Tooth Replacement · Montesano, WA
Replace One Tooth or Several
Missing a tooth, or a few, can affect how you chew, speak, and smile. At Montesano Dental, Dr. Kevin Farr and our team help patients throughout Grays Harbor replace missing teeth with dental implants designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
A dental implant is a small post, usually made of titanium, that is placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Once it heals and bonds with the bone, it supports an abutment and a custom crown. When several teeth are missing, two or more implants can support an implant bridge, replacing multiple teeth without relying on your healthy neighboring teeth for support.
Single Tooth Implants
A single implant with a crown replaces one missing tooth on its own. Unlike a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side don’t need to be reshaped (prepared), which helps preserve your natural tooth structure.
Multiple Implants and Implant Bridges
If you are missing several teeth, you may not need an implant for every one. An implant-supported bridge uses implants as anchors to hold a row of replacement teeth, offering a stable, fixed solution that doesn’t come out like a removable partial denture.
Why Choose Implants to Replace Missing Teeth
Look and feel like natural teeth
Fixed in place – no removing them at night
Help maintain jawbone where teeth are missing
Don’t require reshaping healthy neighboring teeth
Let you chew a wide variety of foods with confidence
With good care, can last for many years
Who May Benefit
Implants may be a good fit if you:
Are missing one or more teeth from injury, decay, or gum disease
Have a tooth that needs to be removed
Want an alternative to a traditional bridge or partial denture
Have generally healthy gums and enough jawbone to support an implant (bone grafting may be an option if not)
Are committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits
Every smile is different. A consultation is the best way to learn whether implants are right for you. Missing most or all of your teeth? Learn about implant dentures.
What to Expect
Consultation and exam – We review your health history, examine your mouth, and take imaging to plan your treatment.
Treatment plan – We explain your options, timeline, and costs so you can make an informed decision.
Implant placement – The implant post is gently placed in the jawbone, with local anesthetic for comfort; sedation is available for anxious patients.
Healing – Over the following months, the implant bonds with the bone through a process called osseointegration. A temporary tooth may be used in the meantime when appropriate.
Final restoration – Your custom crown or implant bridge is attached, matched to the shape and shade of your natural teeth.
Ongoing care – Brush, floss, and keep regular checkups to help your implants last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a dental implant hurt? The area is numbed during placement, and most patients report manageable discomfort afterward that can be eased with over-the-counter or prescribed medication. We’ll go over aftercare with you.
How long does the implant process take? It varies by patient. Healing usually takes a few months before the final crown or bridge is placed. Additional steps like extractions or bone grafting can extend the timeline.
Do I need an implant for every missing tooth? Not always. When several teeth in a row are missing, an implant bridge can replace them using fewer implants.
How do I care for implants? Much like natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss or use cleaning aids around the implant, and keep up with regular dental visits.
Is a dental implant better than a bridge? Both can be good options. Implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth and help maintain bone, while bridges may suit some situations better. We’ll help you compare.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Ready to Fill the Gap in Your Smile?
Call Montesano Dental at (360) 249-5100 or request an appointment online. We’re located at 111 E Broadway Ave, Montesano, WA 98563, and proudly serve Montesano, Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Ocean Shores, Westport, Elma, and all of Grays Harbor.
