Dental Implants: Benefits, Procedure & Healing

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small, threaded posts made of biocompatible materials such as titanium or ceramic that replace the roots of missing teeth. Once placed in your jaw, they fuse with the bone, creating a sturdy foundation for crowns, bridges or dentures that look and function like natural teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Because implants integrate with your jawbone, they help maintain bone volume and prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting out of place. They provide excellent chewing stability, preserve facial structure and can last a lifetime with proper care. Unlike traditional bridges, implants don't rely on adjacent teeth for support, so healthy enamel remains untouched.

The Implant Procedure

After reviewing your health history, our dentist numbs the area with local anaesthetic and makes a small incision in your gums. We gently prepare the bone and place the implant post into your jaw. The incision is closed and the implant is left to heal beneath the gum tissue. After several months of healing, we attach a connector piece called an abutment and then secure a custom crown, bridge or denture on top.

Healing & Aftercare

Your bone needs time to fuse with the implant—a process called osseointegration that typically takes three to nine months. During this period you'll eat softer foods and maintain excellent oral hygiene to encourage healing. Once your permanent restoration is placed, brush and floss as normal and attend regular dental checkups to keep your implant healthy for years to come.

Evidence‑Based Benefits & Considerations

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration explains that dental implants restore the ability to chew, preserve jawbone and keep adjacent teeth stable. Implants also help maintain your facial structure and improve quality of life.

Before surgery, discuss your general health, potential risks and expected healing time with your dentist. Smoking can slow healing and may reduce the long‑term success of implants.

Unique Insights

We've found that patients who commit to excellent home care and regular check‑ups experience greater implant longevity. After your implant is restored, treat it like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss gently around the abutment and visit us at least twice a year. If you grind your teeth, ask about a nightguard to protect your investment.

Written by Dr. Shokooh Aletaha, DDS — Founding Dentist & implant specialist.