants. As with any surgical procedure, other factors, such as your medical history, should be considered before undergoing treatment. The density, height, and width of the jaw bone and sinus, as well as the location of the nerve in the jaw, should also be taken into consideration when developing the treatment plan to ensure long-term results.
Dental implants are a fantastic restorative solution for patients who are missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of teeth. Their versatile design allows oral surgeons to utilize them as individual restorations, as a part of an implant-supported bridge, or even to support a full denture. Most dental professionals consider dental implants to be the most reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting restoration option available.
Quick facts:
Full-arch restoration is a unique alternative to removable dentures because the replacement teeth are permanently fixed inside the mouth via a secure base of four or more dental implants. Full-arch restoration can be used to restore an entire arch of teeth and is widely seen as one of the best full-arch replacement solutions available.
Am I a candidate for full-arch restoration?
To undergo full-arch restoration, patients must be healthy enough to receive outpatient anesthesia. As with any dental implant procedure, the health of the jaw and the sinuses should be taken into consideration before placement, and the nerve in the jaw should be evaluated. Patients who are interested in an alternative to a removable denture but don’t wish to pay for the extensive treatment and healing time needed to replace teeth with individual implants should consider this procedure.
Quick facts:
A bridge is a restorative option commonly used to replace multiple missing teeth in a row. When multiple teeth are missing in a row, a bridge can span the gap and provide a natural-looking tooth replacement. A bridge relies on the support of the neighboring healthy teeth to be securely fixed inside the mouth. Traditionally, a tooth-supported bridge requires that the adjacent healthy teeth be ground down before the bridge can be placed on top. Bridges are versatile restorations as they can be removable or permanently fixed inside the mouth.
Am I a candidate for bridge placement?
A tooth-supported bridge is an appealing option for patients who, for one reason or another, cannot undergo extensive medical treatment or surgery. The appointment to place a bridge is not surgical; however, a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area.
Quick facts:
Traditional removable dentures have been used by patients worldwide to restore multiple missing teeth. This flexible option is convenient in that no surgery is required, and the dentures can be removed from the mouth when preferred.
Should I consider dentures?
Removable dentures are an appealing option for patients interested in a removable prosthesis, patients who cannot undergo an extensive surgical procedure, or those who do not have enough bone density for dental implant placement. It is important to consider that traditional dentures often require additional expenses over the years for refitting. Because removable dentures don’t stimulate the jaw bone, its shape tends to change over time as the bone begins to decrease in height and width.
