Missing teeth affect more than appearance — they change how you chew, speak, and how your jaw ages over time. Advances in dental medicine have made implants the most reliable way to restore a complete, functional smile for many patients. Instead of relying on removable appliances or altering healthy neighboring teeth, implants replace the tooth from root to crown, preserving bone and delivering natural function.
Implant therapy is predictable and versatile. Whether a patient has lost a single tooth, several teeth, or needs support for a denture, modern implant solutions are designed to meet a wide range of needs while prioritizing long-term oral health. At Sunset Dental, we focus on planning treatments that respect each patient's anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
Dental implants are small, biocompatible posts carefully placed in the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once integrated with the bone—a process called osseointegration—the implant becomes a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. This root-level support is what lets implant restorations feel rooted and perform like natural teeth when you bite, chew, or speak.
Because implants preserve the jawbone through normal chewing forces, they help maintain facial structure and reduce the bone loss that commonly follows tooth extraction. That structural benefit contributes to a more youthful facial profile and supports the long-term stability of surrounding teeth and restorations.
Treatment is tailored to the individual: implants can support a single crown, a multi-tooth bridge, or even a full-arch prosthesis that is fixed or removable depending on the chosen approach and clinical needs.
At its core, implant dentistry combines surgical placement of the implant with restorative dentistry. The implant itself is usually titanium or another biocompatible material designed to fuse with bone. After a healing period, an abutment is attached and a custom-made prosthesis is placed to match the patient's bite and smile.
This staged process allows clinicians to plan precisely, execute the surgical phase safely, and deliver a final restoration that balances strength, comfort, and esthetics. Because treatments vary, candidacy depends on factors such as overall health, bone quality, and oral hygiene habits — all of which we evaluate during a thorough consultation.
Implants re-create the stability of natural teeth, so patients can enjoy a varied diet without worrying about slippage or discomfort. That freedom to eat and speak naturally often translates into improved nutrition and confidence. Because implants are anchored in bone, they do not rely on adhesives and they eliminate many of the functional compromises associated with conventional dentures.
Beyond function, implants support the health of the jaw. When a tooth is missing, the underlying bone tends to resorb over time; an implant transmits normal chewing forces to the jaw, helping preserve bone volume and the contours of the face. This preservation contributes to a longer-lasting, more natural-looking outcome than restorations that merely sit on the gums.
Durability is another advantage: with proper planning, placement, and maintenance, implants can provide many years of reliable service. Because they do not decay like natural teeth, the primary long-term considerations are gum health and the condition of the surrounding bone — both of which are managed through regular dental care.
Which solution is best depends on the number of missing teeth, jawbone condition, esthetic goals, and daily habits. We evaluate each case with careful diagnostics — including scans and clinical examination — to recommend a plan that balances function, appearance, and long-term predictability.
Early planning also allows for immediate provisional restorations in some cases, so patients can maintain their appearance and daily routines while the implants integrate. The timing and sequence of restorative steps are individualized for safety, comfort, and the best possible outcome.
The implant journey begins with an in-depth consultation and imaging to map the jaw, identify vital structures, and plan implant positions that will provide the best support. Your clinician will discuss options for local anesthesia and sedation so you remain comfortable throughout the surgical phase.
Surgical placement is usually performed on an outpatient basis and can range from a straightforward single-implant procedure to more complex cases that require additional preparation. After implant placement there is a healing phase during which the implant integrates with bone; timeframes depend on individual biology and treatment complexity.
Once healing is sufficient, the restorative phase begins. Custom abutments and prostheses are fabricated to recreate natural tooth anatomy and occlusion. Throughout, the clinical team communicates expectations and provides clear pre-op and post-op instructions to support smooth recovery.
Sufficient bone volume is essential for implant stability. When bone has diminished due to extractions, periodontal disease, or prolonged tooth loss, bone grafting techniques can rebuild a predictable foundation. Grafts may be placed at the time of extraction, prior to implant placement, or simultaneously with the implant, depending on the situation.
In the upper jaw, sinus anatomy can limit available bone height; when necessary, sinus lift procedures create more vertical space to accommodate implants safely. These adjunctive treatments expand candidacy for implant therapy and help ensure long-term success.
After implants are restored, maintenance focuses on gum health and occlusal balance. Patients are taught effective home-care techniques and scheduled for routine professional exams and cleanings to monitor tissue health and prosthesis function. Regular follow-up helps catch and manage any issues early, preserving the investment in oral health.
Dental implants offer a reliable, long-term way to restore missing teeth while protecting oral health and quality of life. With careful planning, modern materials, and attention to maintenance, many patients regain the function and confidence they had with natural teeth. If you’re considering implants or want to learn whether they make sense for your smile, our team is available to review your situation and explain the options in plain language.
To learn more or to arrange a consultation, please contact us for more information.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.
Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.
Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.
Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.
It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.
Dental implants are small, biocompatible posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Once an implant is inserted, the surrounding bone grows around it in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation. That foundation supports a variety of restorations such as crowns, bridges, or implant-retained dentures to restore function and appearance.
Because implants integrate with the bone, they transfer chewing forces naturally and help preserve jawbone volume and facial contours. Implants do not decay like natural teeth and are designed to provide long-term stability when combined with proper oral hygiene and routine dental care. Modern implant systems are engineered to closely mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth for predictable, esthetic results.
Good candidates for dental implants are adults with one or more missing teeth who are in generally good health and have sufficient jawbone to support an implant. Patients with controlled chronic conditions such as diabetes or those who smoke may still qualify, but the dentist will evaluate medical history and oral health to determine suitability. Healthy gum tissue and commitment to oral hygiene are also important factors in predicting long-term implant success.
