Tooth loss affects many adults at different stages of life, and the consequences go beyond appearance. Missing teeth can change how you chew, alter speech, and ultimately affect the surrounding bone and facial contours. Modern implant dentistry focuses on restoring both form and function so patients can eat, speak, and smile with confidence again. Our approach is focused on predictable outcomes, comfortable care, and solutions that fit each person’s needs.
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible post placed into the jaw to act as an artificial tooth root. When the implant bonds with the bone, it creates a stable platform for a crown, bridge, or denture that closely mimics a natural tooth in feel and function. Because implants restore the supporting structure beneath the gum, they support the facial profile and protect adjacent teeth from unnecessary wear.
The stability implants provide makes day-to-day life easier. You can eat a wide variety of foods and speak without worrying about a restoration slipping. For many people, that regained freedom translates into improved nutrition and a stronger sense of self-assurance when interacting with others.
At Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry, we pair current implant technologies with careful treatment planning so each restoration performs well and looks natural. We place emphasis on simple, clear explanations so patients understand the process and what to expect during recovery and beyond.
There are three essential parts to most implant restorations: the implant fixture (the post), an abutment that connects the post to the restoration, and the visible prosthesis (crown, bridge, or denture). The initial step is a clinical evaluation and imaging to verify there’s adequate bone and healthy tissues in the treatment area. If additional support is needed, we describe options for rebuilding the site before placement.
Following placement, the implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Depending on the case, patients may receive a temporary restoration while healing occurs. Once the implant is stable, the final prosthesis is crafted for optimal fit, color, and bite. Throughout the process we prioritize communication and patient comfort so expectations stay aligned with outcomes.
Implants are favored because they replace missing teeth in a manner that preserves nearby tooth structure and supports the jawbone. Unlike a traditional bridge that relies on adjacent teeth for support, implants stand independently, which often preserves the health of neighboring teeth. For patients who wear removable dentures, implants can eliminate the need for adhesives and reduce movement during speaking or eating.
Longevity is another reason implants are widely recommended. With careful placement, proper oral hygiene, and regular dental visits, implant restorations can last many years. Since the implant post itself is made from materials that do not decay, the primary maintenance focus is on the soft tissues, prosthetic attachments, and overall oral health.
Compared with more traditional options, implant dentistry offers several distinct advantages:
When only one tooth is missing, an implant topped with a custom crown is often the most conservative restorative choice. This approach restores a single tooth independently instead of preparing adjacent teeth for a bridge, preserving healthy enamel and reducing the chance of complications down the line.
For patients missing several teeth in a row, implants can support a bridge without altering nearby healthy teeth. Strategically placed implants bear the load of the restoration and maintain bone in the area, helping to prevent long-term changes in facial structure that can occur with tooth loss.
Full-arch restorations use a limited number of implants to support a complete set of replacement teeth. Depending on the treatment plan and patient goals, these restorations may be fixed in place or designed to allow removal for cleaning. Either way, they offer a stable alternative to conventional dentures and can be designed to provide immediate temporary teeth while the implants integrate with the jaw.
Implant-retained dentures clip to attachments anchored on implants, significantly increasing retention and reducing movement. This hybrid approach is especially useful for patients who want the familiarity of a denture form but need the security and function that implants bring.
Candidacy for implants depends on several factors, including overall health, oral hygiene, and the presence of sufficient jawbone. During a consultation we review your medical and dental history, perform a thorough exam, and take imaging that helps us evaluate bone volume and important anatomical structures. For many patients, preliminary treatments—such as periodontal therapy or tooth extractions—improve implant prognosis.
We tailor the plan to each patient, discussing expected timelines, any preparatory procedures, and the types of restorations that best meet aesthetic and functional goals. The decision-making process is collaborative; we aim to provide clear options so patients can make informed choices about their care.
Implant placement is typically performed in a comfortable, controlled environment. The procedure varies in length depending on how many implants are being placed and whether additional grafting is necessary. Many patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort and return to normal activities within a few days, following the post-operative guidance provided by our team.
