Dental Implants in Lake Oswego, Oregon

You do not have to be ashamed of your missing tooth or teeth anymore. Dr. Patrick Morrissey, our experienced dentist, can help you to smile, eat, and talk comfortably with dental implants in Lake Oswego, OR.

What Is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, or a tooth that is broken, cracked or decayed beyond repair. Implants are nonremovable once integrated.

There are three parts to a dental implant:

• A titanium post, which is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth
• An abutment, which is placed on top of the post
• The new tooth, which is attached to the abutment

What Is the Dental Implant Procedure?

If you go to Dr. Morrissey because you are missing a tooth or you have a tooth that is damaged and needs to be removed, he will begin by giving you a thorough exam. This will include an X-ray of your teeth and jaw to make sure your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant and to identify the exact location of the roots of the adjacent teeth.

If Dr. Morrissey decides that a dental implant is the right choice for you, he will make a mold of your jaw to help him determine the spacing of the gum and tissue. We will develop a treatment plan using this mold, your X-rays and the results of your exam.

Our Lake Oswego dentist will then numb the area to receive the implant with a local anesthetic, and he will then surgically implant the titanium post into the bone socket of the missing tooth. It will take six to 12 weeks for the post to fuse to the bone. This may seem like a long time, but this is an important part of the procedure; when the post and the bone are tightly fused together, it ensures that the implant will work as well as a natural tooth and that the gums and surrounding teeth will stay healthy.

Dr. Morrissey will also make an impression of your mouth. This impression will be sent to a lab, where they will make the artificial tooth. Once the post and the jawbone fuse, he will place the artificial tooth.

Are There Dental Implant Problems I Should Know About?

The majority of patients who have gotten dental implants from Dr. Morrissey have no problems with them at all.

Implants are much more convenient than other restorations. For example, removable restorations such as dentures require a lot of care and cleaning, and some patients find them very uncomfortable.

And getting an implant from our Lake Oswego dentist is much better than not replacing a lost or damaged tooth at all. A missing tooth can mean many problems for the remaining teeth, the gums and even the jawbone. And, of course, a missing tooth can make it difficult to eat, talk and smile.

What Are the Benefits to Dental Implants?

Dental implants look and feel like real teeth! It is difficult to even tell that an implant patient has an artificial tooth. They are also easy to take care of. All you have to do is brush, floss and visit Dr. Morrissey twice a year for top-quality dental care.

Aside from lasting a lifetime and looking, feeling and functioning just like your natural teeth, implants also promote your long-term oral health and wellbeing. Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants replace the roots of your teeth as well as the crowns. This means that they perform the same functions as your natural teeth, stimulating your supporting bone to keep it strong and healthy and ensuring that your smile has a stable foundation.

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?

The cost of a dental implant can depend on many different factors, and our Lake Oswego dentist and team will provide you with an estimate of your treatment cost before providing your care. You can always call our dental office for information about the possible costs involved and payment options.

You should also check with your insurance provider to see if they will help you with the cost of implants. The team at Boones Ferry Dental can give you the information you need to talk to your insurance company.

Schedule Your Consultation!

If you have a missing tooth, do not wait any longer to do something about it! Call Boones Ferry Dental at 503-699-6699 to make an appointment today! Dr. Morrissey and his team are experts at dental implant restorations in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and they can help!