Dental implants are used to replace missing or severely damaged teeth permanently. This dental restoration is very popular because it not only restores the function of your tooth from root to crown but it also looks and feels just like a natural tooth.
Your dental implant will be made of durable material, built to outlast other restorative options like dentures or bridges - saving you money down the road.
Here's what you can expect with dental implants in Seattle:
First, our restorative dentist will confirm you are a candidate for dental implants. Factors that play a role in this include your age, bone structure, and health.
If you've previously been told you are not a candidate, let's try again! With today's modern technology, more patients are eligible for dental implants.
Next, Dr. Curalli will recommend a treatment plan, outlining the timeline, costs, insurance coverage, etc. We aim to make this process as convenient and stress-free as possible.
If you do not have enough bone to support a dental implant, you may require a bone grafting procedure prior to the next step.
Dr. Curalli will refer you to a local periodontist or oral surgeon to place your dental implant. These specialists are trained and experienced in placing dental implants and utilize 3D technology for precise placement.
After the healing period (typically three months), you will return to our Ballard dental office for the finishing touches.
Before your crown is placed, an abutment will be placed on your implant post. This connects the two and serves as a foundation for your new crown.
Lastly, Dr. Curalli will permanently place your dental crown. He will use intraoral photography to custom-design this crown with our preferred lab, ensuring your new tooth matches your surrounding ones perfectly. No one will notice you have a dental implant.
Your dental implant will completely restore your missing tooth. You can eat your favorite foods again, speak clearly, smile with confidence, and get back to living your life to the fullest.
To care for your dental implant, you will want to:
Are dental implants in your best interest? Let's find out:
Dr. Curalli will custom design your crown to seamlessly blend in with your surrounding teeth. It will match your teeth's color, shape, and size.
With proper care, your dental implant could last a lifetime. The materials used for your dental implant are durable and not subject to decay.
A dental implant is the only restoration that entirely restores your missing tooth's function. You can eat, speak, laugh, and kiss without discomfort or embarrassment.
When you lose a tooth, it can cause a domino effect of problems. A dental implant will help you preserve bone density, support your facial structure, keep you looking young, prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, maintain your bite, and more!
Dental implants are the longest-lasting restorative option. Other restorations require ongoing maintenance and replacements, quickly adding up in costs. Plus, most dental insurances cover dental implants.
A dental implant only requires modifications to your missing tooth area. Dr. Curalli tries to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Dental bridges and dentures require alterations to your surrounding teeth.
Using the iTero® Element™ scanner, our Seattle dentist can create accurate 3D models of your mouth for precise planning and predicting treatment results!
‘‘I moved to Seattle from Chicago and started seeing Dr. Curalli for an implant. He is a great dentist, and I recommend him to all my friends and coworkers. Everyone in the office is super nice and professional. Dr. Curalli worked with me to get the perfect implant, and even though I moved out of Ballard, I still drive to see him and his staff.’’
- Nathan D., Actual Implant Dentistry Patient
Our award-winning dentist, Dr. Dominick Curalli, has years of experience restoring smiles with dental implants in Seattle. Take Anne for example (pictured); she came to us because she had difficulty chewing with a lack of back teeth, and she was not happy with the appearance of her smile.
Together, she and Dr. Curalli decided on a treatment plan that replaced her missing teeth with dental implants and restored her broken teeth with crowns. These treatments were staged to accommodate proper healing time, comfort, and other factors like budget.
Now, Anne has a fully restored smile, allowing her to enjoy her favorite foods again and feel confident about her smile.
By choosing Smile Ballard for your dental implants in Seattle, you will experience high-quality dentistry with a personable dentist, willing to go great lengths to help you feel comfortable.
Our Ballard dentist answers your questions.
If you have one or more missing or broken teeth, then you may be a candidate for dental implants.
Even if you have previously been told you're not a dental implant candidate, time's have changed. With today's dental technology, you may now be eligible.
To find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Curalli. During this appointment, we will review your:
Click here to schedule a dental implants consultation in Seattle!
The average timeline for getting a dental implant is three months. In some cases, it may be longer due to healing time and additional procedures like bone grafting.
Dr. Curalli has close relationships with local periodontists and oral surgeons. He utilizes their expert-level training and experience to place your dental implant.
He will remain in close communication with them at all times during your treatment, ensuring your needs and expectations are met.
Most patients claim getting a dental implant hurts less than a tooth extraction. After the procedure, you may feel some tenderness, which can be easily treated with over-the-counter medication.
With proper care, your dental implant may last a lifetime. The dental crown on top may need updating per its usual lifecycle (estimated 15 years).
To extend the longevity of your dental implant, you should brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.
The cost of a dental implant varies from patient to patient and tooth to tooth. Factors like bone density and type of tooth all play a role.
Additionally, most dental insurance policies cover dental implants. With our intraoral photography, we can provide your insurance company with a visual explanation of your proposed treatments, helping you maximize your benefits.
To find out exactly how much a dental implant will cost you, schedule a consultation at Smile Ballard today!
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