The Dental Implant Process
Dental implant treatment consists of multiple phases, making it possible to replace teeth fully and make
your smile complete. Each phase plays a crucial role in the longevity of your new tooth, and Dr. Kaopua is
happy to discuss each step of treatment with you in great detail during your consultation so you can feel
comfortable about your future care. In the meantime, feel free to read through the process on our website
and give us a call directly if you have additional questions!
Learn More
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
Before we can place dental implants, we need to make sure that the treatment is the best option for your
smile. During this appointment, Dr. Kaopua will examine your smile, evaluate the current state of your
oral health, and then make a recommendation from there. If you need additional bone tissue for the
implant to integrate properly, we may suggest a bone graft. Alternatively, existing tooth decay or gum
disease will need treatment before any oral surgery can take place.
Dental Implant Surgery
In some dental offices, the dentist works with an implant specialist to have the surgical portion of
your procedure performed outside of the practice. At Albright Family Dental, not only can you get your
implant restored, but you can get it placed all in the same location. We believe that by expanding our
accommodations at the dental office, your implant treatment feels more convenient and your needs can be
more effectively communicated.
During surgery, a small incision is created inside the gum tissue so that a tiny hole can be made in the
jawbone. After that hole is created, we will carefully place the implant and then close the gum tissue
with stitches. This will protect the implant as it begins to fuse with your bone. If we decide to
perform a bone graft, we will perform this step ahead of placing the implant.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Over the next several months (typically about four to six), the implant will slowly fuse with the bone.
This process is known as osseointegration and it’s one of the most important phases of your tooth
replacement process. Thanks to the titanium implant’s biocompatible properties, it can fuse inside
the jaw without worry of being rejected. While it is a slow process, it’s what allows dental
implants to last for decades on end (and for life) when properly taken care of.
When the fusion is complete, you’ll come back to our office to have an abutment attached to the
implant. This metal connector is designed to provide stability to the final restoration.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Ahead of the final placement of your restoration, we’ll capture impressions of your mouth so we
can create the crown, bridge, or denture that will eventually be attached. A couple weeks later,
you’ll come back to our office to have it placed and we’ll make adjustments if necessary to
ensure your bite is even and feels natural.
Benefits of Dental Implants
When you replace the entire root structure of teeth, not just the crown portion, you’re doing truly
incredible things for your long-term smile and oral health. Dental implants offer far more than any other tooth
replacement solution and make it possible to maintain a happier, healthier smile for longer. With more than 5
million dental implants placed each year in the U.S. according to the American Dental Association (ADA),
it’s no wonder so many people are embracing the benefits of dental implants in Everett! If you want to be
a part of this growing number of satisfied individuals, take a look at the advantages listed below and schedule an appointment to see
our team today!
Learn More
Day-to-Day Benefits
-
Better oral health – Instead of worrying about how your prosthetic may or may
not impact your oral health, dental implants make it possible to easily clean and maintain your
smile. Because they look and feel like regular teeth, you’ll be able to maneuver around your
prosthetic and adequately clean your gums and teeth to minimize your risk for decay and gum disease.
-
Greater strength and functionality – Unlike dentures that can easily slip or
fall out while eating, dental implants in Everett make it possible to eat the foods your love with
confidence. No matter the texture, you can be free to enjoy your favorite meals because of your
increased bite force and chewing power.
-
More youthful appearance - Replacing the root encourages blood flow to the soft
tissues in your mouth. This means that nutrients essential to your oral health can more easily
travel to your mouth and keep your skin looking youthful.
Health Benefits
-
Healthy teeth remain in place – Once you lose one or more teeth, your
remaining, healthy ones will try to shift to close the gap. By having dental implants placed, you
can avoid dental drift and the possibility of orthodontic treatment later on.
-
Improved jawbone stimulation - The titanium root stimulates your bone tissue,
making sure that your biting force stays strong.
-
Your healthy teeth remain untouched – There is no need to alter your healthy
adjacent teeth with dental implants. Unlike a dental bridge that requires those teeth on either side
of the gap to be filed down to serve as anchors, this is not necessary with permanent prosthetics.
-
Longer Life – According to DentalHealth.org, individuals with 20 teeth or
more by the age of 70 had a considerably higher chance of living longer than people with less than
20 teeth. By choosing to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, you can minimize your risk
for osteoporosis, heart disease, and even diabetes, all of which can contribute to a shorter
lifespan.
Long-Term Benefits
-
Success rate – Upon initial placement by a trusted implant dentist in
Everett, you can expect your dental implant success rate to be about 95%. After 10 years, this
number ranges between 90-95%!
