Losing a tooth can disrupt more than just your smile — it affects chewing, speech, and the long-term health of the jaw. Modern implant dentistry offers a predictable, long-lasting approach to restore function and appearance in a way that feels natural. Implant-supported restorations anchor replacement teeth to biocompatible posts that integrate with bone, giving you secure chewing power and a lifelike result.
Implants suit a wide range of patients, from those restoring a single tooth to people rebuilding an entire arch. Unlike removable options, implants create a stable foundation that resists slipping and preserves the architecture of the jaw. That stability not only improves comfort and confidence, it also helps maintain facial contours and oral health over time.
When you choose implant care you’re choosing a treatment backed by decades of research and continuous refinement. Our approach focuses on careful assessment, precise planning, and attention to the details that influence long-term success — from bone health to prosthetic design.
Dental implants are titanium or titanium-alloy posts designed to act like tooth roots. Once placed in the jaw, they undergo osseointegration — a biological bonding with surrounding bone that provides exceptional strength and stability. This root-like support allows replacement crowns, bridges, and dentures to perform much like natural teeth.
The restorative pieces attached to implants — crowns, bridges, or full-arch prostheses — are custom-shaped to blend with your smile, color-matched, and contoured for comfortable chewing and speech. Because the load of biting transfers through the implant into the bone, the surrounding tissue remains stimulated, which helps prevent the bone loss commonly seen after tooth removal.
Implants also spare adjacent healthy teeth from being altered. Traditional bridgework may require reshaping neighboring teeth for support, whereas implant restorations stand independently. That conservative aspect preserves more of your natural dentition for the future.
Successful implant care begins with a thorough diagnostic workup. We evaluate oral and overall health, review your medical history, and use imaging to measure bone volume and identify important anatomic landmarks. Treatment planning considers the position of the replacement tooth, the type of prosthesis, and the sequence of procedures necessary to achieve a stable, natural-looking result.
Communication and shared decision-making are central to the process. We discuss anesthesia and sedation options when appropriate, outline what to expect during the surgical and restorative phases, and provide clear pre- and post-operative instructions so patients feel informed and comfortable at every step.
Because healing times and the complexity of care vary, some patients receive immediate provisional restorations while others follow a traditional staged approach that allows implants to fully integrate before final crowns or dentures are placed. Your individualized plan will reflect the best balance of reliability, esthetics, and function for your circumstances.
Implant-supported teeth provide more than cosmetic improvement; they restore the mechanical function needed for comfortable eating and clear speech. Because implants are anchored in bone, they offer reliable bite force and prevent the movement that can occur with removable appliances. This translates into greater dietary freedom and improved overall quality of life.
Another major benefit is preservation of bone. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone experiences reduced stimulation and can resorb over time. Implants transmit functional load to the bone, helping to maintain its volume and support the soft tissues that frame the face. Maintaining this structure is important for a youthful facial profile and the long-term health of adjacent teeth.
Durability is a key consideration: with appropriate oral care and periodic professional maintenance, implants can last many years. Materials and protocols used today have a strong track record of success, making implants a reliable choice for patients seeking a permanent-looking solution.
Fixed bridges and removable dentures continue to serve many patients well, but implants offer distinct advantages in several domains. They more closely mimic the feel and function of a natural tooth, minimize impact to neighboring teeth, and reduce the chance of slippage or discomfort that some denture wearers experience. Because implants do not decay, they eliminate the risk of cavities in the replacement root structure itself.
Implants also expand restorative possibilities: a single implant can support one crown, while multiple implants can anchor bridges or full-arch prostheses that are fixed and non-removable. This versatility allows clinicians to tailor solutions to the scope of tooth loss, patient preferences, and long-term oral health goals.
Ultimately, the best option depends on each patient’s anatomy, needs, and priorities. The goal of implant dentistry is to deliver outcomes that are stable, comfortable, and natural-looking — while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
For one missing tooth, a single implant topped with a custom crown recreates both the visible tooth and its supporting root structure. This approach avoids altering neighboring teeth and delivers a restoration that looks and functions like a natural incisor or molar. Because the implant acts independently, the long-term health of adjacent teeth is better preserved.
When several teeth in a row are missing, an implant-supported bridge can replace the span without relying on natural teeth for support. Strategically placed implants bear the load for multiple connected crowns, preserving bone and maintaining facial contours. This solution often yields a more conservative result than a traditional bridge that requires reshaping adjacent teeth.
For patients missing an entire arch, full-arch fixed restorations supported by four or six implants recreate the stability and appearance of natural teeth. These prostheses eliminate the need for removable dentures and allow for a secure bite and natural speech. In many cases, temporary teeth can be attached right after implant placement to restore function while integration occurs.
Implant-retained dentures use a small number of implants to lock a removable denture into place. This hybrid approach enhances retention and reduces movement, offering denture wearers improved comfort and confidence while preserving ease of cleaning and maintenance. It can be an attractive option for those who prefer a removable prosthesis but want greater stability.
Most healthy adults with adequate bone and healthy gums are potential candidates for implants. Key factors include overall health, oral hygiene, and the condition of the jawbone. When bone volume is limited, grafting techniques and other preparatory procedures can often create the foundation needed to support implants successfully.
A comprehensive evaluation, including clinical examination and imaging, helps determine the appropriate implant strategy. We take into account medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors so that the recommended plan aligns with your health and goals. Clear discussion of expectations and timelines is an essential part of the process.
For patients with chronic conditions or certain medications, collaborative management with your physician may be advised. The objective is to create a safe, predictable treatment path that supports both dental and systemic health.
