Services / Cosmetic, Prevention, & Restorative Care
Dental Implants in Gig Harbor, WA
Replace one tooth or a full arch with a natural-looking, long-lasting solution. We plan and restore your implant right here in Gig Harbor and coordinate placement with trusted local surgeons.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is a three-part system: a titanium or zirconia post that is placed in the jaw and acts as an artificial root, an abutment that connects to it, and a custom crown, bridge, or denture on top that you see and use. What sets implants apart from other options is that the post fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. That bond creates a stable foundation and helps preserve the bone, something bridges and dentures cannot do. Implants are one of the most reliable advances in modern dentistry for replacing missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants come closer than any other option to the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.
- Look and feel natural: an implant blends in with your other teeth, with no slipping and no one knowing it is there.
- Prevent bone loss: implants keep stimulating the jaw the way a natural root does, which helps prevent the bone loss that follows missing teeth.
- Eat and speak normally: nothing to remove and nothing that shifts, so you can eat what you like and speak with confidence.
- Protect your other teeth: unlike a bridge, an implant does not require grinding down the healthy teeth next to the gap.
- Easy to care for: brush and floss like natural teeth, with no special products needed.
Your Implant Options, From a Single Tooth to a Full Arch
Implants can replace a single tooth or an entire arch. The right approach depends on how many teeth you are missing and the health of your jaw.
Single Tooth
One implant and one crown replace a single missing tooth without affecting the teeth around it.
Multiple Teeth and Implant-Supported Bridges
When several teeth in a row are missing, a few implants can anchor a fixed bridge. You get a stable, natural result without needing one implant for every tooth.
Full Arch, All-on-4, and Implant-Supported Dentures
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, four to six implants can support a full upper or lower set of teeth, either fixed in place or as a secure, removable implant-supported denture. Full-arch treatment does not require an implant for every tooth, which keeps it more efficient than it sounds. This approach is often called All-on-4.
The Dental Implant Process, Step by Step
Getting an implant is a step-by-step process that unfolds over a few months. Because we plan your treatment and place your final tooth here at Kvinsland, and coordinate the surgical step with a trusted local oral surgeon, you stay with one familiar dental home from start to finish.
- Consultation and 3D imaging. We examine your mouth, take a detailed scan, and map out a plan.
- Extraction if needed. If a damaged tooth is still in place, it is removed first.
- Bone grafting if needed. If your jaw needs more bone to support the implant, a graft rebuilds it. Not everyone needs this step.
- Implant placement. A trusted local oral surgeon we coordinate with places the implant, usually under local anesthesia or sedation. Most people have only mild soreness for a few days.
- Healing. Over about three to six months, the implant fuses with your jawbone. You can often wear a temporary tooth during this time.
- Abutment and impression. Once the implant is stable, we attach the connector and take an impression for your final tooth.
- Your final restoration. We design and place a custom crown, bridge, or denture that matches your smile.
Am I a Candidate? Bone Grafting Explained
Most healthy adults are good candidates for dental implants, and there is no upper age limit. What matters most is having enough healthy jawbone to support the implant and healthy gums to surround it. During your consultation, a dental exam and 3D imaging tell us whether implants are right for you.
If your jaw does not have enough bone, a bone graft or sinus lift can rebuild it before the implant is placed. This is a common and predictable step. Conditions like gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or smoking can affect healing, but they usually mean we treat or plan around them first, not that implants are off the table. We will give you a straight answer about your options.
Implants vs. Bridges vs. Dentures
Implants are not the only way to replace missing teeth. Here is how they compare with the two other common options so you can make an informed choice.
| Dental implants | Fixed bridge | Dentures | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Post can last decades; crown 15 to 20 years | About 5 to 15 years | About 7 to 15 years |
| Protects jawbone | Yes | No | No |
| Affects nearby teeth | No | Requires reshaping healthy teeth | No |
| Stability | Closest to natural teeth | Fixed and stable | Removable |
| Requires surgery | Yes | No | No |
| Upfront cost | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
Implants offer the best long-term stability and are the only option that preserves jawbone, but a bridge or denture can be the right fit depending on your budget, timeline, and health. If a dental bridge is a better match for your situation, we offer that too.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Gig Harbor?
Cost is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is that it depends on your specific case. As a general guide, a single dental implant, including the post, abutment, and crown, commonly ranges from about 3,000 to 6,000 dollars. Full-arch options such as All-on-4 replace many teeth at once and cost considerably more per arch. Additional steps like tooth extraction, bone grafting, or sedation are usually priced separately.
Dental insurance often does not cover implants in full, and coverage varies widely from plan to plan. Our team is happy to review your benefits with you and explain what to expect. We also offer flexible financing through Cherry so you can spread out the cost. The only way to get an accurate price is a consultation, where we look at your specific needs and give you a clear estimate. Learn more on our financial information page.
Success Rate, Longevity, and Care
Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures in dentistry, with about a 90 to 95 percent success rate over ten years in healthy patients. The implant post itself is designed to last many years, often decades, while the crown on top may need replacement after about fifteen to twenty years of normal wear.
The best way to protect your investment is simple daily care: brush and floss as you would natural teeth, keep up with regular cleanings, and if you grind your teeth, ask us about a custom night guard. With good care, your implant can serve you well for a very long time.
Pain, Recovery, and Aftercare
Most patients are surprised by how manageable implant recovery is. The placement itself is painless under anesthesia. Afterward, any soreness usually peaks in the first one to three days and eases over the following week, and it is typically well controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
To heal comfortably:
- Stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid chewing directly on the implant site.
- Do not smoke, and avoid drinking through a straw early on, since suction can disturb healing.
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and any rinse we recommend.
- Take any prescribed medication as directed, and call us if you notice unusual swelling, bleeding, or pain.
Why Choose Kvinsland Dentistry for Implants in Gig Harbor
Families in Gig Harbor have trusted Kvinsland Dentistry for generations. When it comes to implants, our role is to be your restorative home. Dr. Eric Kvinsland and Dr. Austin Neal plan your treatment, coordinate the surgical placement with trusted local oral surgeons, and design and place the final tooth that you will see and use every day. That means you keep one dental team who knows your history from start to finish, with honest pricing and financing along the way.
If you are missing a tooth or considering replacing several, we would be glad to talk through your options.