A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the bone fuses with the post (a process called osseointegration), it serves as a permanent foundation for a custom crown. Implants look, feel, and function much like natural teeth.

We focus on the surgical phase of implant treatment, which includes placing the implant post and performing bone grafting when needed. The final crown placement is completed by a restorative dentist. We coordinate with your general dentist or refer you to a trusted restorative specialist in the Seattle area so the full process feels seamless.

With good home care and regular dental visits, the implant post itself is designed to last for decades, often a lifetime. The crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced every ten to fifteen years, similar to a standard crown on a natural tooth.

The placement itself is performed under local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Some swelling and soreness for a few days afterward is normal and usually well managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients return to work within one to two days.

Cost depends on several factors: how many teeth are being replaced, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of final restoration. Because every case is different, we provide a clear, written cost estimate during your consultation along with information about insurance and financing options.

Coverage varies widely by plan. Some plans cover a portion of the implant placement, the abutment, or the final crown, while others cover little or none of the cost. Our team verifies your specific benefits and walks you through what to expect financially before treatment begins.

Bone grafting rebuilds jawbone density in areas where the bone has thinned, usually from a tooth being missing for a long time. Whether you need a graft depends on the condition of your jaw, which we evaluate using a comprehensive exam and X-rays. Many patients do well without a graft. Others need one to become candidates for a successful implant.

You may be a good candidate if you are missing one or more teeth, have generally healthy gums, and have enough jawbone (or are open to bone grafting). Smokers and patients with uncontrolled diabetes or other systemic conditions may need additional planning. We evaluate every candidate individually during the consultation.

A single tooth implant typically takes three to six months from start to finish. The surgical placement appointment is short, but the jawbone needs time to fuse with the implant before the final restoration is placed. If bone grafting is needed first, the overall timeline is longer.

At Seattle’s Downtown Dentist, our in-house implant services are limited to single tooth implant placement and bone grafting. For more complex cases such as All-on-4, full-arch replacement, implant-supported bridges, or implant-supported dentures, we refer to trusted specialists in the Seattle area and help coordinate your care.

A missing tooth can cause real problems over time. Surrounding teeth may shift toward the gap, the opposing tooth can drift down or up, and the jawbone in that area gradually loses density. Replacing the tooth with an implant prevents these changes and protects the rest of your smile.