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Missing teeth affect more than aesthetics. They change the way you eat, the way you speak, and the way you feel about yourself at family dinners, job interviews, and moments you should be fully present for instead of worrying about a gap in your smile. Beyond the emotional weight, tooth loss triggers a physical process: without a root to stimulate the jawbone, the bone begins to shrink. Over time, that bone loss can change the shape of your face and make future dental work more complicated.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that stops that process at the source. At Lumin8 Dentistry in Lakewood, WA, Dr. Jun Carrington and our team offer dental implant treatment that restores your smile from the root up, with results that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. As a priority area of our restorative dentistry practice, implants represent the highest standard of care for tooth loss.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Through a process called osseointegration, the implant fuses with your bone over several months, creating a stable and permanent foundation. An abutment is then attached to the post, and a custom-crafted porcelain crown is placed on top, completing the restoration.
The implant itself has three components: the titanium post that anchors into the jaw, the abutment connector, and the crown that serves as the visible tooth. Together, these three elements create a replacement that is indistinguishable from a natural tooth in both appearance and function.
One of the most clinically significant benefits of implants is their effect on bone health. Research has shown that the jaw can lose up to 25% of its bone volume in the area of a missing tooth within the first year after loss. Implants provide the stimulation the bone needs to maintain its density and structure, preserving your facial contour and preventing the sunken appearance that often accompanies extended tooth loss.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Dental implants offer advantages that dentures and bridges simply cannot match. They are fixed in place, so there is no slipping, clicking, or removing them at night. You can eat what you want, speak naturally, and smile without any second thoughts. They require no special cleaning products and no adhesives.
Unlike traditional dental bridges, implants do not require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth for support. Each implant stands independently, which protects your surrounding natural teeth and maintains their long-term health.
Implants are also the most durable option available. With proper care, the titanium post can last a lifetime. The crown itself typically lasts 15 to 25 years before needing replacement.
The Dental Implant Process at Lumin8 Dentistry
Your implant journey begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Carrington evaluates your oral health, reviews your bone density and jaw structure using digital imaging, and creates a personalized treatment plan. Every step of the process is explained clearly before we begin.
Implant Placement
The titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone during an in-office procedure. Most patients report far less discomfort than they expected. A healing period of several months follows, during which the implant fuses with the bone.
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is confirmed, the abutment is attached. After your gums heal around it, we take digital impressions for your custom crown.
Crown Placement
Your permanent crown is designed to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. Once placed, it is checked for fit and bite, and your smile is complete.
If you have experienced bone loss and are not yet a candidate for implants, bone grafting may first be recommended to rebuild the foundation. Once grafting is complete, implant placement can proceed.
Are You a Candidate?
Most adults who have lost one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates have sufficient jawbone density, healthy gums, and good overall health. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease may need to be addressed first. Age is rarely a barrier. Whether you are in your thirties or your eighties, if you have adequate bone structure and healthy gums, implants may be right for you.
Military families from Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be pleased to know we accept TRICARE, including Delta TRICARE and United Concordia. We also offer Cherry financing at 0% interest for 24 months to make implants accessible.
Restore Your Smile at Lumin8 Dentistry
Dental implants are more than a tooth replacement — they are an investment in your health, your confidence, and your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out if implants are the right solution for you. Learn more about ongoing implant care on our implant care and maintenance page.
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