Dr. Howey has the experience and credentials you should look for when considering a Dental Implant Dentist.
Of all the tooth replacement options, dental implants are usually the best-looking and longest-lasting alternative.
Dedicated to life-long learning, Dr. Howey has averaged 50 continuing education credit hours (per licensing period) throughout his career; the minimum requirements for the state of Washington are 20 continuing education credit hours per licensing period.
Dr. Howey takes great pride in practicing implant dentistry; and routinely perform sinus lifts, bone grafts and complex bone augmentation procedures.
Serving the Sammamish, WA area with an office in Issaquah.
Dr. Howey offers a wide range of dental implant procedures including single tooth implants, hybrid implant dentures, All-On-4 or 6, snap in dentures, full arch implants and full mouth reconstruction.
Dr. Howey is at the forefront of dental implant technology offering 3D Cone Beam scans for high-precision guided dental implant planning.
Find information about dental implants below including the costs of dental implants and more.
Travis M. Howey, DDS, with a high-tech dental implant office located in Klahanie, has been practicing dentistry since 2005. Dr. Howey participated in an implant residency at the Whitecap Institute and advanced jaw relation and restoration courses at the Dawson Academy. He received many honorary awards, including the American College of Prosthodontics Achievement Award while studying at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.
Dr. Howey graduated from the University of Washington, School of Dentistry, and received many honorary awards, including the American College of Prosthodontics Achievement Award. Since graduation he has worked in several pediatric and general dentist offices in Eastern and Western Washington, as well as in his home town of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dr. Howey is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Washington State Dental Association (WSDA), and the Seattle King County Dental Society (SKCDS). Along with his dental society memberships, he is a mentor to dental students through the University of Washington’s mentor program.
Doctor Howey practices in all areas of dentistry including aesthetic and restorative dentistry, veneers and smile make overs, endodontics (root canals), gum grafts, implants, and oral surgery (tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth). To stay abreast of the latest knowledge and methods, Dr. Howey attends several continuing education courses every year. A dentist in Washington needs to take 20 credits a year to maintain a current license; Dr. Howey regularly takes over 50 credits every year. Dr. Howey has participated in an implant residency at the Whitecap Institute and advanced jaw relation and restoration courses at the Dawson Academy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Howey enjoys being a part of the community by working with the youth and coaching little league. Throughout his childhood, Dr. Howey played soccer on a competitive level and still enjoys playing. He also likes to snow ski and water ski, mountain climb, and snowmobile.
Education
- University of Washington, School of Dentistry
- American College of Prosthodontics Achievement Award
Memberships
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- Washington State Dental Association (WSDA)
- Seattle King County Dental Society (SKCDS)
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First steps to your dental implants with Dr. Howey:
A deposit is due when scheduling examination to reserve appointment.
3D CT scan (and any other x-rays as necessary) and complete review of mouth (teeth, gums, jaw bone, bite, etc).
Graphic illustration showing the components of a single dental implant including the titanium body, an abutment and a crown.
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Dental Implants Costs Price List
Dental implants prices are estimates and exclusive of any insurance plans , which may alter cost.
Single implant, abutment, & crown for a back tooth | $5700 |
2 implants, abutments, and crowns for back teeth | $9000 |
Single implant, abutment, and crown for a front tooth | $6500 |
2 implants, abutments, and crowns for front teeth | $10000 |
2 implants, and abutments for an existing lower denture (“snap in denture“) | $7500 |
2 implants, abutments, and new lower denture (“snap in denture“) | $10000 |
3 implants, abutments for an existing lower denture (“snap in denture“) | $8500 |
3 implants, abutments, and new lower denture (“snap in denture“) | $11000 |
4-6 implants and abutments for an existing upper or lower denture (“snap in denture“) | $12000 |
4-6 implants, abutments, and a new upper or lower denture (“snap in denture“) | $14000 |
“All-On-4 or 6” fixed hybrid bridge upper or lower (stays in place like teeth & does not come out) | $27000 |
Cost Of Additional Procedures (If Needed)
Sinus Lift (internal) | $1200 |
Sinus Lift (lateral window) | $2000 |
Simple Bone Graft | $600-900 |
Complex Bone Graft | $600-1200 |
CT ( 3D Cone Beam) Scan | $150-400 |
Extractions | $300-500 |
When extractions are needed a secondary denture could be necessary after the healing process | $2000 |
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Are dental implants worth it?
Two patients are never the same, so each tooth replacement treatment is unique. But dental implants are known for being the most convenient option in nearly all cases.
Patients on a budget, or those missing several teeth, might go for cheaper alternatives like dental bridges or traditional dentures. However, they need to understand that those alternatives will never last as long as a dental implant.
Implants are a long-term investment. They can last a lifetime when properly cared for, and they have several other health benefits for the patient. Implants decrease the risk of bone resorption in areas where missing teeth used to be. They also allow patients to eat whatever they wish, as they feel and function like natural teeth.
