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Dental Implants to Save Your Teeth

August 1, 2021

Studies show that across the United States millions of people are living with partial or complete tooth loss. Fortunately, with today’s advances in the field of implant dentistry, it’s easier than ever to rebuild a beautiful and complete smile. At Dentistry on the Square, we customize your treatment plan with implants to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing and functional outcomes of care. Our highly trained professional team tailors treatment to accommodate your individual needs and prioritizes your comfort at every visit.

If you’ve experienced tooth loss due to periodontal disease, traumatic injury, tooth decay or for any other reason, you may be a candidate for implants. A dental implant is a small surgical post, made of biocompatible materials, which integrates with the jawbone overtime to support a dental prosthesis.  By behaving in much the same way as the root of a natural tooth, a dental implant provides ongoing stimulation to the surrounding bone to prevent a loss of volume and preserve facial fullness. Once your dental implants are placed and fully integrated, we can restore them with dental crowns, fixed bridges or overdentures. At Dentistry on the Square, we can even replace a full arch of upper or lower teeth with an implant-supported full arch dental bridge, which offers a permanent, stable alternative to traditional dentures. Not only do dental implants have an astonishing 98% rate of success, but also people living with dental implants typically report an improvement to their overall quality of life following treatment.

At Dentistry on the Square we make it easier to smile, eat and speak with implants. Our experienced dentist and staff keep pace with the most advanced solutions in prosthodontic care. To learn more about our office and all the possibilities offered by dental implants or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best method of replacing missing teeth? Are dental implants worth it?

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If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

Are dental implants painful?

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Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.

What are dental implants made of?

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Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.

Are dental implants permanent?

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Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.

Are dental implants expensive?

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Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.

How do I care for my dental implants?

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It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.

What are dental implants and how do they work?

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Dental implants are small, biocompatible posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root portion of a missing tooth. Once an implant integrates with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, it provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Because implants fuse with bone, they restore chewing function and help preserve facial structure that can be affected by tooth loss.

Implants support restorations that look and function like natural teeth, allowing patients to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. The restorative component is custom fabricated to match adjacent teeth for a natural appearance. Regular dental care and routine checkups help protect the implant and the surrounding tissues for long-term success.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

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Good candidates for dental implants generally have adequate jawbone volume, healthy gums, and overall good health to tolerate a minor surgical procedure. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or active periodontal disease can affect candidacy and are evaluated during the consultation. Age alone is not a limiting factor; the focus is on oral and systemic health and whether the jawbone can support an implant.

During an evaluation we review medical and dental histories, take diagnostic images, and assess oral hygiene and bite relationships to determine the best option. If additional procedures such as bone grafting or gum therapy are needed to create a stable foundation, those are discussed as part of a personalized treatment plan. The goal is to recommend a predictable solution that meets each patient’s functional and aesthetic needs.

What does the implant treatment process involve?

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The implant process begins with a comprehensive consultation that includes a clinical exam and imaging to map bone anatomy and identify vital structures. Next, the implant posts are placed in the jawbone during a minor outpatient surgical procedure under local anesthesia and, if desired, sedation for patient comfort. After placement, a healing period allows osseointegration to occur, which typically lasts a few months depending on the site and individual healing.

Once the implant has integrated, the restorative phase begins with impressions or digital scans to fabricate the final crown, bridge, or denture. Temporary restorations may be provided when appropriate, and the permanent prosthesis is attached after careful fit and bite verification. Throughout treatment we provide pre-op and post-op instructions and schedule follow-ups to monitor healing and function.

What should I expect during recovery and what aftercare is required?

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After implant surgery you can expect mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort that usually peak within the first 48 to 72 hours and then gradually improve. Pain is commonly managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications, cold compresses, and rest. Patients are advised to follow a soft-food diet immediately after surgery and to avoid strenuous activity for a short period to support healing.

Good oral hygiene and following the dentist’s post-op instructions are essential for successful integration and long-term health. This includes gentle cleaning around the surgical site, using recommended rinses if prescribed, and attending follow-up appointments to check healing. Once the restoration is in place, maintaining routine dental care and periodic professional evaluations helps preserve implant function and surrounding tissues.

Why might I need a bone graft before getting an implant?

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Bone grafting is recommended when there is insufficient jawbone volume or density to support a dental implant, which can occur after tooth loss, periodontal disease, or trauma. A graft restores or augments the bone so an implant can be placed in a stable, well-supported position. Grafting materials may come from the patient, a donor source, or synthetic substitutes and are selected based on the clinical need.

