Dental Implants – Burien, WA

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

The first step when getting dental implants is attending a consultation. During this time, Dr. Lam will use a 3D scan to determine your candidacy and if you need preliminary treatment. This could include gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or other treatments. Once your jaw and gums are in good shape, we can move onto planning the rest of your treatment.

Dental Implant Surgery

Getting dental implants requires a surgical procedure. First, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic. Next, an incision is made into the gum tissue. Then, Dr. Lam will surgically place your implant(s) along the jawbone. The gums are then closed up, and protective caps are placed over the ends of the implants to keep them safe over the next few months.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

You’ll spend 3-6 months recovering. During this time, the “osseointegration” process takes place. This is when the implants fuse to your jawbone, essentially becoming a part of your mouth. This is what makes dental implants so stable, comfortable, and long-lasting. Once they have healed, you will need to undergo another minor procedure in which abutments will be attached to the ends of your implants. Impressions are also taken and sent to the dental lab so your final restoration can be made.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

Once your restoration is complete, we will let you know so you can return to our office. Your crown, bridge, or denture will be secured into place. If everything looks and feels great, you will be able to leave the practice showing off your new and improved smile!

Day-to-Day Benefits

Because these prosthetics are embedded in your jaw, they function as sturdy stand-alone structures that don’t rely on your remaining teeth or gums for stability. As a result, they can improve your daily quality of life in the following ways:

• Restore your bite force. The titanium rod of your implant fuses with your jawbone to return an estimated 80% or more of your original chewing power.
• Communicate clearly. Gaps in your grin can lead to a lisp or other challenges speaking that can be overcome once you’ve been fitted with your prosthetic(s).
• Easy to clean. Maintaining your new teeth is as easy as brushing and flossing twice daily, and scheduling regular checkups and cleanings with Dr. Lam every six months.
• Boost your confidence. They’re capped with a tooth-colored restoration that’s customized to match the shade, shape, and size of your natural teeth for seamless results that can increase your self-esteem.

Health Benefits

Many patients don’t realize that the jawbone weakens after tooth loss. This is because your roots stimulate new bone development every time you bite down to keep it active and healthy. When they go missing, your jaw can become too fail to provide a firm foundation for your teeth.

Thankfully, dental implants can help by:

• Preventing bone degeneration. The titanium rod that’s inserted into your jaw functions like a root and triggers new bone growth that eventually encompasses and fuses with it in a process called osseointegration.
• Preserving facial structure. The muscles and ligaments in your face and jaw loosen when it thins, causing sunken cheeks and additional wrinkles. Your restoration strengthens your jaw to avoid it.
• Protects oral health. Dental implants are typically easier to clean than other replacement teeth, which means you’re less likely to develop issues like cavities, gum disease, or physical trauma.

Long-Term Benefits

These restorations can potentially last the rest of your natural life, if they’re cared for correctly, so you can enjoy the following long-term advantages:

• They have an incredibly high success rate of 95% or more, even up to 10 years after their initial placement.
• Unlike removable dentures and dental bridges, which can become ill-fitted or fall out of your mouth and sustain damage, implants are firmly rooted in your mouth to avoid potential harm.
• Save on expenses. Although they’re more costly up-front, these prosthetics are less likely to require periodic relining or replacement. Plus, there’s no need to invest in adhesives, special soaking solutions, or other accessories, so you can save money in the long run.