-
A longer-lasting smile - There are no other tooth replacements that carry the same
longevity as dental implants. On average, they last between 25 years and a lifetime, which is a
stark contrast to dental bridges (avg. 10-15 yrs.) and dentures (7-10 yrs.)
-
Saving money - You’ll have lower costs overall because you’re not
having to worry about maintaining your prosthetics every few years or purchasing added supplies to
keep them clean and in place.
Indications for Dental Implants
There are many ways we can replace your missing teeth. Dental implants are designed to replace single,
multiple, and even all the teeth in a single arch thanks to their versatility. Keep reading to learn exactly
how we make it happen at Albright Family Dental!
Missing One Tooth
To replace a single tooth, one titanium implant is paired with a porcelain crown and an abutment that
attaches them together. The abutment also keeps the crown stabilized as you eat your favorite foods. We
always use porcelain crowns for the most natural-looking replacement tooth possible.
Missing Multiple Teeth
When you need multiple teeth replaced, you can dedicate a pair of dental implants to a single dental bridge.
Since the implants are strong enough to hold a bridge, there’s no reason for removing existing tooth
enamel to make room for a restoration, which is typical for dental bridges.
Missing All of Your Teeth
By placing a series of dental implants throughout your jaw, typically about four to six, you can replace all
the teeth in your arch seamlessly. Full and partial dentures can be customized to not only fit with dental
implants, but be either fixed or removable.
Learn More
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are significantly smaller and thinner than traditional dental implants. The reason they
are smaller is because some patients do not have enough bone material to hold a traditionally-sized dental
implant. Mini dental implants integrate with bone tissue more easily, therefore increasing the likelihood
that you or a family member can have their smile restored via implants.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Since they are a highly customized treatment, it can be difficult to say what the cost of dental implants in
Everett will be until we’ve performed a detailed examination of your mouth. Your individual needs –
whether it’s having multiple dental implants placed or expanding your current jawbone volume via bone
grafting procedures – will dramatically influence the total cost. Of course, that doesn’t mean your
dental implants aren’t a worthwhile investment. Replacing your missing teeth with implants will ensure
that you enjoy a fully functional, beautiful smile for years, if not decades, to come!
Learn More
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
Many patients suffering from tooth loss are not actually candidates for dental implants right off the
bat. If this is the case for you, then you might need to undergo one or more preparatory procedures
first, such as bone grafting, gum disease therapy, or tooth extractions. While these treatments lay the
foundation for a successful, healthy smile, they do increase your total costs.
On the bright side, you can save money by visiting Albright Family Dental for implant treatment. Because
Dr. Kaopua is an implant
dentist in Everett who can perform every step of the process in one location, you’re spared the
expense of having to travel to – and receive a bill from – a separate office.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
Naturally, the more implant posts you require, the higher your treatment costs will be. There are also
other factors to consider, such as the parts of your dental implant. The posts can be larger or smaller
depending on their location in the mouth. The posts and abutments might also be made from different
materials and by different manufacturers, which can also influence the price.
Then, there’s the type of restoration that will be placed on top of your implants. A crown that
restores a single implant will cost less than a full denture supporting by four to eight implants, as it
doesn’t require as much material.
How Dental Implants Pay for Themselves
At first glance, the cost of dental implants can seem intimidating. However, it’s important to
remember that you’re making an investment that will pay off in the long run. Dental implants in
Everett are more functional and comfortable than other options, so you’ll be improving your
confidence, health, and general quality of life.
Better yet, dental implants can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the years! With
conventional dentures and bridges, you’ll have to pay for replacements every five to seven years,
as well as repairs, adjustments, and maintenance products on a regular basis. In contrast, dental
implants should last for several decades, making them a one-time purchase that pays for itself several
times over. Not to mention, dental implants promote better oral health, reducing your overall dental
care costs.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Most dental insurance plans do
NOT cover dental implants, but there may be exceptions. For example, insurance might mitigate the cost
of preparatory work or your restoration. We’re in-network with many popular insurance providers,
and even if you’re out-of-network, we’ll gladly look over your plan to ensure you’re
getting the maximum coverage possible.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
Do you not have dental insurance? Does your plan not provide enough coverage? Don’t worry! We
believe that cost shouldn’t stand in the way of attaining a complete smile. That’s why we
offer flexible financing options through CareCredit. This company’s low to no-interest payment
plans let you fit your dental implant costs into your budget easily!
