A dental implant is the closest modern dentistry comes to giving you your tooth back. A small titanium post takes the place of the root, and a custom crown takes the place of the tooth. It doesn't come out at night, doesn't rely on neighboring teeth, and doesn't care what you eat.
Implants also do something no bridge or denture can: they preserve the jawbone that naturally shrinks away when a tooth is lost.
Implants take time — usually a few months start to finish, because the bone needs to fuse to the post before the final crown goes on. We'll map out your specific timeline up front: placement, healing, and restoration, with costs laid out at each stage. No surprises.
Most healthy adults with adequate bone are. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and significant bone loss complicate things but don't always rule implants out. The only way to know is an exam and imaging — and if an implant isn't your best option, we'll tell you that too and go over the alternatives.
The placement is done under local anesthetic and most patients report less discomfort than they expected — many say it's easier than an extraction. Soreness for a few days afterward is normal and manageable.
The implant post itself can last a lifetime with good care. The crown on top typically lasts 10–15 years before it may need replacement.
It varies with how many teeth and whether any preparatory work is needed. We'll give you a complete written estimate after your consultation, including what your insurance is likely to cover.