Dental Implants

At Dental Arts & Wellness, we consider restorative dentistry a core element of our Lake Oswego practice. Missing teeth can pose a significant problem if left unaddressed. Bacteria can invade the edentulous site (location of the missing tooth) and affect the health of the gums, and surrounding teeth can shift to fill in the vacant gap, resulting in malocclusion and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The most durable and permanent solution to a missing tooth is a dental implant and complimentary restoration. A dental implant is a titanium post that is screwed directly into the jawbone. Once embedded in the jaw, the post can serve as a root for dental restorations, including dental crowns, dental bridges, and fixed dentures. In essence, the implant becomes an artificial tooth root, and the restoration that is affixed atop it serves as the artificial tooth. Because of the strength of the implant material, and its placement into the jawbone, dental implants can last for many years – even a lifetime with proper maintenance.  Dental Implants