Healing involves gradual integration of the implant with the bone. Depending on the situation, temporary teeth may be provided to maintain appearance and function during this phase. Regular follow-up visits ensure the site is healing as expected and that the final restoration can be placed at the appropriate time.
In some cases, jawbone loss or an insufficient ridge requires bone grafting or other site-preparation procedures before implants can be placed. Grafting rebuilds the underlying support so an implant can be positioned predictably. These techniques are common and well-established, and they expand the number of patients who can benefit from implant-based restorations.
Once your restoration is in place, ongoing care is straightforward. Daily brushing and flossing, along with routine dental exams and professional cleanings, are essential for long-term success. During follow-up visits we check the health of the gums around the implants, assess the prosthetic components, and address any concerns early so small issues don’t become larger problems.
Open communication is important: if you notice changes in fit, comfort, or bite, contact the office so we can evaluate the situation. With attentive home care and periodic professional maintenance, implants can serve patients very well for many years.
Replacing missing teeth goes beyond cosmetics; it improves chewing, speech, and overall oral health. Our team focuses on delivering implant solutions that are durable, natural-looking, and appropriate for each patient’s lifestyle. We bring modern technology and thoughtful planning to every case to help you regain a comfortable, functional smile.
If you’d like to learn more about implant dentistry or discuss whether implants could be a good option for your smile, please contact us for more information. Our team is happy to explain the choices and help you take the next step toward a complete, healthy smile.
A dental implant is a biocompatible post surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. After placement, the implant undergoes osseointegration, a biological process in which bone bonds tightly to the implant surface to create long-term stability. Because the implant replaces the root as well as the visible tooth, it helps preserve jawbone volume and facial contours that can change after tooth loss.
Once the implant is integrated, an abutment connects the post to a custom prosthesis that is designed for proper fit, color, and bite. This combination restores chewing function and speech while minimizing movement that can occur with removable appliances. The result is a restoration that closely mimics the feel and function of a natural tooth when planned and maintained properly.
Candidacy for dental implants depends on overall health, oral hygiene, and the presence of adequate jawbone to support the implant. Patients with controlled medical conditions can often receive implants, but uncontrolled systemic issues or certain medications may require coordination with a medical provider. A thorough exam and imaging help determine whether preparatory treatments, such as periodontal therapy or extractions, are needed before implant placement.
Age alone is not a barrier when growth is complete and general health permits surgical treatment, and many adults benefit from implant solutions. The treatment plan is individualized to account for tissue health, bone volume, and aesthetic goals, and the care team will explain options and expected timelines so patients can make informed decisions. Collaboration between patient and clinician helps maximize the chance of a successful outcome.
Most implant restorations consist of three primary parts: the implant fixture (the post placed in bone), an abutment that connects the fixture to the restoration, and the visible prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, or denture. Implant fixtures are commonly made from titanium or titanium alloys and, in some cases, zirconia, chosen for their biocompatibility and strength. Abutments can be prefabricated or custom-machined to achieve the best emergence profile and support for the final restoration.
The prosthetic component is crafted to match adjacent teeth in shape, shade, and function and may be cemented or screwed to the abutment depending on the design. Temporary restorations are sometimes used during healing to preserve appearance and function until the final prosthesis is placed. Proper design and maintenance of each component are key to long-term success and patient comfort.
The timeline for implant treatment varies based on the complexity of the case, the need for preparatory procedures, and individual healing rates, so exact timing differs from patient to patient. Initial consultation and imaging establish a treatment plan, which may include extractions or grafting that add healing time before implant placement. After the implant is placed, a period of osseointegration follows during which the implant bonds to the bone and the site is monitored for stability.
In many situations a temporary prosthesis can be provided to preserve appearance and function while healing occurs. Once the implant is stable and the tissues are healthy, impressions or digital scans are taken and the final restoration is fabricated and delivered. Your clinician will explain the expected sequence and milestones so you know when to expect each phase of treatment.
Implant dentistry offers a range of solutions tailored to the number of missing teeth and patient goals, including single-tooth implants topped with a crown, implant-supported bridges for multiple missing teeth, and full-arch restorations that replace an entire dental arch. Full-arch options can be fixed or removable and often use a strategic number of implants to support stable, functional prosthetics. Implant-retained overdentures clip to attachments on implants to improve retention while maintaining a removable form for cleaning.
