Joseph Van Mieghem DDS
Family Dentist located in Lynnwood, WA
Losing a tooth can leave you feeling self-conscious, and it may also impact your long-term dental health. Luckily, dental implants can help beautify your smile. At Joseph Van Mieghem DDS in Lynnwood, Washington, the expert team of specialists uses the latest innovations in dental technology to give patients natural-looking dental implants that function just as well as regular teeth.
Dental Implants Q&A
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are small titanium roots and posts that replace missing teeth. These implants serve as anchors that are attached to an artificial tooth.
After the implants are placed, and the bone has time to heal, the jaw bone fuses to the implants, making them even stronger than a natural tooth. Once the implants have healed, artificial replacement teeth can be secured to your implants.
Dental implants are not only beneficial in improving the function of your mouth, but they also can benefit the existing bone of the jaw and prevent further bone loss.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
If you’re interested in dental implants, the experts at Joseph Van Mieghem DDS can determine whether or not you’re a candidate with a thorough evaluation.
Most patients who have good oral health can qualify for a dental implant procedure if they:
- Need to replace one or more missing teeth
- Have joint pain or bite issues caused by teeth shifting into spaces where a tooth is missing
- Need to support a bridge or want an alternative to dentures
Dental implants also can help you restore natural speech and chewing while adding more structure and support to your jaw.
What can I expect with a dental implant procedure?
Your dental needs are unique to you, so the office of Lee and Van Mieghem DDS offers individualized treatment plans for each patient.
In some cases, bone grafting ― a procedure that transfers bone from one area of your body to your jaw ― may be needed before placement of the implants, especially if there isn't enough bone available to adequately support the restoration. If you have enough bone or your bone is reconstructed, the implants are surgically installed.
After the titanium posts are implanted, you need to wait at least four months so that the bone can fuse with them. In some cases, the gum tissue may grow over the implants, so a procedure may be needed to uncover them before tooth replacement.
An artificial tooth is made to match your other teeth and then is attached to the implant. In total, the procedure takes six to eight months, but most patients report minimal disruptions to their daily lives.
Under the expert care of the team at Joseph Van Mieghem DDS, your new implant and tooth look and feels just like the real thing.
To schedule an appointment today, use the easy online booking system.