
What Are Dental Implants?
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A dental implant is a small metal post designed to replace a missing tooth. During a straightforward surgical procedure, it is inserted into the jawbone beneath the gums, serving as a foundation where a tooth once was. The implant acts as a root replacement and is completed with a restoration, such as a crown, for a natural look and feel.
Getting dental implants is a detailed process. If you’re considering this option but are unsure about the steps involved, we offer a thorough guide here to help you make an informed choice about your dental care.
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Why You Might Require Dental Implants
Teeth are crucial for supporting your smile’s structure and enabling clear speech and comfortable eating.
When a tooth is lost, it can cause nearby teeth to shift, increasing the likelihood of oral health problems. Even a single missing tooth can create a chain reaction, impacting your dental health, appearance, and overall quality of life.
One inevitable consequence of missing teeth is bone resorption. This process occurs when the body reabsorbs bone tissue it deems unnecessary, reallocating minerals elsewhere. Teeth stimulate the jawbone to produce new tissue, but once they’re gone, the bone starts to shrink, leading to a shorter jawline, wrinkles, and a hollowed appearance in the cheeks and lips.
Dental implants are a reliable solution to replace missing teeth, helping to prevent or address these issues effectively.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
Missing teeth can impact more than just appearance. They may cause difficulties with chewing, limit enjoyment of your favourite foods, and contribute to bone loss or tooth misalignment.
- Restore Your Natural Look – Dental implants are crafted to look and feel like real teeth. They are permanently placed and tailored to your bite, tooth shape, and enamel color, ensuring a flawless match that blends seamlessly with your smile.
- Confidence in Comfort – The titanium post of a dental implant bonds naturally with the jawbone during healing, creating a stable base for crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures. This stability allows you to eat, smile, and laugh with confidence, free from concerns about shifting or discomfort.
- Enhance Bone Strength – Without teeth, the jawbone can weaken and shrink over time. Dental implants stimulate the surrounding bone tissue, encouraging regeneration and helping to maintain a healthy, strong jaw.
- Dental Implants – Dental implants provide a reliable and natural-feeling solution that can last for many years with proper care.

Dental Implant Restorations
The “replacement tooth” attached to the implant is called a restoration. While the implant remains concealed below the gumline, the restoration provides the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth.
- Dental Crown – The most common type of implant restoration, a crown, is used to cover a single dental implant, effectively replacing one tooth.
- Dental Bridge – When multiple adjacent teeth are missing, a bridge can fill the gap. One or two implants can support a dental bridge, making it possible to replace several teeth at once.
- A full implant – Supported by four or more implants, can restore an entire upper or lower row of teeth.
- Implant Denture – To improve the stability of a removable denture, two small implants can be used to secure it, providing a reliable and firm attachment.

What to Expect During the Procedure
Although the thought of a metal implant being placed into your jawbone might sound intimidating, the process is often much less uncomfortable than expected.
To ensure you remain pain-free, a mild anesthetic will be used to numb the area. Advanced dental techniques allow implants to be placed quickly and with precision, minimizing discomfort and recovery time.
The procedure itself typically lasts about 30 minutes, and some patients even describe feeling relaxed or bored during the process. The most challenging aspect is usually keeping your mouth open for brief periods, but this is manageable.
After the procedure, mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort may occur, but these symptoms are generally minor and can be controlled easily. Detailed aftercare instructions will help you manage any discomfort as the anesthetic wears off, with most patients noticing significant improvement within a week.
With a success rate of nearly 95%, dental implants are among the safest and most dependable treatments in modern dentistry.

What You Can Anticipate During Your Dental Implant Treatment Voyage
The implant placement process is often simpler and more comfortable than many expect.
Assessment
Your journey begins with a consultation to determine if dental implants are the right option for you. During this step, your dentist will use X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan to evaluate your jawbone and create a personalized treatment plan. A scan or impression of your teeth will also be taken to guide the precise placement and angle of the implant.
Inserting the implant
To ensure a painless procedure, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the surgical site. A small incision is made in the gums and bone, and the implant post is inserted into the prepared space. In some cases, stitches may be used to close the gums, but this is not always required.
Finalizing the restoration
After the implant is placed, a healing period allows the post to integrate with the bone. Once the site has healed, you will return to have your restoration placed. At this stage, the custom-made restoration will be securely attached, providing you with a fully functional and natural-looking tooth.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost Of Dental Implants In Oakdale
How Is the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery Determined? Several key factors contribute to the overall cost of dental implant surgery, such as:
- The number and type of implants required.
- The quality of materials and equipment used.
- The skill and experience of the dental professionals managing your care.
- The complexity and location of the procedure.
- The time needed for your recovery, with our full support throughout the process.
Since every case is unique, a consultation and thorough examination are essential. This helps us evaluate your needs and present tailored treatment options. We are happy to provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific circumstances.
Are There Alternative Solutions for Missing Teeth?
For smaller gaps, such as one to three missing teeth, a dental bridge might be a viable option. If multiple teeth are missing across the upper or lower arch, or even the entire mouth, removable dentures or other dental prosthetics could be suggested.
When comparing dental implants to other tooth replacement methods, it’s important to consider both the costs and benefits. While implants may involve a higher upfront expense, they offer exceptional durability and stability compared to bridges or dentures.
Unlike removable prosthetics, which may need frequent upkeep or replacement, dental implants are simple to care for, much like your natural teeth. Routine oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits can help ensure implants remain functional for a
Frequently Asked Questions
The appropriateness of dental implants depends more on an individual’s oral health and specific needs than their age. Implants are a suitable option for patients of varying ages, but factors like gum health, bone density, and overall ability to undergo the procedure are critical. A dental consultation can help determine the right time for implants based on your unique situation.
Dental implants are highly durable and, with proper care, can last a lifetime for many individuals. They are designed to be a long-term tooth replacement solution. However, their lifespan can be influenced by factors such as oral hygiene, lifestyle, and general health. Regular dental visits and maintaining good oral care are vital to ensuring their longevity.
Dental implants are extremely durable and can handle chewing and biting forces similar to or even stronger than natural teeth. Made from robust materials like titanium or zirconia, implants provide a dependable option for restoring both function and appearance to your smile.
Since dental implants are made from materials like titanium or zirconia, they cannot develop cavities. However, it’s still important to care for the surrounding natural teeth and gums to avoid issues like gum disease, which can impact the success and longevity of the implants.
The implant procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort during surgery. After the procedure, most patients experience only mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Recovery is generally quick, with any post-operative discomfort subsiding within a few days to a week.
