Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth, topped with a crown or bridge. They restore chewing function and prevent bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction. Summit Oral and Facial Surgery in Aurora offers implant placement and restoration for patients seeking a permanent tooth replacement solution.
Reviewed by the clinical team at Summit Oral and Facial Surgery — Aurora, CO
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant consists of three components: the titanium post (fixture) anchored in the bone, an abutment that connects the post to the restoration, and a crown or prosthetic tooth. The titanium integrates with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which typically takes 3–6 months. Once integration is complete, the implant functions like a natural tooth root, providing stable support for the replacement tooth and preventing the bone resorption that occurs when teeth are missing.
Unlike dentures or bridges, implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support and do not shift over time. They preserve jawbone structure by stimulating the bone where the tooth root once was, maintaining facial contours and preventing the sunken appearance that develops with prolonged tooth loss.
Implant Placement and Timeline
The implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on patient preference and clinical complexity. The surgeon makes an incision in the gum, prepares the jawbone, and inserts the titanium post. The incision is then closed, and the implant is left to integrate with the bone for several months before the crown is attached.
During the integration period, patients wear a temporary restoration if needed. Once osseointegration is confirmed through imaging, the abutment and crown are placed. The entire process from extraction to final crown typically spans 4–9 months, though some cases allow for faster timelines using immediate-load or same-day implant techniques.
Candidacy and Bone Requirements
Successful implant placement requires adequate jawbone height and density. Patients who have experienced significant bone loss may need bone grafting before implant placement. A CT scan or 3D imaging is used to assess bone volume and plan the surgical approach.
Most patients with good oral health and sufficient bone are candidates for implants. Smokers, patients with uncontrolled diabetes, and those taking certain medications may face higher complication rates but are not automatically excluded. A thorough evaluation determines whether implants are appropriate or whether alternative restorations are better suited.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Dental implants typically cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per tooth, including the post, abutment, and crown. This range varies based on bone grafting needs, implant complexity, and the type of restoration chosen. Most dental insurance plans classify implants as a cosmetic or elective procedure and do not cover the cost, though some plans offer partial coverage for the crown portion.
Patients should verify their insurance coverage and discuss financing options with their oral surgeon’s office. Many practices offer payment plans to make implants more accessible.
Risks and Complications
Implant failure occurs in 1–5% of cases, typically within the first year. Risk factors include poor bone quality, smoking, inadequate oral hygiene, and uncontrolled systemic disease. Infection, nerve damage, and sinus complications are rare but possible, particularly in complex cases.
Peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the bone around the implant, can develop if plaque accumulates and oral hygiene is neglected. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings reduce this risk significantly. Most implants placed by experienced surgeons in appropriate candidates function successfully for 20+ years.
What You Can Expect at Summit Oral and Facial Surgery
Summit Oral and Facial Surgery provides comprehensive implant evaluation, surgical placement, and coordination with restorative dentists for crown placement. The team uses advanced imaging and surgical techniques to assess bone anatomy and plan precise implant positioning. Patients receive detailed pre-operative and post-operative instructions to optimize healing and integration.
The practice works with general dentists and prosthodontists to ensure seamless restoration of the implant. Follow-up appointments monitor osseointegration and confirm readiness for the crown phase. The clinical team addresses patient concerns throughout the process and adjusts treatment plans based on individual anatomy and healing response.