Same Day Implants Archives | Seattle Same Day Dental Implants

How To Care For Your Dental Implants

If you’re thinking of visiting a periodontist to learn about dental implants, one of your biggest concerns may be cleaning your dental implants. If you or a loved one has had dentures in the past, you’re probably worried that cleaning your implants will be the same. However, you’ll be pleased to find that cleaning dental implants isn’t like maintaining your implants. You won’t have to remove your implants each night and leave them in a cleaning solution. First, let’s take a look at dental implants and how they work.

A “dental implant” refers to the part that replaces the root of your teeth. Crowns are the part that makes up the visible part of the dental implant. Between these two pieces is an abutment or a connector. When the implant procedure is done, the bone in your jaw begins to connect to the implant through a process called osseointegration. Without this process, your implants would not be stable and they would come loose and maybe even fall out.

The abutment is the area of the implant that comes into contact with the gum and separates the crown from the implant. Collagen is what supports the gum and attaches itself to the abutment. The root of a natural tooth is attached to the bone with tiny fibers that come from the periodontal ligament. However, a dental implant is only attached to the surrounding bone. Since the periodontal ligament brings blood and nutrients to the root, natural teeth are able to fight off infections more easily.

Cleaning dental implants

Many people get dental implants thinking that just because they can’t get cavities means they can’t get infections and don’t need to brush or floss their teeth. This could not be farther from the truth— you are more prone to infection with dental implants. As long as you follow proper cleaning procedure for your dental implants, you won’t have any issues. It’s important to note that your implants are not teeth, and as such, they shouldn’t be cared for in the same way as teeth. Although regular brushing is important, there is more to it than that.

Brushing

It’s important to start maintaining proper oral hygiene as soon as possible after surgery. Although it’s normal to be sore or experience swelling, you should still be able to brush lightly and without too much pain. You should make sure to clean both the gums and the crowns of your new implants. Even though you can’t get cavities, bacteria can still build up on the crown and lead to gum infection.

Discoloration

It’s normal to see some discoloration in the gums after your surgery. The discoloration is caused by bruising within the tissue and should clear up after a few days. As far as discoloration on the crown of the implant goes, that could be due to not brushing enough.

Flossing

Flossing with implants is a little more involved than with natural teeth. To floss your implant, use a dental tape or another type of implant-specific floss and push the floss through to the other side of the implant. Wrap it in a circle and pull on either side, back and forth. Make sure to get inside the peri-implant crevice which is highly susceptible to inflammation and peri-implant disease. This is caused by a small layer of biofilm that forms on it.

Also, antimicrobial mouth rinses may be recommended by your periodontal specialist, especially if there is still inflammation present in the gums. If the patient is prone to inflammation, you may need to use an antimicrobial rinse, in addition to a rubber tip stimulator.

Schedule regular checkups

Although it’s extremely important for you to maintain your own personal oral hygiene schedule, you should also speak with your periodontist about regular checkups and cleaning. During the first few months after your surgery, you should have more frequent visits so that your periodontal specialist will be able to track your healing process, especially in regards to the osseointegration process. If your implants are not setting properly, your periodontist may need to explore other options to ensure you have stable implants. Once your periodontist has tracked the healing process, you can go back to regular 6-month checkups and professional cleaning with your normal dentist.

Contact Pacific Northwest Periodontics

Pacific Northwest Periodontics is your premier choice for periodontics in Seattle and the surrounding area. Dr. Rapoport and Dr. Schuler are specialists in dental implant surgery and treating the bone and gum tissues around your teeth. Backed by a team of experienced specialists, they are able to deliver state-of-the-art dental implant treatment and can provide extractions, dental implants and immediate, functional replacement teeth in the same visit for eligible candidates. If you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

Pacific Northwest Implant Procedures

Hello, and welcome back to our blog! Last time we talked about our consultation and examination procedure here at Pacific Northwest Specialists in Periodontics and Dental Implants. If you’d like to read more about this, you can visit our last blog here. This time, we’re going to go into more detail about each implant procedure we offer, some of the benefits of each, and when you’ll want to have these procedures done. Ultimately, your local specialist in Periodontics, Dr. Rapoport, will determine which procedure is best for you and your condition, then present you with options moving forward.

Same-Day Dental Implants

One of the services we’re proud to offer here at Pacific Northwest is same-day implants. Due to our technologically advanced facility and our periodontists’ extensive knowledge, we’re able to provide many of our patients with new and functioning replacement teeth the same day as your exam and consultation. And this isn’t just for single-tooth replacement, this applies to one, many, or all of your teeth.

