Living with missing teeth can impact more than just your appearance—it can affect the way you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement because they replace both the visible crown and the root beneath the gumline. By anchoring securely in the jaw, implants provide unmatched strength, stability, and a natural look that feels just like your own teeth.
At Royal Oak Smiles, Dr. Dolores Baran, D.D.S., brings more than 35 years of restorative experience to every case. Along with our trusted specialists, we use advanced techniques and high-quality materials to design implant restorations that last. Whether you’re missing one tooth or a full set, implants can restore your smile and protect your long-term oral health.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a small titanium post that’s placed into the jawbone, where it gradually bonds with the surrounding bone tissue. Once the implant is secure, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to create a stable, lifelike replacement. This unique design allows implants to function like natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing the bone loss that often follows tooth loss.
Because they integrate with your own bone structure, implants deliver superior chewing power and stability compared to traditional bridges or removable dentures.
Different Types of Implants
Dental implants are versatile and can be adapted to meet different needs:
- Endosteal Implants: Surgically positioned within the jawbone, these are the most widely used implants and provide a strong foundation for single or multiple teeth.
- Subperiosteal Implants: Placed on top of the jawbone under the gums, this type is an alternative for patients who may not have sufficient bone height for traditional placement.
Customized Treatment Options
Every smile is unique, which is why implant treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:
- Single-Tooth Implants for an individual missing tooth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges to replace several missing teeth in a row.
- Full-Arch Restorations for patients who need to replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch.
- Bone Grafting & Ridge Enhancement to rebuild bone structure before implant placement.
Sinus Lift Procedures to create a stronger foundation in the upper back jaw.
Why Patients Choose Dental Implants
Dental implants are popular because they deliver both cosmetic and functional benefits, including:
- A natural look and feel that blends seamlessly with your smile
- Stability that allows you to chew confidently and comfortably
- Preservation of jawbone health to maintain facial structure
- Prevention of neighboring teeth from shifting out of place
- A durable solution that can last for decades with proper care
Who Can Benefit From Implants?
You may be a strong candidate for dental implants if you:
- Are in good overall and oral health
- Have enough bone density to support the implant
- Have healthy gums without active periodontal disease
Our team works closely with specialists, including Dr. Joseph Hildebrand, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and Dr. Teresa Heck, a periodontist with advanced surgical training. Their expertise ensures even complex cases receive comprehensive, coordinated care.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Just like natural teeth, implants require daily brushing, flossing, and professional checkups. Routine visits allow us to monitor your implant and surrounding tissues, ensuring long-term success. With proper care, dental implants can provide a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Experience Advanced Implant Care at Royal Oak Smiles
Dr. Dolores Baran earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan and has spent more than three decades helping patients regain confidence through advanced restorative dentistry. Together with our trusted team of specialists, we provide precise, comfortable, and lasting implant solutions designed to restore both health and beauty.
To schedule your consultation, call us today at (248) 548-1440 and discover how dental implants can transform your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire implant process typically takes several months to complete. After the initial consultation and any necessary preparatory treatments like bone grafting, your implant is placed into the jawbone. It then takes about three to six months for the implant to fully integrate with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healing is complete, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to finish the restoration. Your exact timeline may vary based on your individual health, bone quality, and treatment plan.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the implant procedure feels. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area completely, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the placement itself. The recovery is generally easier than many expect, and most patients describe it as similar to having a tooth extracted.
What kind of anesthesia or sedation is used during implant surgery?
Local anesthesia is standard for implant placement to keep you pain-free. If you experience dental anxiety, sedation options such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation can be provided for added relaxation. Dr. Dolores Baran will discuss these options with you beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable and calm throughout your appointment.
How long does recovery take after implant placement?
Initial recovery usually takes about one to two weeks, depending on how your body heals. During this time, you’ll need to follow specific post-operative care instructions, such as eating soft foods and avoiding pressure on the implant site. Complete integration between the implant and bone, however, takes several months. Once healed, your implant will feel and function like a natural tooth.
What can I eat after getting dental implants?
You’ll need to stick to soft foods such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days after surgery. Avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods that could irritate the surgical site. As your mouth heals, you can gradually reintroduce your normal diet, but always follow Dr. Baran’s specific guidance for a smooth recovery.
What happens if an implant fails to fuse with the bone?
In rare cases, an implant may not properly integrate with the jawbone. This can happen due to factors like infection, inadequate bone density, or smoking. If this occurs, Dr. Baran can remove the implant, allow the site to heal, and then place a new implant once conditions are favorable.
Can smokers get dental implants?
Smokers can receive implants, but smoking increases the risk of implant failure and delays healing. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums, which can interfere with bone integration. If you smoke, Dr. Baran may recommend quitting or reducing smoking before and after surgery to improve your chances of success.
Will I need a bone graft before getting implants?
If your jawbone has thinned or lost density, a bone graft may be necessary to strengthen the area where the implant will be placed. This ensures the implant has a stable foundation for long-term success. Bone grafting is a common procedure and can often be done before or at the same time as implant placement, depending on your needs.
Can implants be placed immediately after a tooth extraction?
In some cases, implants can be placed the same day a tooth is removed. This depends on your bone quality and overall oral health. Dr. Baran will evaluate your specific situation to determine if immediate placement is a suitable option or if healing time is needed first.