Implant Dentistry

If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.

Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.

Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.

Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.

It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.

A dental implant is a biocompatible titanium or zirconia post placed into the jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over time the surrounding bone fuses to the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. That intimate connection is what allows implant-supported teeth to restore chewing force and feel like natural teeth.

Beyond restoring function, implants help preserve jawbone and facial contours by transmitting biting forces into the bone and preventing the resorption that follows tooth loss. Implants also support restorations that can be matched to your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. With modern planning and guided placement, clinicians can position implants for optimal support, esthetics and long-term predictability.

Good candidates for dental implants are generally adults in good overall health who have resolved active infections and adequate bone to support an implant. Chronic conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or habits like heavy smoking can affect healing and are evaluated during the consultation. Age by itself is not a limiting factor; rather, the focus is on medical stability and oral health.

If bone volume is insufficient, grafting procedures can create a stable foundation so more patients become eligible for implants. A thorough evaluation including medical history, periodontal assessment and 3D imaging determines whether implant therapy is appropriate and which restorative options best meet a patient's goals. Your oral surgeon and restorative dentist will review alternatives when implants are not the ideal choice.

Preparation begins with a detailed examination that includes a review of your medical history, intraoral exam and three-dimensional imaging to assess bone and anatomic landmarks. Medications, bleeding disorders and prior treatments are identified so the surgical plan can be tailored for safety and predictability. We also discuss anesthesia and sedation options to help you feel comfortable during the procedure.

At Pharos Implants and Oral Surgery, planning often includes collaboration with your restorative dentist to determine ideal implant position and the final prosthetic design. Smoking cessation, improving gum health and optimizing chronic medical conditions may be recommended before surgery to improve outcomes. Clear preoperative instructions and a coordinated timeline reduce surprises and set expectations for healing and restoration.

After surgery patients commonly experience mild to moderate swelling, bruising and discomfort that peak within the first 48 to 72 hours and then improve each day. Managing pain with prescribed or over-the-counter medications, applying cold packs early and following soft diet recommendations help support a smooth recovery. Maintaining good oral hygiene while protecting the surgical site is important and we provide specific home-care instructions.

Follow-up visits let the surgeon monitor healing, remove sutures when indicated and determine the appropriate timing for placing a temporary or final restoration. Patients are advised to contact the office if they develop persistent heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain or signs of infection so issues can be addressed promptly. With attentive postoperative care most patients progress through healing without complications.

Dental implants are designed to last for many years and can provide decades of service when maintained with excellent oral hygiene and regular professional care. Daily brushing, interdental cleaning around implant restorations and routine dental examinations reduce the risk of peri-implant disease. Avoiding tobacco and addressing conditions like bruxism further protects the implant and its supporting tissues.

Restorative components such as crowns or prosthetic teeth may require maintenance or replacement over time, but the underlying implant is generally stable when the surrounding bone and gum remain healthy. Your restorative dentist will plan a maintenance schedule and may recommend periodic tightening or replacement of prosthetic parts as needed. Consistent communication between your surgeon and restorative team helps preserve function and appearance for the long term.

Bone grafting becomes necessary when there is insufficient bone height, width or quality to support an implant safely and predictably. Grafts can use autogenous bone, bone substitutes or a combination of materials to rebuild the ridge and create a suitable foundation. These procedures are common and, when properly planned, integrate with the native bone to allow future implant placement.

A sinus lift is a specialized grafting technique for the upper back jaw that elevates the sinus membrane and places graft material to increase vertical bone height. The choice and timing of grafting depend on the anatomy, planned implant position and the overall treatment sequence, and healing times vary accordingly. Your surgeon will explain the expected timeline and follow-up required to maximize predictability.

Implants can support a wide range of restorations, from single crowns that replace one tooth to bridges that span multiple missing teeth without altering adjacent natural teeth. For patients missing an entire arch, full-arch solutions such as fixed implant bridges or All-on-X-style restorations recreate a permanent prosthesis anchored to several implants. Implant-retained overdentures offer a removable option that snaps onto implants for improved stability compared with conventional dentures.

The choice of restoration is guided by functional needs, esthetic goals and the patient's preferences for removability and maintenance. In many cases a provisional restoration can be delivered immediately to preserve appearance and function while osseointegration occurs. A restorative team tailors materials and designs to achieve a natural appearance and reliable long-term performance.

Compared with traditional bridges and removable dentures, implants often provide superior stability because they are anchored in the jawbone rather than relying on adjacent teeth or soft tissues. This stability improves chewing efficiency, reduces movement and increases patient confidence in everyday activities. Unlike fixed bridges that require preparation of neighboring teeth, implants preserve surrounding tooth structure and reduce the long-term risk to adjacent dentition.

That said, conventional prostheses may remain appropriate for some patients due to anatomic limitations or personal preferences, and implant candidacy should be determined on an individual basis. Maintenance routines differ as well, since implant restorations need meticulous plaque control and professional assessment to prevent peri-implant disease. Your surgeon and restorative dentist will review the advantages and trade-offs so you can make an informed decision.

The timeline for implant treatment varies with case complexity, ranging from a single surgical visit for straightforward cases to several months when grafting or staged procedures are required. After implant placement a healing period allows osseointegration to occur, and during that time temporary restorations may be used to maintain function and esthetics. The final prosthetic is attached once integration and soft tissue healing meet the clinical goals for stability and appearance.

Careful digital planning and guided surgical techniques can shorten chair time and improve predictability, but each patient's anatomy and healing response ultimately determine the schedule. Your team will provide a personalized timeline during the consultation and update it as treatment progresses to reflect healing milestones. Clear communication about stages and follow-up helps patients plan for appointments and recovery.

Comprehensive implant care combines surgical expertise with restorative coordination, laboratory communication and patient education to achieve predictable, natural-looking results. We use three-dimensional imaging and digital planning tools to visualize anatomy, select implant size and angulation, and design the final restoration in collaboration with your dentist and the dental laboratory. This multidisciplinary approach reduces surprises and aligns surgical placement with restorative goals.

At Pharos Implants and Oral Surgery our team emphasizes comfort, clear explanations and continuity of care so patients understand each step from consultation to final restoration. We coordinate referrals, provide detailed operative notes and remain available for postoperative support and long-term follow-up. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and participate in planning so the chosen treatment meets their functional and esthetic expectations.