How a dental implant works
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Over the next few months the bone bonds to the implant. Once it has healed, a crown, bridge or full set of teeth is attached on top. The implant then works much like a natural root: it supports chewing and speaking and helps keep the jawbone from shrinking, which removable dentures cannot do.
Your options
Single implant
One implant and one crown replace one missing tooth without filing down the teeth beside it.
Implant bridge
Two or more implants hold a fixed bridge when several teeth in a row are missing.
All-on-4
A full arch of fixed teeth on four implants, for people missing most or all of their teeth.
Mini implants
Narrower implants that can steady a loose denture, often without a bone graft.
Planned in 3D, placed with a guide
Before surgery we take a 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) scan, which shows your bone, nerves and sinuses in three dimensions. Dr. Lemay plans where the final tooth should sit, then plans the implant to support it. For guided cases, that plan becomes a surgical guide that directs the implant to the planned position and angle. Planning this way means fewer surprises during surgery and a tooth that lines up with your bite.
When there is not enough bone
Bone shrinks after a tooth is lost. If there is not enough to hold an implant, we can often rebuild it in-house with abone graft, ridge augmentation or sinus lift. We use platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), made from a small sample of your own blood, and dental lasers to support healing. When grafting is not a good option, mini implants may be.
The steps
Consultation and 3D scan
An exam, your health history and a CBCT scan show whether implants fit and which kind.
Preparing the site, if needed
Some patients need a tooth removed or bone added first.
Placing the implant
The implant goes in with local anesthetic, and oral sedation if you would like it.
Healing
The bone bonds to the implant, usually over a few months.
Your new tooth
We attach the final crown, bridge or full-arch teeth.
A real result
Before
AfterA Desert Dental Alternatives patient, before and after implant treatment.
Caring for implants
Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth and around the implant every day, and keep up regular cleanings so the gums around it stay healthy. Our hygienists will show you what works best for your type of implant.