Dental implant placement can provide a stable foundation for replacing a missing tooth or supporting an implant restoration. At Southridge Dental, Dr. Matthew Worke provides surgical dental implant placement in-house, allowing patients to receive implant planning, placement, restoration, and follow-up care within the same practice when appropriate. Dr. Worke combines hands-on implant training with CBCT 3D imaging, digital impressions, and guided implant planning to develop an individualized approach based on each patient's needs.
About Dental Implant Placement
Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure in which a dental implant is positioned in the jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth. After the area heals and the implant integrates with the surrounding bone, the implant can support a dental crown, implant-supported bridge, or implant-supported denture.
For a single missing tooth, an implant can provide support for the replacement tooth without requiring the neighboring teeth to serve as the primary support. Dental implants can also be used as part of treatment for multiple missing teeth or to improve the stability of certain dentures.
At Southridge Dental, Dr. Worke provides both the surgical placement and restoration of dental implants. He has approximately four years of experience placing and restoring implants and has completed approximately 50 dental implant placements and 100 implant restorations. Before recommending implant surgery, he evaluates your oral health, available bone, medical history, treatment goals, and other factors to determine whether implant treatment is appropriate for you.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants can provide several functional and restorative benefits for patients who are appropriate candidates for treatment:
- Provide a stable foundation for replacing missing teeth.
- Help restore chewing function with an implant-supported restoration.
- Can be used to replace one tooth, several teeth, or support certain types of dentures.
- Allow a single missing tooth to be replaced without relying on neighboring teeth for primary support.
- Support a custom restoration designed to complement your surrounding teeth and smile.
- Can provide a long-term tooth-replacement option with appropriate home care and professional maintenance.
Because every patient's situation is different, Dr. Worke discusses the potential benefits, limitations, treatment sequence, and alternatives before recommending dental implant placement.
How Dental Implant Placement Works: Consultation And Planning
Dental implant placement begins with a thorough evaluation and individualized treatment plan. Dr. Worke evaluates your teeth, gums, bite, available bone, health history, and the location of the missing tooth or teeth. These factors help determine whether an implant can be placed and whether any additional treatment should be considered beforehand.
Southridge Dental uses CBCT and 3D imaging to evaluate dental anatomy and assist with implant planning. Dr. Worke has approximately four years of experience using CBCT technology as well as digital impressions with a TRIOS scanner.
When appropriate, CBCT imaging and digital impressions can be combined for digitally guided implant planning. This technology provides detailed information that can help Dr. Worke evaluate the proposed implant location and plan the procedure according to the patient's individual anatomy.
Dr. Worke takes time to review the recommended treatment with each patient and discuss appropriate alternatives so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Surgical Placement
When dental implant placement is appropriate, Dr. Worke can perform the surgical procedure at Southridge Dental rather than routinely referring the placement phase elsewhere.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area. The implant is then surgically positioned in the jaw according to the treatment plan. Depending on the individual case, guided implant technology may be used to help transfer the digital treatment plan to the surgical procedure.
Dr. Worke has completed approximately 150 hours of continuing education focused on dental implants. His advanced training includes Implant Seminars in Miami in 2022, ITC Implant Seminars in Guatemala in 2024, and multiday, hands-on education in the surgical placement of dental implants that involved performing procedures and demonstrating clinical proficiency.
After placement, you will receive instructions for caring for the surgical area during the initial healing period.
Healing And Integration
After a dental implant is placed, the surrounding bone needs time to heal around and integrate with the implant. This process is known as osseointegration and helps create a stable foundation for the future restoration.
The amount of healing time required varies depending on the implant location, available bone, overall health, the complexity of treatment, and other individual factors. Dr. Worke will monitor the implant during follow-up visits and determine when it is appropriate to move forward with the restorative phase.
During healing, patients should follow the postoperative instructions provided by Southridge Dental. These may include recommendations for oral hygiene, eating, activity, and caring for the surgical site.
Abutment And Final Crown
After the implant has healed sufficiently, the restorative phase can begin. An abutment may be used to connect the dental implant to the final restoration. Depending on the treatment plan, the implant may support a single dental crown, an implant-supported bridge, or an implant-supported denture.
Dr. Worke has completed approximately 100 dental implant restorations and provides both implant placement and restoration at Southridge Dental. Having both phases of implant care available within the practice when appropriate allows him to coordinate the surgical and restorative portions of treatment and maintain continuity throughout the process.
Digital impressions may also be used during restorative planning to capture information needed for the final implant restoration.
What to Expect Before And After Treatment
Dental implant candidacy depends on several factors, and an individual examination is necessary before treatment can be recommended. Dr. Worke will evaluate your oral health, available bone, health history, and treatment goals as part of the planning process.
Factors considered when evaluating dental implant treatment may include:
- The health of your gums and surrounding tissues.
- The amount and location of available bone.
- Your oral hygiene and ability to maintain the implant.
- Your overall health and relevant medical history.
- The location and number of missing teeth.
- Your goals for replacing the missing tooth or teeth.
After dental implant surgery, temporary soreness, swelling, or tenderness may occur as the area heals. Recovery varies by patient and by the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Worke will explain what to expect based on your specific treatment and provide postoperative instructions to help you care for the area.
Long-term implant care includes regular brushing, cleaning around the implant, routine professional dental care, and monitoring the health of the surrounding tissues and restoration.
For patients replacing a single missing tooth, Dr. Worke can also discuss how a single-tooth dental implant compares with alternatives such as a traditional dental bridge. Understanding the differences in treatment, support, maintenance, and timing can help you choose the option that best fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dental Implant Placement Painful?
Local anesthesia is used during dental implant placement to numb the treatment area and help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Some soreness, swelling, or tenderness may occur afterward as the surgical site heals. Dr. Worke will explain what to expect and provide postoperative instructions based on your individual procedure.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to provide long-term support for replacement teeth, but their longevity varies from patient to patient. Oral hygiene, professional maintenance, surrounding gum and bone health, bite forces, health conditions, and other factors can all affect long-term results. The implant restoration may also require maintenance or replacement over time.
Who Is A Good Candidate?
Dental implants may be an option for many adults with one or more missing teeth, but candidacy must be evaluated individually. Dr. Worke considers the health of your gums, available bone, medical history, oral hygiene, and treatment goals before recommending implant placement. If additional treatment is needed or another tooth-replacement option is more appropriate, he will discuss those alternatives with you.
What Is The Recovery Timeline?
Recovery after dental implant placement varies depending on the patient and the complexity of treatment. Initial surgical healing occurs before the implant completes the longer process of integrating with the surrounding bone. Dr. Worke will monitor your progress and let you know when the implant is ready for the next stage of treatment.
How Do Implants Compare To Bridges?
A single-tooth dental implant replaces the missing tooth with a restoration supported by an implant in the jaw. A traditional dental bridge replaces the missing tooth using neighboring teeth for support. Each option has its own advantages and considerations. Dr. Worke can evaluate your specific situation and explain which options may be appropriate for you.
How Should I Care For My Implant?
Dental implants require consistent home care and routine professional maintenance. Brush regularly, clean around the implant and restoration as instructed, and keep recommended dental visits so the implant, surrounding tissues, and restoration can be monitored. Dr. Worke and our team can recommend cleaning techniques or tools based on the type and location of your implant restoration.
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Call Southridge Dental at 651-451-1884 to book your appointment, or request one online.