Anyone who does not have significant bone loss in their jaw is a good candidate for same-day implants. After the consultation and examination process, Dr. Rapoport will present you with this option if he determines it would be beneficial to you. However, If significant bone repair procedures like bone grafting are needed, he may allow more time for healing before the time of the implant procedure.

Due to the time frame, our same-day procedures are more complex and require more precise procedures than ones that span several months or years. However, there are several major benefits to having the procedure done in a single day. There will be less opportunity for bone or gum shrinkage and allows the gums and bone to begin healing immediately. The procedure is precisely executed and fit perfectly against your adjacent teeth, preventing food from getting trapped and causing infections.

Full-Arch Replacement

Just like a single-tooth replacement, full-arch All-On-4® implants will afford you the same strength and stability of your natural teeth and won’t irritate your gums. It’s called All-On-4® because all of your teeth will be supported by four implants. Developed in the 1990s by Nobel Biocare, the All-On-4® procedure is specifically designed for patients you have significant bone loss in their jaw and need a full arch of teeth without bone grafting. Due to advancements in technology, we are able to offer this as a same-day procedure for many patients.

The same-day, full-arch replacement procedure including any tooth extraction needed is performed in one surgery room visit, preventing the need for months or years of treatment. The implants are strategically placed to allow for maximum support and rapid healing.

Individual Or Several Teeth Replacement

Just like an All-On-4® procedure, it’s usually not necessary to have as many implants as you do teeth. For example, if you have three or more teeth missing in a row, two implants will be placed on either end and a bridge of teeth will be placed on top allowing for more stability while chewing.

Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Bridges

Traditional bridges require the grinding down of surrounding teeth which can eventually lead to tooth decay. The implant-supported bridge procedure requires no grinding down of surrounding teeth and even supports the roots of surrounding teeth.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

One of our highest priorities here at Pacific Northwest is to provide you with medical procedures that are minimally invasive and allow you to feel comfortable during your whole visit. We are experts in sedation dentistry, providing our patients with numerous sedation options and general anesthesia. We also use devices like DentalVibe® that vibrate gum tissue that make injections virtually painless.

Each procedure results in non-traumatic and minimally invasive extractions which contributes to your final aesthetics and is far more comfortable for our patients. Each implant is mapped out on a computer beforehand in order to ensure that the surgical procedure goes as smoothly as possible and no collateral damage is done to surrounding bone or teeth.

If you’re ready for a consultation with Dr. Rapoport or Dr. Schuler about dental implants in Seattle, don’t hesitate to contact us at Pacific Northwest Specialists in Periodontics and Dental Implants. We’re always here to help!

Three Benefits of Getting Same-Day Dental Implants

The process of getting a dental implant doesn’t necessarily have to take months anymore, thanks to advances in dental technology. These days, the process can be done in the same day if a patient proves to be the right candidate.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, an estimated 69 percent of Americans aged 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth, and one in four aged 74 and older have lost all of their natural teeth.

Getting same-day implants allows patients to get their new, functional teeth in one visit. Candidates are people who don’t have severe bone loss in their jaw, have broken-down teeth that need to be extracted before replacement, or are already missing teeth.

At Pacific Northwest, our same-day tooth replacement procedure can be done for a single tooth, multiple teeth or for an entire arch of teeth. If your doctor finds that you’re a viable candidate, here are the pros of going through with a same-day procedure:

Same-day Results

To state the obvious, patients are highly satisfied when they are candidates for same-day dental implants because they get their implant surgery and new teeth in one single day. They don’t have to feel self-conscious about walking around with missing teeth for months at a time, and they can ditch the uncomfortable, multi-step process of waiting for their implants to heal before inserting the replacement crown. That process isn’t only lengthy, but it can be costly as well.

At Pacific Northwest, we offer a $99 exam and dental implant consultation to see if same-day dental implants are the best option for you.

With same-day implants, patients can return to their normal lifestyles quicker with their natural looking and feeling teeth! Check out Pacific Northwest’s same-day dental implant services.

Dr. Darrin A. Rapoport consults with a patient.

Less Opportunity for Bone or Gum Shrinkage

Placing implants and providing an immediate tooth replacement lessens the time frame for bone or gum shrinkage. Missing teeth can cause deterioration of the bone and gums for patients, so sometimes, the sooner an implant is placed after an extraction, the better.

Patients who undergo Pacific Northwest’s same-day dental implant procedure can begin their healing process almost immediately.

Faster Healing Time

The average healing time for same-day implants is about six to 12 weeks, and the surgery will typically take about two and a half hours per arch. That’s generally appealing, because on average, the entire process can take anywhere from five to eight months.

Patients might even be able to eat and talk comfortably during the healing process, with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

Pacific Northwest’s protocol is precisely executed.

