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 A ClearChoice professional holds a detailed model of a dental implant system, demonstrating how dental implants work to replace missing teeth securely and effectively.
01.21.2025

Understanding How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants offer a lasting solution for missing teeth. Discover their benefits and why ClearChoice is trusted.

 A ClearChoice professional holds a detailed model of a dental implant system, demonstrating how dental implants work to replace missing teeth securely and effectively.

A dental implant is a tooth replacement solution that gives you the look and feel of a natural tooth. It is a long-lasting solution that returns your smile and ability to bite and chew tough foods. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth (single tooth dental implant), two or three adjacent teeth (implant bridge), and even a full arch of teeth ​full mouth dental implants or implant dentures). This versatile solution helps maintain good bone health and preserves your facial structure, whereas other solutions (like dentures or dental bridges) may lead to bone loss.  
 
Schedule a consultation today to understand if dental implants are right for you. In the meantime, keep reading to learn about how dental implants work and the benefits they offer.  

An illustrated diagram showcasing the structure of a dental implant, including the crown, abutment, and implant, explaining how each component works together to replace a missing tooth securely.


How Do Dental Implants Work? 

A dental implant consists of these elements:  

  • Titanium post: A titanium screw that's surgically placed into your jawbone. It acts as a "root" for your replacement teeth and securely attaches them to your jaw. 

  • Crown: A dental crown is your replacement tooth made of zirconia or porcelain.

Since dental implants are connected to your jawbone, they do what dental bridges can't. They stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss over time. They also feel more secure and comfortable, enabling you to bite into a crisp apple or enjoy a steak. Choosing a reputable implant center is a great way to ensure you have the best possible implant experience. ClearChoice, which has been in business since 2005 and placed over 1 million dental implants, offers a wide range of implants, from single-tooth replacements to full-mouth dental implants.​ ClearChoice patients also get the benefit of high-quality materials and reliable care from our dental implant experts.   


How Are Dental Implants Done?

The process of getting dental implants may take several months, from the initial consultation to the final smile placement. Here's how a tooth implant is done:  


1. Initial Evaluation 

The dental implant process at ClearChoice begins with a free consultation where your dental care practitioner will perform an assessment and talk to you about your needs. They may offer you a simulation of what your dental implant results could look like. You'll also have the chance to learn how much the procedure will cost and receive a tailored treatment plan.  


2. Smile Design 

​The next step is a smile design appointment, where you'll decide what your new smile will look like. This session will involve a review of your health history, an oral exam, X-rays, tooth mold and color selection, getting an impression or scan of your teeth, taking photographs, and finalizing a treatment plan. You can ask questions about the surgery, the implants, the healing process, and any other part of the procedure. 


3. Dental Implant Surgery

Before ​dental implant surgery, your surgeon may provide instructions (such as fasting, avoiding alcohol, etc.). To minimize any discomfort, patients get pain management for the duration of the procedure. The surgeon will place the titanium implant, and you'll get a temporary crown to wear while you heal and recover. Your care practitioner will also provide post-op care and maintenance instructions for the next few days, weeks, and months.  


4. Healing Process (Osseointegration) 

While you heal, the titanium post forms chemical bonds to your jawbone. This process could take anywhere between 2 to 4 months. It's important to follow care instructions such as eating soft foods (initially), maintaining good oral hygiene, and paying close attention to the healing site to ensure there's no inflammation (beyond the first few days) and infection. 


5. Final Restoration

 When you’re properly healed, your dental care practitioner will get a final impression or scan of the healed implant and gums. The team will use this impression or scan to create your permanent dental implant crown (artificial tooth). When the crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary implant and replace it with the final implant. Then, the crown is secured on top. Your smile is now perfected! 


How Common Are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are a safe and popular dental care solution in the U.S. Here are a few quick facts to know about dental implants:  
 

  • In the U.S., dental care providers place over 5 million implants annually.¹  

  • ClearChoice experts alone have placed over 1 million implants (total) so far.  

  • 98% of ClearChoice Consults are viable candidates for implants.  

  • The procedure is considered safe, with a high success rate.  

  • Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. ​ 


The surgical aspect of this tooth replacement option may be daunting to some patients. Communicating your worries to the dentist during your initial consultation is a good idea. If you're healthy and a good candidate for dental implants, the process is usually smooth with minimal complications.  


Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants? 

Patients must meet certain important eligibility criteria to be considered for dental implants. This helps minimize complications and problems down the line. You're a good candidate for dental implants if you: 

  • Have good oral health with no gum disease 

  • Don't smoke or consume excess alcohol

  •  Have good bone density, especially in the jawbone  

 You may not be a good candidate if you:  

  •  Are a teenager or child  

  • Smoke or drink often  

  • Have uncontrolled diabetes or other autoimmune conditions  

  • Are undergoing radiation therapy  

  • Are currently taking medications that affect bone health  
     

Your dentist will determine if you're a good candidate for dental implants during your consultation or after reviewing your medical history. 


Get Started on Your Dental Implant Journey 

Dental implants are an effective way to return your lost confidence after tooth loss. They are generally safe and accessible to most people. While the dental implant procedure can seem long, it helps to remember that implants are designed to be a permanent solution that look and function like your natural teeth.  
ClearChoice's high success rate of dental implant procedures and experienced team of doctors make them the go-to option for anyone seeking dental implants. Locate your nearest ClearChoice Dental Implant Center and find out more.  

Dental Implant FAQs 


Are dental implants worth the cost? 

Dental implants are worth the cost for most people. Dental implants may cost more upfront compared to other alternatives, but they offer the best long-term value. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, so most people will only pay for treatment once.  


What is the best age to get dental implants?  

The right age for dental implants can vary based on individual circumstances. You must be at least 18 years old to get dental implants, but some older teens may not be eligible if their teeth and bones aren't fully developed yet. There's no upper limit for dental implants either, but some elderly patients may lack the bone density needed for this procedure.  


What is the lifespan of dental implants?  

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Manufacturers may offer a product warranty that lasts around 25 years. 


How does financing work for dental implants? 

ClearChoice works with third-party financiers to make implants affordable and accessible to patients. Patients can apply for third-party financing during an office visit. Prequalify in minutes and review your financing options without impacting your credit. With good credit, you may be approved the same day.   


Source: 
¹Grand View Research – Dental Implants Market Size and Trends 

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(888) 486-3443Copyright © 2024 ClearChoice Management Services, LLC

ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers are locally owned and operated by licensed dentists, and are part of a professional affiliation of implant practices operated by oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and restorative dentists across the U.S. A majority of patients (and approximately 90% of Minnesota patients) qualify for same day implants and can have their procedure in one day after initial workup, without additional bone graft surgery, and may leave the office that same day with provisional prostheses and the final prostheses to be placed later. Results may vary in individual cases. Some claims made are supported by network surveys. Both general dentists and specialists in some states. Dental implants are not a recognized specialty. Dental specialists are specialists in oral maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics. Limited services available at satellite offices.

Dental implants can last a lifetime. Studies show that dental implants are likely to last at least 25 years with proper care and maintenance in most cases.

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