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Dental Implants — Portland, OR

Regain a Confident, Strong, & Healthy Smile

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are undoubtedly the premier choice. You might think of them as "artificial roots" although in truth they can be so stronger and offer the additional advantage of being forever immune to decay. When we restore them, the end effect is so natural and vibrant, even our hygienists are often surprised to find they are implants. While Implants are as close to a lifetime replacement as we can offer, it is imperative that the bite be exactly right from the start. In Portland, Oregon, ADANW is the only office to have the computerization to measure the timing and force of the bite. So we can say with great confidence that our implant restorations will last, and last, because we make certain they are right from the very start! If you’re ready to regain a confident, strong, and healthy smile, give us a call today to learn more about dental implants.

Why Choose Advanced Dental Arts NW For Dental Implants?

  • Talented Dentist with Over 3 Decades of Experience
  • Advanced Dental Technology for Precise, Lasting Results
  • Partnered with Trusted Local Oral Surgeons

What Are Dental Implants?

Diagram showing how dental implants in Portland work

Dental implants are small, titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. They can be placed beneath the gums directly into the gumline, where, thanks to their biocompatible nature, they will integrate and fuse with the bone tissue directly. This provides a strong, stable foundation for your replacement teeth that rivals that of natural teeth. Dental implants can be topped with crowns, bridges, partials, or full dentures in order to replace any number of teeth throughout the mouth. Replacing the entire structure of a missing tooth gives you a new smile that looks, feels, and functions just like natural.

The 4 Step Dental Implant Process

Portland implant dentist holding implant X-rays

Although we do not perform the dental implant placement procedure here at Advanced Dental Arts NW, we can refer you to trusted specialists in the area who have the same standard of care that we do. They will be able to surgically place your dental implant posts, and you’ll need several months to fully heal and allow your jawbone to grow and bond to the post(s). Once this process is complete, you’ll return to our dental office to have your restorations created and placed. Read on to learn more about the four main steps of dental implants treatment in Portland.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

patient attending a dental implant consultation in Portland

First, it’s important that you come see us for a consultation. During this visit, we’ll discuss your goals for your smile, review your medical history, and take a closer look at your mouth to determine if dental implants are a good choice for you. Some patients will need to undergo preliminary treatments like bone grafting or gum disease therapy to become good candidates for dental implants. Then, we’ll plan out the rest of your treatment and refer you to a trusted local specialist.

Dental Implant Surgery

Closeup of Portland implant dentist placing dental implants

Placing dental implants requires a minor surgical procedure. First, your implant dentist in Portland will numb your mouth and ensure you’re comfortable. Then, they’ll make an incision in your gums to reach your jawbone. The implant is then inserted into precisely the right location and the gums are closed around it. A protective cap will be placed over the dental implant to protect it and maintain the natural shape of your gums, and then you’ll be sent home to heal.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement

Illustration of dental implant in Portland during osseointegration

Over the next several months, your dental implants will undergo osseointegration. Since dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium, they’ll gradually begin to fuse with the jawbone and become part of it. This is what will give your new teeth their strong, stable, and lifelike foundation. Osseointegration will take between three and six months. Then, a small connector piece will be attached to the top of your dental implant. As you heal from this step over the coming weeks, your brand-new restoration will be fabricated.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

Portland implant dentist holding restoration and model jaw

You’ll return to our office once again for the last step of your dental implant treatment. During this appointment, we’ll attach your custom-made crown, bridge, partial, or denture to your dental implant(s) via the abutments placed during the previous appointment. Once they’ve been secured in place, we’ll test your bite to ensure its even and comfortable. Then, we’ll answer any remaining questions you may have about your new smile, and you’ll be all set to go out and show off your complete set of pearly whites!

Benefits of Dental Implants

Man admiring his new dental implants in Portland

Out of all the options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the only ones that restore more than just the top portion of the tooth. Dentures and dental bridges only replace the crowns of missing teeth, leaving much to be desired in terms of stability and function. On the other hand, since dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth as well as their crown, they offer a wide variety of important benefits that you simply can’t get with any other form of tooth replacement. Read on as we go over some of the most popular benefits that our patients love about dental implants.

