Replacing Missing Teeth
Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.
Who would want their appearance and health to deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your dentist and the implant surgeon will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.
Don’t Settle for Missing Teeth!
Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that can renew your smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Tooth Replacement Options
You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.
A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.
Fixed Bridge
Flipper
Metal Partial
Denture
Dental Implants
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.
Flipper
A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.
Metal Partial
A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.
Denture
The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Puget Sound Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would give Dr. Stivers & his Assistant Tina 10 Stars! I had been dealing with an infected tooth since the end of February, and due to COVID-19 hitting Seattle, kept not being able to get an appointment for Oral Surgery where I go for dental care. I took two rounds of antibiotics as I kept trying and trying to get an appointment. On April 2nd, the tooth got worse and my Primary Care Doctor gave me more antibiotics. I continued to keep calling everywhere to get an appointment with an Oral Surgeon, and on Friday, April 3rd I called Dr. Stivers office and they agreed to treat me and I was scheduled for April 6th. Dr. Strivers and Tina came in just to treat me, and they were wonderful. It was a tooth under a bridge and Dr. Strivers did a great job of getting it out. After I got home, he and his office called to see how I was doing and he kept stressing that I could call or text him anytime. What a wonderful, caring Dentist! I so appreciated Dr. Stivers getting back to me so rapidly, and his assurances that I could contact him anytime. What had become a painful and frightening experience for me was resolved finally with kindness and expertise. I have healed well, and I can't thank Dr. Stivers and Tina enough for agreeing to open the clinic and treat me, so thank you both from the bottom of my heart for what you did for me
- Janice W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If I could give them 6 stars I would! Dr. Stivers was so kind and down to earth. I’m usually seconds away from a freak out the moment I step into any dental office but him and his entire staff put me at ease the moment I walked in the door. I was surprised at how effortless everything was. From scheduling the appointment to the procedure itself. Big thumbs up!
- Ronianne O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so impressed with how well everything went. I had almost no pain the same day and next day I am only a little soar in the jaw. I've needed hardly any pain meds or icing and I have almost no swelling. I can't help but tell everyone what a breeze it was getting my wisdom teeth out with your office. I appreciate your office enormously!
- Elana H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall the experience was great! I was referred by my regular doctor and scheduling was a breeze. Everything I needed was promptly handled, including calling in prescriptions for medicine pre-procedure. Pricing and payment were fairly and promptly handled. All charges were clearly explained and my permission was obtained for all extra charges beyond what my insurance covered. Overall I had an awesome experience and would recommend Dr. Stiver's office to others who need similar procedures done.
- Natalie W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Awesome service, felt very safe and taken care of by all the staff
- Avery K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Scheduling my initial appointment was easy! The receptionist helped me figure out my out of pocket costs and scheduled a consultation for me, and then I was able to schedule my extraction in office. In all, I believe the appointment itself took no longer than 2 hours. Staff were very detailed regarding aftercare and told me to call any time with questions or concerns. I would recommend them to anyone!
- Molly V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service!
- John H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am very grateful for the prompt service, friendly staff, comprehensive information and excellent professional treatment I received. Dr Stivers and his crew went out of their way at an awkward time on short notice and still provided me with excellent care.
- Eric G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professinal and friendly service
- Kingsley
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very good experience. Everyone was professional and friendly. Dr. Stivers was the first doctor to administer local anesthesia without the feel of the pinch for me. Totally recommend.
- Flavian C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for such a great experience. I was really dreading getting my wisdom teeth out, but all of the staff was so awesome and totally made me feel comfortable. I am telling all of my friends who have been putting it off to just go to Puget Sound Oral Surgery and get it over with!
- Melissa M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My daughter moved from Alabama to Seattle last year after college. I called several OS offices and was most comfortable with your office ... being a Mom with a daughter living over two thousand miles away from you is hard enough but when they have to have wisdom teeth out .... But your office staff made me feel so at ease and Camille said she lived the office and staff as well. Thank you for taking care for her and me !
- Paula T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service, friendly staff, all necessary information provided, all procedures explained. My wisdom teeth removal was quick and almost painless (local injection, obviously, hurt a little). Quick recovery period!
- Yuliya R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great overall experience
- Maryjane B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience
- Yumeng M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for getting my daughter in right away with her wisdom teeth pain. It's a relief to have them out. We'll see you next summer with my son.
- Laura W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so nervous to get my wisdom teeth removed, I waited painful 6 months to find the perfect fit. Puget Sound Oral Surgery was the perfect fit. Everyone was extremely kind and diligent.
- Shawnice D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything went smoothly. Thanks!
- Stewart M