Losing a tooth affects more than appearance. Chewing changes, neighbouring teeth begin to drift, and the bone that once supported the root slowly resorbs. Dental implants address all three, but the treatment takes longer than most people expect — and that is by design.
What an implant actually is
An implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone in the position of the missing root. It is not the visible tooth. The crown, bridge or full-arch restoration attaches to it later, once the post has fused with the surrounding bone.
That fusion — osseointegration — is what makes implants stable enough to chew on normally. It also cannot be rushed.
The stages
Treatment usually runs like this:
- Evaluation and planning. A CBCT scan shows bone volume, nerve position and sinus anatomy. This determines whether an implant is possible, and where exactly it should go.
- Placement. The post is positioned surgically. Most patients describe the recovery as easier than an extraction.
- Healing. Several months while the bone integrates with the implant. A temporary restoration can be worn during this time.
- The final restoration. An abutment and a custom crown are fitted and adjusted to your bite.
When more preparation is needed
If a tooth has been missing for years, the bone in that area may no longer be sufficient. Bone grafting or a sinus lift can rebuild the site before an implant is placed. This adds months to the timeline, which is one reason we recommend discussing replacement options soon after a tooth is lost rather than years later.
Why coordinated care matters
Implant treatment has a surgical phase and a restorative phase. At our Dover practice both happen in the same office: our oral surgeon, Dr. Won-Sang Lee, places the implant, and our restorative dentists design the crown that goes on it. The surgical position is planned around the final tooth from the beginning, not the other way around.
If you are considering implants, the first step is an evaluation. Call 973-361-6200 to arrange one.