Implant Dentistry

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.

Dental implants are small, biocompatible posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots and provide stable support for prosthetic teeth. Once an implant integrates with the surrounding bone through osseointegration, it serves as a foundation for an abutment and a final restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The implant system mimics the function of a natural tooth root to restore chewing ability and support surrounding facial structures.

This root-like support helps preserve jawbone volume and maintain natural facial contours by transmitting chewing forces to the bone. Implants restore function and speech with stability that removable options often cannot match. The office of Morrison Dental Care uses modern planning and imaging to design predictable implant treatments tailored to each patient.

Good candidates typically have healthy gum tissue and sufficient jawbone to support an implant, though many bone deficiencies can be corrected with grafting. Medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy tobacco use can affect healing and are reviewed during evaluation to determine individualized suitability. Age alone is not a limiting factor; overall health and oral conditions are the primary considerations.

The dental team will perform a comprehensive exam with digital X-rays or CBCT imaging to assess anatomy and identify any issues that need treatment prior to implant placement. Treatment recommendations consider medical history, current oral health, functional needs, and esthetic goals. A personalized plan ensures the safest and most predictable path to implant therapy.

The implant process begins with a consultation and diagnostic imaging to plan precise implant placement based on each patient’s anatomy. If needed, preparatory procedures such as extractions or bone grafting are completed first to establish a healthy foundation for implants. The implant is surgically placed under local anesthesia with sedation options discussed beforehand, and the surgical site is allowed to heal.

During healing, the implant integrates with the bone, a process that typically takes several months before final restorations are attached. An abutment is placed and impressions are taken to fabricate the final crown, bridge, or denture that restores function and esthetics. Throughout treatment, the team provides preoperative and postoperative instructions and schedules follow-ups to monitor progress.

Bone grafting is recommended when there is insufficient jawbone volume or density to support an implant reliably, which can result from tooth loss, periodontal disease, or long-term denture wear. Grafting rebuilds the ridge and creates the necessary support to achieve stable implant placement and predictable long-term outcomes. Materials for grafting may include the patient’s own bone, donor bone, or biocompatible synthetic materials, depending on the clinical needs.

In some cases grafting can be performed at the time of extraction or implant placement, while other situations require a separate healing period before implants are placed. The clinician will explain the recommended technique, expected healing timeline, and how grafting supports implant success. Careful surgical technique and good postoperative care contribute to successful bone regeneration.

Implant restorations range from single-tooth crowns to implant-supported bridges, implant-retained dentures, and fixed full-arch solutions using multiple implants. A single-tooth implant restores one missing tooth without altering adjacent teeth, preserving healthy tooth structure and providing fully independent support. Implant-supported bridges use strategically placed implants to replace several adjacent teeth while maintaining bone stimulation and avoiding preparation of natural teeth.

Full-arch restorations employ multiple implants to support a fixed prosthesis that closely mimics natural dentition, while implant-retained dentures attach to implants for improved retention and comfort and can be removable for cleaning. Treatment selection depends on anatomy, functional needs, esthetic goals, and patient preferences. Your dentist will recommend the restoration type that best balances durability, function, and maintenance for your situation.

Initial recovery after implant surgery commonly involves mild swelling, bruising, and low-level discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with cold packs and recommended medications. Soft foods and avoiding strenuous activity for the first 48 to 72 hours support comfort and healing, and any sutures are typically removed or resorb within one to two weeks. The surgical site will be checked at follow-up appointments to confirm appropriate soft tissue healing.

Complete osseointegration, during which the implant fuses with the jawbone, usually takes several months before the final restoration is placed. Some treatment protocols permit temporary teeth immediately after placement, while others require waiting for full healing. Your dental team will provide a case-specific timeline and monitor healing to determine when to proceed to the final prosthesis.

Dental implants preserve jawbone by transmitting functional forces to the bone, which helps prevent the resorption that often follows tooth loss and removable dentures. Because implants are anchored into bone, they provide improved stability for chewing and speaking compared with removable prostheses and reduce the risk of embarrassing movement. Implants also often eliminate the need to alter adjacent healthy teeth, a step commonly required for traditional fixed bridges.

Implant-supported restorations expand dietary options and can improve the predictability of speech and function relative to ill-fitting dentures. By helping preserve soft tissue and bone contours, implants contribute to maintained facial support and predictable esthetic outcomes. Treatment planning evaluates functional needs and oral health factors to determine the most appropriate restorative approach for each patient.

Long-term implant care emphasizes effective daily oral hygiene and regular professional maintenance, much like natural teeth. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing or using interdental cleaners around implants, and following any supplemental home-care recommendations help prevent plaque buildup and peri-implant inflammation. Routine dental exams and professional cleanings enable the team to monitor gum health and detect early signs of complications.

Specialized instruments and techniques are used during professional cleanings to protect implant surfaces while removing deposits. The practice will schedule periodic radiographs or clinical assessments to confirm implant stability and surrounding bone health. Prompt attention to changes in comfort, tissue appearance, or mobility improves the chances of preserving long-term function.

Dental implant placement carries risks similar to other minor surgeries, including infection, nerve irritation, sinus involvement in the upper jaw, or failure to integrate with bone. Careful diagnostic imaging, meticulous surgical technique, and adherence to postoperative instructions reduce these risks substantially. Patient factors such as smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions, and poor oral hygiene can increase complication rates and are addressed during treatment planning.

Clinical studies report high long-term success rates for implants when cases are properly planned and maintained, and many patients experience durable function for many years. Success depends on implant placement quality, bone health, patient habits, and regular professional care. Your dentist will review risk factors specific to your situation and outline measures to optimize outcomes.

During a consultation the clinician reviews your medical and dental history and conducts a thorough oral exam to evaluate gum health and bone volume. Diagnostic imaging such as digital X-rays or a CBCT scan is often obtained to map bone anatomy and identify the optimal implant positions. The team will discuss restorative goals, anesthesia or sedation options, and any preparatory procedures that may be needed to achieve predictable results.

After evaluation, the clinician explains recommended treatment options, the expected sequence of care, and the typical healing timelines for your case. You will receive preoperative and postoperative instructions and have the opportunity to ask questions about maintenance and follow-up. Patients in the Clifton Park area meet with the office team at Morrison Dental Care to receive personalized guidance and next steps for implant therapy.