Dental implants are the most innovative solution to missing teeth. Implants offer the most natural look and feel to natural teeth and last a very long time compared to other treatments like removable partials, full dentures or even traditional fixed bridges. Dr. Atari specializes in implant dentistry and we sat down with her to cover everything you need to know about getting implants.
Why would you need a dental implant?
Teeth replacement is generally to restore function. Whether this is for a single tooth, several teeth or all of the teeth, there are a few options available. Dentures tend to be the most affordable but can be an inconvenience because of having to remove them from your mouth often. A dental bridge is a second option and was widely used before the popularity of implants. The main disadvantage here is the placement of the bridge is dependent on the surrounding natural teeth and how healthy and sturdy they are. Dental implants use bone as their support. Always book a consultation with your Raleigh dentist to discuss these options and see what is right for you.
Missing teeth can happen for a range of reasons, from decay to gum disease to injury. If gum disease is part of the picture, it’s worth understanding what periodontal disease actually is, since untreated gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss and can affect how much bone is available for an implant later on.
Dentures vs. Bridges vs. Implants: How Do They Compare?
Since these three options come up in almost every tooth replacement conversation, it helps to see them side by side.
| Feature | Dentures | Dental Bridge | Dental Implant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support | Rests on gums, sometimes with adhesive | Anchored to adjacent natural teeth | Anchored directly into the jawbone |
| Removable or fixed | Removable | Fixed | Fixed |
| Impact on nearby teeth | None | Requires reshaping healthy adjacent teeth | None |
| Bone preservation | Does not prevent bone loss | Does not prevent bone loss | Preserves jawbone through osseointegration |
| Typical lifespan | 5 to 10 years, often needs relining or replacement | 10 to 15 years | 20+ years, often a lifetime with proper care |
| Feel and function | Can feel bulky, may shift while eating or speaking | Feels close to a natural tooth | Feels and functions like a natural tooth |
| Upfront cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest, though often most cost-effective long term |
As the table shows, implants ask for a bigger investment upfront, but that investment tends to pay off through durability and the fact that they’re the only option that actively preserves the bone structure in your jaw.
How are dental implants placed?
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and over time fuse with the bone. The implant is not just a replacement of the missing tooth but also for the root. The fusion process is called “osseointegration” and the success rate is very high, about 98%.
This bone preservation piece is one of the biggest reasons Dr. Atari recommends implants when a patient is a good candidate. Because the implant fuses directly with the jawbone, it continues to stimulate that bone the same way a natural tooth root would, which helps prevent the gradual bone loss that tends to occur under dentures or bridges over time. Our article on how dental implants support jaw bone health goes into more detail on exactly how this process works.
What are dental implants made from?
The implants themselves are typically made of titanium. This ensures that it can integrate with the bone and the immune system does not treat it like a foreign object.
Titanium has been used in implant dentistry for decades because of its biocompatibility, meaning the body generally accepts it without triggering an immune response or rejection. Some patients with a metal sensitivity may ask about zirconia implants as an alternative, which Dr. Atari can discuss during a consultation if this applies to you.
Types of Dental Implant Treatment
Not every implant case looks the same. Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, Dr. Atari may recommend a different approach.
- Single-tooth implant. One implant post supports one crown, replacing a single missing tooth without affecting the teeth on either side.
- Implant-supported bridge. Two implants anchor a bridge of three or more replacement teeth, useful when several teeth in a row are missing but a full denture isn’t needed.
- Implant-supported dentures. A full arch of replacement teeth is secured by several implants, offering far more stability than a traditional removable denture.
- All-on-4 or full-arch implants. A complete set of upper or lower teeth is supported by as few as four strategically placed implants, often the recommended option for patients missing most or all of their teeth in one arch.
The right approach depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of your jawbone, and your overall treatment goals, which Dr. Atari will walk through during your consultation.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults missing one or more teeth are candidates for implants, though a few factors matter more than others.
- Adequate jawbone density. If bone has already been lost where the tooth is missing, a bone graft may be recommended before implant placement.
- Healthy gums. Active gum disease should be treated first, since it affects the tissue and bone supporting the implant.
- General health. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or certain autoimmune disorders can affect healing, though many patients with well-managed chronic conditions are still candidates.
- Non-smoking, or willingness to pause smoking around treatment. Smoking can slow healing and reduce the long-term success rate of an implant.
