RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY SERVICES

Dental Implants
Lake Highlands

Trusted Tooth Replacement

When teeth have been lost due to injury, decay, or for any other reason, dental implants offer a long-lasting option that restores both function and appearance. Lost teeth often affect chewing, the jawline, and confidence.

Dental implants are the industry standard for tooth replacement as a reliable, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. Understanding how implants work and what the process involves can help you decide if they are the right solution for you.

Continue reading to learn more or contact our dental office to schedule a consultation with Lake Highlands dentist Dr. Brishop.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone, where it integrates with the surrounding bone to serve as an artificial tooth root. After healing, a custom-made dental crown is attached to replace the visible portion of the missing tooth. Dental implants look, feel, and function much like natural teeth while helping preserve the jawbone and prevent common problems associated with tooth loss, including:

Jawbone loss, which can cause the face to appear aged or sunken
Shifting of neighboring teeth, which can affect the appearance and alignment of your smile
Changes to your bite and chewing function
Further tooth loss caused by changes in the surrounding teeth and supporting structures

Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants are fixed in place. They provide a stable, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of your smile.

The Dental Implant Process

Evaluation & Consultation

The implant process begins with a comprehensive dental exam at our Lake Highlands dental office. Dr. Bishop will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays or 3D scans, and determine whether you have sufficient jawbone in order to support an implant.

Bone grafting may be recommended in some cases before implant placement. Dr. Bishop partners with trusted local oral surgeons and specialists when needed to provide comprehensive care throughout the implant process.

Implant Placement Surgery

During implant placement surgery, the oral surgeon carefully positions the titanium implant within the jawbone. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area and help keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. The implant is then allowed to heal and naturally bond with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. This healing period typically takes about 3 to 6 months.

Abutment Placement

After the implant has fully healed and bonded with the jawbone, the oral surgeon attaches a small connector called an abutment. The abutment extends above the gumline and provides a secure foundation for the final dental crown.

Custom Crown Placement

Finally, a custom-designed dental crown is secured to the abutment to complete the restoration. The crown is crafted to match your surrounding teeth in color, shape, and size, creating a natural-looking, seamless smile.

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery following implant surgery is typically straightforward. You may experience some swelling, tenderness, or discomfort for a few days after the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Following your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions can help promote proper healing and support the long-term success of your implant.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to look and feel much like natural teeth. The custom crown is crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, while the implant provides a stable foundation in the jawbone. This allows you to speak, smile, and eat with confidence.
With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants can last 20 years or more and, in some cases, may last a lifetime. Their durability makes them a long-lasting option for replacing missing teeth.
Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone and function much like natural teeth. They provide stable, reliable support when biting and chewing, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of foods without worrying about your teeth slipping or shifting.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it can gradually deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. Dental implants act much like natural tooth roots, stimulating the surrounding bone and helping preserve bone density and facial structure.
Traditional dental bridges rely on neighboring teeth for support, which may require those teeth to be reshaped. Dental implants are independently anchored in the jawbone, allowing them to replace a missing tooth without altering the surrounding teeth.
Because implants are permanent and designed to look natural, they can restore confidence while making it easier to maintain good oral health.