Restorative Dentistry · Everett, WA

Dental Implants

The closest thing to a natural tooth — permanent, stable and independent.

Replacing the root, not just the tooth

An implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone, where it takes the role of a natural tooth root. Once it has integrated with the bone, a crown is attached to it — giving a replacement tooth that is anchored in its own right.

That independence is the real advantage. A bridge relies on the teeth either side, which must be prepared to carry it; an implant stands alone and leaves neighbouring teeth untouched.

What separates an implant from every other replacement is that it replaces the root as well as the tooth. Nothing is clasped to a neighbouring tooth and nothing rests on the gum — the post integrates with the jawbone and carries its own load, which is why an implant is cleaned, and feels, like a natural tooth rather than an appliance.

The bone argument is the one most patients have not heard. Jawbone maintains itself in response to the load of chewing, and where a tooth has been missing that stimulus is gone, so the ridge slowly recedes. An implant restores the load and largely halts that loss, which is also why implants placed sooner after a loss are usually simpler than implants placed years later.

When an implant is worth considering

  • A single missing tooth, where you would rather not prepare the healthy teeth either side for a bridge.
  • A failing tooth that cannot be saved and will need replacing once it comes out.
  • A partial denture you have never got on with, or that has begun to move.
  • A gap left long enough that neighbouring teeth have started to tilt into it.

What to expect

Implants are staged over several months, most of which is healing rather than appointments.

  1. 1 Planning Imaging shows bone volume and the position of nerves and sinuses. If bone is insufficient, a graft may be recommended first.
  2. 2 Placement The post is placed under local anesthetic. Most patients report far less discomfort than expected.
  3. 3 Restoration After the implant integrates with the bone — typically three to six months — the custom crown is fitted.

Implants still need maintenance

An implant cannot decay, but the gum and bone around it can become inflamed and recede, which is how implants are lost. Brush and clean around it exactly as you would a natural tooth, and keep your regular hygiene visits.

Common questions about dental implants

How long does the whole process take?
Usually three to six months from placement to final crown, because the implant needs time to integrate with the bone. The surgical appointment itself is short; most of the timeline is healing. Where a graft is needed first, add a few months to that.
Does getting an implant hurt?
The placement is done under local anesthetic and most patients are surprised how straightforward it is — commonly less uncomfortable afterwards than having a tooth out. Expect some soreness and swelling for a few days, manageable with ordinary pain relief.
How long do dental implants last?
With good maintenance, decades — implants have the best long-term survival of any tooth replacement. What ends them is almost always peri-implantitis, inflammation of the gum and bone around the post, which is preventable with daily cleaning and regular hygiene visits.
Am I too old for an implant?
Age itself is rarely the deciding factor. What matters is general health, bone volume, gum health and whether you smoke. We assess all of that first, and where an implant is not the right answer we will tell you what is.
Are implants covered by insurance?
Coverage varies widely — some plans contribute, many cap what they will pay towards implants specifically. We can check your benefits and give you a written estimate for each stage before you commit to anything.

Questions about dental implants?

We'll walk you through the options, the costs, and what to expect.

RELATED SERVICES