Our doctors use advanced and specialized technology to ensure patients are receiving the best care. Our same-day dental implant technology helps with extractions, preparation of the implant site and protection of the newly placed implant as it heals.

Whatever questions you might have about our same-day dental procedure, we’re here to provide you with any information you need. To make an appointment, call (206) 289-0886 or request an appointment online.

Same-Day Dental Implants vs. Traditional Implants

Deciding to undergo a dental implant procedure can be intimidating, whether a patient is getting one tooth or multiple teeth replaced. Today’s technological advances provide patients with multiple options for surgery, whereas before, there was really only one way to perform dental implant surgery. At Pacific Northwest in Seattle, we provide same-day dental implant services and traditional implant services.

That brings us to our next question: what are the differences between traditional implants and same-day dental implants, and which should procedure should I pursue?

Of course, dental implants in general have their benefits. For one, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, teeth that are restored with dental implants can’t get cavities, meaning a replacement tooth or crown can’t decay like natural teeth. Dental implants are also the only dental restoration option that can help stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss.

Either way, a dental implant could be an option for you and fit your personal lifestyle, as most patients are viable candidates for dental implants. Let Pacific Northwest’s team of experts help decide if the treatment is right for you.

Here are some of the pros and cons of receiving a traditional dental implant and getting an implant in one day:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Same-Day Dental Implants

Same-day dental implants are exactly what they sound like — they’re done in one single day, adding a sense of convenience and comfortability for the patient. Patients don’t have to wear uncomfortable dentures while waiting for their implants heal, and their implant surgery and tooth replacement happens all at once. For the patient, that means less time hiding their empty mouth spaces and more time smiling.

One thing patients might struggle with is the six to eight week healing period post-surgery. Patients often must change to a softer diet during this time period, and failure to adhere to that may accidentally move the implants, which can increase the risk of treatment failure.

Pacific Northwest offers a $99 exam and dental implant consultation for our patients.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional Dental Implants

Traditional dental implant surgery can be conducted on most patients, thanks to technological advances. Modern bone grafting techniques can restore bone support for patients with major bone loss around the missing tooth, and formerly risky patents, such as those with heart disease or diabetes, can be eligible for the surgery.

One concern for patients might be the lengthy process of the traditional implant. On average, the traditional dental implant process can take anywhere from five to eight months, but can stretch up to a year.

How Pacific Northwest Can Help You Decide

So now that you know the differences between a traditional dental implant and one that is conducted on the same day, how do you know which is the best option for you? Our doctors at Pacific Northwest are highly experienced with both dental implant procedures, and they can help you decide which type of implant would be better suited for your lifestyle.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts headquartered in Seattle. To schedule an appointment, call (206) 289-0886 or request an appointment online.

Dental Procedure Process – What to Expect

One of the main benefits of working with Pacific Northwest Specialist in Periodontics and Dental Implants is the fact that we offer same day dental implants. A treatment that can change the way that you’re living your life, and it can be done the same day that you come in. Unlike other dental procedures that require you to get moldings done, take time off of your daily life to rest and recover, or are incredibly intensive, we can get the job done in the same day!

When you reach out to us, we will always schedule a consultation so that you can get a crystal clear idea of what the process will look like and analyze your dental circumstances individually. While this is something that you’ll get before your treatment, we want to ensure that you also get a good idea of what to expect before your procedure, so we’re going to walk you through the steps of the dental implant procedure in today’s blog post.

Analyzation of Gums

The first thing that is going to happen is an analyzation of the space that you’re going to need dental implants put in. We’ll need to analyze whether or not your gums are prepared for the dental implants as they are, or is there a tooth that’s going to need removing before we can start the procedure?

At this point, we will also get an idea of how much time the procedure is going to take. The number of implants that you need to have us place in your mouth will determine the amount of time, as well as any additional tasks that that will need to be done to make this process as easy as possible for you. Again, most of this is going to depend on your mouth and dental circumstances specifically.

Once we’ve got this taken care of, we’ll move onto the next steps where we actually start to place your dental implants.

Root Implant Inserted

Implants are put into your mouth in a way that gives them the support that they need to feel natural, which is where this next step comes in. The root implant is how implants can stay in place while having a strong core. At this point, your jaw and gums will be worked on in surgery so that the insert can be put into your gums.

At times, this can require a bone graft in advance, and this is one of the things that we’ll talk to you about when you come in for your consultation. During that surgery, we will prepare your gums for the inserts that will hold your dental implants in place. After your gums have been ready for the operation, we will insert the metal rods into the holes. Your gums will heal around these rods so that they hold them just as if they were your natural born teeth.

