Dental Implants

Dental implants are advanced tooth replacement systems designed to replicate the complete structure of natural teeth—from root to crown. The implant itself is a small titanium post that's surgically positioned into your jawbone where your natural tooth root once existed. This biocompatible titanium post serves as an artificial root that supports a custom-designed crown, bridge, or denture.
The process works through a remarkable biological phenomenon called osseointegration. Once placed, your jawbone naturally fuses with the titanium implant over a period of 3-6 months. During this healing phase, bone cells grow directly onto the implant surface, essentially locking it into your jaw and creating a stable, permanent foundation. After complete integration, an abutment (connector piece) is attached to the implant, and finally, your custom restoration is secured on top—giving you a tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.

Dental implants are designed to be a lifetime solution for tooth replacement. With proper care and maintenance, your implants can last 25 years or more—and in many cases, they can last for the rest of your life. Clinical studies show impressive success rates: approximately 95-98% of dental implants are still functioning successfully after 10 years, and research indicates that survival rates remain above 90% even after 20-30 years.
The longevity of your implants depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene habits, regular dental visits, overall health, and lifestyle choices. The titanium implant post itself can last indefinitely, though the crown attached to it may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear—similar to how natural teeth can require restoration over time. Unlike dentures that need replacement every 5-7 years or bridges that typically last 10-15 years, dental implants offer superior long-term value and durability.

Most patients are pleasantly surprised to discover that dental implant surgery is far less uncomfortable than they anticipated. During the procedure itself, you won't feel any pain because we use local anesthesia to completely numb the treatment area. For patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing more extensive treatment, we also offer sedation options including oral conscious sedation and IV sedation to ensure your complete comfort and relaxation throughout the procedure.
After the anesthesia wears off (typically 1-4 hours post-surgery), it's normal to experience some mild discomfort, tenderness, or swelling around the implant site—similar to what you might feel after a tooth extraction. However, most patients report that the discomfort is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications. Many patients return to their normal activities within 24-48 hours. The majority of healing occurs within the first week, with most patients experiencing minimal to no pain after just a few days. Advanced surgical techniques and modern pain management protocols have made dental implant procedures more comfortable than ever before.

The complete dental implant process typically takes between 3 to 6 months from start to finish, though the timeline can vary based on your individual needs and treatment plan. Here's what to expect:

Initial Consultation & Planning (1-2 weeks): Your first visit includes comprehensive examination, 3D imaging, and treatment planning.

Implant Placement Surgery (1 day): The surgical procedure to place the implant usually takes 1-2 hours per implant. Most patients experience initial healing within 7-10 days.

Osseointegration Phase (3-6 months): This is the most important phase where your jawbone fuses with the titanium implant. While this takes several months, you won't need frequent office visits—your body does the healing work naturally.

Abutment Placement (1-2 weeks): After complete integration, we attach the abutment connector piece. Minor healing time is needed before the final step.

Final Restoration (2-3 weeks): Your custom crown is fabricated and permanently attached, completing your new smile.

If you require additional procedures like tooth extraction or bone grafting, the timeline may extend by 3-6 months to allow for proper healing before implant placement. While the process requires patience, the end result is a permanent, natural-looking tooth that's worth the wait.

Most adults who are missing one or more teeth are excellent candidates for dental implants. The ideal candidate meets these criteria:

Age Requirements: You should be over 18 years old with a fully developed jawbone. There's no upper age limit—many patients in their 70s and 80s successfully receive implants.

Adequate Bone Density: Your jawbone needs sufficient volume and density to support the implant. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting procedures can rebuild the foundation necessary for successful implant placement.

Good Oral Health: Healthy gums free from periodontal disease are essential. Any gum disease must be treated before implant surgery.

Overall Health: You should be in reasonably good general health. Certain conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer treatment, or severe osteoporosis may require additional evaluation and management before proceeding.

Non-Smoker or Willing to Quit: Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. We strongly recommend quitting or reducing tobacco use before and after implant surgery.

Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Success depends on maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups.

Even if you've been told you're not a candidate in the past due to bone loss or other concerns, modern advances in implant dentistry—including bone grafting, sinus lifts, and mini implants—have made it possible for more people than ever to benefit from dental implants. The best way to determine your candidacy is through a comprehensive evaluation at Your Smile Town Dental.

Yes, we provide support in helping you use your insurance toward dental implants. Coverage varies by plan, but many policies now include benefits for parts of implant treatment, such as the crown, extraction, or diagnostic visits. While some plans may not cover the implant post fully, we help maximize any available benefits and handle claim processing for you. If additional costs remain, we offer flexible payment plans, financing options, and accept HSA/FSA funds to make treatment affordable and accessible.