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Since dental implants are a highly customized treatment, it can be difficult to say what the cost will be until
we’ve had a detailed examination of your mouth. Your needs, whether it’s having multiple dental
implants placed or expanding your current bone volume via grafting procedures, will dramatically influence the
total cost. Of course, that doesn’t mean your dental implants aren’t a worthwhile investment.
Getting your needs nailed down now will ensure that your implant lasts for a very long time, require little
maintenance, and fully restore your basic everyday functions.
Learn More
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Almost any healthy adult can enjoy the benefits of dental implants. Typically, you must have these three
things to be considered a good candidate:
-
Good overall health: Because dental implants require a minor procedure, your body
has to be well enough to undergo a slight surgery.
-
Great oral health: Problems like tooth decay and gum disease can lead to implant
failure, which is why we must address these issues first.
-
Adequate jawbone density: Your jawbone must be strong enough to support dental
implants in order for your treatment to be successful.
Even if it doesn’t seem like implants are right for you initially, there is no need to worry. Our
dental implant dentist in
Everett can provide preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy and bone grafting to ensure the
success of your replacement. After we’ve helped get your smile back on track, we can begin your
dental implant procedure by creating a treatment plan tailored to the number of teeth that you’re
missing.
Missing 1 Tooth
To replace a single tooth, one titanium implant is paired with a dental crown and an abutment that
attaches them together. The abutment also keeps the crown stabilized as you eat your favorite foods.
We personalize our crowns for the most natural-looking replacement tooth possible. This is matched
to the size, shade, and shape of your remaining teeth so it seamlessly blends in with your smile.
Missing Multiple Teeth
When you need multiple consecutively missing teeth replaced, you can dedicate a pair of dental
implants to a single dental bridge. Since the implants are strong enough to hold a bridge,
there’s no reason for removing existing tooth enamel to make room for a restoration, which is
typical for dental bridges. For multiple teeth missing randomly throughout your smile, we can custom
make partial dentures to fill in the gaps like pieces to a puzzle.
Missing All Teeth
By placing a series of dental implants throughout your jaw, typically about four to six, you can
replace all the teeth in your arch seamlessly. Implant dentures allow you to enjoy the most stable
and strong full smile replacement available. One of the benefits of this solution is that you
don’t need a dental implant for every tooth. Instead, we place a minimum number of implants
that give you maximum stability.
Dental Implant FAQs
Your cosmetic dentist in Everett can recreate your missing teeth using dental implants. Although you’re
excited to rebuild a beautiful smile, it’s normal to be a bit apprehensive before you’re ready to
commit to them. Don’t worry, we’ll explain the entire process during your initial consultation. To
help ease any apprehensions until your visit, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions
patients ask us about the procedure.
Learn More
Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
Gum disease is preventable; however, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss. If you’re missing
a tooth or two from it, you won’t be a candidate for dental implants until after the infection has
been treated. While it adds another step to your plan, it gives your new smile the healthy foundation it
needs to thrive for several decades with the right care.
Will I need bone grafting?
Many patients who want dental implants in Everett need to have bone grafting before moving forward with
their placement surgery. The procedure enhances the thickness of your jawbone to areas that have
weakened, such as from prolonged tooth loss. The graft will strengthen your jaw to ensure it can support
your dental implant long-term.
Can dental implants fail?
Dental implants are the most reliable option to replace one or more lost teeth. In fact, they have over
a 95% success rate. Unfortunately, dental implant failure can occur, but it’s rare. Most often it
results from a preventable infection called peri-implantitis. You can safeguard your smile from
complications by maintaining your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist in Everett at least
twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
How much will I pay for dental implants?
There isn’t a set price for dental implants because there are various factors that contribute to
the amount you’ll pay, such as the number of teeth you’re treating and if you need any
additional procedures. We’ll provide you with an estimate during your consultation and discuss the
fees associated with your treatment. In addition, we’ll also take the time to explain your payment
options, like using your dental insurance.
Every policy differs, but many plans can be used to help offset your out-of-pocket expense. We’ll
work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to file the necessary claim forms, so you have one less
thing to worry about. If there’s any remaining balance, our office accepts several payment options
to help keep your new smile within your budget.
How can I get started?
If you’re ready to replace your lost teeth, your first step is to contact a dentist for a
consultation. Don’t Google, “where is a dentist near me?” Instead, take the time to
choose someone who is specially trained in the procedure. Our dental team is qualified to complete the
entire process in-house, including implant placement surgery. You can rest assured your smile is in good
hands when choosing Albright Family Dental.
