Dental implants
A post in the jawbone that anchors a replacement tooth: the most permanent way to replace a missing tooth.
- Replaces
- One tooth, several or a full arch
- Timeline
- Usually 3 to 6 months with healing
- Surgery
- Under local anesthesia
How implants are different
Implants are considered permanent. A post is placed in your jawbone as an anchor, and once the area has healed your replacement tooth is attached to it. After that you care for it like a natural tooth.
The process can be long, especially if you need other procedures first, but implants bring long-term benefits over dentures and bridges.
What they give back
The implanted tooth is designed to look and work like your original tooth, so the gap is gone and you can eat, chew and speak properly again. Implants can replace a single tooth or several, anchor a bridge, or support a full arch.
Who is a good candidate
Someone missing one or more teeth, with healthy gums and enough bone in the jaw. Bone grafting can sometimes help. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking affect healing and need careful consideration first, and gum disease is treated before implants are placed.
Questions
Does getting an implant hurt?
It is done under local anesthesia and most patients feel little pain. Some swelling or soreness afterwards is normal and usually settles within a few days.
How long does the whole process take?
Placing the implant takes around 1 to 2 hours. Healing while the implant fuses with the bone usually takes 3 to 6 months before the final crown.
Can I get teeth in a day?
Some patients qualify for same-day implants with a temporary crown, depending on bone and gum health. An evaluation decides.
How long do implants last?
With good care, often 20 years or longer.