Dental implants are specially made posts that replace the roots of teeth that are missing. They are used to support a new crown, fixed bridge or denture. Implants are made of titanium, a strong precious metal, which has a long history of safe use in the body.

When a tooth is lost, the conventional methods of replacement do not really "replace" the tooth, but rather "bridge" or "cover up" the gap with an artificial tooth that connects or rests upon the adjacent teeth. When this is done with a cemented bridge, it requires filing down the adjacent teeth for crowns, which connect to a false tooth crown. When this is done with a removable bridge or "partial plate," metal clasps grab the adjacent teeth for retention and support. In both cases, the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are negatively affected.

In contrast, with an implant-supported crown, there are no affects at all on the neighboring teeth. The "implant tooth" can be brushed and flossed normally and functions just like a real tooth. Though bridges and dentures have served us reasonably well for years, implants provide better support and usually result in more comfortable and stable replacement teeth.

At Lasting Impressions Dentistry, our procedure to place implants and restore them properly for the best appearance and function, involves a team approach. We work closely with two of the top implant surgeons in the Seattle area. The initial preparation in our office includes x-rays, diagnosis, plaster modeling, digital photography and sometimes fabrication of a plastic surgical guide. The surgeon then places the implant in an office procedure that takes about an hour. We both monitor each patient post-operatively and during the healing process.

Over the next 4-6 months bone grows into the implant, "integrating" it strongly into the jaw. Then the implant is "uncovered" and additional titanium parts are placed into the hollow center of the implant, which sticks through the gum like a real tooth. This becomes the foundation for a new tooth crown. From that point the process is like having a crown made on a real root. The experience should be no more difficult than having routine fillings placed. Many patients watch a movie, TV or listen to music during the procedure.

Digital photographs and computerized shade matching may be used to achieve the best possible cosmetic result. We are unlike most dental offices that "send out" this laboratory work. Instead, we have a state-of-the-art implant lab onsite, with a full-time dental ceramist on call to personally work with you to correctly color your new teeth.

On the second appointment the crown is gently placed on the implant for your approval. When (and only when) you, Dr. Loshin, and our ceramist, all agree that the new crown is fitting well, and properly colored, will we proceed to cement it to the implant. Implant crowns require no special upkeep beyond regular good preventive dental hygiene with tooth brushing and flossing.

Implants are no longer a new or novel procedure in dentistry. In fact some have been monitored now for about 30 years. Using the latest technology and state-of-the-art materials we enjoy a success rate of 90% - 95%.

Contact us today by calling 206.682.3093 or online