Dental Implants Post-Op Instructions
After any oral surgery, it’s very important to follow all aftercare steps provided by our office. It’s no different
after you receive dental implants. To ensure the smoothest recovery possible and avoid any hiccups in your tooth
replacement process, take note of the following tips below. If you have questions, whether it’s about your aftercare or
to report symptoms that have you concerned, do not hesitate to get in touch with our team members.
Learn More
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
Protecting the blood clot that has formed over your implant is vital to the healing process. It will also help you
avoid conditions like dry socket, which can cause major discomfort. This is where the blood clot becomes loose or
falls off entirely, compromising the healing of the implant site. Immediately after your surgery, make sure to:
- Avoid using straws or spitting with force
- Take it easy – avoid any strenuous activities for the next couple of days
- Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products
- Keep your tongue and fingers away from the implant site
Common Side Effects
Mild side effects are normal during the first few days of healing. Here’s how you can mitigate them as you
begin the recovery process:
- Intermittent bleeding – Reduce this with light pressure using a gauze pad as needed.
- Facial swelling – Cold compresses can help bring down swelling and discomfort. Do not
apply to your face for more than an hour at a time.
- General discomfort – Painkillers (either over-the-counter or prescription) should be
taken based on label/doctor recommendations.
Diet
You’ll need to stick to as close to a liquid diet as possible immediately after your surgery. Drinking
smoothies (without a straw), and eating applesauce, yogurt, and mashed up bananas are good options. Other foods to
consume over the next several days include:
- Cold/lukewarm soups
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft-cooked pasta
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Cold oatmeal
Once you feel ready, you can begin returning to regular foods. Just try to avoid anything tough or crunchy as these
can disturb the implant site.
Health & Oral Hygiene
You can (and should) brush your teeth the day after your surgery while making sure to avoid the implant site. Use
extreme caution so you do not disturb any of the stitches. To clean the treated area, rinse your mouth with either a
prescription oral rinse or saltwater mixture. This should be done two to three times a day. Do not use any
mouthwashes that contain alcohol as this can lead to dry mouth.
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
With the hardest part of your tooth replacement over, you’ll be asked to come back to our office to have your
restorations attached! Afterwards, you may notice some minor sensitivity around your gum tissue, but this is normal.
Simply take pain medication as needed. You should not have any swelling or bleeding after the restoration is placed.
Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants
Are you aware of proper dental implant care in Everett? Once your permanent prosthetics are in place, it’s
important that you learn how to maintain them to ensure they last as long as possible. Designed to have a
lifespan of 30 years or more, dental implants require regular upkeep to avoid damage and potential failure,
which can be caused by gum disease and unhealthy habits. At Albright Family Dental, our team is here to provide
helpful tips to make sure you enjoy your smile for a lifetime.
Learn More
Making Oral Hygiene a Priority
Are you brushing, flossing, and rinsing as you should? If not, it’s time to make your oral hygiene
a priority. While dental implants in Everett cannot form cavities like regular tooth enamel, they can be
negatively affected by nearby decay and gum disease. Brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing at
least once before bed, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash will help eliminate germs that cause
gingivitis and minimize your risk for decay.
Eating a Healthy Diet
Adopting healthy food choices into your daily diet is essential. Having a cookie or piece of pie now and
then isn’t too harmful; however, these should not be part of your regular food intake. Otherwise,
you run the risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Instead, choose fruits and vegetables that can
act as natural toothbrushes. Also, incorporate leafy greens and lean proteins as well as low-fat dairy
to strengthen tooth enamel and improve gum health.
Breaking Bad Habits
Unhealthy lifestyle habits can be hard to break. Your implant dentist in Everett understands this, but
it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Investing in dental implants is costly, so why continue
to practice bad habits that can cause significant damage? Smoking and tobacco use, biting your
fingernails, using your teeth as tools, eating ice, and even chewing on pens and pencils when stressed
can all lead to a visit to your emergency dental office if you’re not careful. Giving up these
habits will ensure your dental implants and natural teeth remain damage-free.
Protecting Your Dental Implants
Not only is giving up bad habits a good idea but talking to your dentist about a customized mouthguard
is equally as important. If you play sports or suffer from immense stress that causes you to grind your
teeth (bruxism), you need an oral appliance that safeguards your smile from serious injury. A mouthguard
designed to comfortably fit inside your mouth will alleviate unnecessary pressure placed on your jaw
joints and facial muscles as well as reduce wear and tear to your tooth enamel. It will also absorb the
impact should you experience a hard hit, sudden fall, or fly ball that impacts your teeth and gums.
Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months are necessary, no matter how many teeth are
replaced with dental implants. These visits allow our team to thoroughly check your oral cavity and
prosthetics for any signs of decay, disease, or damage. Catching these problems early on will allow us
to provide immediate treatment and minimize the potential for implant failure later on. We’ll also
make sure you have the information and tips needed to keep your real and artificial teeth in optimal
shape, so you can enjoy your full, complete appearance for longer.
Advanced Dental Implant Procedures
Out of the many treatments available in dentistry, dental implants are among the most complex. However, even
before the placement procedure can take place, you may need to undergo other advanced procedures that help
ensure successful implants. Many of these consist of strengthening the jawbone so that it integrates securely
with the implant posts. Fortunately, Dr.
Kaopua has the training and expertise to perform these highly specialized treatments right here in our Everett office.
Learn More
Bone Grafting
Perhaps you lost your teeth a long time ago. Maybe you have osteoporosis or naturally have low bone
density in your jaw. Sometimes, as it is, the jawbone isn’t strong enough to guarantee successful
dental implants, which is why we offer bone grafting. The material, taken from another part of your body
or from a donor, is positioned in the areas where the implants will go and makes your jawbone more
robust and better able to stabilize your replacement teeth.
Sinus Lift
Compared to the lower jaw, the upper jaw tends to have less bone tissue and density because it is so
close to the sinus cavity. In fact, the sinus membrane can make bone grafts much more difficult. As a
result, we may need to perform a sinus lift, which entails making an incision in the gums, a small hole
in the bone, and raising this membrane. Following the sinus lift, we can then add bone grafting material
and eventually place implants in this area. It’s important to note that this procedure may add
anywhere between 4 and 12 months to the treatment plan to fully recover.
Ridge Expansion
Your jawbone needs to have sufficient width as well as height to hold onto your teeth and any implants.
In some cases after tooth loss, the jawbone ridge has become so narrow that there isn’t enough
space to place the implants inside, let alone enough bone tissue to support them. A ridge expansion
involves putting wedges into the jawbone to widen the ridge and make room for further bone grafts and
eventually for the implants to go in the middle.
CBCT Imaging
In order to perform any of these advanced procedures, as well as the implant placement itself, Dr.
Kaopua needs to know exactly what’s below the gums’ surface. Digital X-rays only show part
of the structures needed to accurately plan complex procedures. On the other hand, CBCT scans reveal
much more detail, including blood vessels, and create a 3D model of your mouth, which allows Dr. Kaopua
to avoid certain complications and plan your treatment with more precision.
Dental Implant Technology
Out of all the procedures performed in dentistry, implant placement is one of the most complex. The smallest
error can lead to failure. Fortunately, we take advantage of some of the most advanced technology available to
ensure excellent results even for the most complicated cases. With these innovations, we are better able to
execute implant placement and restoration and give each patient a better overall experience. Learn more about
our implant technology in Everett by continuing to read the content below.
Learn More
3D Cone Beam Imaging/3D CT Scanning
Did you know that implant treatment starts with precise planning? Dr. Kaopua doesn’t
approach this procedure blindly; he spends time and effort planning implant placement. We need to know
where blood vessels and nerve endings are located to avoid causing problems along the way. Our cone beam
CT scanner captures tons of detailed images to create a 3D image of your oral cavity, including oral
structures that cannot be shown on X-rays. From this image, we can identify the best way to perform the
procedure for optimal results and fewer complications.
Guided Dental Implant Surgery
Although Dr. Kaopua performs the implant placement surgery himself in-house and he has years of
experience and training, we want to eliminate the potential for human error. In this procedure, the
smallest fraction of an inch can make all the difference. As a result, we utilize guided implant
surgical technology to execute the placement with precision every time. By using guided technology, we
reduce the likelihood of little mistakes, which could accelerate the healing process and increase the
chances of successful treatment.
E4D Digital Impression System
After the implant post has become integrated with the jawbone and the abutment has been placed, we can
focus on restoring your dental implant. Traditional impressions entail pressing a putty-like substance
firmly against your upper and lower arches for several minutes. Any false move can change how the
impressions turn out, potentially leading to an improperly fitting restoration. This messy process is
also often uncomfortable for patients. At Albright Family Dental, we want to give you a more pleasant
experience and accomplish that through our digital impression system. It’s not only more
comfortable to have a small device scan the inside of your mouth, but it also takes accurate
measurements, so you’re sure to have restorations that fit the first time.