Dental implants & tooth replacement

A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone that supports a replacement tooth. Once it has integrated with the bone, a crown is made to fit on top of it so the tooth looks and functions like the others around it.

• Examine the area and talk through the realistic options for replacing the tooth
• Compare an implant with alternatives such as a bridge, so you can weigh them
• Coordinate a referral to a surgical specialist when placement surgery is needed
• Discuss restoring the tooth on top of the implant once healing is complete

If surgery is part of your plan, we will tell you clearly who would perform it and how the steps fit together, so nothing about the process is a surprise.

It depends on bone support, gum health, your medical history, and how the surrounding teeth are doing. Some patients are better served by a bridge or another restoration. We would rather tell you that than start treatment that will not hold up.