Day-to-Day Benefits

Woman with beautiful smile thanks to dental implants in Portland

  • More youthful appearance: Dental implants keep the jawbone and surrounding tissues stimulated and strong, which helps you retain a younger look overall.
  • Easy maintenance: With dental implants, you don’t have to take them out and soak them in cleansing solutions. Patients just have to brush and floss them like real teeth and get regular checkups to keep them looking like new.
  • Complete confidence: Thanks to their firm foundation in your jawbone, you’ll never have to worry about your dental implants slipping or popping out of place at embarrassing times. You’ll be able to smile, eat, and laugh with complete confidence in your new teeth.
  • Eat all your favorite foods: Dental implants can restore 80% or more of your natural biting force. That means that you’ll be able to eat foods like apples, steak, nuts, and anything else on your plate comfortably and confidently!

Health Benefits

Healthy woman with dental implants in Portland practicing yoga

  • No dependence on surrounding teeth: Partial dentures and bridges rely on the healthy teeth around the gap to stabilize them, which can put those teeth at risk for decay, damage, or even extraction down the road. Implants are completely self-supporting, however, so this isn’t a problem.
  • Prevent jawbone deterioration and shrinkage: As the only tooth replacement to restore the roots of missing teeth, dental implants are they only way to stop the jawbone deterioration that naturally occurs after tooth loss. By stimulating the bone tissue, they’ll keep your jaw strong and prevent the sunken, aged facial appearance that so often accompanies other forms of tooth replacement.

Long-Term Benefits

Young patient admiring his new dental implants in Portland

  • High success rate: On average, 10 years after they have been placed, 95% of dental implants are still successful.
  • Long-lasting results: Dentures and bridges need to be replaced every few years, but dental implants can last 30 years to a lifetime!
  • Save thousands of dollars: Not only is the long lifespan of dental implants convenient, but it can save you a significant amount of money. Since you won’t be paying for new dentures or bridges every few years, you can potentially save thousands of dollars in replacements alone!

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Couple with dental implants in Portland smiling outside

Dental implants are an incredibly versatile tooth loss solution. Whether you’re missing one tooth, a few teeth, many teeth, or an entire arch of pearly whites, we can design a custom dental implant treatment plan that gives you the full smile you deserve. First, we’ll evaluate your current oral health to see if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Then, if needed, we’ll help you tackle issues like gum disease and inadequate jawbone density so your treatment has the highest likelihood of success. Finally, we’ll work with you to design your custom dental implant treatment plan! Read on to learn more about what it takes to be a good candidate for dental implants and if dental implants can help you.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Patient learning about who is a good candidate for dental implants in Portland

To be considered a good candidate for dental implants, you’ll need:

  • Good overall health
  • Great oral health
  • Adequate jawbone density

If you don’t initially have all these factors, don’t panic! We can often help our patients overcome hurdles that stand between them and starting dental implant treatment. We may recommend preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy or a bone graft to ensure that your dental implants have the highest chances for success. From there, we’ll design your dental implant treatment around how many teeth you’re missing:

Missing 1 Tooth

Diagram of a single tooth dental implant in Portland

In the case of a single lost tooth, a dental implant post is placed in the same position in the jawbone as the original root. Then, the implant is topped with a custom dental crown for a completely natural look. This method for replacing a single missing tooth is much more dependable than a traditional dental bridge, which requires altering the healthy teeth on either side and essentially leaving them weaker than before. Plus, as the dental implant stimulates the jawbone and keeps it strong around the roots of the other teeth, it will help to prevent future tooth loss.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Diagram showing implant bridge replacing multiple missing teeth in Portland

If you’re missing several teeth throughout your mouth, a few dental implants may be able to provide support for a partial denture or dental bridge. Instead of anchoring to the surrounding teeth, these restorations are held using strategically placed dental implants. This gives them more stability and keeps your remaining healthy teeth strong.

Missing All Teeth

Diagram showing how implant dentures in Portland work

Even if you’ve suffered total tooth loss, dental implants may be able to help! With four to six implants, you can have a solid foundation for a full denture. This means no more slipping or popping out of place, no more gum irritation, and no more food restrictions! The dental implants will securely anchor your denture in place so you can enjoy having a complete and lifelike smile once again!

