What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They look and perform like natural teeth - rooted directly in your jawbone. There is no plastic palate covering the roof of your mouth. No adhesives to keep them in place. Just solid, permanent teeth.
A dental implant has three parts:
- The implant - a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone
- The abutment - a connector piece that sits on top of the implant
- The crown - the visible tooth, custom-made by a prosthodontist to match your smile
The History of Dental Implants
1952 - Discovery
Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, discovered that titanium fuses permanently with living bone - a process he named "osseointegration." This accidental discovery during a bone-healing study laid the foundation for modern dental implants.
1965 - First Patient
Gosta Larson became the first human to receive titanium dental implants. Professor Branemark placed four implants in his lower jaw. Those implants served Larson for over 40 years, proving the long-term viability of the treatment.
Today
Dental implants now have over 40 years of successful clinical history. In 2006 alone, 1.7 million implants were placed. The success rate sits at approximately 96%, making implants one of the most reliable treatments in all of dentistry.
Who Are Implants For?
Dental implants are ideal for patients who are:
Your Path to a Confident Smile
Whether you need a single tooth replaced, a full arch restored, or want to explore Teeth-in-a-Day, dental implants offer a proven path back to a confident smile.
Learn more about the benefits of dental implants or find out why implants beat the alternatives.
Book AppointmentTypes of Dental Implants We Offer
At Crescent City Dentists, we offer the full range of implant solutions to match every patient's needs:
Single Tooth Implants
Replace one missing tooth without affecting adjacent teeth. The implant supports an individual crown that looks and functions like your natural tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Replace multiple adjacent missing teeth using two or more implants to support a bridge, eliminating the need to grind down healthy neighboring teeth.
All-on-4 (Teeth-in-a-Day)
Replace an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implants. You can leave our office with a full set of functional teeth in a single visit.
Zygomatic Implants
For patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who have been told they cannot have implants. These longer implants anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma), eliminating the need for bone grafting in many cases.
Full-Mouth Restoration
Complete rehabilitation of both arches using implants, providing a permanent alternative to traditional dentures.
The Implant Process Step by Step
Consultation and Planning
We take 3D scans of your jaw, evaluate bone density, discuss your goals, and create a custom treatment plan.
Preparatory Procedures (if needed)
Some patients need bone grafting or sinus lifts to build adequate bone for implant placement. These procedures are performed in-office.
Implant Placement
The titanium posts are surgically placed into your jawbone under local anesthesia or IV sedation. The procedure is typically less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction.
Healing Period
Over 3 to 6 months, the implants fuse with your bone through osseointegration. You will have temporary teeth during this time.
Abutment and Crown
Once healed, we attach the abutment and place your custom permanent crown, bridge, or denture.
Implants vs Dentures vs Bridges
Wondering how implants compare to other tooth replacement options? Here is a quick comparison:
🏆 Dental Implants
- Longevity Can last a lifetime with proper care
- Bone Health Stimulates jawbone, prevents bone loss
- Function Restores nearly 100% of chewing power
- Comfort Feels like natural teeth
- Adjacent Teeth Stands alone — no impact on neighbors
Dentures
- Longevity Need replacement every 5–8 years
- Bone Health Does not prevent bone loss
- Function Restores about 25–50% of chewing power
- Comfort Can slip, cause sore spots, requires adhesives
- Adjacent Teeth Rests on gums — no tooth modification
Traditional Bridges
- Longevity Lasts 10–15 years
- Bone Health Does not prevent bone loss
- Function Good chewing ability
- Comfort Fixed in place, comfortable
- Adjacent Teeth Requires grinding down healthy teeth
Learn more about why dental implants are the preferred choice and why replacing missing teeth matters.
Your Implant Surgery Team
Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
Our implant procedures are performed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with advanced training from top military and civilian programs. With extensive experience in implant surgery, bone grafting, sinus lifts, nerve lateralization, and zygomatic implants, our surgical team brings precision and expertise to every procedure. We perform the full scope of implant and reconstructive surgery right here in our office.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. Even patients who have been told they do not have enough bone may qualify thanks to advanced techniques like bone grafting, sinus lifts, and zygomatic implants available at our office.
Good candidates include patients who:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have adequate jawbone density (or can undergo bone grafting)
- Are in generally good health
- Do not have uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune conditions
- Are committed to good oral hygiene
- Are non-smokers (or willing to quit during healing)
See Real Results in Our Smile Gallery
View before-and-after photos of real implant patients treated at our office. From single-tooth replacements to full-mouth transformations, our Smile Gallery showcases the life-changing results dental implants can provide.
View Smile GalleryFrequently Asked Questions
Costs vary based on the number of implants, preparatory procedures needed, and type of restoration. We offer flexible financing and our annual membership plan provides discounts. Schedule a consultation for a personalized estimate.
Most patients report that implant surgery is less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction. We offer IV sedation for a comfortable, anxiety-free experience.
From placement to final restoration, the process typically takes 3 to 6 months. However, with Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4), you can receive a full set of temporary teeth on the same day as surgery.
Bone grafting, sinus lifts, and zygomatic implants are available for patients with insufficient bone. These procedures can rebuild bone or bypass the need for it entirely.
With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacement after 15-20 years due to normal wear.
Absolutely. Many denture wearers switch to implant-supported solutions for better stability, comfort, and function. We can convert existing dentures to implant-supported prosthetics in many cases.
Yes. We offer flexible financing with monthly payment options, our annual membership plan for ongoing savings, and can work with you on treatment phasing to spread costs over time.
Dental implants have a success rate of approximately 96-98% when placed by experienced surgeons. Our team's advanced training and board certifications ensure the highest standard of surgical care.
Find Out If Implants Are Right for You
Schedule a consultation with our team to explore your options.
301 N. Summit St, Crescent City, FL 32112