Dental Implants

Restore your smile with implants that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Our titanium posts provide a stable foundation for crowns or bridges.

Dental implants are a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. They act as artificial tooth roots, providing a strong foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the gum to access the jawbone, where the implant post is carefully placed. We then suture the gum around the implant, and in some cases, a temporary denture may be used while healing takes place.

Benefits

Why consider implants?

Dental implants allow new teeth to feel, look, and function naturally. Here are some key benefits of dental implants:

Comfort: Dental implants act as tooth roots and stay firmly in place. This firm foundation makes them more comfortable than dentures and other replacement tooth options. Our patients have told us that their implants feel just like their natural teeth.

Function: The stability of implants makes them effective for eating, talking, and cleaning. They function similarly to the teeth they are replacing.

Permanence: Dental implants are one of the most permanent tooth replacement options. They can last a lifetime with good care. Additionally, fixed replacement teeth on implants do not need to be removed every day for cleaning.

Natural-looking: The visible part of the dental implant is a cosmetic crown made from a composite material that is color-matched to the patient’s tooth enamel.

Candidates for Dental Implants

Are you a good fit for implants?

Along with helping to restore functionality and completing a set of teeth, dental implants can also help restore the appearance of a natural smile. It is a versatile treatment option that works to treat a variety of complications including:

One Missing Tooth: Many dentists recommend dental implants to patients who have a missing tooth. Whether the missing tooth is the result of natural aging, a blow to the face or another cause, implants work well as a long-term replacement solution. For single tooth replacement, a dental crown will also be attached to the implant. The dental crown will provide the appearance of a natural tooth.

Multiple Missing Teeth: Implants are also an option for multiple missing teeth, as well. For a section of two or more missing teeth, the dentist may recommend dental implants with a bridge attachment. For full arch replacement, it might be best to attach a full denture to surgically-placed implants in the jaw.

Severely Damaged Teeth: Most dentists will try and save the natural tooth after damage occurs through dental crowns or another type of restoration. However, there are times when damaged or loose teeth are better off being removed and replaced with dental implants. This is the case in situations where an infected tooth threatens the patient's oral and overall health.

Signs that a Dentist Looks For: During the implant consultation, the dentist will conduct a thorough oral examination and most likely order dental X-rays to determine if the patient is a candidate for dental implants. The dentist will consider the gum health, bone density, and overall health of the patient during the first visit.

Gum Health: Natural teeth and dental implants work similarly, and they are both supported by the gums. If the gums are weak, eroded, or if the patient has periodontal disease, then the implant may not hold the way it should long-term. Implants are still an option with poor gum health, but additional treatment is likely necessary.

Bone Density: Dental implants replace the teeth while also preserving the natural bone. However, the jaw needs the proper amount of bone dentistry to support the dental implant. The jawbone is also essential for a firm hold of the implant, abutment, and artificial tooth. After tooth loss occurs, the bone inside the jaw begins to lose its density. Over time, this can result in the need for a bone grafting procedure to rebuild the strength and density of the jawbone. Once the jawbone is strong enough, we will begin the process.

General Health: The implant process also involves a minor surgical procedure to place the dental implant inside the jawbone. As is the case with any surgery, the patient should be willing and able to go through the process. This procedure is slightly more invasive than other replacement solutions.

Care Timeline

What is the process for a dental implant?

At our dental office, we understand that every smile—and every patient—is unique. While the timeline below outlines a general dental implant process, your personal treatment plan may vary depending on your oral health, healing time, and individual needs. This estimate is based on over a decade of successful dental implant experience at our practice.

From start to finish, our team is committed to providing gentle, customized care to help you achieve a confident, healthy smile.

Step 1: Dental Implant Placement (Initial Visit)

During this visit, your implant dentist will surgically place a small post (the dental implant) into your jawbone. This post acts as the root for your new artificial tooth and forms the foundation for long-lasting results.

Step 2: Follow-Up Visit & Suture Removal (2 Weeks Later)

Two weeks after your implant surgery, you'll return for a follow-up visit.

During this appointment, we:

Gently remove any sutures
Evaluate your healing progress
Answer any questions you may have

This visit is important to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Step 3: Impression for Custom Dental Crown (Around 3 Months Later)

Once your implant has fully integrated with your jawbone you’ll return for an impression appointment. This allows us to:

Take a precise mold of your implant area
Collaborate with our dental lab to create a custom dental crown

This crown will be made to perfectly match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth.

Step 4: Crown Try-In (2 Weeks After Impression)

Your custom crown will be ready in about 2 weeks. During this appointment, we will:

Place the crown on your implant temporarily
Check for fit, bite alignment, and esthetics
Make any necessary adjustments

This step ensures your tooth implant restoration looks and feels just right before it is made permanent.

Step 5: Final Crown Placement (1 Week Later)

In this final phase, we permanently attach your custom crown to the implant.

You’ll leave this appointment with a fully restored tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth. We’ll also go over:

Daily care instructions
How to maintain your implant for long-term success
Recommended hygiene visits

Our team takes pride in offering personalized dental implant care in a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or restoring your entire smile, we’ll walk with you through every step of the process.