Dental implants are the closest thing to getting your natural teeth back. These small titanium posts serve as artificial tooth roots, placed in your jawbone to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants actually preserve bone health and prevent the sunken facial appearance that often follows tooth loss. At McCarl Dental Group, we provide comprehensive implant services—from single tooth replacements to full-mouth restorations—all with the personalized care our practice has been known for since 1924.
With proper care, dental implants can last decades—or even a lifetime. While bridges or dentures may require maintenance or eventual replacement over time, implants offer a stable, long-term solution that closely mimics natural teeth.
When you lose teeth, your jawbone begins to shrink over time—it's actually what causes that aged, sunken look around the mouth. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that stimulates bone growth and prevents this deterioration.
Implant-supported teeth look and feel remarkably natural. You'll enjoy improved chewing ability, clearer speech, and the confidence to laugh, smile, and eat anything you want without worrying about your teeth.
We start with a thorough examination using our advanced CBCT scanner, which creates a detailed 3D image of your jawbone, nerves, and sinuses. This precision imaging, combined with digital impressions from our iTero scanner, allows us to plan your implant placement with remarkable accuracy and safety.
Using custom surgical guides created from your digital scans, we gently place the titanium implant posts in your jawbone. Our guided approach ensures optimal positioning for both function and aesthetics, while making the procedure more comfortable and precise. Many patients are surprised by how straightforward this step is—often requiring only local anesthesia.
The implant needs time to bond with your jawbone, which typically takes 3-6 months. During this healing period, we may place a temporary restoration so you're never without teeth. The patience required during this phase pays off with a rock-solid foundation for your new teeth.
Once your implants have fully integrated, we'll create your permanent restoration—whether that's a single crown, a multi-tooth bridge, or a full-arch solution. Using our in-house milling technology, we can often create beautiful, natural-looking restorations in a single visit. We'll ensure your new teeth function properly, feel comfortable, and blend seamlessly with your smile.
Most people with missing teeth can benefit from implants. The main requirement is having adequate jawbone to support the implant, though we offer bone grafting options for those with bone loss. Age isn't typically a limiting factor—we've successfully placed implants for patients in their 80s and 90s. Certain health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking may affect healing, so we'll discuss your specific situation during your consultation.
Most patients tell us implant placement was much more comfortable than they expected. The jawbone actually has few nerve endings, and we use effective local anesthesia to ensure you don't feel pain during the procedure. For anxious patients, we offer additional comfort options. Following the procedure, most people report minimal discomfort that's easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and many return to work the very next day.
Implant treatment is customized to your specific needs, so costs vary based on the number of implants needed, whether bone grafting is required, and the type of restoration placed on the implants. While the initial investment is higher than bridges or dentures, many patients find implants more cost-effective in the long run due to their durability and ability to prevent further dental problems. We'll provide a detailed estimate during your consultation and discuss payment options and financing plans that can make this life-changing treatment affordable.