Dental Implant Therapy
Portland, OR
We know that a lot of our Portland patients have questions about dental implants. We have general information below, dental implant FAQ and dental implant videos.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Your teeth perform many important tasks. They enable you to bite and chew a wide array of different foods. The teeth help to break down the foods you eat so that your body can more easily digest it. The teeth control airflow and provide a surface for your tongue to hit, allowing you to speak properly. They provide you with your beautiful, confident smile. The teeth also play a significant role in the health and strength of your jawbone.
When you suffer tooth loss, all of these functions, and more are affected. Replacing your missing teeth helps to restore the functions of your missing teeth, as well as the aesthetics of your smile and face. With dental implants, replacing your missing teeth can also stop and prevent the bone loss that occurs after tooth loss, helping to keep your jawbone strong.
Learn more about dental implants:
Candidates
Success Rate
Types of Dental Implants
Single Tooth Dental Implants
Bone Grafting
Osseointegration
Frequently Asked Questions
Post-Op Instructions
Videos
Are dental implants for me?
Your teeth are important. They affect your speech, your bite, and your confidence. Missing teeth are a problem. Besides the problem you can see, there are problems from missing teeth that you may not. A missing tooth immediately starts to affect the jawbone, without the stimulation of your tooth the bone actually begins to shrink. The surrounding teeth begin to shift. These changes will cause your mouth, and subsequently your face, to look older.
A dental implant is a titanium fixture that is implanted in the jaw. It can replace a single tooth or it can be a support for a bridge or a denture. With dental implants, the gradual deterioration that takes place in your jawbone from missing teeth is slowed or eliminated.
What is the process for installing dental implants?
Dental implants become more than an implant, it becomes part of you. We use biocompatible titanium screws which Dr. Radakovich places into your jaw bone and with a healing time of about 3 - 6 months, a process called osseointegration occurs. Osseointegration means that this is now permanent. The implant is then uncovered from its temporary cap and Dr. Radakovich places a crown onto the implant. You now have a strong, durable tooth that looks, feels, and acts like a natural tooth. We have seen great success with dental implants.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Anyone in reasonable health and missing one or more teeth may be a candidate for a dental implant. At your information appointment at our Portland office, we will discuss any health concerns along with examining your bone structure and reviewing radiographs. Most of our patients are potential candidates for dental implants.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental Implants have been very successful. Our patients have been thrilled with the results of looking and feeling better. Most studies show success rates of over 90%. Dental Implants off many advantages over conventional methods. Because they are strong and permanent, they are both functional and aesthetic.
Does Dental Implant Surgery hurt?
Placing Dental Implants is a surgical procedure. Surgical procedures do have their discomforts, but most patients have described the pain as being less painful than having a tooth extracted. We perform this procedure with either local anesthetic or intravenous sedation. Dr. Radakovich will discuss your options with you.
During the 3-6 months after the Implant is placed, will I go without teeth?
Dr. Radakovich will discuss temporary cap placement with you. In most instances, temporary teeth can be worn during the healing period.
Schedule your dental implant appointment
For more information, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment at our Portland office, please give us a call at (503) 455-4673.