Dental implants
A permanent tooth replacement, made in-house
Implants restore both the look and the function of a missing tooth — and we place them right here on Thomson Drive, without a specialist referral for most cases.
What an implant is
A dental implant is a small titanium post that takes the place of a missing tooth root. Once it's surgically placed in the jawbone, it fuses with the bone over the next few months — a process called osseointegration. After that fusion is complete, we attach a custom crown (or bridge, or denture) to the implant, giving you a tooth that looks, feels, and functions like the one you lost.
Why implants matter
- They preserve your jawbone. Without a tooth root stimulating it, the bone in that area starts to resorb. Implants prevent that loss.
- They don't touch your other teeth. Unlike a bridge, an implant doesn't require grinding down the neighboring teeth.
- They function like real teeth. You can eat, talk, and brush exactly the way you would with natural teeth.
- They last decades. Long-term success rates exceed 95%, and most implants last for life.
- They look natural. A well-made implant crown is indistinguishable from your real teeth.
The implant process, step by step
- 1. Consultation & 3D imaging. We examine the area, take a 3D X-ray (CBCT) to measure bone density and plan placement, and review your medical history. You'll get a clear picture of what's involved.
- 2. (If needed) Bone graft. If you've lost bone in the area, we may place a small bone graft to build the site up. This adds healing time (usually 3 to 4 months) before placing the implant.
- 3. Implant placement. Under local anesthetic, we surgically place the titanium post in the jawbone. The visit is about 60 to 90 minutes for a single implant.
- 4. Osseointegration. The bone fuses with the implant over 3 to 6 months. You may have a temporary tooth or partial during this time.
- 5. Abutment & crown. Once integration is complete, we attach an abutment (a connector) to the implant and take impressions for the final crown.
- 6. Final restoration. The custom crown is cemented or screwed onto the implant. You leave with a complete tooth.
Implant options
- Single tooth implant. One implant + one crown. The cleanest replacement for a single missing tooth.
- Multiple implants with a bridge. Two or three implants supporting a bridge to replace several teeth in a row.
- Implant-supported denture. Two to four implants anchor a removable denture — much more stable than a traditional denture.
- All-on-4. Four strategically placed implants support a full arch of fixed teeth (upper, lower, or both). Most patients leave the placement visit with teeth — usually a temporary set that's replaced with the final teeth a few months later.
Why doing this in-house matters
Many general practices refer implant cases to oral surgeons or periodontists, which means a separate consultation, a separate surgery in an unfamiliar office, and a separate restorative phase back at the original dentist. We do both phases in-house at Lynchburg Dentist — one office, one team, one continuous plan. For complex cases involving major bone grafting, sinus lifts, or medical complications, we refer to a specialist. But for the vast majority of single and multiple-tooth implants, you'll never have to leave Thomson Drive.
Common questions
Frequently asked
- What is a dental implant?
- A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, where it acts as an artificial tooth root. Once the post integrates with the bone (a process called osseointegration that takes 3 to 6 months), we attach a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the implant — restoring both the look and the function of the missing tooth.
- Am I a candidate for dental implants?
- Most adults with one or more missing teeth, healthy gums, and sufficient jawbone are good candidates. If you've had a tooth missing for a long time, you may have lost bone in that area and may need a bone graft first. A 3D X-ray during your consultation tells us exactly what we're working with.
- How long does the whole process take?
- Start to finish, typically 4 to 8 months for a single implant. Implant placement is one appointment; osseointegration takes 3 to 6 months; then we make and attach the final crown. The implant itself is functional almost immediately, but the bone needs time to fuse for long-term success.
- Does the procedure hurt?
- Less than most patients expect. The implant placement is done with local anesthetic — you'll feel pressure but not pain. Post-procedure soreness is usually managed with ibuprofen for a few days. Most patients return to work the next day.
- How long do dental implants last?
- Decades — often the rest of your life — when properly placed and maintained. Long-term success rates are above 95%. The crown attached to the implant may need replacement after 15 to 20 years, but the implant itself typically stays put for life.
- Why are implants performed in-house here?
- Many general dental practices refer implant cases to oral surgeons or periodontists. We place implants ourselves at Lynchburg Dentist, which means one team, one office, one continuous treatment plan. For complex cases (significant bone loss, sinus involvement), we still refer to a specialist.
- Are implants better than bridges or dentures?
- For most patients, yes. Implants don't require grinding down healthy neighboring teeth (the way bridges do), they preserve the bone (which dentures don't), and they feel and function like your natural teeth. Bridges and dentures are still good options when implants aren't right — cost, bone availability, and overall health all factor in.
- How much do dental implants cost?
- Single implants typically range from $3,000 to $5,000 total (implant + abutment + crown), depending on the case. Multiple-tooth solutions vary. We'll give you a precise estimate after your consultation. Some insurance plans cover a portion; we offer financing for the balance.
- What is an All-on-4 implant?
- All-on-4 is a technique for patients missing all the teeth on an arch (upper or lower). Four implants strategically placed in the jaw support a full set of teeth — usually delivered the same day as implant placement. It's significantly more stable than traditional dentures and a faster path to a full set of teeth than placing individual implants.
We'd love to see you on Thomson Drive
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