One missing tooth or a full smile — here's how implants actually work.
No sales pitch. Just what an implant is, who it's for, what the process looks like, and the questions patients actually ask — answered by a practice that builds its restorations in-house.
What an implant replaces
A natural tooth has two jobs: the crown you see, and the root that anchors it and keeps your jawbone healthy. Bridges and traditional dentures only address the first job. An implant replaces the root itself — which is why implant teeth stay fixed, feel stable when you chew, and help preserve the bone in your jaw.
Single tooth
One implant, one crown — no grinding down healthy neighboring teeth the way a bridge requires.
Several teeth
Implant-supported bridges replace multiple teeth without a removable partial.
A full arch
Four or more implants can support an entire arch of fixed teeth — see All-on-4.
The process, step by step
- Free consultation & imaging3D imaging of your mouth, a conversation about your goals and health history, and honest answers about your options. You leave with a plan and an exact price.
- Preparation, if neededSome patients need a tooth removed or bone grafting first. Not everyone does — your imaging tells us, not a guess.
- Implant placementThe implant is placed under local anesthesia, with sedation available. Many patients return to normal routines within a day or two.
- Healing & integrationOver the following weeks the implant fuses with your bone — the foundation that makes implant teeth so stable.
- Your new teeth, made in-houseYour restoration is designed and crafted in our on-site lab, refined with Dr. Arielle Forbes, DMD down the hall — not mailed to a facility you'll never see.
Implants are medical devices — they deserve a coordinated team, not a shipping label.
Questions patients actually ask
What is a dental implant, exactly?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces a missing tooth’s root. Once it integrates with your jawbone, it anchors a crown, bridge, or full arch of teeth that stays fixed in place — no adhesives, no removing at night.
How long does the implant process take?
It varies by case. Some patients qualify for same-day approaches; others need healing time between placement and the final restoration, especially if bone grafting is involved. At your free consultation, Dr. Forbes maps your specific timeline before anything begins.
Do dental implants hurt?
Placement is done under local anesthesia, and <a href="/sedation-dentistry/">sedation options</a> are available for anxious patients. Most patients describe the recovery as more manageable than they expected, with soreness controlled by over-the-counter medication. Everyone is different — we plan your comfort as carefully as your teeth.
Am I too old for dental implants?
Age by itself is rarely the deciding factor — overall health and bone condition matter far more. Patients in their 70s and 80s receive implants successfully. A consultation with imaging is the only honest way to know.
What if I’ve been missing teeth for years?
Long-term tooth loss often means some bone loss, but that doesn’t close the door. Bone grafting rebuilds support, and full-arch techniques like All-on-4 are designed to work with less bone. This is exactly the kind of case worth a second opinion.
How do I care for implants?
Largely like natural teeth: brushing, flossing (with a few technique adjustments we’ll show you), and regular hygiene visits. There is no soaking, no adhesive, and nothing to take out at night.
Want to read more?
Independent, non-commercial information on dental implants is available from the American Dental Association's patient resource, MouthHealthy.org, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), and NIH's MedlinePlus. An estimated 3,000,000+ Americans already live with dental implants, and long-term clinical studies commonly report survival rates above 95% at 5 years and above 90% at 10 years in healthy patients. Your individual outlook depends on your health and care — which is exactly what your consultation assesses.
Wondering which option fits your mouth?
Imaging answers what guessing can't. Your consultation with Dr. Arielle Forbes, DMD is free, and so is the honest assessment.
Book your free consultation