Who Makes a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults can receive dental implants, though some situations require extra preparation. Your jawbone needs adequate density and volume to support the implant properly. If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, you might have experienced some bone loss already. In these cases, a bone grafting procedure can build up the area before we place your implant.
Certain health conditions need consideration before moving forward with treatment. Patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease may need to work with their physician to optimize their health first. Tobacco use significantly impacts implant success rates because it restricts blood flow and slows healing, so quitting smoking becomes an important step before surgery.
Your gums need to be healthy, too. Active gum disease must be treated before implant placement because infection can compromise the integration process. Dr. Gregory Spencer evaluates your complete oral health situation during your consultation to determine the best path forward for your specific needs.
Understanding Different Implant Options
Endosteal implants represent the most common choice for implant placements in Maryville because they provide exceptional stability. These implants go directly into your jawbone, where they fuse with the bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. Once this integration completes, you have a permanent anchor that can handle the forces of chewing just like a natural tooth root would.
Subperiosteal implants work differently—they rest on top of the jawbone beneath the gum tissue rather than being embedded in the bone itself. These require less invasive surgery, but they’re typically reserved for patients who don’t have enough bone height for traditional implants and prefer not to undergo bone grafting procedures.
What Happens During Implant Placements in Maryville
The process starts with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the surgery. Dr. Spencer opens the gum tissue to access the underlying bone, then carefully creates a precise channel where your implant will sit. A small hole gets drilled into the bone at the exact angle and depth needed, and the titanium implant is positioned securely.
After placement, your body begins the healing process that allows the implant to fuse with your bone. This typically takes several weeks, during which you can wear a temporary crown or bridge to protect the site and maintain your appearance. You’ll want to be gentle with the area while it heals, following the care instructions we provide.
Once healing completes, you’ll return so we can attach an abutment to the implant—this piece connects your implant to the final restoration. We take detailed impressions to create your custom crown, bridge, or denture that matches your natural teeth in both function and appearance. When everything is ready, your permanent restoration gets secured to the implant, giving you a tooth replacement that should last for decades with proper care.
Why Choose Summit View Biological Dentistry for Your Implants
Dr. Gregory Spencer brings extensive experience in implant dentistry to every case, combining surgical precision with an understanding of how implants fit into your overall oral health picture. Our practice focuses on biological dentistry principles, which means we consider how dental treatments affect your whole-body wellness. We use biocompatible materials and techniques that support your body’s natural healing processes.
The restorative dentistry services we offer complement implant treatments, allowing us to address multiple dental concerns in a coordinated way. Whether you need a single tooth replaced or you’re considering All-on-4 dental implants for full arch restoration, we develop treatment plans tailored to your situation.
Our membership plan helps make ongoing care more accessible, and our location at 207 Southdowne Dr makes it convenient to receive the consistent follow-up care that helps your implants succeed long-term.
Take the First Step Toward Permanent Tooth Replacement
Missing teeth don’t have to be a permanent problem. Schedule a consultation to discuss whether dental implants make sense for your situation. You can reach our Maryville office at (865) 983-5451 to learn more about how dental implants can restore both function and confidence to your smile. Dr. Spencer will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and help you understand what to expect from the implant process from start to finish.