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Consultation & Planning
We evaluate your bone density, gum health, and overall oral health using X-rays and 3D imaging to determine if implants are right for you and plan precise placement.
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Permanent tooth replacement
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth — and with proper care, they last a lifetime.
Why implants
The permanent solution for missing teeth
Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants replace the entire tooth — root and all. This preserves your jawbone, protects neighboring teeth, and gives you a restoration that feels completely natural.
- Permanent solution — lasts a lifetime with proper care
- Preserves jawbone and prevents bone loss
- No slipping, clicking, or adhesives like dentures
- Eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence
- Protects neighboring teeth — no grinding them down
- Easy to clean — brush and floss normally
The process
Your implant journey, step by step
02
Implant Placement
A small titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is.
03
Osseointegration
Over 3–6 months, the implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable, permanent foundation.
04
Abutment & Crown
Once healed, a custom abutment and porcelain crown are attached. The result looks, feels, and functions exactly like a natural tooth.
Patient questions answered
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once healed, a custom crown is attached to the implant, creating a permanent tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Why might I need a dental implant?
Implants are the best long-term solution for replacing a missing tooth — whether lost to decay, gum disease, injury, or extraction. They prevent bone loss, protect neighboring teeth, and restore your ability to eat and speak normally.
What symptoms or signs indicate I'm a candidate?
If you have a missing tooth, a tooth that needs extraction, or a failing bridge or denture, you may be a candidate. Good candidates have adequate jawbone density and healthy gums. We evaluate this at your consultation.
What happens during implant treatment?
First, we place the titanium implant into the jawbone. Over 3–6 months, it fuses with the bone (osseointegration). Then we attach an abutment and custom crown. The result is a permanent, natural-looking tooth.
Will it hurt?
The implant placement is performed under local anesthesia — you will feel pressure but no pain. Most patients report that the procedure was more comfortable than they expected. Mild soreness for a few days after placement is normal and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does implant treatment take?
The full process typically takes 4–8 months from placement to final crown. Most of that time is the healing period. The actual surgical and restorative appointments are relatively brief.
What happens after the implant is placed?
We provide detailed aftercare instructions. You'll eat soft foods for a few weeks, keep the area clean, and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Once the crown is placed, care is the same as a natural tooth — brush and floss normally.
What happens if I don't replace a missing tooth?
The jawbone beneath a missing tooth begins to shrink within months. Neighboring teeth shift toward the gap. Your bite changes, which can cause jaw pain and wear on other teeth. The longer you wait, the more bone is lost — making implant placement more complex.
Do you place dental implants at Essential Dental Care?
Yes. We place and restore dental implants at Essential Dental Care. We also offer implant-supported dentures for patients missing multiple teeth. Schedule a free consultation to find out if implants are right for you.
Find out if implants are right for you
Schedule a free consultation and we'll evaluate your candidacy, answer every question, and walk you through your options.