Implant Dentistry

If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.

Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.

Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.

Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.

It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.

Dental implants are small posts made from biocompatible materials such as titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once an implant is positioned, the surrounding bone gradually fuses to its surface in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for a restoration. After integration, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant to restore function and appearance.

Because implants replicate the role of natural tooth roots, they help preserve jawbone volume and support surrounding tissues that can otherwise deteriorate after tooth loss. The prosthetic components are designed to match adjacent teeth in shape and shade, producing a natural-looking result. Proper planning and precise placement are central to predictable outcomes and long-term performance.

Good candidates typically are adults in general good health who have sufficient jawbone to support an implant or are willing to undergo preparatory procedures such as bone grafting. The evaluation considers medical history, oral health, periodontal stability, and habits such as smoking that can affect healing. A thorough clinical exam and imaging help determine whether implants are appropriate and which treatment option best matches the patient’s goals.

Candidates with chronic conditions can often still receive implants after medical optimization and coordination with their primary providers. Age alone is not a limiting factor; rather, bone quality and overall health guide decision-making. When necessary, staged treatments can address deficiencies and create the right conditions for implant success.

The implant process usually begins with a detailed consultation, clinical examination, and imaging to plan placement and prosthetic design. On the day of surgery, local anesthesia and optional sedation provide comfort while the implant is placed into the prepared site; the tissue is then closed for healing. Most patients experience manageable post-operative discomfort that is controlled with routine medications and short-term self-care measures.

Following placement, a healing interval allows osseointegration to occur before the final restoration is attached; this timeline varies by case and bone quality. Temporary restorations may be provided when appropriate to preserve function and aesthetics during healing. Regular follow-up visits ensure the implant integrates properly and that the prosthetic components fit and function as intended.

Osseointegration is the biological process by which bone bonds to the surface of an implant, creating a rigid and durable connection similar to a natural tooth root. This direct structural and functional interface is what gives implants the stability needed to support chewing forces and long-term prosthetic function. Without successful osseointegration, an implant cannot reliably support a restoration and may fail.

Factors that influence osseointegration include bone quality and quantity, surgical technique, implant design, and the patient’s overall health and habits. Appropriate healing time and avoidance of excessive loading during integration are important for predictable outcomes. Clinicians use imaging and clinical checks to confirm integration before completing the restorative phase.

Bone grafting is recommended when the jaw lacks sufficient volume or density to support an implant safely and predictably, which can result from long-term tooth loss, infection, or trauma. Grafting procedures rebuild or augment the deficient site using the patient’s own bone, donor materials, or synthetic substitutes to create a stable foundation for implant placement. The specific technique and timing depend on the clinical scenario and whether grafting is performed before, during, or after extraction.

Healing from a graft can take several months, during which the new material integrates with the native bone to provide adequate support for implants. Careful planning and imaging guide graft selection and placement to optimize long-term stability. Your clinician will explain the expected healing timeline, follow-up schedule, and measures to protect the graft during recovery.

Implants can support a range of restorations, including single crowns for individual missing teeth, implant-supported bridges for adjacent tooth gaps, full-arch fixed prostheses for extensive tooth loss, and implant-retained removable dentures for improved stability. The choice of prosthesis depends on how many teeth need replacement, the condition of the jawbone, aesthetic goals, and functional requirements. Each option is planned to distribute forces appropriately and to harmonize with the patient’s bite and smile.

Fixed implant restorations are designed to feel and function like natural teeth, while removable implant-retained solutions offer easier hygiene access with superior retention compared with conventional dentures. Contemporary materials and digital workflows enable precise color matching and contouring for natural aesthetics. Your care team will recommend the restoration type that best balances appearance, durability, and daily comfort.

The overall timeline for implant therapy typically ranges from a few months to a year, depending on the complexity of the case and whether preparatory treatments are needed. Initial consultation and imaging are followed by any required extractions or grafting, a healing interval, implant placement, another integration period, and finally prosthetic fabrication and delivery. Each stage is scheduled to ensure tissue healing and predictable integration before moving to the next step.

In select situations and when conditions allow, immediate or accelerated protocols can shorten visible restoration time by using provisional prostheses at or soon after implant placement. However, clinicians prioritize biological stability and long-term success when choosing timelines. Clear communication about expected milestones helps patients plan for recovery and follow-up appointments.

As with any surgical procedure, implant therapy carries risks such as infection, impaired healing, nerve irritation, or implant failure, though these outcomes are uncommon with proper planning and care. Complications are managed by early detection through scheduled follow-ups, appropriate antibiotics or local therapies when needed, and surgical revision if necessary. Risk is reduced by assessing medical history, controlling periodontal disease, and following precise surgical protocols.

Long-term complications can include peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis, inflammatory conditions that affect the tissues around implants and require professional intervention. Preventive strategies focus on meticulous oral hygiene, regular professional maintenance, and prompt attention to any changes in comfort or function. When problems arise, a tailored treatment plan addresses the underlying cause to preserve the implant and surrounding structures whenever possible.

Maintaining implants requires the same consistent home care recommended for natural teeth: twice-daily brushing, daily interdental cleaning, and avoidance of harmful habits such as using teeth to open packages. Specialized brushes, floss, or interdental cleaners may be recommended to clean around implant restorations effectively and to reduce plaque accumulation. Routine professional examinations and cleanings are critical to monitor tissue health and to catch early signs of inflammation.

Patients with implants should also follow any specific instructions provided after surgery, including short-term dietary and activity modifications that support healing. Regular recall visits allow the dental team to evaluate prosthetic fit, occlusion, and peri-implant tissues and to perform preventive maintenance as needed. With attentive home care and professional oversight, implants can remain stable and functional for many years.

Implants offer root-level support that preserves jawbone and provides superior stability compared with removable dentures, while also avoiding alterations to adjacent healthy teeth that some bridge solutions require. This structural advantage often translates to improved chewing efficiency, comfort, and a more natural feel when speaking and eating. Because implants help maintain bone volume, they can also contribute to longer-term facial support compared with tooth-supported restorations that do not replace root function.

That said, implants are one option among several, and the best choice depends on the patient’s oral condition, health factors, aesthetic priorities, and treatment goals. Alternatives such as traditional bridges or dentures remain appropriate in cases where implants are contraindicated or when patient preference favors less invasive approaches. A comprehensive evaluation will clarify which solution offers the most predictable and satisfactory outcome for an individual patient.