Generally speaking, dental implants represent the best solution for tooth loss. We encourage patients with missing teeth to schedule a consultation with Dr. Howey: he will evaluate your situation and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for this type of treatment.
Dental implants prevent bone loss.
Video 00:26 | Mandibular Jaw, bone recession after losing teeth. Medically accurate dental 3D animation shows an edentulous (lacking teeth) person after several years and the resulting changes to facial appearance with jaw bone loss.
Why are dental implants the best solution for tooth loss?
Apart from preventing bone resorption and keeping your jaws looking strong and healthy, there are many more benefits to getting dental implants. With no other restoration you will get the same aesthetic and functional results: implants look and feel like natural teeth. After having your implants placed and correctly healed, you won’t even notice that your natural teeth are missing when you’re chewing, laughing, and speaking.
If you have several missing teeth and you decide to get an implant-supported denture, you won’t need to worry about your denture moving or slipping out. Dental implants are the gold standard of teeth replacement.
Are dental implants the best option?
Below, we listed the benefits that dental implants bring to patients:
Pat shares her experience getting dental implants:
Video 01:45 |”All of a sudden I got this implant and my mouth was solid. That to me, was the most amazing thing!”
Millions of Americans lose teeth each year – mainly due to decay, trauma, and periodontal disease. Luckily, there are many tooth replacement options these days, and we encourage patients to look for professional advice as soon as this problem arises.
Many patients first think about full or partial dentures to replace missing teeth. Although they are both a good alternative for some (especially those patients with a tight budget), we encourage our patients to evaluate other options.
Traditional dentures aren’t the best long-term solution: while they allow patients to smile, speak and chew again, they have no effect on the resorptive process that tooth loss causes.
When a tooth is lost, the bone tissue that was anchoring it loses its function. The body detects that this bone no longer has a role, and as it doesn’t conserve tissue with no purpose, it triggers the resorptive process. Dental implants are the only replacement alternative that prevents bone resorption, and that’s why they are considered the most convenient solution. If patients don’t replace missing teeth on time, the bone resorption that only affects a small area in its first stages will end up affecting the jawbone as well. When the jawbone is involved, the facial appearance is also altered, so we advise patients who want to conserve a youthful appearance to consider dental implants seriously.
The jawbones house the roots of all teeth. Those roots receive a light pressure when you chew food, and this stimulation keeps the jawbone strong and robust. When permanent teeth are lost, the bone in that area is no longer stimulated, so the body triggers a process that breaks down the tissue. This process is known as bone resorption. Over time, if multiple teeth are missing, the resorption will compromise the jawbone, which causes the lower third of the face to have a weak, sunken appearance.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants will preserve the jawbone structure and prevent the bone from disintegrating.
Traditional dentures that are not supported by implants will need continuous adjustments as the jawbone shrinks over time. Dentures that don’t fit properly and simply lie on the gum tissue don’t provide the stimulation required to avoid the jawbone’s resorption. After several adjustments, the patient will need a new denture.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically screwed into the jawbone. Once the dentist places the implants, the surrounding bone begins a process known as osseointegration. During this process, which lasts between four and six months, the bone tissue starts healing around the titanium and fuses to the implants’ surface. Once the osseointegration is concluded, the implants are firmly integrated into the bone, and the pressure they receive when the patient chews is transmitted to the surrounding bone. This keeps the bone tissue active and healthy, and, as a consequence, the body doesn’t trigger the resorption.
The structure of the lower third of the face depends mainly on the position of the teeth and the shape of the jawbones. Teeth play a crucial role in preventing bone resorption, which helps maintain a healthy and robust jawbone.
Apart from preserving bone tissue, teeth keep the normal distance between the tip of the nose and the chin. When teeth are missing, the upper and lower jawbones come closer together, and this causes the sunken appearance typical of older people.
Dental implants have the same effect as natural teeth, providing the height and structure required to keep the jawbones strong and in the correct position, helping to avoid premature wrinkles and sagging skin.
Implants themselves won’t make you look any younger, but they do have a significant effect on the facial structure of those patients missing multiple teeth.
Teeth are responsible for the full and healthy appearance of the face. When teeth are missing, the soft tissues lose support, and as a result, the face starts looking more wrinkled, collapsed, and sunken. In addition to that, the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to the bone resorption that is triggered after tooth loss.
Dental implants are the only replacement option that will help preserve the jawbone and provide the facial structure necessary to keep a youthful appearance.
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Before & After Photos of Dental Implants
Actual Dental Implant Patients of Dr. Travis Howey
*Your results will vary
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Snap-In Dentures (Locator Overdentures)
For those patients missing several teeth, or even all of them, implants can still be an excellent course of treatment. Those patients don’t need one implant for every missing tooth. Instead, they only have a few implants placed along the arch, which will later support a denture. This solution is commonly known as an implant-supported or implant-retained denture. And sometimes, as “snap-in” dentures, because once implants are placed in the jaw, the denture “snaps” onto them.
