Dental Implants: From Consultation to Final Restoration

When you are considering tooth replacement, you deserve a precise, coordinated plan and a calm, efficient experience. At Northwest Dental Specialists, our dual-specialty team in periodontics and endodontics evaluates each case carefully to protect oral health and guide you to the right solution. 

We use Cone Beam CT Imaging and proven surgical protocols to plan Dental Implants with accuracy, and we work closely with your general dentist to ensure a seamless final restoration. From managing a single missing tooth to full-arch solutions, our focus is comfort, clarity, and predictable outcomes.

Your initial consultation and personalized treatment plan

The first step is a thorough initial consultation. We review your medical history, discuss any health conditions, and complete diagnostic imaging to assess bone density, jawbone health, and gum tissue. If a tooth is present, we coordinate with your referring dentist to determine whether endodontic care could preserve a natural tooth or whether tooth extraction is appropriate before the dental implant procedure.

Your periodontist outlines a detailed treatment plan that matches your goals, number of teeth to be replaced, and facial structure. Options may include a single tooth implant with a dental crown, implant supported dentures for multiple missing teeth, or full mouth dental implants. We also discuss alternatives like a dental bridge when needed, and we explain types of dental implants and which type of implant provides a stable foundation for your case.

Preparing the implant site: bone grafting and augmentation

Many patients have adequate natural bone for implant placement. If imaging shows not enough bone for a stable result, we may recommend bone grafting to support the implant site. Our services include bone augmentation, ridge augmentation, ridge preservation, and sinus lift procedures for the upper jaw. These treatments help rebuild a healthy jawbone and create the conditions for a high success rate.

In cases of severe bone loss, we explain the spectrum of options used in implant dentistry, including when some centers consider zygomatic implants. Our focus is selecting a surgical procedure that respects your natural teeth and gum tissue while restoring function. Your clinician will discuss the type of dental implant recommended for the lower jaw or upper jaw, and whether a temporary tooth is appropriate during the healing process.

How long does the dental implant process take?

Timelines vary based on implant site healing, any bone graft required, and your medical history. A straightforward dental implant placement may take several months from surgical procedure to final restoration. When bone grafts are needed, additional time supports integration and healthy gums, leading to durable replacement teeth.

The day of dental implant placement: what to expect

On the day of dental implant surgery, comfort and safety guide each step. We offer Sedation Dentistry Options to ease anxiety, and our surgical microscopes and Cone Beam CT Imaging support precise dental implant placement. The periodontist positions a titanium post, which acts as an artificial tooth root inside the jaw. This titanium implant fuses with natural bone during the healing process to form a stable foundation for the restoration.

Postoperative instructions focus on proper care and straightforward recovery. Most patients are surprised by the minimal discomfort following implant procedure steps. Good dental care at home and follow-up visits protect the implant site as it integrates. When a tooth extraction is part of treatment, we coordinate timing so tissue and bone heal appropriately before the next phase.

Restoring your new tooth or smile

After the implant post integrates with the jaw, we collaborate with your restoring dentist to complete the final restoration. For a single tooth, your dentist designs a custom dental crown that fits precisely and matches adjacent natural teeth. For multiple teeth or full arches, implant supported dentures or other types of implants may be chosen to deliver artificial teeth that function like real teeth.

Patients often ask about the most common type of restoration after dental implant placement. A single tooth implant with a custom crown is a common, permanent replacement for a missing tooth, and implant supported dentures provide a secure alternative to removable dentures for extensive tooth loss. These options enhance chewing, protect facial structure, and support long-term oral health.

Comfort, coordination, and continuity of care

Some patients wonder whether an oral surgeon or a periodontist should place a dental implant. Our periodontal specialists focus on the bone and gum support that anchors the implant, and our endodontic team evaluates when a natural tooth can be preserved. That dual-specialty approach helps you make informed decisions and ensures seamless coordination with your general dentist.

Throughout the dental implant process, we prioritize patient comfort. Sedation options reduce anxiety, careful planning limits surgical time, and a measured checklist guides each visit. Clear instructions for proper care, from soft brushing around healing gum tissue to regular maintenance visits, support long-term stability and healthy gums.

Are Dental Implants a good option for you?

Candidates include patients with missing teeth who want permanent replacement, those who cannot tolerate removable dentures, or anyone seeking a solution that feels and functions like a natural tooth. We assess bone density, gum health, and medical history to determine suitability, and we explain when a bone graft or staged approach offers the best path forward.

Implants are a good option when you have a healthy jawbone or can be prepared with grafting. They can replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch, depending on the type of dental implant chosen. We discuss your goals, outline the dental implant procedure from first step to final restoration, and confirm that the plan supports your quality of life.

Long-term maintenance and success

Dental implants have a high success rate when supported by proper home care and routine professional visits. Daily brushing and flossing, along with periodontal maintenance, protect the implant site and surrounding gum tissue. We emphasize regular dental care and ongoing communication with your general dentist to preserve the outcome.

As with natural teeth, consistent habits protect long-term jawbone health. Avoiding tobacco, managing systemic conditions, and attending recommended recalls help maintain the interface between the implant and bone. With appropriate care, implant-supported replacement teeth offer reliable function and a natural look over many years.

A calm, efficient path back to function and confidence

Choosing a specialty team that values precision, collaboration, and patient comfort helps ensure a smooth experience with Dental Implants. At Northwest Dental Specialists, we coordinate closely with referring dentists, prioritize timely scheduling, and deliver clear, stepwise guidance from consultation to final restoration. If you are evaluating options for tooth loss or exploring full mouth solutions, we are ready to help.

Schedule an appointment today! Our clinicians will answer your questions, review imaging, and outline a plan that restores function while respecting your oral health and comfort.