Implant Dentistry
Dental Implant FAQ
February 5, 2026
Quick Summary
A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root, then restored with a crown, bridge or denture. Placement is normally an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic and often takes under an hour. The implant must fuse with bone over several months before the final tooth is fitted. SmilePro Dental places dental implants at our Dearborn Heights office.
Dental implants are artificial teeth that mimic your natural tooth roots and are placed directly into your jawbone to provide optimal support for dental crowns, bridges and removable prosthodontics such as dentures. If you are considering dental implant therapy, please use the following guide to answer some of your questions.
- Am I a candidate for dental implant treatment? Dental implants can be used in healthy patients whose jawbones have completed growing and who have sufficient quality and quantity of jawbone to have a healthy implantation.
- Is dental implant treatment safe? Dentists agree that in healthy patients who are good candidates for the procedure, dental implants are low-risk.
- Will I be in a lot of pain during dental implant surgery? Dental implant surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in your dentist’s office under local anesthesia.
- Does it take a long time to undergo the procedure? Treatment can generally be performed in under an hour, depending on the number of implants required.
- Is recovery painful? Healing from dental implant surgery is typically quick and easy for most healthy people. Any lingering pain can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- When will I get my new teeth? Implants must fuse to the bone in a process called ossification, a process that can take up to six months. In most cases, temporary teeth will be in place during this time period.
- How do I care for my dental implants? You will take care of your implants in the same way you would care for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day or after meals, especially before bedtime. Floss daily and continue to maintain regular dental appointments for checkups and preventative care.
- How long do dental implants last? Dental implants can last for twenty or thirty years if you care for them properly.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Dearborn Heights dental office.
Implants are a low-risk procedure in healthy patients, but no surgery is risk-free. Possible complications include infection at the site, nerve irritation, sinus involvement in the upper jaw and failure of the implant to integrate with the bone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much discomfort should I expect after implant surgery?
Most patients describe mild soreness and swelling for two to three days, usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Discomfort that worsens after the third day, or swelling with fever, is not typical and should be reported to the office straight away so we can check for infection.
Can an implant get a cavity?
No. The crown is ceramic or metal-ceramic, so it cannot decay. The gum and bone around the implant can still become infected, a condition called peri-implantitis, which behaves much like gum disease. Daily brushing, flossing around the post and regular hygiene visits are what keep it healthy.
Can I have an implant placed the same day a tooth is removed?
Sometimes. Immediate placement is possible when the socket is free of infection and there is enough sound bone to hold the implant steady. When the site is infected or the bone walls are thin, we let the socket heal first. That decision is made from the CBCT scan and the clinical examination, not in advance.
Do implants need special cleaning products?
Not usually. You brush and floss an implant like a natural tooth. Some patients find a water flosser or implant-specific floss easier around the abutment. What matters most is cleaning right at the gum line, where bacteria collect and peri-implantitis begins.
Medical disclaimerThis article is for general information only and is not dental or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Individual results vary. Always speak to a qualified dental professional about your own oral health before acting on anything you read here.
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