What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. During a straightforward surgical procedure, your dentist places the implant into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. Over time, the bone fuses to the implant, creating a stable foundation. Once healed, the implant is topped with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to complete the tooth and blend naturally with the rest of your smile.
Deciding on dental implants is a significant decision. Understanding the process, benefits, and what to expect can help you feel confident moving forward with treatment.
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Why you might need dental implants
Your natural teeth do more than help you chew. They support the shape and height of your smile and allow you to speak clearly and comfortably.
When a tooth is missing, nearby teeth can shift out of position, which affects your bite and increases the risk of further oral health problems. Losing even one tooth can set off a chain of changes that affect your appearance and overall oral health.
Missing teeth also lead to bone resorption. This is a natural process where the jawbone breaks down tissue it no longer needs. Teeth stimulate the jawbone every time you bite or chew, which signals the body to maintain that bone. Once a tooth is gone, that stimulation stops, and the bone gradually shrinks. Over time, this can shorten the jaw and change the shape of your face, giving your cheeks and lips a sunken appearance.
Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant helps prevent these changes and keeps your bite, bone, and facial structure functioning the way they should.
The benefits of dental implants
Losing a tooth affects more than your smile. It can impact your confidence, comfort while eating, and long-term oral health. Left untreated, a gap can lead to bone loss or shifting teeth over time.
- Restores your natural appearance: Dental implants are custom made to match the size, shape, and colour of your surrounding teeth, so they blend naturally with your smile.
- Feels stable and comfortable: Once the jawbone fuses with the implant, a crown or bridge can be securely attached, or the implant may support a denture. This stability allows you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
- Helps maintain bone strength: Dental implants stimulate the surrounding bone the same way a natural tooth root does, helping to preserve bone density where a missing tooth would otherwise cause it to weaken.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth.
Dental implant restorations
Once an implant has healed, it’s covered with a restoration. This is the visible, functional part of the tooth that sits above the gumline.
- Dental crown: The most common type of implant restoration, used to replace a single missing tooth.
- Dental bridge: Used when several teeth in a row are missing. A few implants can support a bridge that spans the gap, and in some cases, a full arch of teeth can be secured to four or more implants.
- Implant-supported denture: Adds stability to a removable denture by anchoring it to two or more implants.
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What to expect during your dental implant treatment
The dental implant process takes place over several appointments to allow proper healing and a well-fitted final result.
Assessment
Your treatment begins with a consultation to determine if dental implants are right for you. Your dentist will review your oral health, take X-rays, and may use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate your jawbone and plan the exact placement and angle of the implant.
Placing the implant
Once the treatment plan is confirmed, the surgical site is numbed with a local anesthetic. Your dentist creates a small opening in the gum and bone, then places the implant post. Sutures may be used to close the gum tissue, depending on your case.
Finalizing the restoration
After placement, the implant needs time to heal and fuse with the jawbone, which typically takes a few months. Once healing is complete, you’ll return to have your custom restoration attached, completing your new, fully functional tooth.
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Schedule an initial consultation and exam with our team.
Your consultation includes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, along with an assessment of the shape and condition of your bite. We take a close look at how your whole mouth looks and functions before recommending any treatment.
Before your treatment plan is created, we want to understand the full picture, including the health of your smile, its appearance, and most importantly, what you’re hoping to achieve. This helps us recommend options that fit your specific needs and guide you toward the results you want.
Cost of dental implants in Trenton
The cost of dental implants varies depending on your individual treatment needs. A single implant typically ranges from approximately $3,000 to $6,000 or more. Full-mouth reconstruction with dental implants can range from $6,000 to $60,000 or higher, and a full set of implant-supported dentures averages around $30,000. Because every case is different, an accurate quote can only be provided after a consultation and oral exam.
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Several factors influence the overall cost of treatment:
- Type and number of implants needed.
- Materials and supplies used.
- Time and expertise required from your dental team.
- Complexity of the surgical site.
- Follow-up care and recovery time.
Are there other options for missing teeth?
For patients missing one to three teeth in a row, a dental bridge may be a suitable alternative. Patients missing several teeth or an entire arch may consider a removable dental prosthetic or dentures.
While dental implants often involve a higher initial investment, they tend to offer greater long-term stability and durability compared with bridges or dentures. Removable options may require adjustments or replacement over time, whereas an implant is cared for much like a natural tooth, with daily oral hygiene and routine dental visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most healthy adults with sufficient jawbone density are candidates for dental implants. Patients with bone loss may still qualify with additional treatment, such as bone grafting, to build up the site before implant placement. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if implants are right for you.
No. Your dental team can provide a temporary restoration to wear while your implant heals, so you won’t be left with a visible gap during treatment.
While uncommon, implant failure can occur, often related to insufficient bone support, infection, or inadequate healing. Choosing an experienced dental team and following aftercare instructions closely helps reduce this risk.
Dental implants are cared for the same way as natural teeth, through daily brushing, flossing, and teeth cleanings. There are no special products required, though your dentist may recommend specific tools for cleaning around the restoration.
Not always. Bone grafting is only needed if there isn’t enough healthy bone to support the implant. Your dentist will assess this during your consultation using imaging such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Delaying treatment can allow surrounding teeth to shift, increase the risk of bone loss at the site, and make future implant placement more complex. Addressing a missing tooth sooner generally supports a more predictable treatment outcome.
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