Services
Dental Implants
An implant replaces the root of a missing tooth as well as the crown you can see. Everything that makes implants feel and function differently from the alternatives follows from that one structural fact.
What's actually being placed
An implant is a small post, most commonly titanium, placed directly into the jawbone where the tooth root used to be. Over the following months, bone gradually fuses to the surface of the post in a process called osseointegration, the same basic biology that lets a broken bone heal around a surgical plate. Once that's complete, a connector piece (an abutment) and a custom crown are attached on top. The result is anchored the way a natural tooth is, instead of resting on the gum or clipping onto neighboring teeth.
Who tends to be a good candidate
Good candidates generally have enough healthy jawbone to support an implant and gums free of active disease, since both directly affect whether osseointegration succeeds. Smoking measurably slows healing and raises the failure rate, so it's one of the first things to discuss honestly at a consultation. Certain uncontrolled medical conditions can also affect candidacy. None of this disqualifies most patients on its own. A consultation with Dr. Ali, including imaging of the bone, determines whether an implant is realistic, or whether bone grafting or a different option makes more sense.
The realistic timeline
Implant treatment happens in stages and is measured in months, not weeks. After the implant post is placed, osseointegration typically takes three to six months before the site is ready for the permanent crown, sometimes faster or slower depending on bone quality and where in the mouth the implant is. A temporary tooth can often be placed in the meantime so there's no visible gap during healing.
How implants compare to a bridge or partial denture
- An implant doesn't require altering the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, the way a traditional bridge does.
- An implant stimulates the jawbone the way a natural tooth root does, which helps prevent the bone loss that tends to occur under a missing tooth over time.
- A bridge or removable partial can typically be completed faster and at a lower upfront cost, and for some patients that matters more than long-term bone preservation.
- Implants tend to last longer overall, though a bridge or partial, properly cared for, can also last many years.
Caring for an implant
Once healed, an implant is cared for essentially like a natural tooth: brushing, flossing (including around the crown, where plaque can still build up), and regular checkups. Implants can't get a cavity, but the gum and bone around them can still develop a condition similar to gum disease if plaque isn't kept in check. Skipping maintenance isn't a shortcut just because the tooth itself is artificial.