Dental Implants - DentFirst Dental Care

Tooth human implant (done in 3d graphics)

Dental Implants at DentFirst: What You Need to Know

Dental implants are a modern, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth or all your teeth, implants can restore your smile, chewing ability, and confidence with a natural look and feel. At DentFirst, our team is here to guide you through every step of the implant process with clarity and care.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These posts serve as artificial roots for the new teeth that will be placed on top, such as crowns, bridges or full replacements.

The implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration.
Once healing is complete, a custom crown is attached through the use of a connector called the abutment, mimicking a natural tooth or teeth.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Natural Feel: They look, feel, and function like real teeth.
Durability: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
No Impact on Neighboring Teeth: Adjacent teeth don’t need to be altered or shaved down as with bridges.
Improved Comfort & Confidence: Unlike dentures, implants don’t move or shift.
Better Oral Health: Easy to brush and floss just like natural teeth.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Good candidates for implants typically:

Have healthy gums and adequate bone density.
Maintain good oral hygiene habits.
Are non-smokers or willing to stop during healing.
Have no uncontrolled chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes).

A consultation and 3D imaging will help us determine if implants are right for you. Most people can be a candidate for implants in today’s dentistry.

The Dental Implant Process

Consultation: We assess your oral health, take scans, and discuss your options.
Implant Placement: A titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone.
Healing Period: The bone integrates with the implant over several months.
Final Restoration: A custom crown is placed by connecting it to the implant by using a titanium abutment, completing your new smile.

Post-Operative Instructions

Bleeding: Bite down gently on gauze to stop bleeding. Replace as needed.
Swelling: Apply an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for 20-minute intervals.
Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter ibuprofen as instructed.
Diet: Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Avoid chewing on the implant site.
Oral Hygiene: Brush gently and avoid the surgical site. Do not rinse vigorously.
Smoking: Avoid smoking for at least a week post-op, ideally longer.

Dental Implants vs. Bridges

Feature	Implants	Bridges
Affects Neighboring Teeth	No	Yes, adjacent teeth must be altered or shaved in the shaping process
Longevity	Can last a lifetime	5-15 years on average
Hygiene	Easy to clean like natural teeth	More difficult to floss beneath bridge
Bone Preservation	Prevents jawbone loss	Does not prevent bone loss
Cost (Single Tooth)	Often similar	Often similar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Local anesthesia is used, and post-op pain is typically mild—often much less than a tooth extraction.

Healing can take 4 to 6 months, depending on your case. Final crown placement occurs after this healing phase.

Most healthy adults are candidates, but a consultation will determine suitability based on bone health and medical history. Sometimes supplemental procedures may be needed to increase the likelihood of implant placement.

Brush and floss as you would with natural teeth. Maintain regular dental checkups.

Implants can support bridges or even full-arch (all top teeth or all bottom teeth) restorations for patients missing multiple teeth.