Dental implant placement is the surgical phase of implant treatment in which a small biocompatible implant is carefully positioned within the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once healed, the implant provides a stable foundation for a custom crown, bridge, or other restoration.
Successful placement begins well before the procedure itself. Our doctors evaluate your bone, gums, surrounding teeth, bite, and other important structures to determine the appropriate position for the implant and whether any additional treatment is needed to create a healthy foundation.
Implant placement may be an option if you are missing a tooth, need to have a non-restorable tooth removed, or are planning a larger implant-supported restoration. Your gum health, available bone, overall health, anatomy, and healing ability all play a role in determining whether treatment is appropriate.
You may be a candidate if you:
A comprehensive evaluation allows us to determine the safest and most appropriate approach for your individual needs.
Not every implant site begins with the same amount or quality of supporting bone. Tooth loss, periodontal disease, infection, and natural anatomy can all influence the foundation available for an implant. When necessary, additional procedures may be recommended before or during implant placement.
If a compromised tooth is still present, it may need to be carefully removed before an implant can be placed. In certain situations, implant placement may be possible at the time of extraction.
Bone grafting can help preserve or rebuild areas where the jawbone does not provide adequate support for an implant. The type and timing of grafting depend on the individual site.
For implants in certain areas of the upper back jaw, the position of the sinus and amount of available bone may require a sinus lift to create sufficient support for implant placement.
Some implant sites require additional preparation or healing before placement. Our doctors will determine whether any preliminary treatment is needed and explain how it affects your overall timeline.
Some tenderness, swelling, or minor discomfort is normal following implant placement and typically improves as healing progresses. We’ll provide personalized instructions for caring for the surgical area, maintaining oral hygiene, eating comfortably, and using any recommended medications.
Healing continues beneath the surface as the bone integrates with the implant. The amount of time required varies based on the treatment site, bone quality, additional procedures, and individual healing. Follow-up visits allow us to monitor your progress and determine when the implant is ready for restoration.
The length of the procedure depends on the number and location of implants being placed and whether additional treatment, such as an extraction or bone graft, is performed at the same appointment. We’ll review the expected procedure and treatment timeline with you beforehand.
In certain situations, an implant may be placed immediately after a tooth is removed. However, immediate placement is not appropriate for every extraction site. The amount and condition of the supporting bone, infection, anatomy, and ability to achieve implant stability all influence the decision.
Insufficient bone does not necessarily mean implant treatment is impossible. Depending on the location and amount of bone available, bone grafting, a sinus lift, or another site-development procedure may be recommended to create adequate support. A comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine your options.
Healing time varies based on the implant location, bone quality, stability, additional procedures, and your individual healing response. The implant must achieve adequate integration with the surrounding bone before it can predictably support its final restoration. We’ll monitor your healing and determine when it’s ready for the restorative phase.
