Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth, topped with a crown or bridge. They restore chewing function and prevent bone loss that occurs after tooth loss. Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery in Gilbert offers implant placement and restoration for patients seeking a permanent tooth replacement solution.
Reviewed by Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery Team
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant consists of three components: the titanium post (fixture) inserted into the jawbone, an abutment that connects the post to the crown, and the crown itself—the visible tooth replacement. The titanium integrates with bone through a process called osseointegration, which typically takes 3–6 months. Once the implant fuses with bone, it provides stable support for the restoration and functions like a natural tooth root, preventing the 0.25 mm of annual bone loss that occurs in the jaw after tooth extraction.
Implant Placement Timeline and Process
The implant procedure begins with a consultation and imaging (CBCT scan) to assess bone density and anatomy. If bone volume is insufficient, a bone graft may be recommended before implant placement. The surgical placement itself takes 30–60 minutes per implant under local anesthesia or IV sedation. After placement, patients wait 3–6 months for osseointegration before the abutment and crown are attached. Total treatment time from extraction to final crown typically spans 4–9 months, depending on healing and whether bone grafting is needed.
Candidacy and Bone Requirements
Successful implant placement requires adequate jawbone height and width. Patients with 10 mm of bone height and 5–6 mm of width are generally suitable candidates without additional procedures. Smokers, uncontrolled diabetics, and patients with severe gum disease have higher implant failure rates (15–20% vs. 2–5% in healthy patients) and may require additional evaluation or treatment before proceeding. Bone grafting using autogenous bone, allograft, or synthetic material can restore volume in areas of deficiency, though this adds 4–6 months to the overall timeline.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Dental implants in Arizona typically cost $1,500–$3,000 per implant (fixture only), with abutments and crowns adding $1,000–$2,500 per tooth. Full-mouth implant cases (4–6 implants with fixed bridges) range from $15,000–$40,000 depending on complexity and materials. Most dental insurance plans do not cover implants, classifying them as cosmetic or elective. Medicare does not cover dental implants. Patients should verify coverage with their insurance provider and discuss financing options with their oral surgeon.
Implant Success Rates and Longevity
Dental implants have a 95–98% success rate over 10 years in healthy patients with adequate bone and good oral hygiene. Implants can last 20–30+ years with proper care, including daily brushing, flossing, and annual professional cleanings. Implant failure most commonly occurs within the first year due to infection, poor osseointegration, or overload. Long-term complications include peri-implantitis (bone loss around the implant), which affects 10–15% of implants after 5 years and is managed with professional cleaning or, in severe cases, implant removal.
Single Tooth vs. Multiple Tooth Replacement
A single missing tooth requires one implant and crown. Multiple missing teeth can be replaced with individual implants (one per tooth) or with implant-supported bridges (2–3 implants supporting 3–4 crowns). Full-mouth edentulism (no remaining teeth) is typically treated with 4–6 implants supporting a fixed bridge or removable denture. Implant-supported bridges reduce the number of surgical sites and cost compared to individual implants while maintaining function and esthetics.
What You Can Expect at Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery
Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery provides comprehensive implant evaluation, bone grafting, and surgical placement in a dedicated surgical facility. The team conducts detailed pre-operative imaging and bone assessment to develop a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals. Patients receive clear timelines, cost estimates, and post-operative care instructions. The practice coordinates with restorative dentists to ensure proper crown and abutment fabrication after osseointegration is complete.
Post-operative care includes pain management, swelling reduction, and activity restrictions for 7–10 days. Most patients resume normal activities within 2 weeks. Sutures are removed at 10–14 days. During the osseointegration period, patients are advised to avoid chewing directly on the implant site and to maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental implant last?
Dental implants can last 20–30+ years or a lifetime with proper care, daily oral hygiene, and regular professional cleanings. Success depends on bone health, smoking status, and compliance with maintenance. Implant-supported crowns may need replacement after 10–15 years due to wear on the crown material, but the implant itself often remains functional.
What is the recovery time after implant placement?
Most patients experience swelling and discomfort for 3–7 days after surgery. Return to light activities is possible within 1–2 weeks. Full osseointegration takes 3–6 months, during which the implant should not bear chewing forces. Patients are advised to eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site during this period.
Can I get an implant if I have bone loss?
Yes, if bone loss is moderate to severe, a bone graft can restore volume before or at the time of implant placement. Bone grafting adds 4–6 months to treatment and increases cost by $1,000–$3,000. Your oral surgeon will assess bone dimensions via CBCT scan and recommend grafting if needed.
What are the risks and complications of dental implants?
Immediate risks include infection, nerve damage, and sinus perforation (in upper jaw implants). Long-term complications include peri-implantitis (bone loss around the implant, affecting 10–15% of implants after 5 years) and implant failure (2–5% in healthy patients). Smoking and poor oral hygiene increase complication rates significantly.
Do dental implants hurt?
Implant placement is performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation, so pain is not felt during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication for 3–7 days. Most patients report less pain after implant placement than after tooth extraction.
Are dental implants better than dentures or bridges?
Implants preserve jawbone, do not require adjacent tooth preparation (unlike bridges), and restore 80–90% of natural chewing force compared to 25% for dentures. Implants have higher upfront cost but lower long-term maintenance and replacement costs. Dentures and bridges are reversible and less invasive but require ongoing adjustments and have shorter lifespans (5–10 years for dentures, 10–15 years for bridges).