Dental Implants
Replace missing teeth with a long-term solution designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Dental implants can help restore your smile, chewing confidence, speech, and jaw support.
The Closest Thing To A Natural Tooth
Do you have one or more missing teeth? Dental implants are designed to replace missing tooth roots and support a custom crown, bridge, or denture. They can help you speak more naturally, chew comfortably, and smile with confidence.
At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, Dr. Ken Collins and Dr. Marnie Collins help patients in Spokane and Spokane Valley explore dental implants as a strong, natural-looking tooth replacement option.
A Missing Tooth Is Never Just A Gap
Even when a missing tooth is in the back of the mouth, it can affect your bite, jawbone, neighboring teeth, chewing, speech, and confidence. Replacing missing teeth helps protect the structure of your smile and the way your mouth functions.
Root Support, Natural-Looking Restoration
A dental implant includes a small post placed in the jawbone, an abutment, and a custom restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The implant functions as a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth.
During healing, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration. Once healed, your restoration is designed for size, shape, color, fit, and bite comfort.
Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Many adults are candidates for dental implants, but careful evaluation is essential. Your gums, jawbone, bite, medical history, tobacco use, and overall health all matter when deciding whether implants are the right option.
From Missing Tooth To Restored Smile
Dental implant timelines vary from patient to patient. Some cases move faster, while others require bone grafting, healing time, or staged treatment before the final restoration is placed.
Implant Dentistry With Cosmetic Detail
Dental implant treatment should restore more than a missing tooth. It should support your bite, protect your smile, and look like it belongs. Drs. Ken and Marnie Collins bring decades of Spokane dental experience to restorative and cosmetic treatment planning.
Answers Before You Begin
These answers help patients understand dental implants, candidacy, treatment timing, comfort, maintenance, and what to expect during the process.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are tooth replacement devices placed in the jawbone to support artificial teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. They are designed to restore chewing function and cosmetic appearance.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A good candidate typically has fully developed jaws, healthy gums, adequate jawbone support, and overall health that supports surgery and healing. If bone support is limited, bone grafting may be recommended.
What is the dental implant placement process?
The process usually includes an exam, X-rays or imaging, treatment planning, implant placement, healing time for osseointegration, abutment placement, and a custom crown, bridge, or denture restoration.
How long does the dental implant process take?
Timing varies. Healing around the implant may take several months, and cases involving bone grafting or full-arch treatment may take longer. Your dentist will review your expected timeline during consultation.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
The procedure is typically performed with anesthesia for comfort. You may feel pressure during treatment and temporary soreness afterward, but your dental team will discuss comfort options and aftercare instructions.
Will people know I have dental implants?
Implant restorations are custom designed to match your smile. A well-planned implant crown, bridge, or denture can look natural and blend with surrounding teeth and gums.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper oral hygiene, regular dental visits, healthy gums, and good bite management, the implant post can last many years. The crown or restoration attached to the implant may need replacement over time.
How many implants can you have?
Dental implants can replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or support a full-arch restoration. The number of implants needed depends on bone support, bite forces, missing teeth, and the type of final restoration.
Are dental implants better than bridges or dentures?
It depends on your health, bone support, budget, timeline, and goals. Implants can be a strong long-term option because they anchor in the jawbone, but bridges or dentures may be appropriate for some patients.
How do I care for dental implants?
Brush, floss, clean around the implant as instructed, and keep regular dental visits. If an implant feels loose, painful, or difficult to clean, contact your dentist promptly.
Ready To Replace Missing Teeth With Confidence?
Schedule a dental implant consultation with Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics in Spokane or Spokane Valley and discover which tooth replacement option fits your smile best.