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implant on money representing cost of dental implants in Portland

Because each smile is unique, the dental implant treatment, and therefore the cost, will vary from patient to patient. The number of implants, the type of restoration, and the location of the implants are all factors that impact the end price. When you consider that you would need to pay to replace regular dental bridges and dentures about every 5 to 10 years, you will likely find that dental implants actually save you money and hassle because they’re able to endure for decades. Read on as we go over some important information about the cost of dental implants in Portland.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

dentist and patient discussing cost of dental implants in Portmand

When calculating your personalized estimate during your consultation, we’ll take several very important factors into account. First, we’ll need to determine if you need any preliminary treatments. If you need gum disease therapy or a bone graft before you can get dental implants, the cost of these procedures will naturally add to the final cost of your dental implants.

Another factor you’ll need to budget for is the cost of your dental implant surgery. This price will vary based on where in the mouth your implants are being placed, the experience of your implant dentist, and what type of dental sedation you use. Since this step is handled by one of our trusted local oral surgeons, you’ll need to have a consultation with them to understand exactly how much placing your dental implants will cost.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Different types of dental implants in Portland on blue background

The next part to consider when estimating the cost of your treatment will be the dental implant or implants themselves. This will depend on variables like:

  • Number of dental implants : Naturally, the more implants you need, the more expensive your treatment will be.
  • Type of restoration : Dental implants can be topped with crowns, bridges, partials, or full dentures, each of which come at their own price points.
  • Size or material : Dental implants can come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and materials depending on your specific needs, which will influence their final cost.
  • Brand of dental implant : We only use dental implants from reputable and trusted brands that offer high-quality dental implants.

How Dental Implants Pay for Themselves

Dentist and patient discussing how to pay for dental implants in Portland

While dental implants are initially more expensive than other tooth replacement options, they are likely to pay for themselves over time. In fact, many patients will end up saving a tremendous amount of money in the long run by choosing dental implants over dental bridges and dentures! These traditional restorations require special care and need to be replaced every five to seven years. Meanwhile, not only do dental implants lower the overall cost of caring for your smile, but they have the potential to last a lifetime. This can save you thousands of dollars in replacements alone!

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Patients and receptionist reviewing dental insurance coverage for dental implants in Portland

In most cases, dental insurance companies will not cover dental implants themselves. However, many parts of dental implant treatment will often receive some form of coverage. For instance, your dental insurance policy may cover a percentage of your final restoration, any preliminary treatments you need, and the sedation you need during placement. One of our knowledgeable team members would be happy to review the details of your coverage and ensure that your benefits are being maximized.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Receptionist and patient discussing how to make dental implants affordable in Portland

Do you not have dental insurance? Are you unsatisfied with your insurance coverage? We believe dental implants should still be a financially achievable goal for you. That’s why we’re proud to partner with CareCredit, a third-party financing company. With one of their various low- to no-interest plans, you can break up the cost of your dental implants into smaller, more manageable chunks that fit into your monthly budget. To learn more about CareCredit, feel free to reach us online or call our office .

Dental Implant FAQs

Closeup of dental implants in Portland on blue background

If you’re ready to regain a confident, strong, and healthy smile, it’s time to give us a call about dental implants! However, choosing the best way to replace you missing teeth is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident and well-informed when you make your choice. While we would be happy to answer any questions you have in person during your consultation, we’ve also gathered some FAQs about dental implants below so you can learn more about them. Of course, if you don’t see the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

Do I Need a Bone Graft to Get Dental Implants?

Not every patient needs a bone graft in order to be eligible for dental implants. That being said, it’s not uncommon to need this type of preliminary procedure. Since the jawbone naturally begins to deteriorate once a tooth goes missing, many patients who suffer from tooth loss don’t have adequate bone structure to support a dental implant. This is particularly true for patients who have extensive tooth loss or have been missing teeth for a long time. The only way to know for sure if you’ll need a bone graft beforehand is to come see us for a consultation, where we’ll use advanced technology to measure the density of your jawbone.

