Dr. Sobzak has been placing dental implants in Bothell, WA since 1994.  He remains apprised of the latest techniques, and has served as an instructor on dental implant procedures for the University of Washington dental and oral surgery students, as well as for General Practice Residents. While with the Veterans Administration, Dr. Sobczak also served as Principal Investigator for two unique dental implant research projects and has co-authored articles in professional journals.

In most cases, we provide both placement of the dental implant post (replacement tooth root) and the restoration (replacement tooth crown) in our office in Bothell.

Dental Implants - The Most Natural Replacement for Missing Teeth

Missing a tooth or teeth can be demoralizing and embarrassing. With modern technology it is possibly to restore your smile and confidence through dental implants.

Although there are several different procedures for replacing teeth, dental implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth. They do not require alterations in adjacent teeth, and the dental implant post stimulates your jawbone in the same way as your natural teeth.  This leads to less bone loss and preserves a younger facial appearance.

Replacing a Missing Tooth

A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing foods.

natural tooth root

dental implant

Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth or if one needed to be extracted, the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would be cut down and a three-crown “bridge” would be placed.

Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead of cutting down two perfectly healthy teeth, a trained practitioner inserts a dental post (dental implant) into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root. This post becomes solidly fixed into your jaw as the bone heals (similar to a natural tooth root). Your dentist then places a crown onto this artificial tooth root that feels and functions like your natural teeth.

Quite simply, dental implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth, come see us at our Bothell location.

Replacing Several Missing Teeth

Dental Implant Supported Dentures are firmly anchored to the jawbone. This helps to prevent bone loss and causes them to feel much more like natural teeth.

Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been replaced with a removable partial or full denture.

Dentures have to be taken out and soaked at night. Many patients experience difficulty in eating certain foods (expecially sticky ones) with dentures and partials.

Dental implants can now be used to anchor partial and full dentures. This prevents the slipping, irritation, and pain associated with “floating” partials and dentures. In some situations, complete dentures may be "permanetly" (removable only by the Dentist) retained by multiple implants, preventing the tedious removal of dentures for overnight soaking and cleaning. Dental implants may also minimize or eliminate the need for dental adhesives. This allows you to enjoy eating the foods you previously avoided . With dental implants, your partials or dentures are firmly anchored to the jawbone, causing them to feel much more like natural teeth.

Dentures can cause bone loss, due to lack of stimulation.

Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts are fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking. You may have seen a person who looked prematurely old because their jawbone had shrunk after wearing floating dentures. Dental implants help preserve your jawbone and appearance.

The Success Rate of Dental Implants

After their healing period, the success rate of dental implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene, the percentage is closer to 98%.

Does the Procedure Hurt?

Placing a Dental Implant is a minor surgical procedure. The discomfort involved with receiving a dental implant is similar but less than having a tooth extracted. It is often done under local anesthesia and patients generally experience little discomfort after the procedure.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants become fixed to the jawbone. Though the life span of a dental implant will vary with each patient, many have lasted for over 30 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants could last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.

Bone Regeneration

A critical question in determining whether an implant can be placed is, “Is there enough bone to support the implant?” Fortunately, advanced bone regeneration techniques now make it possible to place many more implants than just 10 years ago.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implant treatment begins with an evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. If you are interested in dental implants, contact us or visit our Bothell location for a placement evaluation.

For More Information

The following site will provide you with more information on dental implants:

• American Academy of Periodontology Article:
  Dental Implants: Teeth That Look and Feel Like Your Own