24
Aug
Caring For Dental Implants
If you have received a dental implant, you have invested both time and money into the future of your smile. It is important to protect this investment in order to maintain good oral health. There are certain steps you should take after undergoing a dental implant procedure in order to care for your mouth.
Real Patients – Real Results
Implants to Enhance Your Smile
- Patient Case Study: Front Tooth Replacement with Dental Implant.
- Background: Our patient lost her front tooth a few years ago and was using a partial denture to fill the gap. She felt very self-conscious about the space when she wasn’t wearing her partial denture. Seeking a more permanent solution, she opted for a dental implant to replace the missing tooth.
- Initial Consultation: During the initial consultation, we discussed the patient’s concerns and her desire for a natural-looking, permanent solution. We explained the dental implant process, including the design, placement, and restoration phases.
- Digital Design: Using advanced digital technology, we designed the replacement tooth to ensure it would blend seamlessly with her natural teeth. This digital planning allowed us to visualize the final result and place the implant in the optimal position for both function and aesthetics.
- Implant Placement: The dental implant was placed in the perfect position during a minor surgical procedure. The placement was done with precision to ensure the implant would support the new tooth effectively and look natural.
- Healing Phase: After the implant was placed, we allowed time for healing and osseointegration, during which the implant securely fused with the jawbone. This phase was crucial for the long-term success of the implant.
- Abutment and Crown Installation: Once healing was complete, we installed the abutment, which acts as a connector between the implant and the crown. Following this, the custom-made crown was placed, perfectly matching the patient’s natural teeth in color, shape, and size.
- Partial Denture Retrofit: The final step involved removing the front tooth from the patient’s partial denture and retrofitting the partial to accommodate her new crown. This adjustment ensured that her partial denture remained functional and comfortable while enhancing her overall appearance.
- Outcome: The patient is extremely satisfied with the result. The dental implant restored her smile, giving her the confidence to show her teeth without hesitation. The implant not only looks and feels like a natural tooth but also provides long-term durability and stability.
Implants to Enhance Your Smile
- This patient experienced trauma to his front teeth many years ago. Both teeth underwent root canal treatments and remained functional for several decades. Unfortunately, one of these teeth developed a vertical fracture, making it necessary to remove the tooth.
- After extracting the fractured tooth, we placed a dental implant to replace it. The case was challenging because the adjacent front tooth was darker due to the previous root canal treatment. To ensure a natural look, we matched the implant to the lighter shade of his canine tooth, allowing it to blend seamlessly with his smile.
- The final result successfully restored both function and aesthetics, leaving the patient very pleased with his new, natural-looking smile.
Implants to Improve Your Chewing
- This gentleman lost his upper left molars and was having a desire to have more teeth to chew with.
Implants to Improve Your Chewing
- The patient’s lower right first molar was deemed non-restorable and subsequently lost due to a significant cavity. Following the extraction, she chose to replace the missing tooth with an implant.
After the procedure, your mouth might be tender at first. This tenderness only lasts about ten to fourteen days. Your dentist in Arlington, WA recommends a diet of warm soup, soft foods, and cold foods during this time. Additionally, you should refrain from smoking. Although the healing time for a dental implant tends to vary depending on the patient and the situation, it generally takes between two and four months for your mouth to fully heal after receiving a dental implant. You will not experience discomfort throughout this period, though.
Once your mouth has healed, caring for an implant is very similar to caring for a natural tooth. Although an implant cannot develop a cavity, it can still undergo the same wear-and-tear as a normal tooth. When not maintained properly, there is a risk for peri-implantitis to occur, which is similar to periodontal disease. However, this is easily preventable through regular check-ups, as well as daily brushing and flossing.
In order to maintain good oral health, it is important to continue to regularly visit your dentist. Your dentist can clean the areas that you are unable to reach. Additionally, they will be able to check the surrounding gums and bone to ensure that they are healthy. As always, your dentist recommends thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Paying attention to your oral hygiene will ensure that your implant survives. If you continue to maintain good oral hygiene, your implants can last for the rest of your life without a need for replacement. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact our dental office in Arlington, WA.
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Dr. Bryce Duskin
Dr. Bryce Duskin, a highly skilled dentist from Arlington, Washington, holds a DDS from the University of Washington and a BS in Zoology from Washington State University. As a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, he is among the top 2% of dentists nationally. Dr. Duskin is active in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the Inland Empire Perio Study Club, and the American Dental Association. His expertise in preventive care, esthetic restorations, and implant dentistry is bolstered by extensive advanced training and hands-on experience with the Inland Empire Perio Study Club. Active in community service through the Rotary Club and local charities, Dr. Duskin is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care with a focus on patient satisfaction and community involvement.
Dr. Ally Mueller
A skilled dentist in Arlington, Dr. Ally Mueller graduated Magna Cum Laude in Biochemistry from the University of Washington, completing the UW Honors College curriculum. After earning her DDS with honors from the University of Washington School of Dentistry, she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Mueller is currently advancing her expertise at the renowned Kois Center and is an active member of the Washington State Dental Association, UW Dental Alumni, ADA, and Seattle King County Dental Association.
Dr. Gavin McNelis
Accomplished Arlington dentist Dr. Gavin McNelis earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology/Physiology from the University of Washington in 2015. He served as a dental assistant at the Dental Fears Research Clinic before earning his DDS at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2020 as the first student elected Student Body President for two consecutive years. After a General Practice Residency in the Portland VA Healthcare System, Dr. McNelis continues to advance his education, working towards his Masters in the Academy of General Dentistry and as a member of the Inland Empire Periodontal Study Club.
Dr. Arezoo Holdaway
Proficient Arlington dentist Dr. Arezoo Holdaway earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Washington. She went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University. Dr. Holdaway is an active member of the American Dental Association, ADA Washington State Chapter, AGD Washington State Chapter, and Academy of General Dentistry. Committed to continuous education, she stays current with the latest advancements in dentistry and dental technology to provide her patients with the highest standards of care.