Dental Implants
Milwaukie, OR
“Dr. Walker has spent over a decade in an exclusive dental implant training program with our oral surgeons. The Beacon Dental Implant Mini-Residency training provides Dr. Walker and her staff with the expertise to offer all options for implant restorations utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. We can offer beautiful and confidence-inspiring solutions that cater to your individual needs.”
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can restore both the function and appearance of your smile. Implants can also support dental bridges, acting as the abutment teeth on which crowns are placed. Unlike bridges or crowns that replace only the visible portion of a tooth, an implant restores the root as well. This helps maintain the health of the jawbone, preventing deterioration that occurs when a tooth or root is missing. Speak to one of our team members at Sue Walker Dentistry to see if you are a candidate for dental implants.
Considerations of Dental Implant Surgery
Restorative dentistry offers several options for restoring both the function and appearance of teeth, each varying in materials and procedural complexity. Not everyone qualifies for dental implants. Growing children may need to wait until their jawbones fully develop. People with chronic conditions such as diabetes or leukemia may not be eligible due to how these conditions affect healing. Smoking can also slow the body’s ability to recover, reducing the success of dental implants.
What to Expect Before Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant treatment involves multiple appointments over a period of six to nine months. Typically, you will have a consultation, a procedure to place the implant, and a final appointment to attach the replacement tooth. During the consultation, the dentist will evaluate your eligibility, perform a thorough dental examination, take X-rays to assess jawbone health, and review your medical history. Once your eligibility is confirmed, the dentist will explain the plan for surgery. Implants are usually placed by oral surgeons or restorative dentistry professionals. In some cases, both the implant and crown can be placed on the same day, but more often the process involves multiple appointments spaced over several months.
Procedure For Dental Implant Surgery
During the first phase of surgery, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic, or IV sedation may be provided for comfort. An incision is made in the gum to place the root implant into the jawbone, and the gum is then closed over it. The implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone. After surgery, a healing period called osseointegration begins, during which the jawbone grows around the implant to secure it. This process can take several months. Once fully healed, you will return to have the abutments placed, which anchor the new tooth. An impression is then taken to create the crown. When the dental lab finishes the crown, it is placed over the abutment, completing the implant. If you are interested in dental implants, schedule an appointment at Sue Walker Dentistry. Our team can help determine if implants are right for you. Call us at 971-447-4385 to schedule an appointment or for more information.