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 artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials that are placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. They work through a process called osseointegration, in which bone gradually fuses to the implant surface to create a stable foundation. Once integrated, an implant can support a crown, bridge, or denture to restore chewing, speech, and appearance.

An implant system typically includes the implant body, an abutment, and a custom restoration that mimics the visible tooth. Modern restorative techniques allow the replacement to match surrounding teeth in shape and color for a natural look. With proper planning and routine care, implants are designed to function for many years and to preserve the jawbone that supports facial structure.

Good candidates are generally adults with healthy gums and sufficient jawbone to support an implant. Medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, certain immune disorders, or ongoing heavy tobacco use can affect healing and will be assessed during consultation. A clinical exam and imaging help determine whether a patient can proceed directly to implant placement or will need preparatory treatment.

Preparatory treatments can include periodontal therapy, extractions, or bone grafting to create a stable foundation for integration. Age alone is not a disqualifier, but oral health, bone volume, and overall medical history are key factors in creating a successful plan. The dental team will discuss risks and alternatives so patients can make informed decisions about their care.

The implant journey usually begins with a comprehensive consultation that includes medical history, oral exam, and three-dimensional imaging. This planning stage identifies the optimal implant position and determines whether additional procedures like grafting are needed. When the plan is confirmed, surgery is scheduled to place the implant into the jawbone under local anesthesia or sedation when appropriate.

After placement there is a healing phase during which bone bonds to the implant, and this period can vary depending on the site and any grafting performed. Temporary restorations may be used for comfort and appearance while the implant integrates and the final prosthesis is fabricated. Once integration is confirmed the final restoration is attached and function is restored, with follow-up visits scheduled to monitor health and fit.

Compared with traditional bridges and removable dentures, implants provide a fixed solution that does not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Unlike bridges, implants do not require reduction of adjacent healthy tooth structure, which helps preserve natural teeth. Compared with conventional dentures, implants offer greater stability and restore bite force more predictably, improving comfort while eating and speaking.

Implants also stimulate the jawbone in ways that removable prostheses cannot, reducing the bone loss that contributes to changes in facial contours over time. That bone preservation can help maintain long-term fit of restorations and overall oral health. However, each option has benefits and trade-offs, so a personalized evaluation ensures the chosen approach matches a patient's oral condition and lifestyle.

Bone grafting is recommended when there is insufficient bone volume or density to support an implant safely and predictably. Grafts can be small, localized augmentations at a single site or larger reconstructions depending on how much bone is missing. Materials used for grafting may include autogenous bone, allografts, xenografts, or synthetic bone substitutes chosen to encourage new bone formation.

Grafting is typically planned as part of the overall treatment sequence and may be performed before or at the time of implant placement depending on clinical needs. Healing after grafting requires time to integrate and form new bone, and this timeline is discussed during treatment planning so patients know what to expect. Careful surgical technique and thorough preoperative imaging reduce uncertainty and help create a stable foundation for long-term implant success.

Daily oral hygiene is essential for implant longevity and includes brushing twice a day and cleaning around restorations with floss or interdental brushes. Unlike natural teeth, implants cannot decay, but the surrounding gum tissue can become inflamed or infected if plaque accumulates. Regular professional cleanings and periodontal evaluations help detect early signs of trouble and keep implant sites healthy.

Patients should avoid using their teeth as tools, minimize hard or sticky foods immediately after surgery, and follow any postoperative instructions provided by the dental team. For patients who grind their teeth, a night guard can protect implant restorations from excessive force. Smoking cessation and management of systemic conditions also support healing and long-term stability of implants.

As with any surgical procedure, implant placement carries potential risks such as infection, delayed healing, or failure of osseointegration. Other possible complications include nerve irritation if an implant is placed too close to a nerve and sinus involvement for upper posterior sites. These risks are minimized through careful examination, 3-D imaging, and detailed surgical planning.

Early signs of complications such as persistent swelling, severe pain, or unusual drainage should be evaluated promptly by the dental team. Most issues can be managed when identified early, often with conservative measures or targeted treatment to support healing. A thorough informed consent process outlines risks and expected outcomes so patients understand how the team will mitigate complications.

Implants can replace a single tooth, several adjacent teeth, or an entire arch depending on the patient’s needs and anatomy. Single-tooth implants support isolated crowns, while implant-supported bridges use a few implants to carry multiple connected crowns without altering neighboring teeth. Full-arch fixed restorations such as All-on-4 or All-on-6 use a strategic implant placement pattern to support a permanent prosthesis for an entire jaw.

When a fully fixed solution is not preferred, implant-retained removable dentures snap onto attachments for improved stability and easier maintenance. The choice between fixed and removable implant solutions depends on factors like bone availability, hygiene access, aesthetic goals, and patient preference. A collaborative planning process evaluates these factors to recommend a solution that balances function, appearance, and long-term maintenance.

Immediate recovery after implant surgery commonly involves mild to moderate soreness, swelling, and minor bleeding that resolve over a few days with appropriate postoperative care. Patients are typically advised to rest, apply cold packs during the first 24 hours, and follow a soft-food diet while the surgical site begins to heal. Prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers and proper oral hygiene practices help control discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.

Follow-up visits confirm that healing is progressing and that the implant is integrating with the surrounding bone before a final restoration is placed. Patients should report any prolonged fever, increasing pain, or changes in sensation to the dental team promptly for assessment. Adhering to post-op instructions and attending scheduled checkups supports predictable healing and the best long-term result.

Predictable implant outcomes begin with comprehensive planning that uses modern diagnostic tools such as CBCT scans and digital impressions to visualize bone and plan implant position precisely. Computer-guided surgery and careful prosthetic planning help optimize implant angulation and load distribution for long-term success. A multidisciplinary approach that coordinates surgical, restorative, and periodontal care reduces surprises and improves the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

At Artistic Family Dental, the team emphasizes individualized treatment planning, evidence-based protocols, and regular follow-up to support predictable results and patient comfort. Clear communication about expectations, healing milestones, and home care responsibilities keeps patients informed and engaged throughout their treatment. Ongoing professional maintenance and timely attention to changes in oral health help preserve implant function for years to come.