Fusion of Root With Bone

Arguably one of the most critical steps is the step where we fusion the root and the bone. As we’ve said many times before, this procedure has been so simplified because of how natural and stable the bite is. For that to be the case, the fusion of the of the root of the implant, and the bone in your jaw needs to happen.

This step of the procedure might sound like it’s scary or would hurt, but it’s not nearly as bad as it may seem. Once we’ve got your jaw set for the surgery, the rest of the process will go extremely quick. At this point, you will start to get an idea of how fast the procedure is, but how life changing it will be once you’ve got the molds on. Now that we’ve talked about the root of the implant let’s talk about the crown that will be attached.

Impression Made

For your dental implants to fit perfectly, we need to have an impression made so that the crown fits your mouth perfectly. This process is pretty standardized to any other molding. We’ll use a soft material to get the shape and grooves of your mouth perfectly. In doing so, we can create an incredibly natural crown.

We’ll do this for each of the teeth that you are going to have crowns made for, and we’ll do it all at the same time so that it doesn’t take any longer to get more than one crown made. By having a crown made that fits perfectly with the rest of your teeth, we’re able to provide the most natural smile for you. It will fit perfectly in between the surrounding teeth and have the same grooves and look like your other teeth. This is the only procedure that is going to give you a solution that fits in with the rest of your teeth.

Crown Attached

After all of these steps, we’re almost done with the dental implant procedure. Once the molding has been made, we’re ready to get the crowns put in and send you on your way. This part of the procedure is pretty simple and straightforward. We’ve spent time preparing your mouth to hold the crowns, and the crowns have been created to fit your mouth perfectly, so the last step is to get those crowns on to root that we’ve put in there.

This portion of the process is very simple and doesn’t cause much pain. When we’ve got all of the crowns put in, you may notice that your mouth is a little bit sore, and that’s to be expected with how much work will have been done in a short period. Giving your mouth some time to rest after the procedure, and slowly working your way up in solidity of foods, is the best thing that you can do once your implants have been put in.

The procedure may seem much more daunting than some of the others that claim to provide you with a natural look and bite, but the reality is that this is a same-day procedure, and beyond that, it’s the procedure that will always provide the results that you want.

The team at Pacific Northwest has been working with same day dental implants for years. If you’re ready to change your smile or you’re merely just interested in learning more about the dental implant process, give us a call, and we would be more than happy to help. If you’re interested in learning more about the process, browse our blog space. We are always doing our best to provide our clients with the answers they need and posts that offer guidance.

Contact our team today to get your appointment scheduled.

Our Comfort & Sedation Options

Hello, and welcome back to our blog! In our last post, we talked about sedation dentistry, what it is, and how medical specialists will administer it. In this blog, we’re going to talk a little bit about Same Day Implants and our specific procedures for allowing our patients to be comfortable, eliminate anxiety about going to the dentist, and ensure the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

Dental anxiety or dental phobia can be a significant problem in many peoples’ lives. Although everyone is susceptible to dental emergencies in their lives, not everyone will be as eager to seek care for them. Some people may not go to the dentist in order to avoid painful procedures or long recovery times. However, at Same Day Implants, we take advantage of the most up-to-date technology to ensure that you have a comfortable and seamless visit every time. Read on to find out more about the specific comfort and sedation procedures we offer for our tooth replacement patients in Seattle.

Friendly Staff

Being comfortable at the dentist’s office starts with having a friendly staff that is there for your every need. Our doctors and staff are dedicated to keeping you as comfortable as possible through all steps of your treatment. From the moment you walk in the door, we will work with you and understand exactly what you need to make your visit as seamless as possible, as well as implement the latest technology into your procedure to keep you comfortable.

Minimally Invasive

Each dental procedure begins with a plan, custom fit for your situation that will be minimally invasive. What this means is, your medical procedure will be optimized in order to avoid causing any other issues resulting in minimal recovery time and discomfort. Procedures are non-traumatic and extractions won’t cause damage to the surrounding tissue. Bruising and swelling is are reduced, and you won’t have to wait weeks or months to start feeling normal again.

Computer-Guided Placement

Using state-of-the-art computers and programs, our doctors will load 3D images into our special implant planning software in order to complete your procedure with precision and ease. Not only will this make your procedure safer and limit the risk of human error, but it will make it quicker and is what makes same-day implants possible.

DentalVibe®

DentalVibe is an advanced device that sends vibrations through your gums near the sight of injection. This vibration will block sensation and make injections virtually painless for the patient.

Sedation

Sedation is another important part of making our patients feel comfortable before and during their procedure. If a patient has high anxiety or we’re doing a longer procedure, we will use general anesthesia if necessary.

