Prosthodontist in Lakewood, WA
Last spring, a grandmother from the Woodbrook area came to see us because she was tired of her teeth slipping while she tried to eat corn on the cob at her family BBQ. She asked, “Who is the best Prosthodontist near me that can actually make my teeth stay put?” We told her that while many people just look for a regular dentist, seeing a Prosthodontist is what you do when you want a real expert in building and fixing teeth that look natural. Whether you are walking through the Lakewood Towne Center or meeting friends at Fort Steilacoom Park, you shouldn’t have to worry about your smile failing you. We focus on helping our Lakewood neighbors get back their confidence with teeth that feel real and bite strong.
What We Offer
✔ Custom Implant Crowns
When you lose just one tooth, you don’t want a “one size fits all” fix. Custom Implant Crowns are made to match the exact shape and color of the teeth you still have. We use special scanners to make sure the fit is perfect so it feels like a real tooth. No more feeling a weird gap with your tongue or worrying that people can tell it’s a fake tooth when you laugh.
✔ Zirconia Implant Crowns
For people who want the strongest tooth possible, we suggest Zirconia Implant Crowns. Zirconia is a type of crystal that is super tough. It is great for people who tend to grind their teeth or for back teeth that do all the heavy chewing. These crowns don’t chip easily and they look great too. If you like eating crunchy snacks from the local markets in Lakewood, this is a very durable choice.
✔ Porcelain Implant Crowns
If you are fixing a front tooth, Porcelain Implant Crowns are usually the favorite. Porcelain reflects light just like a natural tooth does. It has a translucency that makes it look “alive.” We spend a lot of time matching the shade to your other teeth so nobody will ever know you had dental work done. It is the best way to get a Hollywood smile right here in Lakewood.
✔ Gold Implant Crowns
Some of our patients prefer the old-school reliability of Gold Implant Crowns. Gold is actually very gentle on your other teeth and it lasts a long time. While most people don’t want gold in the front, it is a fantastic choice for a molar in the back where nobody sees it. It won’t wear down the teeth it bites against, which is a big plus for your long-term health.
✔ Screw-retained implant crowns
When we talk about how to attach the tooth to the implant, we often use Screw-retained implant crowns. These have a tiny hole in the top (which we fill with a tooth-colored plug) so we can easily unscrew the tooth if it ever needs a repair or a deep cleaning. It makes things very easy for the dentist and keeps your implant healthy over many years.
✔ Cement-retained implant crowns
For teeth in the very front, we might use Cement-retained implant crowns. These don’t have the tiny screw hole, so the surface is perfectly smooth. We use a special dental glue to hold the crown onto the post. This is a great way to make sure the tooth looks 100% natural when you smile for pictures at the Lakewood gardens.
✔ Custom implant abutments
The abutment is the little connector piece that joins the implant in your bone to the crown on top. Instead of using a cheap part from a factory, we use Custom implant abutments. We shape these to fit your gum line exactly. This helps your gums stay healthy and prevents bacteria from getting under the tooth. It also makes the tooth look like it is growing out of your gum instead of just sitting on top of it.
✔ Implant supported fixed bridges
If you are missing three or four teeth in a row, you don’t need an implant for every single one. Implant supported fixed bridges use two implants to hold a row of three or four teeth. It is a very strong and cost-effective way to fill a big gap. You can’t take it out—it stays in your mouth just like your natural teeth did.
✔ Implant supported dentures
If you are tired of your “plates” floating around, implant supported dentures are a life-changer. We put in a few implants that your denture snaps onto. This means you can talk, yell at a sports game, and eat what you want without the denture falling out. It gives you way more biting power than regular sticky glue ever could.
✔ Implant-retained overdentures
Similar to the supported ones, Implant-retained overdentures use special attachments to lock the denture in place. They are easy to “snap” in and out at night for cleaning, but they are very sturdy while you are wearing them. Many of our neighbors in the Ponders Corner area have switched to these and say they wish they had done it years ago.
✔ Occlusal adjustments for implant protheses
After you get your new teeth, the bite has to be perfect. Occlusal adjustments for implant prostheses is when we fine-tune how your top and bottom teeth meet. If one side hits too hard, it can hurt the implant or cause a headache. We use special paper and sensors to make sure your bite is balanced. This keeps your new smile comfortable and helps it last for the rest of your life.
Why People Choose Us in Lakewood
We know that choosing a Prosthodontist is a big decision. Most people come to us because they are tired of “patchwork” dentistry and want a plan that actually works. We take the time to listen to your story and figure out what you really need. Whether you have had a bad accident or just years of wear and tear, we are here to help you get your life back.
We love being part of the Lakewood community. From helping out at local events to seeing our patients at the grocery store, we care about the people here. We don’t use high-pressure sales—we just give you the best advice for your mouth.