Dental implants that look, feel, and last like your own teeth.

A permanent solution for missing teeth

A dental implant is a small titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root, holding a natural-looking crown. Unlike a bridge, it doesn't rely on the neighboring teeth, and it helps preserve the jawbone that shrinks when a tooth is lost. Weighing your options? Read our honest comparison of dental implants vs. a bridge, or see how long dental implants last.

Every implant, planned in 3D first

Before we place a single implant, we take a 3D CBCT scan and plan the exact position, angle, and depth in software — around your nerves, your sinuses, and the bone you have. It's the difference between placing an implant and placing it precisely, and it's part of why your consultation gives you a clear, predictable plan.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most healthy adults who are missing one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants, but the honest answer depends on your gum health, the bone available to support the implant, and any medical conditions that affect healing. Implants need enough healthy jawbone to anchor into and gums free of active periodontal disease, so we start every case with an exam and 3D imaging rather than assuming. If bone has shrunk from a long-missing tooth, that doesn't rule you out — a bone graft or sinus lift can often build up the site first. Uncontrolled diabetes, certain bone-affecting medications, and heavy smoking can slow healing, so we'll ask about your health history and talk through anything that could affect the plan. If implants aren't the right fit, we'll tell you plainly and walk through the alternatives, including a bridge or a partial denture.

What to expect: the implant process, step by step

Getting an implant is a staged process, not a single visit, and understanding the stages makes the timeline much less intimidating. It typically runs:

1. Consultation and 3D imaging — an exam, a 3D CBCT scan, and a review of your health history to confirm you're a candidate and plan the exact implant position.
2. Preparation, if needed — an extraction, bone graft, or sinus lift, if your case calls for one, with healing time built in before the implant goes in.
3. Implant placement — the titanium post is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia, with sedation options for anxious patients.
4. Healing and osseointegration — the implant fuses with the surrounding bone over roughly 2 to 6 months, the step that makes an implant behave like a real tooth root.
5. Abutment and final restoration — once healed, we attach a small connector and place your custom crown, bridge, or denture on top.

A single-tooth implant with no grafting can sometimes be completed in a few months; a case that needs grafting or a full arch takes longer. We'll give you a specific timeline for your case at your consultation, not a generic estimate. Searching from nearby? We also serve Aventura and the surrounding area.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery from implant placement is generally straightforward, with most people back to normal activities within a few days. In the first 24 to 48 hours, expect some swelling, mild soreness, and possibly slight bruising — over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief and a cold compress typically keep this manageable. We'll give you written aftercare instructions covering a soft-food diet for the first several days, how to keep the area clean, and when it's safe to resume normal brushing. Most patients return to work within a day or two, though strenuous exercise is usually avoided for about a week. Call us if you notice increasing pain, swelling that worsens after the first few days, or any signs of infection. Individual healing times vary, and we check your progress at follow-up visits.

Caring for your implants long term

A dental implant can't get a cavity, but the gum and bone around it can still be affected by plaque, so daily hygiene and regular checkups remain essential. Brush and floss around your implant like a natural tooth, using any tools we recommend such as a floss threader or interdental brush. The main long-term risk is peri-implantitis, a gum infection around the implant — it's manageable when caught early, which is why we check your implants at routine cleanings. With consistent care, implants are built to be a durable, long-term replacement. For more, see our guide on how long dental implants last.