Dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium or ceramic post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once placed into the jawbone, the implant fuses naturally with bone through a process called osseointegration, which takes a few months.

With proper care, most implants will last a lifetime. Your care at home (routine and thorough removal of plaque) is a key part of making sure your implant remains healthy, as is maintaining your regular appointment schedule with your dentist.

Some amount of discomfort is expected with any surgical procedure. However, many patients report little to no pain post-surgery! [Consider adding this: We are proud to offer EXPAREL®, a long-acting non-opioid option for pain relief. We’re happy to discuss this option with you at your consultation.]

The cost of dental implants depends on several individual factors, which is why the most accurate estimate comes from an in-person consultation with one of our oral surgeons. Key elements that influence pricing include the number of implants needed, whether extractions are required, and if bone grafting or other preparatory procedures are necessary. 

While dental implants can represent a higher upfront investment compared to dentures or partials, their long-term value is unmatched. Implants look and function like natural teeth, remain secure while eating and speaking, and protect your jawbone from deterioration—a benefit removable options such as dentures and partials cannot provide. Because implants can last for decades with proper care, many patients find them to be the most cost-effective solution over a lifetime.

For additional details, visit our office to explore financing options and learn more about making treatment affordable.

Oral surgeons undergo a minimum of 4 years of additional training beyond dental school. Oral surgeons are also specially trained to administer sedation to facilitate safe and comfortable care. Many restorative dentists prefer to refer patients to oral surgeons for more complex procedures, such as the placement of dental implants, bone grafting, wisdom teeth removal, or jaw surgery.

Yes. A dental implant is so versatile that it can be used to replace any tooth. If there is not enough jaw bone to support the implant, a bone graft can be performed to promote the growth of new bone. If you are not a candidate for dental implants, there are other tooth replacement options to consider.

In certain situations a bridge may make sense; however, it usually does not appear as natural as a dental implant. A bridge is also harder to maintain and clean, increasing risk of recurrent cavities and need for replacement. To have a bridge placed, you will need at least one other tooth on each side of the missing space and the neighboring teeth will have to be shaved down to fit the bridge; compromising otherwise healthy teeth. A dental implant can be placed in most spaces with no need to compromise the neighboring teeth.

Yes. A badly damaged or decayed tooth can be removed and replaced with a dental implant, oftentimes in the same visit [insert link to blog post on immediate implants]. Occasionally the implant cannot be placed on the same visit because the bone in the area of the tooth has deteriorated due to infection. In this case a bone graft and growth factors will be used to help your body regrow its natural bone, and the implant post will be inserted at a later date when there is enough bone to support it.