Spokane Dental Implants

For many years, dentures and bridges have been the most common ways to replace missing teeth. If you currently wear dentures, you likely know that they can make everyday things like speaking, eating, and even smiling more difficult. Dental implants can greatly improve comfort and stability.

In the past, if someone lost one or two teeth, a dental bridge was often recommended. While bridges can work well, they require grinding down the neighboring teeth to support the replacement tooth. Dental implants allow us to replace missing teeth without altering the healthy teeth next to them.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to support a crown or to secure a denture. Over time, the bone naturally bonds with the implant, creating a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth.

Dental implants have made a big difference for many of our patients at Spokane Family Dental. Instead of relying on denture adhesives or suction to keep dentures in place, implants allow us to anchor restorations more securely. They also allow us to replace individual teeth without having to reshape nearby healthy teeth.

The Implant Process

The implant procedure is typically very manageable for patients. With modern techniques and local anesthesia, most people experience little discomfort during the procedure, and recovery is usually straightforward.

Dental implants are made up of three main parts:

• The implant – the titanium post that is placed in the jawbone

• The abutment – the connector that attaches to the implant

• The crown – the custom-made tooth that sits on top

Together, these components function much like a natural tooth, both in appearance and in strength.

Implant Options at Spokane Family Dental

Many patients find dentures frustrating, especially when they feel loose or uncomfortable. Upper dentures sometimes stay in place better because they can form suction against the palate, but lower dentures often move around more.

Dental implants can help solve this problem by providing support that keeps the denture more stable.

At Spokane Family Dental, we offer several implant-supported denture options, including:

• Hybrid dentures

• All-on-4 dentures

• Locator-supported dentures

Each option has different benefits, costs, and considerations. During your visit, we will take the time to evaluate your specific situation, explain the options available, and answer any questions you may have.

A Better Way to Replace Missing Teeth

Dental implants do more than just replace missing teeth—they also help protect the health of your jaw.

When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area can begin to shrink over time. This can eventually affect nearby teeth and even change the shape of your face. Because implants act like natural tooth roots, they help stimulate the bone and maintain its strength.

For many patients, implants provide a more natural-looking and comfortable solution for replacing missing teeth.

If you are interested in learning whether dental implants may be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team at Spokane Family Dental. We are happy to answer your questions and help you explore your options.