Dental Implants in Happy Valley

We understand that tooth loss can significantly impact oral function and self-confidence. Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for permanent tooth replacement, as they closely mimic the structure of natural teeth.

Valley Dental Works proudly serves patients in Happy Valley and Portland, offering advanced implant dentistry to restore stability and enhance the aesthetics of your smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a natural-looking and feeling solution to replace missing teeth. Implants restore the aesthetics and function of your smile. Unlike dentures or bridges, which rest on top of the gums, implants fuse with your jawbone, providing superior stability and bite force. Implants enable you to enjoy your favorite foods while restoring the aesthetic appearance of your smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Patients often choose dental implants over traditional dentures or bridges due to their superior stability. While conventional options sit on the gums, implants preserve the jawbone structure. Here are some benefits:

• Implants are considered the longest-lasting tooth replacement option available today
• Dental implants look and feel natural
• Implants prevent further tooth loss and bone degeneration
• Implants prevent teeth from shifting
• Dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support
• You can continue to eat your favorite foods
• Are an aesthetic result for tooth replacement

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Advanced technology and materials make dental implants a reliable solution for many patients, offering excellent results in both appearance and function. If you meet the following criteria, dental implants could be an excellent choice for you:

• Missing tooth or teeth
• Existing bridge, partial, or dentures
• Broken teeth
• Existing root-canaled teeth
• Desire an aesthetic result
• Want to provide a natural function to the teeth and jaw
• Long-term solution

How the Dental Implant Procedure Works

We offer a comprehensive approach to the dental implant experience, from your first consultation to your restored smile. Valley Dental Works handles everything you need, including the implant and crown. This process includes:

• Initial Consultation: You will meet one of our highly skilled dentists. During this appointment, comprehensive digital imaging is completed to assess and customize your dental care.
• Implant Placement: Our dentist places the implant(s) using a customized, patient-specific surgical guide for precise and stable placement.
• Healing:  Your healing will be monitored over the next 3 to 6 months to confirm the implant is fully integrated with the bone.
• Final Dental Restoration: The final dental restoration is designed with a functional and aesthetic approach to restore your smile to health. Each implant crown and restoration is customized to meet your unique needs.

Your Dental Implant Recovery Timeline

Recovery from tooth replacement surgery varies from patient to patient. Most individuals return to normal activities within a day or two. Following the procedure, it is standard to experience minor swelling or discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter medication.

Adhering to a soft food diet for the first few days helps protect the surgical site. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial during this phase to prevent infection and facilitate the implant’s successful integration.

When to Expect Final Results from Dental Implants

Patience is necessary for successful implant dentistry. The bone integration phase usually takes three to six months. This time allows the bone to bond fully with the titanium post. Once healing is complete, the permanent restoration is placed. At this stage, patients enjoy full chewing power and a complete smile.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of implants depends on several factors, including the number of posts required and the type of restoration used. We view this procedure as a long-term investment in your oral health and quality of life. We offer flexible financing options to help patients manage the cost of treatment. Our team provides a detailed cost breakdown during your initial visit.

Why Choose Valley Dental Works

Patients choose Valley Dental Works because we combine clinical expertise with a commitment to comfort-focused care. Our expert dentists in Happy Valley, OR, Dr. Daniel Miller and Dr. Grant Alexander, have completed advanced postdoctoral training, equipping them with the skills to manage complex restorative cases. We set ourselves apart by offering comprehensive sedation dentistry options, allowing you to remain completely relaxed or even asleep during the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are dental implants made of?

  Most dental implants are crafted from titanium, a metal known for its strength and biocompatibility. This material is unique because the human body readily accepts it, allowing the jawbone to fuse directly with the post without causing irritation or rejection.

• Is the dental implant surgery painful?

  Our team prioritizes your comfort and uses local anesthesia to numb the surgical site completely. We also offer sedation dentistry to help you relax, and most patients report that post-operative discomfort is mild and easily managed with over-the-counter medication.

• Will I be without teeth during the healing process?

  No, you do not have to walk around with a gap in your smile while your gums heal. We can provide a temporary tooth or bridge to maintain your appearance and function while the implant integrates with the bone.

• How long do dental implants last?

  When properly cared for through daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, the titanium implant screw can last a lifetime. The crown or prosthetic attached to the implant typically lasts 10-15 years before needing replacement due to normal wear.

• Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?

  Yes, many patients who have experienced bone loss are still excellent candidates for implants. We can often perform a bone graft to rebuild the density in the jaw, creating a solid foundation to anchor the implant post.

Book Your Dental Implant Consultation Today

Contact Valley Dental Works today to schedule a consultation to discuss your dental implant needs. Our comprehensive aesthetic approach will restore your teeth, oral health, and confidence.

*All images are of actual patients