Dental Implants in Lakewood, WA

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Replace missing teeth with a plan built around your smile.

Missing a tooth can affect more than your appearance. It may change how you chew, speak, and feel about smiling. At Rothbauer Dental, Dr. Ian Rothbauer helps patients in Lakewood, Washington explore dental implant options and understand what treatment could look like for them.

We believe good dentistry starts with a conversation. We’ll listen to your goals, examine your oral health, and explain practical options so you can make an informed decision.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. After appropriate healing, an implant can support a custom crown; in some cases, implants also help support a bridge or denture. The right solution depends on your health, the number of missing teeth, bone support, and treatment goals.

 

Why patients consider implants

Dental implants may offer a fixed way to replace a missing tooth without relying on a removable appliance. They can help restore chewing function and create a natural-looking result when planned carefully. Unlike a traditional bridge, a single-tooth implant typically does not require preparing the neighboring teeth for crowns.

Implants are not the best option for everyone. Gum health, bone support, medical history, smoking or nicotine use, and individual healing factors all matter. We’ll review the benefits and alternatives with you rather than assume one treatment fits every patient.

 

Your dental implant consultation

Your visit begins with a review of your dental and medical history, an examination, and any recommended imaging. We’ll discuss the condition of adjacent teeth and gums, the available space, and whether additional treatment may be needed before an implant can be considered.

If an implant is appropriate, we’ll explain the anticipated treatment stages, healing time, restoration, and how the final tooth is designed to fit your bite. Some patients may need preparatory procedures or coordinated specialist care, depending on the case.

 

Other ways to replace missing teeth

A conventional dental bridge or a removable partial denture may be more appropriate in some situations. We can compare expected maintenance, treatment time, and financial considerations so you can choose a solution that aligns with your priorities.

 

Dental care rooted in Lakewood

Rothbauer Dental has a long family connection to this Lakewood location, where Dr. Rothbauer’s grandfather, uncle, and mother cared for local patients beginning in the 1960s. Today, we combine that personal approach with modern dentistry for our neighbors in Lakewood, Steilacoom, DuPont, Tacoma, and the JBLM community.

 

Frequently asked questions

How long does a dental implant take?

Treatment timelines vary. The healing and integration phase can take several months, and some patients need additional procedures. We can explain a case-specific timeline after an examination.

Is an implant better than a bridge?

Neither treatment is automatically better for everyone. The condition of nearby teeth, available bone, treatment time, cost, and long-term maintenance all help determine the best choice.

Will dental insurance cover implants?

Coverage differs by plan. Our team can help review available benefits and provide a treatment estimate before you decide.

Can I get an implant if I lost a tooth years ago?

Possibly. Longstanding tooth loss can change bone support, so an examination and appropriate imaging are important to determine your options.

 

Schedule an appointment

Ready to discuss replacing a missing tooth? Call Rothbauer Dental at (253) 582-9010 or request an implant consultation through the appointment form on our homepage.

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