Dental implants
Replacing a missing tooth, without the sales pitch.
An implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw that a crown is later fitted onto. Done well it is the closest thing to the tooth you lost. It is also not the right answer for everyone, and this office will tell you when a bridge or a partial denture would serve you better for less money.
How the process works
Assessment and x-rays
Whether there is enough bone, how the bite works, and whether the neighbouring teeth change the answer. You get the options and the costs in writing.
Placement
The post goes into the jaw. Dr. Bowman refers surgical placement to oral surgeons he has worked with for years where that is the better route, and stays involved in the plan throughout.
Healing
Three to six months while the bone fuses to the post. This is the slow part, and it cannot be rushed without risking the whole thing.
The crown
An abutment is fitted and the final crown is made and cemented, shade-matched to the teeth beside it.
When an implant is not the answer
Implants are the most profitable single procedure in general dentistry, which is worth knowing when you are being recommended one. There are real situations where something else is better:
- The neighbouring teeth already need crowns. A bridge does three jobs at once and may cost less than an implant plus two separate crowns.
- There is not enough bone. Grafting is possible but it adds months and cost, and it is fair to weigh that against a partial denture.
- Several teeth are missing in a row. A partial denture can be dramatically cheaper and is sometimes the sensible choice.
- Gum disease is active. That gets treated first, always. An implant placed into unhealthy gums is a wasted implant.
You will get the case for and against, in writing, before you decide.
“He’s the best of the best and if necessary he’ll refer you to the better of the best.”
Llyse Johns · patient of 32 years
Considering a bridge or a partial instead? Dentures and bridges →
Common questions
Dental implants
What does an implant cost?
A single implant is quoted in three parts — the surgical placement, the abutment and the crown. Some practices quote only the first and let the rest arrive later. You get a written total covering all three before anything is scheduled. How billing works here.
How long does it take?
Commonly three to six months from start to finished crown, because the bone has to fuse to the post. The appointments themselves are short; it is the waiting between them that takes the time.
Is it painful?
The placement is done under local anaesthetic and most patients report less discomfort afterwards than they expected — usually compared favourably to an extraction. Nitrous oxide is available if you are anxious.
Will insurance pay for it?
Many PPO plans cover part of the restoration even when they exclude the surgical placement. The office checks your specific plan and tells you the real number before you commit.