Dental implants help to replace a tooth with extensive decay. Such a tooth is not replaceable with a crown or root canal. It is also useful for replacing a broken tooth. In the US, more than 1.9 million Americans have one or more dental implants every year.
Before getting a dental implant, it is important to find the best Kennewick dental implant provider. To do so, you have to interview prospective candidates. Looking for questions to ask your dental implant provider?
Here are 5 questions that will help you choose the best Kennewick dental implant provider.

1. What Is a Dental Implant and Why Do People Get Them?
A dental implant is a dental device with a threaded titanium screw that is surgically placed in the jawbone. This technology has enabled the best Kennewick dentist to mount replacement teeth and restore the patient’s smile.
Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry. In the past, patients with missing teeth had to do with dentures. This made it difficult for patients to chew various kinds of foods. But with dental implants, patients can lead a normal life. Not only can they eat solid foods but take drinks as well as maintain high standards of oral hygiene.
There are several reasons why people get implants. It helps to replace a tooth or a series of teeth. With a dental implant in place, patients do not have to struggle with a missing tooth. As such, patients can smile confidently in social functions and without fear.
2. How Long Will the Implants Last and Does the Body Reject the Implants?
Dental implants can last for more than 40 years if the patient maintains high standards of oral hygiene. For patients who brush after every meal, floss and visit Southridge Dental for regular checkups, the dental implants will last a lifetime. Dr. Simper and staff at Southridge Dental can provide suggestions and guidelines to better care for your teeth.
These suggestions are based on your genetic history, nutritional habits, and hygiene procedures. By following the recommendations of Dr. Simper, you have the best chance of ensuring the dental implants last a lifetime.
Dr. Simper has performed many operations to surgically place dental implants in the jaw bone. In all this time, he has yet to encounter a case where a person’s body rejects a dental implant. The few cases that have occurred were as a result of rare allergies to the titanium alloy. Before Dr. Simper carries out the operation, he has to perform a checkup. This checkup helps to establish if your jawbone has enough density to support the dental implant.
There are other considerations which the dentist has to check to ensure that you are the right candidate for dental implants.
3. How Long Does the Implant Process Take and What Is Your Success Rate?
The implant process varies and depends on many factors. But patients can choose 3 one hour sessions spread over 6 to 12 months. If using the traditional implant process, the upper jaw takes 6 months while the lower jaw takes five months.
These sessions include surgeries and the placing of the permanent crown. However, you may find rare cases where the implant process takes a year. The reason why the process may take this long is to allow the jawbone to build up density. Without a strong jawbone, it will be difficult to support the implant.
In such a case, Dr. Simper will perform a bone graft. This helps to strengthen that specific area of the jaw bone. Once this is complete, the implant process will begin. The dentist will place the titanium cylinder surgically to act as an artificial root. To promote integration with the jawbone, the dentist will recommend three to six months of healing.
Dr. Simper success rate has been 99% and this is one of the reasons why he has been recognized with a top 3 Best Dentist and Best Dental Clinic awards in the Tri-Cities. He is the only Kennewick Dentist to place in the top 3 in both categories. At your first appointment, Dr. Simper will conduct an extensive evaluation. This evaluation will help to show if dental implants are the best option. Once the evaluation is a success and everything is ok, the implant process begins.
4. Where and how did you gain your training and education in implant treatment?
Dr. Simper moved to the Tri-Cities area after completing his residency. He opened Southridge Dental and two years later, he won a top 3 spot in the Tri-Cities Best Dentist and Best Dental Clinic People’s Choice Awards. Having grown up in a family of dentists, Dr. Simper goes above and beyond to offer quality dental services.
He has 15 years of dental experience and lots of training that includes fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Simper has additional training in Laser Dentistry, Implants, Sleep Apnea, and Invisalign. Thanks to his gentle touch and chairside mannerisms, the dentist makes every patient comfortable during their visit.
Dr. Simper has teamed up with the best staff in the industry. As a team, they put your comfort first. In fact, he makes Comfort Dentistry a priority at his Kennewick Dental Clinic.
5. Does My Insurance Pay for Implants?
Some insurance providers may partially cover implants. But most carriers do not provide for the surgical placement of the implants. Before the implant process, we recommend checking with your insurance provider. This will enable you to get a detailed look at what’s covered and what is not covered.
At Southridge Dental, our team will complete a complimentary benefits check. This will help to determine the exact coverage for the implant process based on your insurance. To make an appointment at Southridge Dental, our hours of appointment are Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM.
We also have after hour services to help with dental emergencies.
Schedule Your Appointment with One of the Best Dentists and one of the Best Dental Clinics in Kennewick and the Tri-cities, WA Today!
At Southridge Dental, our top priority is your happiness and comfort with the best results. We offer affordable and compassionate dental care and comfort dentistry. Our services include basic preventative care, general dentistry, dental reconstruction, and other specialized procedures.
For more information about dental implants and other services, contact Southridge Dental today:
Southridge Dental
Dr. Sean Simper, DDS
3911 West 27th Avenue
Suite 105
Kennewick, WA 99337
Call today: (509) 581-0081



