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Dental Implants in McMinnville, Oregon

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implant treatment is a restorative surgery that replaces missing or damaged teeth in either gum. The process involves drilling small titanium posts inside the jawbone or cheekbones. Abutments connect these implants to prosthetic teeth on top of them. Implants mimic the natural look and feel of your teeth and typically last for 20 to 30 years or more, depending on the type of implant.



The Dental Implant Process at All About Smiles Family Dentistry

Consultation and Treatment Plan

Consultation and Treatment Plan

Dental implant surgery begins with a consultation with one of our highly-qualified dentists. This consultation involves discussing your cosmetic goals, concerns, and whether you're open to alternative treatments. The dentist will also review your dental records and ask questions about your general health to create a treatment plan outlining the procedure.
Implant Placement and Healing

Implant Placement and Healing

With the treatment plan in place, the dentist will inject a local anesthetic in the gums near the affected area to numb the region. They’ll then create a small incision, exposing the jawbone beneath. Next, they'll use a dental drill to drill a hole into the jawbone before placing the implants inside. Healing takes three to six months and concludes when the bone fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration.
Abutment and Prosthetic Tooth Placement

Abutment and Prosthetic Tooth Placement

After healing, you’ll visit the dentist for the second time. This appointment involves placing an abutment on top of the implant and attaching a prosthetic tooth on top to replace the missing tooth. The dentist will then check the look and fit of the prosthetic teeth before sending you home with instructions for taking care of the new implant(s)

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Look and Feel Like Your Natural Teeth
Dentists compare your teeth to a color chart to make prosthetic teeth that match the color of your actual teeth. The result is natural-looking restorations that blend with the rest of the teeth. No one will know you have dental implants unless you tell them.

Prevent Jawbone Deterioration
A lack of teeth can cause the rapid deterioration of the jawbone, leading to further tooth loss and a sunken appearance. Pressure from biting food with your teeth stimulates jawbone growth, while lack of it does the opposite. By replacing your missing teeth, implants can stimulate jaw bone growth and maintain your face’s youthful appearance.

Improves Speaking and Chewing Functionality
Pronouncing certain words and eating certain food is difficult with missing teeth. Implants are sturdy enough to withstand the pressure of biting into hard foods and provide a landing surface for your tongue, allowing proper, articulate speech.

Frequently-Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Your McMinnville dentist will determine your candidature for dental implants after conducting a few tests and taking X-rays of your teeth and gums. However, anyone with healthy gum (free from gum disease) can get dental implants. Patients with gum disease might require treatment prior to getting implants.

It’ll take about a week or two to resume your regular diet after getting implants. This is enough time for the gum tissue to heal. Once it stops being tender, you can eat whatever you like, but we advise chewing on the side without the implant. You’ll want to stick to soft foods and liquids until the gums heal.