Dental Implants

At Lakeside Dental we conduct dental implant surgery to replace the root of the teeth with metal to replace the damage as well as missing teeth with artificial ones that provide the same function as real teeth. Our dentists in Moses Lake are dedicated to helping patients receive high-quality customer service when they come in for dental implant surgery. We try to offer welcome alternatives to dentures or even bridgework that does not fit well and can even offer an option when the natural teeth do not allow building dentures or bridgework tooth replacements.

The process of how our Moses Lake dentists perform the surgery is dependent on the type of implant that is needed with consideration to the condition of the jawbone. It is also possible that the surgery could involve several procedures. One of the major benefits of implants is that they provide solid support to the teeth because the bone can heal tightly around the area of the implant. Since the healing of the bone takes time, it can even take up to a couple of months to fully recover.

At Lakeside Dental we place the implants surgically within the jawbone so that they serve as roots for the missing teeth. The titanium that is present within the implants can fuse with the jawbone so that the implants do not slip or make any noise. One of the benefits is that the material does not decay and can maintain its strength.

When clients come to Lakeside Dental, we go over the entire process so that we can make sure that dental implants are right for you. If you have any of the following you may be a candidate for dental implants:

  • If you have one or more missing tooth
  • If your jawbone has reached its full level of growth
  • If there is an adequate amount of bone to fully secure the implant or to have a bone graft
  • If the oral tissues are healthy
  • If there is no underlying health condition that will affect the healing of the bone
  • If the patient is unwilling to wear dentures
  • If there is a need to improve one’s speech
  • If the patient is willing to commit a couple of months to the healing process
  • If you do not smoke tobacco

Preparing for the Process

Our dentist in Moses Lake will make sure that you are prepared for the process of getting dental implants. We will guide you through the entire planning process by conducting a thorough evaluation which will include:

Comprehensive Dental Examination: Dental X-rays and 3D images will be taken of the teeth so that models can be made of the teeth as well as the jaw.

Reviewing the Patient's Medical History: The Moses Lake dentist will ask about your medical history as well as gather information about any medications that you may take. If the patient has any heart condition or an orthopedic implant, then the doctor may prescribe antibiotics before the surgery takes place so that infections can be prevented.

Developing a Suitable Plan: It is the goal of our dentists to develop a plan of treatment that is tailored to the needs of the patient. We will always take into consideration how many teeth need to be replaced as well as the condition of the jawbone and remaining teeth.

To control the pain a Moses Lake Dentist will provide anesthesia options during surgery which may include sedation, general anesthesia, or even local anesthesia depending on the preferences of the patient. The dentist will go over information about eating and drinking before the surgery depending on the type of anesthesia the patient selects. After the surgery, it is important to take rest for the remainder of the day.

What to Expect at Lakeside Dental

Dental implant surgery is an outpatient surgery that is carried out in stages so that there is some time to heal between the procedures that are occurring. The entire process of placing the implant can take place in steps such as removal of the damaged tooth, preparing the grafting, placing the implant, growth, and healing of the bone, placement of the abutment, and finally the placing of the artificial tooth. The entire process can take months from start to finish. There is much time that is given to the healing process as well as time for the new bone to grow within the jaw.

During the process of surgery, the Moses Lake dentist will make a cut to open the gum and carefully expose the bone. Holes will be drilled into the bone in the location where the dental implant metal will be placed deep into the bone. There will remain a gap in the area where the tooth is missing. The dentist may place a temporary denture so it can be removed for cleaning purposes as well as during the night.

Growth of the Bone

When the dentist in Moses Lake places the implant within the jawbone the process of osseointegration takes place. The jawbone begins to grow and unite with the surface of the dental implant which can take a few months so that there is a solid base in place for the artificial tooth which will soon be placed. After the osseointegration, there is surgery to place an abutment so that the crown can attach. The dentist will expose the dental implant to attach it and close the gum tissue. After this, the gums go through a process of healing for the next two weeks before the tooth is attached.

After the gums are healed the Moses Lake dentist will make more impressions of the mouth as well as the teeth which will be used to make the crown which is the realistic-looking tooth. The dentist will give you the option to choose if you would like to select removable teeth, fixed, or even a mix of the two.

With removable dentures, the metal frame will be attached to the implant abutment which can be removed for repair or cleaning daily. With fixed dentures, the artificial teeth are permanently screwed into the implant abutment. These cannot be removed and can replace several teeth just by one implant if they are bridged together.

At Lakeside Dental, our implants are successful because we care for our patients and make sure that they receive the best customer service possible. We are by your side every step of the way to guide as well as inform you of the process if any questions need to be answered. We appreciate all our patients and will continue to provide an exceptional experience to all who come to Moses Lake for our dental services. Call us or contact us today to schedule your appointment!