The closest thing to your natural tooth
Missing a tooth? Dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth — replacing both the crown and the root for a permanent, natural-looking result.
overview
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from root to crown. A titanium screw is placed into your jawbone — acting as the new root — then a natural-looking crown is attached on top.
Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are permanent and help preserve your jawbone, preventing the bone loss that occurs after tooth loss.Book a Consultation
why it matters
Why replace a missing tooth?
Surrounding teeth shift into the gap, causing crowding, bite changes, and added stress on your jaw.
Chewing becomes harder, which can affect your diet and nutrition over time.
Speech may be affected, making it harder for others to understand you.
Without a tooth root, jawbone loss occurs — weakening your jaw and potentially loosening adjacent teeth.
Implant benefits
Why choose implants?
01
Natural look & feel
Designed to match your teeth — most people can't tell the difference.
02
Preserves bone
The titanium root stimulates bone growth, preventing long-term jaw loss.
03
Long-lasting
With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
04
No slipping
Unlike dentures, implants are fixed in place — no adhesives needed.
05
Easy to clean
Brush and floss normally — just like a natural tooth.
06
Protects neighbors
No need to grind down adjacent teeth as with bridges.
The process
How it works
Consultation & exam
Dr. de la Paz evaluates your bone density, gum health, and overall oral health to confirm you're a good candidate.
Implant placement
A titanium post is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. The area is left to heal and integrate with the bone (osseointegration).
Healing period
Over several months, the implant fuses with your jawbone to create a strong, stable foundation.
Crown attachment
A custom crown is placed on the implant post — matched to the color and shape of your natural teeth.
what our patients usually ask us
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Does the procedure hurt?
common and usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does the whole process take?
How much do dental implants cost?
Do you offer same-day consultations?
Insurances We Work With
At Bright Smile Dental, we provide efficient, educational, and judgement-free dental services for Tacoma community members in search of relief for their dental pain or other concerns.
