Missing teeth change more than your smile — they alter how you eat, how you speak and how your face looks over time. Implant dentistry offers a reliable way to replace lost teeth with restorations that behave like natural teeth. By anchoring replacement teeth directly into the jaw, implants restore bite strength and stability so patients can return to everyday activities without worry about slipping dentures or uncomfortable adhesives.
Implants are designed to integrate with bone and support single crowns, multi-unit bridges, or full-arch restorations. That biological connection gives implant-supported restorations their distinctive stability and function. For many patients, the result is not only improved oral health but also a renewed sense of confidence when talking, laughing and eating with friends and family.
Our team at Smith Tano Dental Group focuses on predictable, evidence-based implant care tailored to each patient. We combine careful diagnostics and modern surgical techniques so that treatment is efficient, comfortable and aligned with long-term oral health goals. Patients appreciate that implants can preserve facial structure and reduce the bone loss that typically follows tooth loss.
At its core, an implant is a small, biocompatible post placed into the jawbone to function as a replacement root. Over several months, the surrounding bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for a prosthetic tooth. Once integrated, the implant supports a crown, bridge, or denture with a level of stability that mimics natural teeth.
Implant systems today use materials such as titanium and zirconia, both chosen for their strong track record of compatibility with human tissue. The choice of material and implant design depends on clinical needs, aesthetic priorities and the patient’s individual anatomy. Implants do not decay like natural teeth, but they still require healthy supporting tissues to remain successful over time.
Before any implant is placed, precise planning is essential. Modern imaging and digital planning tools allow clinicians to evaluate bone volume, identify critical anatomical structures and design the ideal implant position. Thoughtful planning reduces surprises during surgery and improves the predictability of functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Implant dentistry is versatile: a single implant restored with a crown is a conservative option for one missing tooth, while multiple implants can support bridges or full-arch restorations. This flexibility means patients with a range of needs — from a single gap to a complete arch — can often be treated with implant-based solutions instead of removing or altering healthy neighboring teeth.
A single implant topped with a custom crown replaces the entire tooth without involving adjacent teeth. This preserves surrounding tooth structure and delivers a natural-looking, long-term solution that blends seamlessly with the smile when matched by skilled restorative design and materials.
For patients missing several adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges provide a stable alternative to conventional fixed bridges. Strategically placed implants bear the load for multiple replacement teeth, eliminating the need to prepare or crown neighboring natural teeth while maintaining bone stimulation where it’s needed most.
When many or all teeth are missing, full-arch implant restorations can recreate a fixed, non-removable set of teeth or provide secure attachment points for a removable overdenture. These approaches improve chewing function and confidence, remove the need for adhesives, and often allow for provisional teeth during the healing phase so patients don’t go without an attractive smile.
The implant journey typically starts with a thorough examination and treatment plan that considers oral health, medical history and cosmetic goals. Imaging and intraoral scans guide implant positioning and help the clinical team define a timeline. In some cases, preparatory procedures such as extractions or bone augmentation are recommended to create optimal support for the implant.
Surgical placement of implants is generally done on an outpatient basis. Our approach emphasizes comfort and clear communication: we review anesthesia and sedation options ahead of time and provide step-by-step instructions for before and after the procedure. Many patients experience only mild post-operative discomfort that resolves quickly with standard care.
After placement, a healing interval allows the implant to fuse with the bone. Depending on the case, temporary restorations can be provided for immediate function and aesthetics while osseointegration occurs. Once the implant is stable, custom prosthetics are designed and fitted to achieve the desired shape, color and bite relationships.
Long-term success with implants depends on good oral hygiene and regular professional care. Daily brushing and flossing around implant restorations, along with routine dental checkups and cleanings, help preserve the tissues that support the implant. While implants themselves do not develop cavities, the gums and bone around them can be affected by inflammation if not properly cared for.
Patients should also be aware of lifestyle factors that influence healing and maintenance. Smoking and untreated periodontal disease can compromise implant outcomes, so addressing overall oral health before and after placement is an important part of planning. During follow-up visits we monitor implant health, prosthetic fit, and the surrounding tissues to catch any concerns early.
Most implant restorations provide many years of reliable function when placed thoughtfully and maintained carefully. Our team emphasizes preventive strategies and individualized aftercare plans to protect your investment in oral health and to ensure your replacement teeth continue to look and perform well over time.
Choosing implant therapy means selecting a care pathway that fits your specific situation. Every treatment plan is personalized — we consider your oral health, aesthetic preferences, functional goals and comfort with the proposed timeline. Clear communication and shared decision-making are central to a successful outcome.
If you’d like to explore whether implant dentistry is the right solution for your smile, our practice is ready to answer your questions and explain the options that fit your needs. We aim to help patients make informed decisions based on clinical evidence and realistic expectations rather than quick fixes.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation, please contact us for additional information and guidance. Our team is available to discuss the implant process and help you take the first step toward a restored, healthy smile.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.
Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.
Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.
Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.
It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.
