Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium post that’s surgically placed into the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Over several months, the bone grows around the implant through a process called osseointegration, anchoring it firmly in place. Once that integration is complete, a custom-made crown is attached on top, creating a replacement tooth that’s stable, functional, and virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth.

The titanium material is biocompatible, meaning the body accepts it without rejection in the vast majority of cases. It’s the same material used in hip and knee replacements, and it has a long track record of safety and durability in dental and orthopedic applications.

There are several ways to replace a missing tooth, including bridges and dentures, but implants stand apart in a few important ways.

A bridge fills a gap by crowning the two teeth on either side and suspending an artificial tooth between them. It works well, but it requires permanently altering two healthy teeth and doesn’t address the bone loss that occurs when a root is gone. Dentures replace a larger number of missing teeth but rest on the gum surface and can shift during eating or speaking.

Implants are the only option that replaces the root itself. That root-level anchorage does several things:

For most patients who qualify, the long-term value of implants outweighs the higher upfront cost when compared to options that may need to be replaced or adjusted over time.

• It stimulates the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that follows tooth extraction.
• It keeps the surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap.
• It distributes chewing force naturally, without putting extra stress on adjacent teeth.
• It allows you to eat, brush, and floss exactly the way you would with natural teeth.

Most adults in good health are candidates for dental implants, but a thorough evaluation is necessary before proceeding. The key factors we assess include:

Bone density is the most important consideration. A successful implant needs enough healthy bone to integrate with. Patients who have been missing teeth for a long time may have experienced significant bone loss, which can sometimes be addressed with a bone graft before implant placement.

Gum health matters as well. Active gum disease needs to be treated and resolved before implants are placed, since the same bacteria that damage natural teeth can affect implant stability.

Overall health factors like uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, and smoking can affect healing and integration. We review your full health history to give you an accurate picture of your candidacy before any treatment begins.

Getting implants is a multi-stage process, and understanding the timeline upfront helps patients plan accordingly.

The first step is a comprehensive exam, including X-rays, and a detailed assessment of your jaw structure. If bone grafting or other preparatory work is needed, it is done before implant placement. Once your jaw is ready, the implant post is placed during a surgical procedure under local anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is.

The osseointegration phase follows, typically lasting three to six months. During this time, the implant fuses with the bone, and the site heals. A temporary restoration may be placed so you’re not left with a visible gap.

Once integration is confirmed, an abutment is attached to the implant post, and impressions are taken to fabricate your permanent crown. The crown is then seated and adjusted to match your bite precisely.

Dr. Sheela Thomas oversees implant treatment at our practice with a thorough, step-by-step approach. For patients whose cases involve significant periodontal concerns, Dr. Loiseau brings specialized periodontal expertise and is part of our team when that level of care is needed.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown attached to the implant may eventually need to be replaced after many years of wear, but the implant post itself, once fully integrated, is designed to be a permanent solution.

Maintenance is straightforward. Brush and floss around the implant the same way you would with natural teeth, and keep up with regular cleanings and checkups. We’ll monitor the implant at each visit to make sure the surrounding tissue and bone remain healthy.

If you’ve been living with a missing tooth or are considering your options after an extraction, an implant consultation at Parkway Family Dental is a good starting point. We’ll assess your bone health, walk you through the process, and give you a realistic picture of what treatment would involve for your specific situation. Call our office or book online to get started.