What Is Dental Implant Placement?

Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure where a titanium post is inserted into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Once healed, the implant supports a custom crown, bridge, or denture, restoring full function, comfort, and appearance.

This foundational procedure is ideal for replacing one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch using techniques like:

• Single-tooth implants
  
• Implant-supported bridges
  
• All-on-Four implants
  
• Overdentures (snap-on dentures)
  

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the gold standard in modern tooth replacement, offering:

• Permanence: Designed to last decades with proper care
  
• Functionality: Restores natural chewing strength and stability
  
• Bone Health: Stimulates the jawbone to prevent bone loss
  
• Aesthetics: Looks and feels like your natural teeth
  
• Preservation: Unlike bridges, implants don’t require altering adjacent teeth
  

Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, implant placement provides a foundation for a lifetime of smiles.

Our Dental Implant Placement Process

At Foundation Dental, we make your journey to a restored smile smooth and personalized:

Step 1: Consultation & 3D Imaging

Dr. Daggs performs a thorough evaluation with 3D cone beam imaging to assess bone structure and treatment needs. We’ll explain the procedure, recovery, and whether any bone grafting is needed.

Step 2: Surgical Placement

Using guided surgery, a small titanium implant is precisely inserted into the jawbone at the ideal location and angle, following placement principles such as the 3/2 rule to maximize success and stability.

Step 3: Healing & Osseointegration

Over the next 3–6 months, the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This forms a secure anchor for the final restoration.

Step 4: Restoration

Once healed, we place a custom crown or prosthetic onto the implant, completing your smile with a durable and lifelike result.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implant Placement?

You may be a candidate if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
  
• Are in good general health and free from uncontrolled medical conditions
  
• Have sufficient jawbone (or are open to grafting if needed)
  
• Are you looking for a permanent alternative to dentures or bridges
  
• Don’t smoke or are willing to stop during the healing phase
  
  

We’ll provide a comprehensive evaluation and help you understand all your options, including denture stabilization or All-on-Four for full-mouth solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dental implant placement painful?

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and most patients experience minimal discomfort. Any post-operative soreness can be managed with over-the-counter medication and usually resolves within a few days.

What is the proper placement of dental implants?

Proper implant placement involves positioning the implant vertically and horizontally in the bone to support function and aesthetics. Key principles include avoiding anatomical structures and following spacing guidelines for optimal integration.

What is the 3/2 rule for implant placement?

The 3/2 rule refers to having at least three millimeters of space between adjacent implants and two millimeters of space between an implant and a natural tooth, ensuring bone health and prosthetic support.

What are the three stages of dental implants?

1. Placement of the implant post
   
2. Healing and osseointegration
   
3. Placement of the final crown or prosthesis
   

Each stage is carefully monitored to ensure long-term success and natural-looking results.