Dental Implants Corvallis, OR
An Excellent Way to Replace Missing Teeth
Living with one or more missing teeth can affect the overall look and feel of your smile. It can also lead to a variety of health issues, including potential bite and jaw joint problems and bone loss in the jaw. Dental implants are the best way to avoid these issues and get your smile back. However, even though dental implants are one of the most effective and lasting restorative treatments, sometimes they do require to be restored as well.
At Timberhill Dental, we can fix damaged dental implants to ensure they keep your smile (and implant) in great shape. Do you suspect one of your dental implants is failing? We can help.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
A dental implant replaces the roots of teeth. The implant attaches directly to your jawbone forming a secure, long-lasting bond. After about six months, when the implant is fully healed, an artificial tooth is attached to the top of the implant. The result is a natural looking, undetectable replacement for the missing tooth.
Although uncommon, dental implants can fail for several reasons, including failure to attach to the bone, infection, implant fracture, and bone loss. When you visit us for an implant restoration, we’ll consult with an oral surgeon so they understand exactly what’s going on and know how to fix your implant properly. Then, you’ll come back to our office for the restoration.
Did You Know?
Even people who have no remaining natural teeth can benefit from implants.
We often recommend implants as a way to secure a full set of removable dentures for people who have no natural teeth at all. When compared to wearing only dentures, this can greatly improve chewing ability and reduce the risk of choking.
Implants vs. Dentures
Dental implants are the closest thing to regrowing your natural teeth.
They are strong, stable, durable and virtually undetectable. By filling gaps left by missing teeth, implants can provide better chewing ability and head off jaw joint problems and stabilize your jaw bone. In all those ways, they are far superior to removable dentures.
Implants | Dentures | |
---|---|---|
Materials | Dental implants are made of titanium, which is compatible with the human body. | Dentures are often made of plastic and other materials that can irritate your gums. |
Functionality | Are stable, functional, and work just like real teeth. | Can slip around in your mouth, making eating and chewing difficult. |
Appearance | Look just like real teeth and help prevent the jaw bone loss that often results from missing teeth. | Can look natural if they’re well-made, but living without a more permanent solution can lead to bone loss and the “sunken face” look. |
Health Consequences | Help prevent potential bite and jaw joint problems and even bone loss. | Don’t address most of the health risk associated with missing teeth. |
Comfort | Initially require surgery and time to heal, but ultimately feel natural and promote gum health. | Can be uncomfortable and often irritate gums long term. |
Convenience | Never need to be removed, and provide a durable, permanent solution. | Need to be removed regularly for cleaning, and can be easy to drop or misplace. |
Cost | Initially more expensive than dentures or fixed bridges, but ultimately save time and money by avoiding future health complications. | Have a lower cost up front, but often result in future jaw and gum problems that cost money to fix. |
Our Minimally Invasive Process
Dental implant restoration requires surgery, but at Timberhill Dental we use high-tech, minimally invasive treatment options to minimize discomfort. We even offer conscious sedation dentistry right at our Corvallis office.
Sedation dentistry is perfect for anyone who is concerned about:
- Anxiety about dental procedures
- Difficulty getting numb
- Especially sensitive teeth
- Discomfort with needles and shots
Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to deal with dental anxiety. Most patients feel happy and relaxed and remember very little of their procedure.
We also do everything we can to provide a relaxing environment and a spa-like atmosphere. We’ll offer you wax hand dips, warm hand towels, and a comfortable neck pillow.
What Our Clients Say
“I dreaded going to the dentist, but my experience at Timberhill Dental far exceeded my expectations. They were all wonderful to work with and made my appointment as pleasant as possible. Thank you Jackie, Sarah, Tina, Dr. Black, and Sandie. You won me over! I won’t dread coming back.”
– Becky Riley Moyes
“Super friendly staff and comfortable office! They’re great at helping me feel relaxed during dental work.”
– Amy Mayfield
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tooth implant last after it’s been restored?
After it has been fixed, with proper at-home care and regular exams and checkups, your dental implant can last the rest of your life.
Are tooth implants worth it?
Although they can fail sometimes, dental implants have a high success rate and are an excellent investment in your health, appearance, and future. Other options, like adhesive dentures, can be difficult to clean, make it hard to eat and speak naturally, and can affect your appearance, too.
Do I need to worry about gum disease if I get an implant?
Peri-implantitis is a form of gum disease that affects the tissue near teeth that have been restored with an implant. Gum disease is the #1 preventable cause of both tooth loss and dental implant failure. By visiting us for regular checkups and exams, your dentist will monitor the health of your implant and surrounding gum tissue. If needed, we’ll work with you to create a gum disease treatment plan to protect your health and your dental implant.
Get in Touch
Are you interested in learning more about repairing damaged dental implants?
Call Timberhill Dental at (541) 207-0105
OR
Did You Know?
Timberhill Dental offers second opinions. We can help you weigh all your options and make the best choice for your health and your smile.