Fort Dent Smiles by Seattle Tacoma Cosmetic Implant Dentist Lance Timmerman, DMD » Dental Implants

All-on-Four Dental Implants

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:36:47 +0000

Many times when trying to restore teeth and jaws to normal function, implants are the best option. It stands to reason that “more is better” in that the more implants in place, the more stability the restorations have. However, costs can get out of control. Fees for implants increase the more that are used, and sometimes anatomy requires extra surgeries. If sinuses are large, perhaps a lift will be needed. If nerves track close to the surface, then they must be avoided or moved.

All-on-four is an approach that uses angled implants to allow fewer implants placed and a significant savings.

Call 206-241-5533 to ask Dr Lance Timmerman DMD what can be done for YOU!

Sinus Lift

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:14:37 +0000

Sometimes when placing implants, a person’s sinus is “in the way” and prevents the implants from simply being placed.Â While that may be an initial set back, it does not mean that implants are not possible.

The sinus lift procedure is simply that, lifting the sinus.Â In many situations, the sinus can be “bumped” at the time the implant is placed.Â This requires extra steps and materials, but is pretty straightforward.Â in the case where there is very little bone and very large sinuses, a much more involved and phased method is used.

If you would like to replace missing teeth and have been told your sinuses present a problem, Dr Timmerman would love to help.Â Call 206-241-5533!

Implants from Nobel Biocare

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:52:41 +0000

Dr Timmerman only chooses materials and brands for his patients that he would use on his family. In many cases, brands DO matter. One such situation is dental implants from Nobel Biocare.

Nobel Biocare is a leader in dental products and innovation. Their implant systems are designed for patient comfort and satisfaction, and that leads to long term success. Replace SelectÂ® Tapered is the fastest growing implant on the market because it is so easy. It can be used for both one- and two-stage surgery.

If you are looking for an implant that is produced by a market leader and want a dentist that can both place AND restore your implant, call Dr Timmerman at 206-241-5533!

Dental Implants are more affordable than dental bridges?

Dr. Timmerman — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:16:46 +0000

When Dr Timmerman tells people this, people are shocked.Â They have always been told the opposite, that bridges are what most people get, implants are for the rich and famous.Â How can this be true?

There are two aspects to consider:Â

Longevity
3rd party contribution

In a 30 year span, a dental bridge may need to be replaced 2 or 3 times (or more).Â If a cavity formsÂ on a tooth that is holding the bridge in place, the bridge must be replaced.Â Sometimes a bigger bridge is needed, as one of the supporting teeth must NOW be extracted, or is so weak from being worked on repeatedly so another tooth is used.Â The 3 tooth bridge is now 4 or 5.

In that same 30 year span, the implant likely has had no issues.Â Once placed, no more periodontal disease (gum disease), no cavities.Â Dental implants are among the longest lasting procedures in dentistry.

If dental insurance is a factor, there may be less out of pocket than a bridge.Â Consider a bridge that costs $3500, or an implant for $3500 (these fees are for illustration.Â OUR fees are WAY higherâ€¦! â˜ºÂ )

If your annual benefit is $1000, there will be $2500 out of pocket for the bridge.Â With an implant, one could place the implant and use $1000 in one benefit plan period, then place the abutment and crown in the next benefit period and use another $1000, meaning there is only $1500 out of pocket for the implant service.Â When talking money, implants are MUCH more affordable.

When deciding on treatment, there are many things to consider.Â An informed decision helps avoid buyers remorse.Â If you would like to know more or discuss your treatment options, see our main site www.DrTimmerman.com or call 206-241-5533!