Dental Implants
Treatment designed to restore missing teeth and support oral health, function, and aesthetics.
Are dental implants right for you?
Dental implants may be an option for replacing one or more missing teeth. Treatment planning considers your oral health, bone volume, medical history, restorative goals, and the condition of the surrounding teeth and tissues.
Dental implants can support replacement teeth without relying on adjacent teeth for support.
These support predictable implant treatment and long-term maintenance.
Sufficient bone is needed to support an implant. Bone grafting may be recommended when additional volume is needed.
Your medical history, medications, healing capacity, and other health factors are considered when planning implant surgery.
Collaborating with your restorative dentist ensures the success of your dental implant treatment.
Long-term implant health depends on good oral hygiene, regular dental care, and monitoring over time.
What to expect before implant surgery.
Your consultation allows us to evaluate the implant site, review your health and imaging, coordinate with your restorative dentist when needed, and develop a treatment plan based on your anatomy and restorative goals.
Review your health
We review your medical history, medications, allergies, and other factors that may affect surgery or healing.
Evaluate the implant site
Dr. Siew evaluates the missing-tooth area, surrounding teeth, gums, bite, and restorative goals.
Review the anatomy
Appropriate imaging helps assess available bone and nearby structures and supports three-dimensional implant planning.
Coordinate treatment
We discuss implant position, timing, grafting needs, anesthesia options, restorative coordination, expected healing, and important risks.
Anesthesia options for your comfort and safety.
The appropriate option depends on your procedure, health history, preferences, and other clinical considerations.
Local anesthesia
Local anesthetic numbs the surgical area while you remain awake during the procedure.
IV sedation
IV sedation can help reduce anxiety and awareness and improve comfort during your procedure. The appropriate level of sedation is individualized for each patient.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia may be considered for selected patients and procedures when clinically appropriate.
From implant placement to your new tooth.
Dental implant treatment occurs in stages. The exact sequence and timing depend on your anatomy, whether grafting is needed, and your restorative treatment plan.
Place the implant
The dental implant is surgically positioned in the jawbone according to the planned location of the final restoration.
Allow the implant to heal
The implant is given time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. Healing time varies depending on the site and treatment performed.
Prepare for the new tooth
After appropriate healing, your restorative dentist can begin the process of making the crown, bridge, or other restoration supported by the implant.
Protect your investment
Good oral hygiene, regular dental care, and long-term monitoring help maintain the health of the implant and surrounding tissues.
Your implant treatment may happen in stages.
The amount and quality of bone help determine how an implant can be placed. Some patients have enough bone for implant placement without grafting, while others may need bone grafting before or at the time of implant surgery.
Timing also depends on the condition of the tooth being removed and the surrounding bone and gums. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs.
In some cases, an implant can be placed at the same visit as tooth removal when the bone and surrounding tissues are healthy enough.
Bone grafting may be used to preserve or rebuild bone when additional support is needed for implant placement.
Sometimes the extraction site or bone graft needs time to heal before the implant is placed at a later visit.
When appropriate, a temporary tooth may be provided during healing to help maintain appearance and function while the implant heals.
What to expect after dental implant surgery.
Recovery varies depending on the number and location of implants placed, whether grafting was performed, and your individual healing. We will provide postoperative instructions specific to your procedure and treatment plan.
Swelling & soreness
Mild swelling and discomfort are common after implant surgery and generally improve as healing progresses.
Diet
Choose foods that are soft and follow any instructions about avoiding pressure or chewing directly on the surgical site. Avoid chewing on the same side as the implant until cleared by your surgeon.
Oral hygiene
Keeping the mouth clean is important during healing. Follow the postoperative instructions provided for brushing and care around the implant site. Use a q-tip for the first few days, and don't use a water flosser or electric toothbrush directly on the surgical site until cleared by your surgeon.
Healing & follow-up
Follow-up allows us to monitor healing and determine when the implant is ready for the next stage of restorative treatment.
Common questions about dental implants.
How long does a dental implant take to heal?
Healing time varies depending on the implant site, your health, and whether bone grafting or other procedures were performed. Your implant is given time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone before the final restoration is completed.
Will I need bone grafting?
Not everyone needs bone grafting. Some patients have enough bone for implant placement without grafting, while others may benefit from grafting before or at the time of implant surgery.
Can an implant be placed the same day a tooth is removed?
Sometimes. Immediate implant placement may be possible when the bone and surrounding tissues are healthy enough and the anatomy is favorable. In other cases, the site may need time to heal before implant placement.
Who makes the implant crown?
The implant is placed surgically by Dr. Siew, while the final crown, bridge, or other restoration is typically completed by your restorative dentist. Treatment is coordinated so the implant is positioned with the final restoration in mind.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed for long-term use, but their longevity depends on many factors, including oral hygiene, gum and bone health, medical conditions, bite forces, and regular dental maintenance. Long-term follow-up is important.
How do I care for a dental implant?
Dental implants require regular brushing, cleaning around the implant, professional dental care, and ongoing monitoring. Good oral hygiene and maintenance help support the health of the implant and surrounding tissues.
Will I be asleep for implant surgery?
Not necessarily. Anesthesia options may include local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your procedure, health history, preferences, and other clinical considerations.
Understanding the risks of dental implant surgery.
Dental implant surgery is a common procedure, but all surgery involves potential risks. These vary depending on the implant location, your anatomy, health history, bone and gum health, and the complexity of treatment.
Potential complications can include pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, delayed healing, or problems with the implant healing to the surrounding bone. Depending on the location of the implant, nearby teeth, nerves, or the maxillary sinus may also be relevant.
Your individual anatomy and risks will be reviewed with you before surgery so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Have questions about dental implants?
Contact our team to request an appointment and discuss whether an evaluation may be appropriate for you.