Mon to Fri from 8 AM · 5255 S 4015 W, Suite 180, Taylorsville
Southwest Dental · TaylorsvilleReady when you are.Call the office or send a request and we will find you a time. Same-day visits are held for emergencies. We speak English, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese.
An implant is a small titanium post placed in the jaw where the root used to be. Once the bone heals around it, it holds a crown, a bridge, or a denture.Because the implant is anchored in bone, it does not slip, does not rely on neighboring teeth, and keeps the jawbone from shrinking the way it does under a gap or a conventional denture. Cared for like a natural tooth, an implant can last the rest of your life.Implants replace a single tooth, several teeth, or a full arch.
Candidates
Who is a good candidate.
Most healthy adults with enough bone to hold the post are candidates. Age itself is not a barrier.We look at your overall health, gum health, bone volume on a 3D or panoramic X-ray, and habits such as smoking, which slows healing. If bone has shrunk after years without a tooth, a bone graft can rebuild it before or during placement. Uncontrolled diabetes and some medications need to be managed first.The consultation includes the X-ray, a frank discussion of options, and a written estimate.
The timeline
From placement to finished tooth.
Implant treatment happens in stages, and most of the time in between is simply healing.Visit one: the post is placed under local anesthetic, which takes about an hour and feels like a routine extraction in reverse. Over the next three to six months the bone bonds to the post. Visit two: a small connector is attached and an impression is taken. Visit three: the custom crown is fitted and adjusted. A temporary tooth can cover the gap in the meantime for front teeth.Some patients qualify for an extraction and implant on the same day.
An implant cannot get a cavity, but the gum around it can get infected, so it needs the same brushing, flossing and checkups as any tooth.Use a soft brush, floss or a water flosser around the crown every day, and keep your six-month cleanings. If you grind your teeth, a night guard protects the crown. With that routine, implants have one of the highest long-term success rates in dentistry.
Where to nextWhere to nextThe other ways to replace a tooth, and how we keep the visit comfortable.
Call (801) 968-9003 for an implant consultation. We take the X-ray, review your health and bone, and give you a written plan and estimate before you decide anything.
Mon to Fri from 8 AM · 5255 S 4015 W, Suite 180, Taylorsville
Questions patients ask
Implant questions
Does getting an implant hurt?Placement is done under local anesthetic and most patients are surprised how easy it is. Expect mild soreness for a few days, usually handled with over-the-counter pain relief. Sedation is available.How long do implants last?The titanium post is designed to last a lifetime. The crown on top wears like any dental crown and may be replaced after 10 to 15 years or more.What do implants cost?A single implant with its crown is a larger investment than a bridge, and insurance coverage varies. We check your benefits, give you a written estimate for every stage, and offer financing to spread the cost.
Southwest Dental · TaylorsvilleReady when you are.Call the office or send a request and we will find you a time. Same-day visits are held for emergencies. We speak English, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese.
