For many years, the only treatment when loosing teeth were dentures or bridges. Today, however, dental implants are a great alternative. Dental implants replace tooth roots. They are set into your jaw, and over time, the jawbone actually grows into the implant. Depending on whether you are missing one, several, or all of your teeth, you may have a single implant, or implant-supported bridges. The procedure typically involves local anesthesia, to make for a painless experience. Implants are made to match your natural teeth. They don’t require removal or adhesives like dentures. Because they fuse with the bone, they become permanent. In fact, with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
“How long does a dental implant surgery take?” and “What are the stages of a dental implant treatment?” are two common dental implant inquiries.
The timeline for completing a dental implant operation may differ from patient to patient. This will need extraction and bone transplantation in order to ensure your jaw is healthy enough before you undergo the surgical process.
However, once any decaying teeth have been removed, as well as the surrounding bone graft has healed, there's an three-step technique in place:
1. Placement of Implant Body (This is done using 3D computerized planning to precisely place the implant for predictability)
2. Follow-up appointment & Assessment
3. Implant Crown/Custom Abutment
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View ResourcesThe procedure itself is designed to be pain-free. Before we begin, a local anesthetic will ensure the area where the implant is placed is completely numb. While you may feel some pressure during the process, it should not cause discomfort. Post-operative soreness is common, as the procedure involves repositioning the gums and inserting the implant into the jawbone. However, any discomfort can be effectively managed with the pain management plan we provide after the procedure.
Placement is a surgical procedure and therefore risks are attached however dentists have been placing dental implants for many years now and the precision accuracy and safety has only continued to improve with technology. Implant placement is now considered the gold standard and placed with highly trained professions at MDC using digital technology (which makes dental implants one of the safest and most successful methods to replacing teeth).
The success rate of dental implants is 95%. This rate varies depending on the patient and their systemic health, the method of implant placement, the dentist placing it. Don't worry at Midlothian Dental Center our experienced dentists have placed hundreds of successful dental implants.
They look, feel and function like natural teeth. Your jaw bone is preserved and they allows normal chewing of food. They also provide tooth/teeth stability and no adjacent teeth are harmed.
Dental implants are a viable option if you have loose or missing teeth as a result of tooth decay, root fractures, clenching and grinding your teeth, gum disease, or an injury to the face. They're also something to consider if you were born without a tooth or have a cleft lip. Dental implants might help improve your speech, appearance, diet choices (what you can eat), and comfort.
From start to finish, the process usually takes a few months: 1. Consultation and planning. 2. Implant placement. 3. Healing and bone integration (3–6 months). 4. Custom crown placement. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way—and never rush the healing process.
Sometimes, yes—but coverage varies. Some insurance plans cover part of the procedure, especially if the tooth loss was due to an accident or medical condition. We’ll help you check your benefits and maximize your insurance. For everything else, we offer flexible financing. We are here to make it work for you.
If you're missing one or more teeth and are in good overall health, there's a strong chance you're a candidate. Ideal candidates have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. We’ll evaluate everything gently and thoroughly at your consultation. Your comfort and health is our priority.
Dental implants are a long-lasting, natural looking solution for missing teeth. They replace the root of a tooth with a small titanium post and are topped with a custom crown that looks and feels like your natural tooth. At Midlothian Dental Center, we use advanced imaging and precise technology to ensure your implant feels and looks just right.
When done right by a highly trained, experienced dentist, dental implants are highly successful (up to 98% success rate), but as with any procedure, risks include infection, nerve irritation, or implant failure. At Midlothian Dental Center we take every precaution to keep you safe and ensure your comfort and healing.
For the first few days, soft foods are best—think smoothies, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. As you heal, you’ll gradually return to eating all your favorites. Once fully restored, implants let you eat, speak, and smile with total confidence.
Implants are long-lasting, fixed, and feel and look like natural teeth. Bridges are fixed too, but require grinding down adjacent teeth. Dentures are removable and can feel bulky or unstable. We will help you choose the option that protects your health, fits your lifestyle, and feels like you.