Dental Implants

Consider dental implants if you’ve lost some (or all) of your permanent teeth because of extractions, trauma, or poor oral hygiene. At Smiles for Maple Valley, in Maple Valley, Washington, Narges Lotfi, DDS, specializes in placing and restoring dental implants. She might recommend single-tooth implants, an implant-supported bridge, or full-arch fixed implants, depending on your needs. To request a dental implant consultation, call the office or book online today.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small metal posts that your Smiles for Maple Valley provider inserts into the empty sockets where your permanent teeth used to be. The implants fuse with your bone after placement, providing a foundation for crowns, bridges, or implant-anchored dentures.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants offer various benefits, including:

• Confidence
• Convenience
• Durability
• Improved oral health
• Clearer speech

Dental implants even make it easier to bite and chew — you can eat your favorite foods without having to worry.

What are the types of dental implants?

Smiles for Maple Valley offers several types of dental implants, including:

Single-tooth implants

Your provider might recommend single-tooth implants if you’ve only lost a few permanent teeth. A single-tooth implant is a small titanium post that looks like a screw. It integrates with your jaw and your dentist attaches a crown to the top.

Implant-supported bridges

If you’re missing several teeth in a row, your dentist prescribes an implant-supported bridge. During treatment, your Smiles for Maple Valley provider inserts a dental implant into each of your empty tooth sockets and then attaches an implant-supported bridge on top.

The bridge has several false teeth and pink plastic or acrylic gums that blend in with your smile.

Full arch fixed implants

If you’re missing all of the teeth on your upper or lower dental arch, Smiles for Maple Valley prescribes a full arch fixed implant. 

A full arch fixed implant replaces an entire row of teeth using between four and six implants. Your provider then attaches a bridge with the false teeth on top. Once placed, the implant arch stays inside your mouth. All you have to do is brush and floss.

Implant-supported removable dentures

If you’re on a budget and still want the benefits of dental implants, Smiles for Maple Valley might recommend implant-supported removable dentures. Implant-supported removable dentures don’t stay in your mouth at all times. You take them out before bed and soak them in a cleaning solution.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants often last a lifetime if you take good care of them. Smiles for Maple Valley recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the office every six months for an oral exam and preventive teeth cleaning.

To explore the benefits of dental implants, call Smiles for Maple Valley or book online today.