An implant is the closest thing to the tooth you lost. It looks like a tooth, chews like one, and because it is anchored in bone, it keeps the jaw from shrinking the way it does under a bridge or a denture.
Why have implants placed here
Most general dentists refer implant surgery out, so you see one office for the implant and another for the crown. Dr. Wolbaum completed the Misch Implant Fellowship and is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, so grafting, implant placement and the final restoration all happen in the same chair with the same person.
- 3D cone-beam imaging to measure bone and plan the exact position before surgery
- Bone grafting and sinus lifts when there is not enough bone to hold an implant
- Single implants, implant bridges and full-arch implant dentures
- One point of contact from consultation to final crown
Options for every situation
| You are missing | What we usually recommend |
|---|---|
| One tooth | A single implant with a porcelain crown. The neighbors are left untouched. |
| Several teeth in a row | An implant-supported bridge: two or more implants carry several teeth. |
| All upper or lower teeth | A full-arch implant denture, fixed in place or snap-on, held by four to six implants. |
| A denture that will not stay put | Two to four implants that lock your existing or a new denture in place. See dentures. |
What the process looks like
- Consultation and 3D scan
We take a cone-beam scan, look at bone volume and the position of nerves and sinuses, and go over your options and the cost in writing. Implant consultations are free. - Placement
The implant goes in under local anesthetic. Most single implants take under an hour. Sedation is available if you are anxious. - Healing
Over roughly three to six months the bone grows around the implant. You leave with a temporary tooth if the gap shows when you smile. - The crown
Once the implant is solid we scan it digitally and fit a custom crown that matches the shade and shape of your other teeth.
Already have a denture? Converting a loose denture to an implant-retained one is one of the highest-satisfaction treatments we do. Ask about it at your next hygiene visit.
Common questions
Does getting an implant hurt?
The placement itself is done under local anesthetic and most patients describe it as easier than an extraction. Expect a few days of soreness that over-the-counter pain relief handles.
How long do implants last?
With good home care and regular cleanings, the implant itself typically lasts decades. The crown on top may need replacing after 10 to 15 years, like any crown.
Am I too old, or is my bone too thin?
Age is rarely the issue. Thin bone can usually be built up with grafting, which we do in-house. The 3D scan tells us for certain.
Does insurance cover implants?
Some plans cover part of the crown or the extraction. We check your benefits before you commit, and CareCredit financing is available for the balance.