Dental Implants at Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery
Dental implants are one of the best long-term solutions for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, illness, or decay. At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons deliver precise and comprehensive care for patients needing dental implant placement in Ellensburg WA, Moses Lake WA, and Wenatchee WA. We are committed to providing state-of-the-art surgical procedures, prioritizing patient safety and satisfaction throughout North Central Washington.
Why Dental Implants?
Missing teeth can hinder vital functions such as chewing and speech. Dental implants provide a stable, permanent solution that closely simulates the function of natural teeth. Implants are unique from dentures or bridges because they are placed surgically into the jawbone, providing a stable anchor that can hold an artificial tooth without putting surrounding teeth under stress for its stability.
The dental implant becomes secured into the jawbone over time through osseointegration, providing more strength and stability. Normal oral function is restored in the patient with a blend into natural dentition.
The Dental Implant Process
Your surgeons assess your oral condition, study digital X-rays, and identify whether you need any prep treatments, including bone grafting, before implanting. The following is what you can expect during the implanting process:
- Initial Evaluation
Your oral surgeon will examine your gum, tooth, and jawbone to determine sufficient bone to anchor an implant. Diagnostic equipment like 3D imaging and digital X-rays assists us in creating a personalized treatment plan that considers your individual anatomy and requirements. - Implant Placement
The implant is a tiny titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone under local anesthetic, IV sedation, or general anesthetic, depending on your case and your preference. Titanium is biocompatible because it coexists nonadversely along with bone tissue during the healing process. - Healing and Osseointegration
During several months, your implant will bond to your jawbone through osseointegration. This is referred to so that your implant can withstand normal forces of function, similar to the root of a natural tooth. - Abutment Placement
An abutment or connector piece is attached after the implant is seated within the jawbone. The abutment will hold the custom dental crown that completes your restoration. - Restoration
The third and last step is placing a dental bridge, crown, or denture (one, depending on how many teeth you have filled in) on top of the abutment. Your restorative dentist will make the prosthetic fit easily with the rest of your teeth, making it comfortable to chew and natural-looking.
Types of Dental Implants
Implants come in several sizes to address different patient needs. Our clinic offers different implants to restore your dental function and oral health.
- Single Tooth Implants
It is the most prevalent implant form for a single missing tooth. A titanium post is placed surgically in the jawbone, and a tailor-made crown is subsequently held by it following healing. It is extremely lifelike among your teeth. - Implant-Supported Bridges
Ideal for patients missing several teeth in a row, implant-supported bridges eliminate the need to file down adjacent healthy teeth. Two or more implants anchor the bridge, providing a durable, natural-looking solution. - Implant-Supported Dentures (All-on-4, All-on-6)
For patients with no lower and no upper teeth, the full-arch restorations contain 4 to 6 strategically positioned implants that bear a full set of prosthetic teeth. These are more stable than outdated dentures and do not compromise bone in the jaw. - Mini Implants
Smaller in diameter than traditional implants, mini-implants are ideal for patients with limited bone mass or those seeking a less invasive option. They often stabilize lower dentures and require a shorter healing period. - Zygomatic Implants
These are specialized implants anchored into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone. They're typically recommended for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who are not candidates for bone grafting.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants
The ideal candidates for dental implants are those patients who:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have healthy gums and sufficient density of jawbone
- Do not have chronic uncontrolled medical illnesses that will make healing difficult (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or autoimmune disease)
- Do not smoke tobacco products now, or agree to avoid smoking preoperatively and postoperatively
- Are cooperative and will practice good oral hygiene and return for follow-up dental appointments
Higher Surgical Expertise
Your Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery dental implant procedure is done by board-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons:
Dr. Jeremiah Johnson, DDS, MD
With a double degree in medicine and dentistry, Dr. Johnson has augmented clinical insight into surgical treatment. He trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Oregon Health Sciences University and an additional reconstructive and orthognathic surgery fellowship at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Dr. Johnson is also proficient in conversational Spanish and provides equal attention to a multicultural patient population.
Dr. Tyler McDonald, DDS
Dr. McDonald received his dentistry and oral surgery residency degree from the University of Washington. His dedication to patient care and excellent surgery made him a leader of one of the North Central Washington Dental Society's top leaders. He is said to deliver a serene, personalized experience to all patients.
Dr. Brenen Olsen, DDS
Dr. Olsen earned his doctorate in dentistry from Virginia Commonwealth University after completing a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Boston University. Extremely dedicated to providing the utmost surgical care, he treats patients in a stress-free, comfortable environment and is committed to helping them relax and feel secure in their health.
Technology and Safety
Our clinic employs the most advanced technology, such as digital 3D imaging, to ensure implant placement is as stable and precise as possible. This technology offers precise implant placement, reduced surgery time, and improved healing results.
