If you’re missing one or more teeth, you’re not alone. Millions of adults over 40 face tooth loss due to aging, injury, or decay. Dental implants have revolutionized restorative dentistry, offering a permanent, natural-looking solution. At Premier Dentistry in Gresham, Oregon, we understand how tooth loss—whether from disease, injury, or other causes—can impact your life. Dr. Kevin Shim has decades of implant expertise in Gresham with advanced implant technology.
- State-of-the-Art Periodontal Care in Gresham
- Fast and Easy Financing Options
- Decades of Successful Implants Cases
- Recognized Leader in Dental Implant Serivce
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants at Premier Dentistry in Gresham offer many benefits, including advantages in form and function.
Designed to Last a Lifetime
Dental implants offer strength and stability comparable to natural teeth. Regular upkeep, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups, can contribute to the longevity of your implants.
A Healthier Smile
Tooth loss leads to a lack of stimulation in the jawbone, resulting in facial changes. Dental implants replace this stimulation, preserving the integrity of your jawbone and maintaining your facial appearance.
Sustainable lifestyle habits
Unlike traditional dentures and bridges that may compromise healthy teeth, implants can be placed without damaging adjacent teeth. This makes them the ideal choice for preserving your overall oral health.
Your Dental Implant Exeprience with Dr. Kevin Shim
At Premier Dentistry, we make the dental implant process comfortable and personalized. Here’s what you can expect:
1
Consultation
2
Preparation
3
Placement
4
Completion
1. Your Consultation Visit
Your journey begins with a friendly consultation with Dr. Kevin Shim. We’ll take a close look at your oral health using advanced imaging, like CBCT scans, and discuss your goals. Dr. Shim will create a tailored treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome and check for any gum health concerns that might need attention.
2. Preparing Your Smile
If you have unhealthy teeth that need to be removed, Dr. Shim will handle extractions with care, often using gentle IV sedation for your comfort. In some cases, bone grafting may be recommended to create a strong foundation for your implants. Healthy gums are key to successful implants. If gum disease is present, Dr. Shim will provide targeted treatment to get your smile ready for the next step.
3. Placing Your Implants
Implant placement is a straightforward procedure, typically done with IV sedation to keep you relaxed. Dr. Shim will position the implants precisely, allowing them to heal and integrate with your jawbone over about three months for lasting stability.
4. Completing Your Smile
Once healed, you’ll visit your general dentist to have a custom abutment and crown placed on your implant. If you receive an immediate implant, you may leave our office with a temporary tooth the same day, with the permanent restoration added later.
Frequently asked questions
A dental implant is a titanium fixture inserted into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. It supports a replacement tooth (crown, bridge, or denture) through three parts: the implant, abutment (connector), and artificial tooth. The implant fuses with the bone via osseointegration, providing a stable, durable foundation that mimics natural teeth, improving function and appearance.
You are likely a good candidate if you have missing teeth, adequate jawbone density, healthy gums, and good overall oral health. Non-smokers or those willing to quit are preferred, as smoking can hinder healing. You should also be committed to the multi-month process and maintaining oral hygiene, as conditions like periodontal disease may need treatment first.
Costs vary widely, typically ranging from $3,000 to $4,500 per implant, depending on factors like the number of implants, bone condition, location, and type of artificial teeth. Additional procedures like extractions or bone grafts can increase costs. Insurance often does not cover implants, considering them cosmetic, but may cover related components like crowns. Always check with your provider for specifics, as coverage varies.
The procedure generally spans 3 to 9 months, involving two phases: first, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, followed by a healing period (3-6 months) for osseointegration. Then, the abutment and artificial tooth are attached. If extractions or bone grafts are needed, the timeline may extend. Surgery itself takes 1-2 hours per implant, with multiple implants requiring longer.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during surgery due to anesthetics, with reports suggesting it’s less painful than tooth extraction. Post-surgery, expect mild swelling, bruising, and possible bleeding, subsiding within days. Full healing (osseointegration) takes 6 to 12 weeks, varying by health and number of implants. Follow post-op instructions, like taking antibiotics and maintaining a soft diet (liquids and soft foods initially, then cooked noodles by day 3, resuming normal diet after 7 days), to minimize discomfort. Avoid smoking, heat application, and using straws to prevent complications.
Research suggests dental implants are worth considering due to their durability (potentially lasting a lifetime with care), natural appearance, and high success rate (around 98%). They improve confidence, eating ability, and allow an active lifestyle, made of non-decaying titanium. Compared to dentures or bridges, implants offer greater stability, reducing the need for adhesives and frequent replacements. However, they are more expensive upfront, and suitability depends on personal needs, finances, and health. Our patients experience improved quality of life, though costs and recovery are noted concerns.