Dental implants
Dental implants: a step-by-step guide to replacing missing teeth
An implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up. It can support a single crown, a bridge or a denture. Implants are one of Dr. Gogani's areas of special interest, and this page walks through how they work, who may be a candidate, and what treatment involves.
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What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small post, usually made of titanium or another biocompatible material, that is placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Over the following months the bone grows closely around the implant surface in a process called osseointegration. Once it has healed, the implant acts as a stable anchor for a replacement tooth.
Implants are one of Dr. Gogani's areas of special interest. Because it's anchored in bone, an implant-supported tooth doesn't rely on neighboring teeth for support the way a traditional bridge does, and it doesn't rest on the gums the way a removable denture does.
The three parts of an implant tooth
- 1Crown. The visible tooth, custom-made to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth. On larger cases this can be a bridge or a denture instead.
- 2Abutment. A connector that attaches to the implant and holds the crown in place.
- 3Implant post. The screw-shaped post placed in the jawbone that replaces the tooth root.
What implants can replace
A single implant and crown fills the gap without reshaping the neighboring teeth.
Two or more implants can support a bridge spanning several missing teeth.
Implants can secure a full denture so it moves less when you eat and speak.
The implant treatment process
Implant treatment happens in stages over several months. Exact steps and timing vary from patient to patient, and the dentist will give you a plan and timeline for your situation.
- Step 1
Consultation and exam
The dentist examines your mouth, reviews your medical history and medications, and discusses your goals. This is the time to ask about alternatives, the number of visits, and costs.
- Step 2
Imaging and treatment planning
X-rays and, where needed, 3D imaging show how much bone is available and where nerves and sinuses are. This information is used to plan the implant's size, position and angle.
- Step 3
Preparation, if needed
If a damaged tooth is still present, it's removed first. If there isn't enough bone to hold an implant securely, a bone graft may be recommended to rebuild the area, which adds healing time.
- Step 4
Implant placement
Under local anesthetic, the implant post is placed into the jawbone. A temporary tooth may be provided in some cases, particularly in visible areas.
- Step 5
Healing (osseointegration)
Over the next few months the bone bonds with the implant. You'll have check-ups during this time so the dentist can confirm it is healing well.
- Step 6
Abutment and final restoration
Once the implant is stable, the abutment is attached and impressions or scans are taken. The final crown, bridge or denture is made and fitted, and your bite is checked and adjusted.
“Dr. Gogani advised me that the infection was so severe that not only would I need surgery to remove the tooth, but that I would need bone grafting done as well! … Dr. Gogani and his staff are extremely professional, experienced, and knowledgeable.”
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Not everyone is a candidate, and a thorough evaluation is essential. Factors the dentist will consider include:
Factors that help
- Healthy gums, or gum disease that has been treated
- Enough jawbone to support the implant, or the ability to have it rebuilt
- General health that allows for minor oral surgery and normal healing
- A commitment to daily cleaning and regular checkups
Factors that need careful review
- Smoking or tobacco use, which can impair healing
- Uncontrolled diabetes or other conditions that affect healing
- Some medications, including certain bone-density drugs
- Radiation treatment to the head or neck
- Heavy teeth grinding
- A jaw that is still growing, in younger patients
Having one of these factors doesn't always rule implants out, but it may change the plan or make another option more suitable. Be open with the dentist about your health history and medications.
Benefits and limitations
Potential benefits
- Feels and functions much like a natural tooth for chewing and speaking
- Doesn't require reshaping healthy neighboring teeth
- Helps maintain the jawbone where the tooth was lost
- Can make dentures more stable
- With good care, can last for many years
Limitations and risks
- Takes several months from start to finish
- Involves minor surgery, with risks such as infection, nerve irritation or sinus problems
- Implants can fail to integrate or can fail later, most often due to infection
- Usually costs more upfront than a bridge or denture
- The crown may eventually need replacing
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration publishes patient information about implant benefits and risks: U.S. FDA — Dental Implants: What You Should Know (opens in a new tab).
Aftercare and long-term maintenance
In the first days after placement
- Expect some swelling, bruising and tenderness; cold packs and pain relief as advised help.
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the implant site.
- Keep the area clean as instructed, and avoid smoking, which can interfere with healing.
- Call us if you have increasing pain, swelling or fever.
For the long term
Implants can't get cavities, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed and infected, a condition called peri-implantitis. Brush twice daily, clean around the implant with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser, and keep up with regular checkups and cleanings. If you grind your teeth, a night guard helps protect the implant crown.
Alternatives to implants
| Option | How it works | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Dental implant | Post in the jawbone supports a crown, bridge or denture. | Needs surgery and healing time; doesn't involve neighboring teeth. |
| Fixed bridge | False tooth anchored to crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. | No surgery; the neighboring teeth are reshaped for crowns. |
| Removable denture | Replaces several or all teeth; removed for cleaning. | Usually the lowest upfront cost; can move and may need relining over time. |
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Questions patients ask
Dental implant questions
Still have a question? Call 1-855-759-0782 and talk it through with our team.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Not everyone is, and that's why a careful evaluation matters. Good candidates generally have healthy gums, enough jawbone to support the implant (or are able to have it rebuilt), and general health that allows for minor oral surgery and healing. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, some medications and certain medical treatments can affect healing, so the dentist will review your health history before recommending implants.
How long does the implant process take?
Treatment usually takes several months from start to finish, mainly because the jawbone needs time to bond with the implant before the final crown is attached. If bone grafting is needed first, the timeline is longer. The dentist will give you an estimated timeline for your case.
Does getting an implant hurt?
Implant placement is done with local anesthetic so the area is numb. Afterward, some swelling, bruising and soreness are common for a few days and are usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief and cold packs. The dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions.
How long do dental implants last?
The implant post is designed to be long-lasting, and many implants last for many years with good care. The crown on top may wear and eventually need replacing. Implants can still fail, most often because of infection around the implant or poor healing, which is why home care and regular checkups matter.
What is bone grafting and why might I need it?
After a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that spot can shrink. If there isn't enough bone to hold an implant securely, a bone graft may be recommended to rebuild the area before or at the same time as implant placement.
What are the alternatives to implants?
Depending on your situation, a fixed bridge or a removable partial or full denture may be options. Each has pros and cons in cost, comfort, how they affect neighboring teeth, and upkeep. The dentist can compare them for you.
Can implants be used to hold dentures in place?
Yes. Implant-supported or implant-retained dentures use a small number of implants to help secure a denture so it moves less when you eat and speak. Whether it's right for you depends on your bone, health and preferences.
Find out if implants are right for you
Call to arrange a consultation. The dentist will examine your mouth, review your health history and explain all of your tooth replacement options.