A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Over 3–6 months, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration — forming the most stable foundation available for tooth replacement. A custom ceramic crown is then attached to the implant, completing a restoration that is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
At Dentist, Dr. James Hartley performs implant surgery using 3D guided implant placement — a technique where the surgical plan is digitally mapped from a cone beam CT scan and executed through a custom surgical guide. This precision approach reduces operating time, minimizes tissue trauma, and dramatically improves accuracy compared to freehand placement.
Single Implants vs. Full Arch
A single implant replaces one missing tooth without involving the adjacent teeth — unlike a bridge, which requires grinding down healthy neighboring teeth. For patients missing most or all of their teeth, All-on-4 or All-on-6 protocols use four to six strategically angled implants to support a full fixed arch of teeth, often loaded with a temporary restoration on the day of surgery.
Bone Grafting
Patients who have been missing teeth for several years may have experienced bone loss at the extraction site. In these cases, a bone graft is performed before or simultaneously with implant placement to rebuild volume. We use highly biocompatible graft materials and, where possible, perform minimally invasive techniques that allow the graft and implant to be placed in the same procedure.
Long-Term Value
Implants are the most cost-effective tooth replacement option over a lifetime. Unlike bridges (which must be replaced every 10–15 years) or dentures (which require relining and replacement), a properly maintained implant can last decades — and the crown can be replaced independently if needed without disturbing the implant post. Implants also preserve jawbone, preventing the facial collapse that accompanies long-term tooth loss.
