Dental implants have transformed the way we replace missing teeth. Unlike bridges (which require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth) or dentures (which can slip and require regular replacement), implants are a permanent, natural-feeling solution that can last a lifetime with proper care.
As the first full-service implant dentist in Southern Utah — and a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry since 1993 — I’ve placed and restored more implants than I can count. Here’s an honest picture of the process.
A dental implant isn’t a single appointment. It typically involves three stages:
1. Assessment and Planning Before anything is placed, we take detailed 3D cone-beam X-rays, as well as traditional x-rays, to evaluate your bone density, anatomy, and the ideal placement position. 3D scans are also often part of the planning. These steps are critical — poor implant planning leads to poor outcomes. Some patients need bone grafting first if there isn’t enough bone to support an implant.
2. Implant Placement The titanium implant post is placed into the jawbone surgically. This is the stage most patients worry about — and it’s the stage Sleep Dentistry handles beautifully. Most patients are surprised by how little they feel or remember. After placement, there’s a healing period (usually 4–5 months) while the implant fuses with the bone — a process called osseointegration.
3. Restoration Once the implant has integrated, we place the abutment (connector) and fabricate a custom crown at our USA lab. The crown is designed to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color.
Many dentists recommend implants but send you to an oral surgeon for the placement, then to a prosthodontist for the restoration. This means multiple offices, multiple records, and a coordination challenge. On rare occasions we coordinate with outside experts for part of the process.
We handle everything in-house: diagnosis, 3D imaging, bone grafting, placement, and restoration. The benefit to you is a single provider who understands the entire picture and is accountable for every step.
A properly placed, well-maintained implant can last 20–30 years or longer. The key variables are:
Implants are an investment. Like most investments, the quality of the original work determines the return.
If you’re considering an implant or have been told you need one, we’re happy to give you an honest second opinion — at no charge. Call us to schedule a complimentary consultation.
