Missing a tooth — or several — affects more than just your smile. It can change how you eat, alter speech patterns, and gradually affect facial structure when the jawbone beneath a gap begins to resorb. Modern dental implants are designed to address those functional and aesthetic issues by replacing both the visible tooth and the root below the gumline. For many patients, implants are the most predictable long-term option to rebuild a healthy, natural-feeling bite.
Implants are appropriate for adults with finished jaw growth who prioritize durability and natural function. The treatment starts with a clinical evaluation that considers overall health, oral hygiene, and the condition of the supporting bone. With careful planning, implants can be used to replace a single tooth, bridge several missing teeth, or secure an entire arch of prosthetic teeth—restoring chewing ability and facial support.
At Murphy Dentistry, we combine current implant techniques with digital planning tools to create treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs and goals. Our approach aims to deliver predictable outcomes while helping patients understand the timeline and steps involved from consultation through final restoration.
Replacing the tooth root is what differentiates dental implants from traditional restorations. A root-form implant transfers chewing forces into the jaw, which helps maintain bone volume and preserves the natural contours of the face over time. This functional support reduces the risk of the sunken appearance and shifting teeth that can occur when gaps are left untreated.
Because implants integrate with bone, they provide a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, and denture attachments. That stability translates into greater comfort and fewer dietary limitations compared with removable prostheses, making implants a strong, long-term investment in oral health and daily quality of life.
Dental implants are engineered systems made up of a few key parts: a biocompatible implant body (the portion placed in bone), an abutment (which connects the implant to the visible restoration), and the final crown, bridge, or denture. Each component is selected to achieve both strength and a natural appearance that harmonizes with the rest of the smile.
After placement, the implant undergoes a process called osseointegration — the direct bonding of bone to the implant surface. This gradual biological fusion is what gives implants their strength and function. Depending on the case, clinicians may use surface treatments and implant designs that promote predictable bone integration while minimizing healing times.
Material science also plays a role. Most implants are titanium, a metal with a long history of safe use in medicine. Some systems use zirconia for patients seeking a metal-free appearance. Both choices are biocompatible when selected and placed appropriately for the individual patient.
The implant body provides the anchorage, the abutment creates the transition above the gumline, and the final restoration is shaped and shaded to match neighboring natural teeth. Thoughtful selection of each element helps achieve a strong, lifelike result and supports healthy soft tissue contours around the restoration.
Implant dentistry is versatile. A single missing tooth can often be replaced with one implant and a custom crown, restoring the tooth without relying on neighboring teeth for support. When several teeth are missing, implant-supported bridges can replace multiple teeth while avoiding the need to alter adjacent healthy teeth.
For patients who are missing an entire upper or lower arch, full-arch implant solutions provide fixed or removable options that far outperform traditional dentures in stability and function. Depending on bone availability and goals, an arch can be supported by a modest number of implants to hold a permanently fixed bridge or a removable prosthesis that snaps into place.
Successful implant treatment begins with careful planning. A thorough exam includes a review of medical history, a dental examination, and imaging to assess bone volume and anatomy. Three-dimensional imaging, when appropriate, helps the clinician map out optimal implant positions while avoiding vital structures and ensuring the best aesthetic outcomes.
Surgical placement is typically performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia and, when appropriate, sedation to keep patients comfortable. The complexity of the procedure depends on the number of implants and whether additional steps—such as bone grafting or sinus elevation—are needed to create a stable foundation. Those preparatory procedures are common and are part of many predictable implant cases.
Healing and timing vary. Some patients are candidates for immediate provisional restorations that restore appearance while bone integration occurs; others follow a staged approach where the permanent restorations are attached after osseointegration. Throughout, clear communication about what to expect helps patients prepare for recovery and follow-up visits.
Treatment sometimes requires rebuilding the jaw with grafting materials to provide sufficient support for implants. Grafting can be performed at the time of extraction or as a separate preparatory step and is a reliable way to create the volume needed for stable implant placement. Advances in grafting and regenerative techniques mean many cases once considered unsuitable for implants can now be treated successfully.
Once implant restorations are in place, ongoing care focuses on maintaining healthy gums and supporting bone. A routine oral hygiene program — thorough brushing, daily interdental cleaning, and regular professional checkups — is essential. Although implants do not decay like natural teeth, they are vulnerable to gum inflammation and infection if plaque control lapses.
Regular follow-up appointments allow your dental team to monitor integration, check occlusion (how your teeth come together), and clean areas that are difficult to reach. Addressing minor issues early prevents complications and helps implants remain functional for many years. Patient habits such as smoking or uncontrolled systemic health conditions can affect outcomes, which is why comprehensive health discussions are an important part of planning.
Complications are uncommon with careful treatment and maintenance, but when they occur, there are established pathways to manage them — from professional cleaning and soft tissue therapy to surgical revision when necessary. With routine care and attention, most patients enjoy long-term success and a significant improvement in daily comfort and confidence.
Implant dentistry offers a dependable, long-lasting path to restore missing teeth and the functions they support. Whether you need a single tooth restored or a full-arch solution, contemporary implant methods prioritize stability, aesthetics, and predictable integration with the jawbone. The result is a natural-feeling smile that helps you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
If you’d like to learn whether dental implants are the right option for you, please contact us for more information. Our team will be glad to explain the process and help you explore treatment choices that meet your needs and goals.
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.
Taking the next step toward your ideal smile is simple. Whether you're ready to schedule your appointment or simply have questions about our services or treatment options, our friendly staff is here to help.
