Dental implants

A dental implant has three parts. A titanium post sits in your jaw and fuses with the bone, acting like the root of a tooth. A crown sits above the gum, which is what you chew and smile with. A connector joins the two. People often confuse implants with bridges, but an implant stands on its own.

Most people are, or can become candidates after some preparation. We take a 3D X-ray to see the bone. If a tooth was removed long ago without a graft, we may need an extra step first. A few conditions call for caution, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or active chemo or radiation, which we address before placing an implant.

There are very few people who cannot have implants. We hold off for patients who are still growing, generally until about 22 for women and 25 to 26 for men. Bone density, a common concern with osteoporosis, usually is not a barrier. A 3D X-ray tells us quickly what we are working with.

A regular implant is wider, longer, and has more bone stability, and it can support a single tooth on its own. Mini implants have shown higher failure rates and are used only in rare cases, such as very narrow bone. They cost less, but for something you want to do once and not redo, a regular implant from an experienced provider is worth it.

Because we are working with bone, it takes time, similar to how a broken bone heals in a cast over a couple of months. After X-rays confirm you are a candidate and we have treated any infection or cavities nearby, we place the implant using 3D-guided surgery for accuracy, then wait about two to three months for it to fuse before scanning and attaching the crown.

Implants do not get cavities, but they can develop gum and bone disease, so they still need care. How long they last depends on factors like your age and home care. Done well and cared for, an implant can last a very long time. The earlier in life you get one, the more likely it may eventually need attention down the road.