Your First Visit

Premier Periodontics. is one of the most comprehensive dental implant centers in the Northwest. All combined, the Dr. Fernyhough and Dr. Swoboda have over 25 years experience in the placement of dental implants.

Both doctors have been extensively trained in all types of implants and can perform immediate extraction and placement of dental implants in many cases.

One of our main priorities is that you are completely informed about dental implants and your options before proceeding. You can be assured all of your questions and concerns will be answered. An implant video is available on request to take home.

Replacing a Missing Tooth

Natural 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 solid foods.

Dental implants mimic the natural tooth root.

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

Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead of cutting down two perfectly good teeth, a dental post (dental implant) is inserted into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root. This post becomes solidly fixed in your jaw (like a natural tooth root). Your general dentist then places a crown onto this artificial tooth root that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.

Quite simply, dental implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth.

Replacing Several Missing 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. During the day, they can also look unnatural and rub painfully. Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible to eat certain foods.

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

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. It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures for overnight soaking and cleaning. With dental implants, these restorations are anchored firmly into the jawbone becoming much more like natural teeth.

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 usually like getting a cavity filled. 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. Dental implants have been in patient’s mouths for over 30 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, Dental implants should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.

Bone Regeneration

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

All three of the doctors have not only had a large amount of advanced training in bone regeneration but have also published and taught on the subject for many years. You are truly in expert hands at Fernyhough Periodontics.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implant treatment begins with an evaluation by your general dentist who will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. If he/she feels dental implants might be possible, he/she will send you to a periodontist for a placement evaluation.

For More Information

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

• Academy of Osseointegration - Frequently Asked Questions
• American Academy of Periodontology Article:
  Dental Implants: Teeth That Look and Feel Like Your Own