Missing teeth affect more than just your smile—they impact the way you eat, speak, and feel every day. If you have missing teeth or already have a dental implant, we can help plan replacement, refer you to specialists to place the implants, and restore the implants after they have healed. At Northshore Dental, Dr. Alexa Kirkland and Dr. Karen Bennett provide dental implant restorations that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Whether you’ve lost one tooth or several, our team helps patients throughout Kenmore, Bothell, Shoreline, Woodinville, and nearby communities restore their smiles with comfort and confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once healed, they support a custom crown, bridge, or denture—giving you a stable, natural-looking restoration.
Unlike dentures that rest on the gums or bridges that rely on adjacent teeth, implants integrate with your jawbone (a process called osseointegration). This makes them the gold standard for tooth replacement, providing durability and long-term oral health benefits.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural Look & Feel – Custom-made restorations blend seamlessly with your smile.
- Stronger Jawbone Health – Implants stimulate bone, preventing the sunken look of tooth loss.
- Protects Healthy Teeth – Surrounding teeth aren’t altered, unlike dental bridges.
- Better Chewing & Speaking – Enjoy your favorite foods and speak clearly without worry.
- Long-Lasting Solution – With proper care, implants can last 20-30+ years.
The Dental Implant Process
- Consultation & Planning
We start with a comprehensive exam to plan your treatment. We refer to a highly qualified local specialist to do a 3D scan of your jaw and coordinate with our office to make a restorative plan. - Implant Placement
Under the care of the specialist, the titanium post is placed into your jawbone under local anesthesia, with sedation options available for comfort. - Healing & Integration
Over 3–6 months, the implant bonds with your bone. Temporary restorations may be provided during this period. - Final Restoration
You return to our office. Impressions are taken and the dental lab will fabricate your restoration, which usually takes about 3 weeks. A custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant, completing your smile with a natural look and feel.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults with missing teeth are candidates. Ideal patients:
- Have good overall oral health
- Want a long-lasting tooth replacement solution that looks and feels as natural as possible
Even if you’ve been told you lack sufficient bone, advanced grafting techniques may make implants possible. During your consultation with the specialist, they will review your options.
Implants vs. Alternatives
- Dentures: Affordable but removable; implants provide much better stability and are better for chewing, tasting, and aesthetics.
- Bridges: The next best option to implants and can be superior in some situations. Bridges do require altering adjacent teeth, and the teeth in a bridge will all be attached to each other. Implants preserve natural structure and can be cleaned individually.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: A hybrid option for multiple missing teeth—more secure than dentures, less costly than multiple single implants.
Cost & Insurance
The cost of implants varies depending on your needs. While implants may have a higher upfront investment, their durability makes them cost-effective long term.
- Many PPO dental plans now cover part of the cost
- Discounts for seniors
Recovery & Aftercare
- Days 1–3: Mild swelling or soreness, manageable with OTC pain relief.
- Weeks 1–2: Resume normal eating and daily activities.
- Months 3–6: Implant integrates with the bone.
- Final Step: Custom restoration is attached, completing your smile.
Caring for implants is simple—just brush, floss, and see us for regular cleanings, just as you would with natural teeth.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. With dental implants, you can restore your smile’s strength, comfort, and appearance for life.Call us at (425) 486-6511 or Schedule an Appointment Online today to find out if dental implants are right for you.