- Realistic expectations about timeline. Implants involve a healing period, so patients who need immediate results should discuss timeline expectations with Dr. Atari upfront.
If you’re missing several teeth or are weighing implants against other options like Invisalign for a broader smile correction, it’s worth knowing that Invisalign and missing teeth can sometimes be part of the same overall treatment plan, depending on your specific case.
What can I expect before, during and after dental implant surgery?
During the consultation, we would do dental imaging using our 3D pano to examine the site in the mouth where we are considering placing the implant. The quality and quantity of the jawbone would also be examined to see if additional bone may be needed. If everything checks out, then we would schedule your appointment for the implant placement.
To ensure a painless procedure, local anesthetics and other sedatives may be used. The first stage of the oral surgery typically involves a tooth or teeth extraction. If the jawbone examination showed the need for additional bone, then an alveolar bone graft is placed to achieve a solid base of bone for the implant. If bone is placed, then it will require about 2 months of healing prior to placing the implant. If no bone is needed, then the implant can be placed same-day.
The dental implant is placed into the bone using a special drill. Once placed, a healing cap is placed over it to help accelerate the implants integration with the bone. This may take three to four months. During this time, a temporary denture can be used so that you can maintain your full smile.
Lastly, after the healing is complete, the dentist will place a prosthetic component to the dental implant called an abutment. We will take an impression of this abutment in the mouth and have a custom-made implant crown to fit in your mouth.
What Does Dental Implant Treatment Cost?
Implant cost depends heavily on your specific case, but here’s a general sense of what factors into pricing.
| Component | Typical Cost Range (US) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single implant post | $1,500 to $3,000 | Covers the titanium post placed in the jawbone |
| Abutment and crown | $1,000 to $3,000 | The visible, custom-made replacement tooth |
| Bone graft (if needed) | $300 to $3,000 | Varies widely based on how much bone is needed |
| Implant-supported bridge | $3,000 to $9,000+ | Depends on number of implants and teeth replaced |
| Full-arch (All-on-4 style) | $15,000 to $30,000+ per arch | Covers implants, abutments, and a full prosthetic arch |
Dental insurance coverage for implants varies quite a bit from plan to plan, and some plans cover the crown portion more readily than the implant post itself. Our team can review your specific benefits and walk through financing options during your consultation, so cost never has to be a guessing game.
Caring for Your Dental Implant After Placement
Once your implant crown is placed, caring for it is very similar to caring for a natural tooth, with a few extra points worth keeping in mind.
- Brush twice daily and floss around the implant just as you would a natural tooth.
- Keep up with regular cleanings every six months so your dentist can monitor the implant and surrounding gum tissue.
- Avoid chewing on very hard items like ice, which can stress the implant crown over time.
- Let your dentist know right away if you notice looseness, discomfort, or swelling around the implant site, since early attention can prevent bigger issues.
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, ask about a night guard to protect both your implant and your natural teeth.
With consistent care, implants are designed to last for decades, often for life, which is part of why so many patients see them as the most reliable long-term investment in their oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The placement procedure itself is done under local anesthesia or sedation, so patients typically don’t feel pain during surgery. Some mild soreness or swelling afterward is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does the whole implant process take?
Timelines vary based on whether a bone graft is needed. Without a graft, the process from placement to final crown often takes three to four months. With a graft, add roughly two additional months for the bone to heal before the implant itself is placed.
Are dental implants covered by insurance?
Coverage varies widely by plan. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of implant treatment, especially when it’s considered medically necessary, while others offer limited or no coverage. Our team can help you understand your specific benefits before treatment begins.
Can dental implants fail?
Implant failure is uncommon, with a success rate around 98%, but it can happen, most often due to insufficient bone integration, infection, or excessive stress on the implant from grinding or poor oral hygiene. Regular checkups help catch any issues early.
Is there an age limit for getting dental implants?
There’s no strict upper age limit as long as a patient is in reasonably good health and has adequate bone density. Implants are generally not placed in patients whose jawbone is still developing, which typically rules out most teenagers.
Contact Us Today
Dr. Atari and the team at Smileplicity Dentistry are excited to help you achieve the perfect look for your smile. We also offer same day dental appointments in Raleigh when availability allows. Schedule now online or contact us to book your appointment, or visit our office in-person at 5816 Creedmoor Road, Suite 105, Raleigh, NC 27612. We hope to see you soon!