We are also trained in administering all levels of anesthesia, from local to IV sedation and general. Our personnel meet all local, state, and national laws regarding operating room standards and patient safety.
Bone Grafting: Building Foundations
If patients have insufficient bone to support an implant, bone grafting could be suggested. Missing teeth, infection, or trauma can cause bone loss. Grafting will replace or cover up the lost bone in the target area to give the implant a firm foundation.
At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, our surgeons complete intricate grafting procedures, such as socket preservation, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentation, to position your jaw optimally for implant integration.
Post-Operative Instructions: Dental Implants
After your dental implant surgery, following post-operative instructions to heal properly and reduce complications is essential.
Medication
- Take antibiotics as directed, usually beginning before surgery if IV sedation is used.
- Use the ordered antiseptic mouthwash (i.e., chlorhexidine or Peridex) on the day of surgery and for at least two weeks or as otherwise instructed.
- Begin pain medication 30 minutes after surgery, ideally after breakfast, to minimize nausea.
- 400 mg ibuprofen and 325 mg Tylenol every 6 hours are most commonly prescribed unless contraindicated.
- Stop medication and contact our office in case of an emergency if you experience any rash, abdominal pain, or side effects.
Diet
- Do not chew over the surgical site.
- Eat a soft diet—such as smoothies, eggs, and cooked noodles—preferably for a week or two or until our dentist advises.
Other Care Tips
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for 24 hours to minimize swelling.
- If stitches have been taken, they will dissolve spontaneously or be removed—our staff will inform you.
- Take good care of your teeth by keeping your mouth clean, but do not brush the surgical site to prevent irritation or interruption.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are several functional and health benefits of dental implants, such as:
- Durability: Implants are permanent or enduring for hundreds of years if maintained.
- Functionality: Eating, speaking, and other everyday oral functions feel more comfortable and natural.
- Stability: Implants become fixtures within the jawbone, not shifting or loosening.
- Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate and preserve the bone, avoiding loss of bone in the future.
- No Impact on Adjacent Teeth: The implants don't need alteration of adjacent teeth like bridges.
Personalized First Visit
You will see one of our oral surgeons at your first consultation for an evaluation. We will hear your history, discuss diagnostic images, and discuss treatment. You will be given pre-operative and post-operative instructions and financial information to help prepare you for each procedure. Please bring the following:
- A list of current medications
- Referral form and any prior X-rays
- Medical and dental insurance details
If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you.
Why Choose Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery for Dental Implants?
With dental implants, experience matters. Oral surgeons at Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery (CWOFS) are highly skilled, have years of advanced education, and have a high success rate for implant placement. Comfort and clinical excellence are essential to us, and a high level of care is provided that is highly skilled and highly personal.
- Experience and Training: Our maxillofacial and oral surgeons are well-experienced and familiar with the new developments in implantology. We have full confidence in the skill and precision of our surgeons, whether you have just one missing tooth or need a full-arch solution.
- Advanced Technology: We employ the newest imaging technologies, like 3D cone beam CT scans, to achieve maximum implant placement and treatment planning. Not only do these technologies make us more accurate, but they also make us safer and more successful in the long term.
- High Success Rate: With our technology and expertise to back us, we always have a very high success rate with the implant. We also evaluate your bone quality, your overall health status, and other risk factors so that we can give you a treatment plan customized to you in all aspects.
- Individualized Patient Care: We see each patient from consultation to post-operative follow-up. We ensure that each operation is explained, your queries are addressed, and step-by-step aftercare is discussed.
Long-Term Care and Implant Maintenance
Good oral care is one of the causes of your dental implants' long-term survival. Brush your teeth twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss gently against the implant, an interdental brush, or a water flosser where spaces are tight. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption both harm healing and implant health and should be avoided.
Importance of Professional Cleanings
Even though the implants will never get cavities, they may get infected by the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Regular checkup and cleaning every six months is a must. Care providers can detect the initial changes that indicate peri-implantitis, remove plaque deposits, and assess implant stability over time.
Lifespan of Implants with Proper Care
With good oral hygiene and consistent dental checkups, dental implants can last 15 years or more and, in most situations, a lifetime. How well you maintain them will be what makes them last so long. By combining daily at-home maintenance with professional support, you maximize the success and longevity of your investment in dental health.
Payment & Financial Options
We feel that financial issues should never get in the way of obtaining the care you require. Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery accepts most payment arrangements, including:
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
- Cash or personal check (returned NSF checks are $40 per occurrence)
- CareCredit financial plans
Insurance is provided as a courtesy. Though we attempt to estimate coverage, the final financial responsibility is always on the patient. We would be pleased to discuss cost estimates, payment arrangements, and down payment with you during your visit.
Schedule a Consultation
Dental implants will change your oral health and lead to long-term gains when done by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