Implant placement is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia and, when appropriate, sedation. The surgical phase involves positioning the implant in the prepared site, followed by a period of healing while osseointegration occurs. Many modern workflows allow for streamlined care and predictable healing.
Once the implant integrates with bone, the restorative phase begins. Impressions or digital scans capture the implant position for precise crown, bridge, or denture fabrication. Final restorations are adjusted for comfort, esthetics, and proper bite relationships so that they function naturally within your mouth.
Throughout treatment, we emphasize clear communication and aftercare guidance to support healing and long-term success. Regular professional checkups and consistent home hygiene help protect your investment and oral health for years to come.
Bone grafting is a common adjunct to implant therapy when the existing jawbone does not provide adequate volume or density. Grafting materials and techniques rebuild the bony foundation so implants can be positioned for optimal support and esthetics. This preparatory step helps ensure long-term stability and reduces the risk of complications.
Grafting may be performed at the time of extraction, before implant placement, or simultaneously with implant surgery depending on clinical needs. Advances in graft materials and minimally invasive techniques have improved predictability and patient comfort during the healing process.
Decisions about grafting are based on careful imaging and clinical assessment. When indicated, grafting is a proactive measure that helps transform a previously unsuitable site into a reliable base for implant-supported restorations.
Dental implants offer a durable and natural-feeling path to restore missing teeth, protect jawbone health, and improve day-to-day function. By combining modern materials, thoughtful treatment planning, and meticulous restorative work, our team helps patients achieve outcomes that are both beautiful and resilient.
Mercer Island Dental Associates takes a patient-centered approach to implant care, customizing treatment to each person’s anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. We guide patients through every stage — from initial evaluation to final restoration — with clear communication and a focus on long-term success.
If you’d like to learn more about implant dentistry or discuss whether implants are right for you, please contact us for more information. Our team is available to answer questions and help you explore the most appropriate options for rebuilding a healthy, confident smile.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.
Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.
Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.
Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.
It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.
Dental implants are small biocompatible posts, typically made from titanium or a titanium alloy, that replace missing tooth roots and provide a foundation for replacement teeth.
Once placed in the jaw, implants undergo osseointegration, a biological process in which bone bonds to the implant surface, creating a stable anchor for crowns, bridges, or dentures that function much like natural teeth.
Most generally healthy adults with good oral hygiene and sufficient jawbone volume are potential candidates for implants, but candidacy depends on gum health, systemic conditions, and medications that affect healing.
A thorough clinical exam and imaging determine whether preparatory treatments, such as bone grafting or periodontal care, are needed, and clinicians often coordinate with a patient’s physician when chronic medical issues are present.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive diagnostic phase that includes medical history review, intraoral examination, and three-dimensional imaging to map bone quantity and important anatomic landmarks that influence implant position.
After careful planning, implants are surgically placed under local anesthesia with sedation options as appropriate, followed by a healing period for osseointegration and a restorative phase where custom crowns, bridges, or dentures are fabricated and adjusted; the team at Mercer Island Dental Associates emphasizes clear communication so patients understand each phase and expected timelines.
Healing times vary by case but typically range from several weeks to a few months while the implant integrates with bone, a process influenced by bone quality, grafting, implant location, and patient health behaviors such as smoking.
Some modern protocols allow immediate provisional restorations in carefully selected situations, while many cases follow a staged approach to maximize predictability; regular follow-up visits help determine the appropriate timing for final restorations.
Bone grafting is recommended when existing jawbone lacks the volume or density needed to securely support an implant, and grafting options include autografts, donor material, and synthetic substitutes depending on the clinical need.
Grafting can be performed at the time of extraction, prior to implant placement, or simultaneously with implant surgery, and advances in graft materials and minimally invasive techniques have improved predictability and comfort during healing.
Implant restorations range from single crowns that replace one tooth to implant-supported bridges for several missing teeth, and full-arch fixed prostheses supported by four or six implants that restore an entire dental arch without removable dentures.
For patients who prefer a removable option, implant-retained dentures use attachments to lock a denture into place and significantly improve retention and comfort compared with conventional removable prostheses.
Implants more closely mimic natural tooth function because they transmit biting forces into the jawbone and resist movement, which improves chewing efficiency, speech, and comfort compared with many removable appliances.
Unlike conventional bridges that may require reshaping adjacent teeth, implant restorations preserve neighboring dentition and help maintain bone volume and facial contours, making them a durable option for many patients when anatomy and health permit.
As with any surgery, implant therapy carries risks such as infection, inadequate integration, and, rarely, injury to nerves or the sinus if placement is not carefully planned; thorough imaging, surgical guides, and sterile technique reduce these risks.
Early detection of issues through scheduled follow-ups, prompt professional care for inflammation or infection, and attention to risk factors like smoking and uncontrolled systemic disease are key to managing complications and protecting long-term stability.
Implant placement is commonly performed using local anesthesia to numb the surgical site, and for anxious patients or more extensive procedures, oral or intravenous sedation options can be provided to enhance comfort while maintaining safety.
The dental team reviews medical history and monitors vital signs to select the appropriate sedation protocol, and patients receive clear pre- and post-operative instructions to ensure a safe recovery and effective pain control.
Long-term success depends on daily plaque control with brushing and interdental cleaning, technique-specific care around implant restorations, and avoidance of habits that jeopardize healing such as smoking.
Regular professional maintenance visits allow clinical evaluation, implant-specific cleaning, and early management of soft tissue changes; if you notice persistent redness, bleeding, loosening, or discomfort around an implant, contact Mercer Island Dental Associates for assessment so issues can be addressed promptly.