Implant-supported dentures represent a very stable solution for patients. As they prevent bone resorption, they don’t need continuous re-linings and adjustments as traditional dentures.
Main advantages of choosing implant-supported dentures:
What are “snap-in” dentures?
Snap-in or snap-on dentures are a set of removable false teeth that are retained by dental implants which are screwed into the jawbone. These dentures are still removable, but they represent a more stable and secure solution than traditional dentures as they snap onto implants.
“Snap-in” dentures have several advantages over traditional ones that rest on the gums. They can also be removed and replaced, so keeping the mouth and denture clean is equally easy. Either two or four locator attachments are needed to place a snap-on denture. Those attachments are connected to the implants. The dentist will examine your case during a first visit to determine whether you need two or four implants to support the denture. But the main benefit of snap-in dentures is that, as implants support them, they have much superior retention, providing more comfort while eating and speaking.
We still advise all patients to visit the dental office regularly, no matter which type of denture they are wearing. Those appointments are essential to examine the denture’s fit, the stability of the implants, and check the health of the gums. Sometimes dentures need to be adjusted or re-lined as the shape of the oral cavity changes over time.
See pricing for Snap-In Dentures abovePhoto above shows a model of false teeth (denture) and 2 dental implants to retain and support the “snap-in” denture.
The peace of mind offered by Implant-supported dentures
There are several treatment alternatives to deal with tooth loss. But when all teeth are missing in a dental arch, full dentures are likely to be the most common choice. Patients that choose an implant-supported denture can still preserve their bone tissue, and therefore, their facial structure.
If you decide to get a snap-in denture, you can expect the following steps. First, Dr Howey will place four or more dental implants on the upper dental arch and two to four on the lower. You will need to wait between four to six months before getting the permanent denture, but you will be wearing temporary dentures in the meantime. Once implants are fully integrated into the jawbone, the permanent dentures are fitted, and you will eat without worrying about the discomfort of gums being hurt or the embarrassment of a denture slipping out of place.
More on Dentures
Dr. Howey can surgically place two to four dental implants in each dental arch to retain a complete set of replacement teeth. The replacement teeth can either be removable or fixed (only a dentist can remove them). Either type of implant-supported denture won’t rub on your gums or slip out of place. Eating and talking are more natural and enjoyable with implant-supported dentures.
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All-on-4 Dentures
All-on-4 dentures are an excellent option for those patients missing an entire dental arch. They look similar to traditional dentures (and can be made of acrylic), but the main difference is that these dentures are supported by four dental implants.
This type of denture has better retention than conventional ones, and, as a consequence, they are much more comfortable for patients. Implant-supported dentures don’t have the acrylic “plate” that goes across the roof of the mouth, which can be rather unpleasant, and they stay in place while you are eating.
All-on-4 dentures can give you a brand new smile in only one session – that’s why this treatment is also known as “smile in a day”. “Teeth in a day” is a little bit of a misnomer because there are multiple visits involved to get to that point, but on the same day, Dr. Howey places four implants along the dental arch (eight if both arches are being replaced). When the surgery is finished, he fixes a temporary bridge to the implants so that you walk out of the office with a new set of teeth. Once the implants are firmly integrated into the bone (four to six months later), you’ll come back to the office to have your permanent dentures fitted.
It is important to highlight that those patients choosing this type of treatment need to return to the office to have their implants cleaned regularly.
Teeth in a day
“Teeth in a day” allows patients to enhance their smile in only one appointment. In the same session, Dr. Howey extracts all teeth, screws dental implants into the jawbone, and fixes a temporary bridge that will stay in place during the implant’s healing process. “Teeth in a day” is a little bit of a misnomer because there are multiple visits involved to get to that point.
The temporary bridge will be replaced four to six months later with a permanent, zirconia bridge. An implant-supported bridge is the type of restoration that best mimics the look and function of natural teeth.
Dr. Howey uses a surgical guide to ensure the correct placement of the implants. The guide aids the process by indicating the exact position and angle the implant should be placed. This type of treatment has a very high success rate and achieves excellent comfort and aesthetic results.
Video 01:41 | Demonstration of the life changing All-on-4 dental implant treatment concept.
How to care for snap-on dentures vs. all-on-4 dentures
Even though patients that have snap-on dentures or all -on-4 dentures don’t have natural teeth anymore, the team at Klahanie Family Dentistry advises patients wearing these types of dentures to visit the office regularly for professional cleanings and examination of the denture. Some of the time Dr. Howey may have to remove the dentures so that the dental hygienist can thoroughly clean the implants’ abutments, but most of the fixed cases probably do not need to be removed.
We also recommend using a Waterpik (water flosser) to better clean under and around the dentures or bridges. It is vital to keep the gums healthy to prevent periodontal problems and infections that can affect the implants.
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