West Linn Family Dental
Dr. Jeremy Cobb D.D.S.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants
A dental implant is widely considered the "gold standard" for replacing a missing tooth because it mimics the entire structure of a natural tooth, from the root to the crown. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, which sit on top of the gums, an implant features a small, sturdy post—typically made of medical-grade titanium—that is gently placed into the jawbone. Over time, this post integrates with your natural bone, creating a rock-solid foundation that functions just like a natural tooth root.
Once the foundation is set, a custom-crafted porcelain crown is securely attached to the top. This crown is designed to match the exact shape, size, and shade of your surrounding teeth, making it virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. Because the implant is anchored into the bone, it helps preserve your facial structure and prevents the bone loss that often occurs when a tooth is missing. With an implant, you can eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile with total confidence, knowing your restoration is permanent, secure, and built to last a lifetime.
Fixed Bridge
Some patients who are missing teeth prefer not to wear a removable partial denture, which they have to take out to clean after eating and before going to bed. Multiple implants may be placed to replace partial dentures with a fixed bridge that is permanentely fixed onto the implants.
Implant Supported Dentures
Many times dentures are difficult to eat with because they are not fixed in place like our natural teeth. Dentures supported by implants keep the denture securely in place by snapping into place.
A common problem with wearing dentures is the longterm loss of bone in the maxilla (face) and mandible (jaw). This bone loss decreases the vertical height of our face and makes wearing a denture even more difficult. Implants behave like roots of teeth and will stimulate the bone and cause a significant decrease in bone loss.