Dental Implants:
The Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement
What Are Dental Implants?
Think of a dental implant as an artificial tooth root. It’s a small titanium post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone where your natural tooth root used to be. Once it heals and integrates with your bone, we attach a crown that looks and functions just like your natural tooth.
The result: A replacement tooth that’s stable, strong, and virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Why Choose Implants Over Other Options?
Compared to bridges:
- No need to alter healthy neighboring teeth
- Easier to clean and maintain
- Don’t need replacement every 10-15 years
Compared to partial dentures:
- Much more stable – no slipping or clicking
- Better chewing ability
- More comfortable daily wear
- Prevent bone loss in your jaw
Compared to complete dentures:
- Dramatically improved chewing ability
- Better speech
- No adhesives needed
- Prevent the sunken facial appearance that comes with bone loss
Are You a Good Candidate for Implants?
Implants work well for most people, but you need:
- Adequate bone in your jaw to support the implant
- Healthy gums
- Good overall health
- Commitment to excellent oral hygiene
- Realistic expectations about the process and timeline
Factors that might affect success:
- Heavy smoking (significantly reduces success rates)
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Previous radiation therapy to the jaw area
- Certain medications that affect bone healing
- Age isn’t usually a factor – we’ve successfully placed implants in patients from their 20s to their 90s.
The Implant Process: What to Expect
Initial Consultation:
We’ll examine your mouth, take X-rays, and determine if you’re a good candidate for implants. We’ll explain the entire process and answer all your questions.
Implant Placement (Surgery Day):
The titanium implant is placed into your jawbone. This sounds more dramatic than it usually is – most patients report that it’s more comfortable than they expected.
Healing Period (2-6 months):
Your jawbone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This is what makes implants so stable and long-lasting.
Crown Placement:
Once healing is complete, we attach your custom-made crown. Your new tooth will look, feel, and function like a natural tooth.
Single Tooth vs. Multiple Teeth
Single Tooth Replacement: One implant replaces one missing tooth without affecting neighboring teeth.
Multiple Missing Teeth: Several implants can support a bridge, or we can replace each tooth individually.
Full Mouth Reconstruction: For people missing most or all teeth, implants can support full dentures for dramatically improved function.
Caring for Your Implants
Good news: You care for implants exactly like natural teeth. Brush, floss, and come in for regular check-ups. With proper care, implants can last decades.
What can affect implant longevity:
- Poor oral hygiene (can cause peri-implantitis, similar to gum disease)
- Smoking
- Teeth grinding (we can make you a night guard)
- Skipping dental visits
What About the Surgery?
Many patients are nervous about the surgical aspect, which is completely understandable.
Here’s what you should know:
Local Anesthetic:
We us local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure. Many patients are surprised by how comfortable they are.
Sedation options:
We offer nitrous oxide to help you relax during the procedure.
Recovery:
Most people can return to work the next day, though you’ll need to eat soft foods for a few days.
Pain management:
Most patients find that over-the-counter pain medication is sufficient after implant placement.
Investment and Insurance
Implants are a significant investment, typically ranging from $3,000-$5,000 per tooth, depending on the complexity of your case.
Why the cost is worth it:
- Implants can last 25+ years with proper care
- Better function than any other tooth replacement option
- Preserve your jawbone and facial structure
- No ongoing maintenance costs like denture adhesives or frequent adjustments
Insurance: Many plans now cover a portion of implant treatment. We’ll check your benefits and help you understand your coverage.
Financing: We offer payment plans and work with CareCredit to make treatment affordable.
Common Questions About Implants
Is an Implant Right for Your Situation?
The best way to know if you’re a good candidate for implants is to come in for a consultation. We’ll examine your mouth, discuss your goals, and explain all your options for replacing missing teeth.
We’ll never pressure you into treatment. Our job is to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your situation.