Dental Implants
Permanent Solutions for Missing Teeth
A permanent, stable solution for missing teeth that functions like a natural root. Implants preserve your jawbone and restore your smile without affecting adjacent teeth.
A dental implant is essentially a three-part system: the implant post (screw-like device in bone), an abutment (a connector attached to the implant above the gumline), and the prosthetic tooth (crown or bridge) that affixes to the abutment. Implants are made of biocompatible materials (usually titanium or a titanium alloy; ceramic implants also exist for those with metal sensitivities) that allow the bone to integrate and bond with them.
Why choose an implant? There are several advantages of implants over other tooth replacement methods:
Bone Preservation: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to resorb (shrink) over time due to lack of stimulation. An implant helps stimulate and preserve bone, much like a natural tooth root, preventing that “sunken” look that can occur after long-term tooth loss.
Stability and Function: Implants are anchored in bone, so they provide chewing power similar to natural teeth. You can bite and chew with confidence, often being able to eat foods that removable dentures might make difficult (like crisp apples, corn on the cob, steak, etc.). There’s no worry about a denture slipping or a need to avoid certain foods.
No Impact on Adjacent Teeth: Unlike a dental bridge, which requires grinding down the neighboring teeth for crowns, an implant stands independently. We don’t need to alter healthy adjacent teeth. This is better for your overall oral health because it leaves your other teeth intact.
Longevity: Implants, with good care, can last for decades. The implant post itself often lasts a lifetime. While the crown on top might need replacement after many years of wear (similar to a normal crown lifespan), the foundation remains. They boast high success rates (around 95% or higher for healthy individuals in the upper or lower jaw).
What to expect
1. Treatment Planning
After initial exams and imaging, we plan the implant placement. This may involve creating a surgical guide (a template) to ensure precise positioning. We also determine if any adjunct procedures are needed, like extraction of a failing tooth or bone grafting/sinus lift (for upper back teeth near the sinus) if bone is insufficient.
2. Implant Placement Surgery
The implant post is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. If needed, sedation options are available for comfort. A small incision is made in the gum, and a precise channel is drilled for the titanium implant, which is inserted at the correct depth and angle. You’ll feel only pressure or vibration, not pain. The gum is then closed over or around the implant, sometimes with a small healing abutment. The procedure for a single implant typically takes about an hour.
3. Healing & Osseointegration
After placement, a healing period is crucial. Over the next few months (commonly about 3-4 months for the lower jaw, 4-6 months for the upper jaw), the bone will fuse to the implant surface. This is what gives the implant its strength, essentially locking it in place as if it were a natural root. During this time, you will be advised to be gentle on that area – usually you can wear any partial denture or other temporary tooth replacement adjusted to avoid pressure on the implant site. If it was a front tooth and aesthetics is a concern, we have ways to provide a temporary solution (like a temporary removable tooth or a provisional attached to a neighboring tooth) so you’re not left with a gap.
4. Abutment and Impression
Once the implant has integrated (we often confirm stability with an exam or sometimes an X-ray), the next step is to uncover it (if it was covered) and attach an abutment. The abutment is a small connector piece that will hold the crown. If a healing abutment was already in place, we simply swap it for the final abutment. With the abutment in place, we take an impression or digital scan of the area, capturing the implant position and neighboring teeth. This information is sent to a dental lab that will fabricate the final crown (or bridge, denture, etc., depending on the case). We will also take care to match the shade of the crown to your natural teeth. If needed, you might get a temporary crown on the abutment for the short period while waiting for the final crown.
5. Crown Placement
When the custom crown is ready (usually 1-2 weeks later), you’ll return for the final attachment. We place the crown onto the abutment – it may be screwed into the abutment or cemented on, depending on the type of system used. We check the fit, bite, and appearance. The crown is crafted to blend in with your smile, so it should be virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth. Once everything looks perfect, we secure it permanently. If it’s a screw-retained crown, a tiny screw hole on the top of the crown is filled with a tooth-colored filling material after torquing it to specification.
And with that, you have a new tooth! The final result is very rewarding – the implant crown emerges from the gums just like a natural tooth. Patients often remark how they can’t even tell which one is the implant because it feels so normal.
For multi-tooth cases, the process is similar but may involve multiple implants and possibly a longer planning phase. In some cases (like implant-supported dentures), the timeline and steps can vary slightly (and sometimes we can place implants and fit a provisional denture the same day for an “All-on-4” style case). We will give you a clear sequence of steps tailored to your situation.
Common treatments
Why choose Nüvodent?
At Nüvodent, we balance advanced dental science with a comfort-first approach to ensure your oral health enhances how you move through the world. Our preservation-focused philosophy utilizes digital diagnostics and precise restorations to save natural teeth and restore function in a calm, pain-free environment. From kid-friendly education to custom-crafted implants and crowns, Nüvodent provides a seamless, personalized journey toward a confident and healthy smile.
Your Smile. Your Story.
We always are welcoming new patients.
Our multidisciplinary team is ready for every aspect of your oral health.