Nitrous Oxide

More commonly known as “laughing gas,” when inhaled, will cause you to relax without being unconscious. This is a light form of sedation that is commonly used for cleaning.

Conscious Sedation

With conscious sedation, you will receive a pill that will keep you in a “twilight sleep” allowing you to communicate and be conscious while allowing you to relax.

Intravenous Sedation

IV sedation is a form of sedation sent directly to the bloodstream. This allows for a more controlled state of consciousness that can be altered depending on each patient’s needs. We have a certified anesthesiologist who regulates this through each procedure.

General Anesthesia

Although general anesthesia is used far less frequently than our other sedation options, it is an option for some patients. Because this process will render you completely unconscious, you will not feel any pain. However, a certified anesthesiologist will need to monitor vital signs throughout the entire procedure.

Same Day Implants strives to offer each patient with the most high-quality dental care in the industry and we believe that starts with your comfort and safety. With each visit to our office, you will first and foremost, be introduced to our friendly staff who will sit down with you and determine exactly what sedation treatment will be best for you and your procedure. We will make use of the latest innovations in sedation dentistry, as well as advanced computer software that will make your procedure minimally invasive and non-traumatic to the surrounding tissue. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

How Dental Sedation Works

Many people experience serious anxiety about going to see the dentist because they fear that there may be a serious issue with their oral health. Often times, these people will associate their health condition with a painful medical procedure that could lead to long recovery times. Although this fear is well placed, modern sedation procedures allow a medical specialist to perform these procedures with minimal discomfort to the patient. In this blog, we’re going to discuss the different types of sedation dentistry and why you shouldn’t be afraid to visit a doctor when you need help.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation refers to a wide range of processes used to calm a patient before a medical procedure begins. Chances are, the term, “laughing gas” may come to mind. Although laughing gas (or nitrous-oxide) is commonly used to sedate patients who are getting root canals or crowns, sedation dentistry is a little more complex than that, and can vary depending on a patient’s needs, as well as the procedure that is being performed.

Contrary to what some may believe, dental sedation doesn’t have to do with the pain management your dentist will provide for you. Dental sedation has more to do with calming the patient and reducing the anxiety that comes with a visit to the dentist’s office.

Types of sedation

Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)

Laughing gas is used to relax a patient and make a medical procedure easier for both the patient and the medical specialist. Since it’s a gas, if you stop breathing it, the effects will wear off rather quickly. When you receive this form of sedation, it will be administered through a nose apparatus through which you inhale the gas. Depending on the patient, this may be the only form of sedation they will need.

Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation, or “oral sedation” involves taking a small dose of sedative before the procedure. Your dentist will prescribe the dosage and tell you when to take them. Usually, one pill will be taken the night before and the other right before the procedure. Like with laughing gas, you’ll be awake but a lot more relaxed.

Dentists use advanced techniques for monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing during the procedure in order to apply sedation techniques appropriately and provide you with the care you need to stay comfortable.

Intravenous Sedation

IV sedation can come in one of two forms: “Twilight” is when you’re conscious, but not fully aware of your surroundings, while with general anesthesia, you’ll be completely unconscious. Although this is relatively uncommon for dental procedures, it may be advised for certain patients depending on their needs.

Consult with your dentist

Most dentists offer varying options for sedation and will consult with you to determine what would be best for the procedure. Although there is no standardized sedation technique, dentists will often have their own ways of calming patients and making their procedures go as smoothly as possible.

Contact Same Day Implants today to learn about our sedation options for tooth replacement in Seattle.

Why Choose Us

There are many reasons to choose Pacific Northwest Periodontics as THE place to go for your dental implant services.

As periodontists, Dr. Rapoport and Dr. Schuler are extensively trained specialists in dental implant treatment. They are both highly skilled surgeons with decades of experience.

Our doctors are also board-certified periodontists and Diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology, the highest status awarded for technical proficiency in their field.

Due to their exceptional surgical skills and use of highly advanced technology, our doctors can provide same-day implants and new teeth for most patients needing extractions and tooth replacement, and for many patients who already have missing teeth but no severe bone loss.

This includes fixed-in full-arch replacement teeth with the All-on-4 ® New Teeth in One Day procedure.

Our doctors use full surgical infection control procedures during your implant surgery, and use only the highest quality implants for your treatment.

They thoroughly explain your treatment to you and answer all your questions so you are completely informed and comfortable.

Dr. Rapoport and Dr. Schuler are also recognized in the community as leading experts in dental implant treatment. As a result, many other dentists and their families see our doctors for THEIR periodontal and dental implant needs.