The grafted site requires time to heal and integrate before an implant can be placed, and the timeline varies depending on the type and extent of the graft. In some cases, staged approaches are used where the graft is placed first and the implant is placed after healing; in other situations, simultaneous grafting and implant placement are possible. Your dentist will explain the recommended approach and expected healing timeline during treatment planning.

What types of implant restorations are available?

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Implant restorations range from single crowns to multi-unit bridges and full-arch solutions designed to replace one tooth or an entire dental arch. A single-tooth implant restored with a crown replaces an individual missing tooth without altering adjacent teeth. Implant-supported bridges and full-arch fixed restorations replace multiple teeth while preserving neighboring tooth structure and providing stronger support than removable options.

For patients who prefer a removable option, implant-retained overdentures attach securely to implants for improved stability, retention, and chewing comfort compared with traditional dentures. The choice of restoration depends on the number of missing teeth, bone availability, functional demands, and aesthetic goals. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate restorative design during the planning process.

How do dental implants compare with traditional bridges and dentures?

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Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional bridges and removable dentures, particularly in terms of bone preservation and long-term stability. Because implants stimulate the jawbone similar to natural tooth roots, they help prevent the bone loss and facial changes that can occur after tooth loss. Unlike conventional bridges, implants do not require preparation of adjacent healthy teeth to provide support.

Removable dentures can be an effective solution for many patients, but they may lack the stability and chewing efficiency of implant-supported restorations and can require adhesives or periodic adjustments. Implant solutions, when appropriate, provide improved function, comfort, and confidence for speaking and eating. Treatment selection is individualized, and your dentist will explain the relative benefits based on your oral health and lifestyle.

Are dental implants safe and how long can I expect them to last?

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Dental implants are a widely studied and well-established treatment with documented long-term success when placed and maintained properly. Clinical studies report high success rates for implants, and careful case selection, precise surgical technique, and good oral hygiene contribute to predictable outcomes. Like any medical procedure, implants have potential risks that are minimized through proper assessment and follow-up care.

With regular professional exams and consistent home care, many patients enjoy implant-supported restorations for decades, though individual longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, systemic health, and habits like smoking. Implants themselves do not decay, but the surrounding gum and bone require protection from disease to maintain implant health. Your dental team will review ongoing maintenance steps and scheduling to help preserve long-term success.

What can I expect during an implant consultation and treatment plan?

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An implant consultation typically includes a comprehensive exam, review of your medical history, and diagnostic imaging to evaluate bone anatomy and identify any conditions that must be addressed before treatment. Your dentist will discuss restorative goals, available implant options, and any preparatory procedures such as extractions, gum therapy, or bone grafting. This appointment is also an opportunity to review anesthesia and sedation options to ensure patient comfort during surgical phases.

At Dentistry on the Square we tailor a personalized treatment plan that outlines the sequence of care, expected healing timelines, and the restorative approach that best meets each patient’s needs. The plan focuses on predictable results, functional outcomes, and aesthetic considerations so patients understand what to expect at every stage. Clear communication and ongoing appointments help us monitor healing and adjust the plan as needed.

How should I care for my implants long term?

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Maintaining dental implants requires the same attention as natural teeth, including twice-daily brushing, daily interdental cleaning, and periodic professional cleanings. Using nonabrasive toothpaste and appropriate interdental tools such as floss, water irrigators, or interdental brushes helps keep the implant and surrounding gum tissue healthy. Avoiding tobacco and addressing any signs of gum inflammation early are important steps to protect implant longevity.

Regular dental exams allow your provider to evaluate the health of the implant, surrounding bone, and prosthetic components so any concerns can be addressed promptly. If repair or prosthetic servicing is needed, timely intervention helps prevent more significant problems. Following a preventive schedule and the oral hygiene guidance provided by your dental team supports lasting success for implant restorations.

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Get in Touch with Dentistry on the Square Today

Your smile deserves care that feels as good as it looks and we’re here to make that happen.

At Dentistry on the Square, reaching out to us is as easy and comfortable as walking through our doors. Whether you're looking to schedule an appointment, curious about a treatment, or just want to chat about your dental goals, our caring team is always happy to help. Give us a call, send us a message or use our quick online form, whatever’s easiest for you. We’re here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and welcome you with the kind of personalized attention you won’t find just anywhere. Let’s make your next visit something to smile about. We can’t wait to hear from you!