Missing teeth affect far more than appearance—they change how people eat, speak, and feel about their smiles. Modern implant dentistry addresses these issues by restoring both function and form. Implants are designed to replace the entire tooth structure, including the root, which distinguishes them from traditional options and makes them a long-term solution for many patients.
At Dentistry on the Square, our approach focuses on predictable outcomes and patient comfort. We evaluate each smile on its own merits and recommend implant solutions when they offer the best balance of durability, aesthetics, and oral health benefits. The goal is a restoration that looks seamless and performs like a natural tooth.
Choosing an implant is often about restoring confidence as much as filling a gap. For many patients, the stability and natural feel of an implant-supported tooth mean fewer day-to-day compromises—whether enjoying favorite foods or speaking in public.
Dental implants are titanium or ceramic posts placed into the jaw to act as artificial tooth roots. Once secured and integrated with the surrounding bone, they become the foundation for crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures. Because implants replace the root as well as the visible tooth, they provide a level of function and stability that removable prosthetics cannot match.
This root-level replacement helps preserve the underlying bone. When a tooth is missing, bone resorption can occur over time; an implant stimulates the jawbone similarly to a natural tooth, helping maintain facial contours and reducing long-term changes to the jawline.
When executed with careful planning and precise restoration work, implant-supported teeth look and feel natural. The restoration materials and shading techniques available today allow a seamless blend with surrounding teeth, producing a balanced and durable result.
Implant dentistry combines surgical precision with restorative artistry. The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation—clinical exam, imaging, and a review of medical history—to determine if implants are a suitable choice. Candidates need adequate bone and healthy soft tissues, and any restorative plan is tailored to their unique anatomy and goals.
After placement, a healing period allows the implant to bond to the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once integrated, the implant serves as an anchor for the final restoration, which is crafted to match the patient’s bite, color, and proportions. Regular follow-up and hygiene care help ensure the implant remains stable for many years.
One of the most immediate advantages of dental implants is how naturally they integrate into everyday life. Because implants are fixed in the jaw, patients experience improved comfort when chewing and speaking compared with removable options. This reliability can lead to a quicker return to normal eating habits and clearer speech.
Implants also remove the worry of slippage or shifting that some removable dentures can present. For many patients, this stability translates to renewed self-assurance in social and professional interactions, since smiling, laughing, and eating happen without second thoughts.
From a clinical perspective, implants preserve adjacent healthy teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, which may require altering neighboring teeth for support, implants stand alone and protect the integrity of surrounding natural dentition.
By recreating the root structure, implants maintain healthy stimulation of the jawbone. This helps slow or prevent the bone loss and facial changes that can occur after tooth loss. Over time, preserving bone volume supports adjacent teeth and contributes to a stable, youthful facial profile.
Implants are also resistant to decay and do not develop cavities. While the surrounding gum and bone still require attention, an implant-supported restoration can offer decades of reliable function when paired with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Implant dentistry isn’t one-size-fits-all. Treatment options vary depending on how many teeth are missing, bone availability, and a patient’s goals. A single implant restored with a crown is an elegant solution when one tooth is missing and neighboring teeth are healthy. It restores chewing power and preserves adjacent tooth structure.
For patients missing multiple adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges use several implants to support multiple replacement teeth without relying on neighboring natural teeth. This preserves remaining dentition and reestablishes function across a larger span.
When most or all teeth are missing, full-arch implant solutions recreate an entire dental arch. These can be either fixed (non-removable) restorations or implant-retained overdentures. Full-arch treatments are carefully planned to restore aesthetics, bite, and speech while providing a stable, long-term outcome.
Choosing between a single implant, implant-supported bridge, or a full-arch approach depends on more than tooth count. We consider factors such as bone quality, chewing patterns, and cosmetic preferences. Some treatment paths allow for provisional teeth on the same day as implant placement, while others follow a staged approach to optimize healing and long-term results.
During planning, we discuss all clinical steps and what you can expect at each appointment. That transparency helps patients make informed decisions and prepares them for an efficient treatment journey with predictable milestones.
Implant care begins with a thorough consultation. Advanced imaging and digital planning tools let us visualize bone levels, nerve positions, and the ideal implant orientation. This planning phase is essential to reduce surprises and to design a restoration that supports healthy function and pleasing aesthetics.
Implant placement is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Many patients experience minimal postoperative discomfort, which can be managed with commonly recommended measures. We provide detailed preoperative and postoperative guidance, and offer sedation options for those who prefer extra relaxation during the procedure.
Healing timelines vary, but the team will monitor integration closely. Temporary restorations can often be used during the healing phase to maintain appearance and function until the definitive prosthesis is ready.
Not every patient begins treatment with the ideal amount of bone needed for implant placement. When bone volume is insufficient, bone grafting can rebuild the ridge to support a stable implant site. Grafting techniques range from small, localized grafts at extraction sites to larger ridge augmentations, depending on the clinical need.
Bone grafting is a routine and well-established part of implant care when indicated. It improves long-term prognosis by creating the proper foundation for an implant and helps ensure that the final restoration is supported securely for years to come.
Once the final restoration is in place, ongoing success depends on regular professional care and diligent home hygiene. Patients should maintain routine dental visits for professional cleanings and assessments, and follow personalized oral hygiene instructions to protect the health of surrounding gums and bone.
With proper care, dental implants have excellent long-term outcomes. The emphasis on maintenance and early intervention when issues arise helps preserve implant health and the overall stability of the restoration.
If you’re exploring tooth replacement options, a consultation is the best place to start. During this visit we’ll review your medical and dental history, take the necessary images, and outline implant options that match your goals and anatomy. Our focus is a clear, customized plan that balances predictability with aesthetic results.
Dentistry on the Square takes a patient-centered approach: we listen to concerns, explain each step, and coordinate care in a way that minimizes surprises. Whether you need a single tooth restored or a full-arch solution, we prioritize outcomes that support long-term oral health and a comfortable, natural-feeling smile.
To learn more about implant dentistry or to schedule an evaluation, please contact us for additional information. We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward a durable, confident smile.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
