Dental implant treatment typically involves multiple visits over several months. The entire process can take anywhere from three to nine months, depending on the complexity of your case and your individual healing rate. Initially, diagnostic imaging such as a CT scan, along with impressions and photographs of your jaw and the specific area of interest, are taken to evaluate bone density, gum tissue health, and the available space for the implant. Once the implant is surgically placed, a healing period of three to six months is necessary to allow the implant to integrate with your jawbone—a process known as osseointegration. After successful integration, the artificial tooth or crown is securely attached to the implant, restoring function similar to that of a natural tooth.​

This timeline aligns with standard dental implant procedures, where the duration can vary based on individual circumstances and the need for any additional treatments, such as bone grafting.

At Alta Dental Studio, our dentists offer several reliable options for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants and bridges. Both solutions have distinct advantages and considerations that you should evaluate. The primary difference between these two treatments lies in how the new tooth is secured in your mouth.

A dental implant is surgically placed into the gum and acts as an artificial tooth root, securely anchoring your replacement tooth. This procedure helps prevent bone loss and preserves the natural structure of your jaw, similar to your natural teeth. Dental implants can be maintained just like your natural teeth and don't require altering adjacent healthy teeth for support. However, completing the implant procedure typically requires several months. During the healing period, our dentists can provide a temporary tooth to fill the gap.

In comparison, a dental bridge uses the teeth on either side of the missing tooth for support. Bridges can usually be completed within a week. However, this procedure involves reducing the adjacent teeth, potentially compromising otherwise healthy tooth structure. Additionally, because a bridge doesn't replace the missing tooth root, there's a greater risk of bone loss over time. Maintaining a bridge also requires diligent cleaning to prevent bacterial buildup.

Every patient's situation is unique. Schedule a consultation with Alta Dental Studio today. Our experienced dentists will help you choose the most suitable treatment based on your dental health, long-term oral care needs, and budget.

A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root, securely anchoring the replacement tooth. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the surrounding gum tissue. The artificial tooth attached to the implant looks and functions just like a natural tooth. Dental implants are highly durable and can last for many years.

An immediate dental implant involves placing an implant directly into the jawbone immediately after tooth extraction. This contrasts with the traditional method, where there's typically a waiting period for the extraction site to heal first.

Here's an overview of the immediate dental implant procedure:

Extraction: The damaged or decayed tooth is carefully removed.

Implant Placement: Right after extraction, the dental implant is inserted into the socket previously occupied by the natural tooth.

Temporary Crown: In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed during the same appointment. This temporary restoration maintains space and preserves gum contours as the implant integrates with the bone.

Healing: Over approximately 3–6 months, the implant securely fuses with the jawbone through a natural healing process called osseointegration.

Permanent Restoration: After successful healing and integration, the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent crown.

Immediate dental implants offer several benefits, including a shorter overall treatment timeline by combining tooth extraction and implant placement into a single procedure. Additionally, this method can help preserve the jawbone and gum tissue, leading to better aesthetic outcomes.

However, immediate implants may not be suitable for every patient. Factors such as bone density, absence of infection, overall health, and lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking) can influence the success of this treatment. Consulting a dental professional is essential to determine whether immediate dental implants are right for you.

Implant-supported dentures are overdentures that securely attach to dental implants placed directly in the jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures that simply rest on the gums, implant-supported dentures offer enhanced stability and support. Although they firmly connect to the implants, these dentures can still be removed easily for cleaning.

Implant-supported dentures can be used in both the upper and lower jaws but are particularly beneficial for the lower jaw, where traditional dentures typically have less stability. They provide multiple advantages, including greater comfort, improved chewing efficiency, and the preservation of jawbone structure, which can otherwise deteriorate after tooth loss.

It's important to consult your dentist to determine if implant-supported dentures are suitable for you, as they require adequate healthy bone in the jaw to support the implants.

Replacing missing teeth is important not only for appearance and self-confidence but also to maintain your overall oral health. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone and gum tissue can start to deteriorate, altering the structure of your jaw and facial features over time. Neighboring teeth may also shift into the gap, causing alignment issues, bite problems, gum disease, and increased risk of tooth decay.

By promptly replacing missing teeth, you help preserve bone density, maintain proper tooth alignment, and protect the overall health of your mouth. At our practice, our experienced dentists use advanced techniques and technology to provide personalized solutions that restore function and appearance effectively.