A thorough clinical exam and diagnostic imaging help identify any conditions that might need treatment prior to implant placement, such as active periodontal disease or inadequate bone volume. In cases of bone loss, procedures like bone grafting or ridge augmentation can create the support required for implants. The treatment plan is individualized to each patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and restorative goals.
The implant treatment process begins with a consultation that includes a clinical exam, dental history review, and imaging to evaluate bone and surrounding structures. Treatment planning addresses the number of implants needed, the type of restoration, and whether preparatory procedures such as extractions or bone grafts are required. Implant placement is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are discussed to help patients remain comfortable during the procedure.
After implant placement, a healing period of several weeks to a few months allows osseointegration to occur before final restorations are attached. Temporary restorations can often be provided so patients maintain function and appearance while healing. The final phase involves custom fabrication and placement of crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures to achieve optimal fit, function, and esthetics.
Initial recovery from implant surgery typically involves a few days of mild swelling and discomfort that are managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications and post-operative care instructions. Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise and certain foods should be avoided during the early healing phase. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following the clinician’s guidance are important to reduce the risk of complications.
Complete bone integration can take several months and varies depending on the implant location, bone quality, and any additional procedures like grafting. During this period, periodic follow-up visits allow the dental team to monitor healing and ensure that the implant is integrating properly. Once integration is confirmed, the final restoration is placed and patients can enjoy full function with ongoing regular dental care.
A bone graft may be necessary when the jawbone lacks sufficient volume or density to stabilize a dental implant. Bone loss can occur after tooth extraction, because of periodontal disease, or due to long-standing tooth loss, and inadequate bone increases the risk of implant failure. Grafting procedures rebuild or augment the deficient areas to create a predictable foundation for implant placement.
Bone grafts use safe grafting materials and techniques to stimulate new bone growth and restore the natural contours of the jaw. Depending on the case, grafting can be performed at the time of extraction, prior to implant placement, or concurrently with implant surgery. Your dentist will review grafting options, expected healing timelines, and how the procedure fits into your overall treatment plan.
Implant restorations are highly versatile and include single crowns, implant-supported bridges, and full-arch solutions for patients missing many or all teeth. A single crown replaces one tooth without altering adjacent teeth, while implant-supported bridges replace multiple teeth using implants as anchors. Full-arch options range from removable implant-retained overdentures to fixed prostheses supported by four or more implants for a non-removable solution.
The choice of restoration depends on the number of missing teeth, bone availability, esthetic goals, and patient preferences regarding removability and maintenance. Each restoration is custom-designed to match the patient’s bite, color, and facial proportions for a natural appearance. Your dental team will explain the advantages of each option and recommend the best solution for long-term function and comfort.
Dental implants offer advantages over conventional bridges and removable dentures by preserving jawbone, providing superior stability, and avoiding alteration of adjacent healthy teeth. Bridges require preparation of neighboring teeth to support the restoration, which can compromise their structure over time, while implants replace the root and crown independently. Removable dentures can be comfortable for some patients but may shift, require adhesives, and fail to prevent ongoing bone loss.
Implants restore chewing efficiency and speech more closely to natural teeth, and they often improve patient confidence because they are fixed or securely attached. Implants also allow for more conservative restorative designs and can prolong the health of surrounding oral structures. The best choice depends on the individual’s oral condition, restorative goals, and the dentist’s clinical recommendations.
Caring for dental implants involves the same fundamental oral hygiene practices recommended for natural teeth: regular brushing, cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and routine professional cleanings. Good plaque control helps prevent peri-implant inflammation and supports long-term implant health. Your dentist or hygienist will demonstrate the most effective home-care techniques tailored to your restoration type.
Regular dental visits are essential to monitor the condition of the implants, surrounding gum tissue, and prosthetic components. Professional maintenance appointments typically include careful evaluation of soft tissues, radiographic monitoring when indicated, and professional cleaning using instruments suited for implant surfaces. With consistent care and periodic professional oversight, implants can remain stable and functional for many years.
Dental implants are considered a safe and predictable treatment when placed by a qualified dental team following proper diagnostic and surgical protocols. Clinical studies report long-term success rates that are very high, often exceeding 95 percent for properly selected cases and well-maintained implants. Success depends on factors such as bone quality, smoking status, systemic health, and adherence to maintenance recommendations.
Thorough treatment planning, use of diagnostic imaging, and careful surgical technique minimize risks and help ensure favorable outcomes. In the uncommon event of complications, early detection and intervention can often resolve issues without compromising the overall treatment. Your dentist will review risk factors and expected outcomes during the consultation to help you make an informed decision.
A personalized implant treatment plan begins with a detailed consultation, including medical and dental history, a clinical exam, and diagnostic imaging to evaluate bone, teeth, and soft tissues. The clinician considers functional needs, esthetic expectations, and lifestyle factors to determine the appropriate number and placement of implants, any necessary preparatory procedures, and the type of final restoration. Collaborative planning may involve digital tools or lab communication to design predictable, esthetic results.
At our Corvallis office, the care team explains each step of the plan, reviews potential alternatives such as grafting or different restorative designs, and outlines the expected timeline for surgery and restoration. This collaborative approach ensures that treatment goals align with the patient’s expectations and health considerations. Final recommendations are tailored to provide durable function, natural appearance, and a care pathway that supports long-term success at Sunset Dental.
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Contacting Sunset Dental is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