Advanced protocols such as All-on-4 and All-on-6 use fewer implants to support a full-arch prosthesis, which can reduce the need for extensive grafting in some cases. The ideal solution depends on bone availability, aesthetic needs, and functional expectations, and your treatment team will outline the pros and cons of each approach. Careful planning helps ensure the chosen restoration fits your lifestyle and oral health needs.
Compared with traditional bridges, implants often preserve adjacent teeth because they do not rely on neighboring tooth structure for support, reducing the need to alter healthy enamel. When compared with conventional removable dentures, implants offer improved stability and chewing efficiency and can reduce the need for adhesives or frequent adjustments. Implants also help maintain jawbone by transmitting normal chewing forces to the bone, which can slow or prevent the bone loss commonly seen with tooth loss.
Implant restorations are durable when cared for properly, but they require ongoing attention to gum health and regular professional maintenance much like natural teeth. The implant post itself does not decay, but surrounding soft tissues and natural teeth must be monitored to prevent complications. Your dentist will review the maintenance requirements and expected benefits of each option so you can choose the approach that best meets your priorities.
Implant placement is performed in a controlled clinical setting using local anesthesia and, when appropriate, sedation to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. The length and complexity of the surgery depend on the number of implants and whether additional procedures, such as bone grafting, are performed at the same time. Most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort after surgery that is manageable with recommended care, and many return to normal activities within a few days.
Post-operative instructions typically include gentle care of the surgical site, short-term dietary adjustments, and a schedule for follow-up visits to monitor healing. Contact the office promptly if you notice unusual pain, swelling, or other concerns so the team can evaluate the site. Regular checkups during the healing period help ensure tissues integrate properly and the restoration phase proceeds at the right time.
Bone loss in the jaw is a common concern after tooth loss, but it does not automatically preclude implant treatment because there are well-established techniques to rebuild and augment the ridge. Bone grafting, ridge augmentation, and sinus lift procedures can restore sufficient bone volume and architecture to support implants in many cases. These site-preparation procedures use a variety of graft materials and are planned based on imaging and the specific anatomical needs of the patient.
Although grafting adds time to the overall treatment timeline because of the required healing period, it often expands the number of patients who can benefit from implant restorations. With careful planning and predictable techniques, rebuilt bone can provide a stable foundation for implants and long-term function. Your clinician will explain the recommended approach and the expected sequence of procedures if augmentation is necessary.
Long-term success of implants depends on daily oral hygiene and regular professional care; brushing twice a day, cleaning between teeth and around implant restorations, and using recommended interdental tools help maintain healthy tissues. Avoiding habits that place excessive force on restorations, such as chewing very hard objects, and protecting teeth during sports with a mouthguard are practical steps to protect implants. Good control of periodontal health and prompt attention to any signs of inflammation can prevent peri-implant conditions.
Routine dental exams and professional cleanings allow the team to check the health of the gums and the integrity of prosthetic components and to address wear or changes early. If you notice pain, loosening, or changes in fit, contact the office for evaluation so potential issues can be managed before they progress. Consistent home care and periodic professional maintenance are the best defenses for long-term implant performance.
At Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry we emphasize careful, technology-driven planning that starts with a comprehensive clinical exam and three-dimensional imaging to evaluate bone, nerve positions, and sinus anatomy. Digital tools and CBCT imaging enable precise implant placement and help the team design restorations that align with aesthetic and functional goals while minimizing surgical surprises. The planning process includes discussion of preparatory procedures, timing, and the types of restorations that best suit each patient’s needs.
We prioritize clear communication and patient education so expectations are well defined from consultation through final restoration, and we coordinate care to manage healing and follow-up efficiently. The clinical team works to combine modern workflows with compassionate care to achieve predictable results and a comfortable experience. If you are considering implant treatment, the practice can schedule a consultation to review your specific situation and outline a personalized plan.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you. You can reach us by phone at (740) 393-2161 or by using the convenient contact form below. If you submit the form, a member of our staff will respond within 24–48 hours.
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