What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants fuse with your bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a secure foundation for replacement teeth. This integration gives implants their strength and durability, allowing them to function just like your remaining teeth. The implant itself consists of three main segments:- The titanium post that anchors into your jawbone
- An abutment that connects to the post
- A custom-made crown that looks and feels like a real tooth
Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Dental implants offer advantages that other tooth replacement options simply cannot match. They look, feel, and function like your real teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite meals without worry. You won’t need to remove them for cleaning or soak them overnight; you simply brush and floss as you normally would.
The permanence of dental implants means you can speak confidently without fear of slipping dentures or clicking sounds. They won’t shift when you laugh, eat, or talk, giving you the freedom to enjoy social situations without self-consciousness. This stability also makes implants more comfortable than traditional dentures, which can cause irritation and require frequent adjustments.
From a health perspective, dental implants protect your remaining teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, which require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth for support, implants stand independently. This contributes to better long-term oral health.
The Dental Implant Process at Lumin8 Dentistry
Your dental implant procedure starts with a consultation, during which Dr. Carrington evaluates your oral health and discusses your goals. Using our state-of-the-art digital imaging technology, we create a detailed plan tailored to your specific conditions. We’ll explain each step of the process and answer all your questions, ensuring you feel comfortable and prepared before we begin.Implant Placement
The first surgical phase involves placing the titanium implant post into your jawbone. We perform this procedure in our comfortable Lakewood office, and most patients report minimal discomfort. After placement, the implant needs sufficient time to fuse with your bone; a process that typically takes several months. During this healing period, we may provide you with a temporary restoration to help you maintain your appearance and function.Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, we attach the abutment to your implant. This small connector piece serves as the anchor for your final restoration. After your gums heal around the abutment, we take impressions to create your custom crown.Crown Placement
The final step involves placing your permanent crown to complete your new smile. Throughout the entire process, our team delivers clear instructions for care and remains available to address any concerns.Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults who have lost at least one tooth make good candidates for dental implants.Sufficient Bone Density
Ideal candidates have ample jawbone density to support the implant, healthy gums, and good overall health. If you’ve been missing teeth for some time, you may have experienced bone loss, but that doesn’t automatically disqualify you. At Lumin8 Dentistry, we offer bone grafting procedures to rebuild your jawbone and make dental implants possible.Overall Health
Your overall health plays an influential role in determining candidacy. Certain conditions, like active gum disease or uncontrolled diabetes, may require management before we proceed with implant placement. If you smoke, we’ll discuss how tobacco use affects healing and long-term implant success. However, even patients with these conditions often become suitable candidates once their health concerns are addressed.Age
Age is rarely a barrier to dental implants. Whether you’re in your thirties or your eighties, if you have good health and adequate bone structure, you may benefit from implants.Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants at Lumin8 Dentistry
Dental implants are more than just a tooth replacement option; they’re an investment in your quality of life, your health, and your confidence. At Lumin8 Dentistry, Dr. Carrington’s advanced training and commitment to patient-centered care ensure you receive exceptional results in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Our practice combines cutting-edge technology with genuine compassion, creating an experience designed around your needs. Located in the heart of Lakewood, WA, we make quality dental care accessible and convenient. We work with most insurance providers and offer flexible financing to help make your dental implants affordable. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from living your best life. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how dental implants can transform your smile.Affiliations & Education