Am I Too Young or Old to Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an excellent choice for practically any patient suffering from tooth loss. Typically, dental implants are not recommended for teenagers or children under the age of 18, as their jaws are still growing and developing up until that point. On the other side of the coin, there is no upper age limit for dental implants! As long as you are in good health, free of oral health issues, and have adequate jawbone density, you can get dental implants. While these prerequisites are harder to meet as you get older, we can likely help you get on track for your new smile with preliminary treatments if necessary.

Can I Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?

It is possible for patients who smoke to get dental implants, but studies suggest that dental implant failure is much higher in smokers. Tobacco products harm your health in a variety of ways, including leaving your mouth vulnerable to infection. Smoking can also interfere with osseointegration, keeping your dental implant from forming a solid foundation. If you smoke, you should stop at least two weeks before your dental implant placement, and continue to refrain for two to three months afterward. Of course, this is an excellent opportunity to kick this bad habit and make the most of your new smile!

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

At first, hearing that dental implants require minor surgery to be placed may sound somewhat intimidating. However, we assure you that you have nothing to fear! We’ve partnered with trusted local oral surgeons in Portland to ensure that your dental implant placement goes as smoothly as possible. Your implant dentist will ensure that your mouth is completely numbed before your treatment, and they may recommend dental sedation for optimal comfort. Thanks to their advanced training and experience, getting your dental implants should not be a painful process.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implant

Woman with dental implants in Portland holding toothbrush

One of the most impressive benefits of dental implants is their lifespan. Unlike dentures and dental bridges that need to be replaced every five to seven years, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime! However, this is only if you take care of them properly. Fortunately, this is an easy task! Read on as we cover the five most important ways to maintain your dental implant and ensure your smile stays healthy for decades to come.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Closeup of man with dental implants in Portland flossing

Dental implants can’t develop cavities like your natural teeth, but you still need to practice great oral hygiene. The most common cause of dental implant failure is a condition called peri-implantitis, which is an infection in the gums around your dental implant. The easiest and most effective way to keep this serious oral health issue at bay is to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss daily.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Smiling woman with dental implants in Portland holding an apple

Since dental implants can help you regain 80% or more of your natural chewing power, you can eat all your favorite foods once again! Take advantage of this excellent benefit by enjoying a wide variety of healthy and nutritious foods. Eating lots of foods with calcium, lean protein, and vitamin C is a delicious way to keep your jawbone strong and your gums healthy.

Break Bad Habits

Closeup of patient with dental implants in Portland breaking a cigarette

While a few good habits can prolong the life of your dental implant, a few bad habits can dramatically increase your risk of dental implant failure. If you want to maximize the long-term success of your new smile and make the most out of your investment, it’s time to break bad habits like:

  • Smoking and chewing tobacco: Tobacco products lower your body’s natural healing ability. Not only does this leave your mouth at-risk for infection, but it could interfere with the osseointegration process and keep your implant from fusing with your jawbone.
  • Chewing on hard objects: Chewing on hard items like ice, pen caps, or your fingernails can weaken your restoration as well as your natural teeth. Chew on sugar-free gum or a crunchy apple to avoid damage.
  • Using your teeth as tools. Using your teeth to open containers, rip off price tags, crack open nuts, hold an extra bag of groceries, and as other types of tools puts your smile at risk of serious damage and can potentially loosen your dental implant.

Protect Your Dental Implants

Smiling woman with dental implants in Portland holding mouthguard

Dental implants are strong, but they’re not indestructible. If you play sports, taking a blow to the mouth can easily damage your restoration or knock your implant loose. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, the excess pressure can loosen your implant and weaken the restoration. To lower your risk of serious complications, we can create a custom-made athletic mouthguard or nightguard for bruxism to keep your smile safe on the court or while you sleep.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Man with dental implants in Portland visiting dentist for checkup

Whether you’ve replaced one, several, or all your natural teeth with dental implants, it’s still important that you come see us every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. These simple visits let us monitor the well-being of your dental implant and the rest of your mouth, and gives us the best chance of spotting any oral health issues as early as possible. Plus, our thorough and gentle cleanings can go a long way in preventing problems from developing in the first place!