Dental Implants: Permanent Tooth Replacement
Your Complete Guide to Permanent Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are titanium posts placed into the jawbone that fuse with bone through osseointegration — creating a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations. Dr. McVety handles every phase of implant treatment in-house, from surgical placement to final restoration.
How Dental Implants Work
1. Consultation — Cone beam CT imaging assesses bone density and plans precise implant position. 2. Surgical placement — Titanium post placed under local anesthetic or sedation; takes 1–2 hours. 3. Osseointegration — The implant fuses with your jawbone over 3–6 months, creating a permanent root. 4. Final restoration — A custom crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthetic is seated on the healed implant.
Most patients return to normal activity within a few days of surgery.
Replacing One or a Few Teeth
Options for patients missing one tooth or a small number of non-adjacent teeth.
| Option | Best For | Preserves Jawbone | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Implant + Crown | One missing tooth | ✓ Yes | $6,000–$7,000 |
| Implant-Supported Bridge | 2–3 adjacent missing teeth | ✓ Yes | $8,000–$12,000 |
| Traditional Bridge | 1–3 missing teeth, good adjacent teeth | No | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Removable Partial Denture | Multiple missing teeth, budget-conscious | No | $1,500–$3,000 |
Full Arch Replacement
Options for patients missing all or most teeth in an upper or lower arch.
| Option | Best For | Permanently Fixed | Preserves Jawbone | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-on-X Fixed Bridge | Patients wanting permanent teeth | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | $30,000–$37,000/arch |
| Implant Overdenture | Patients wanting removable option | No | ✓ Yes | $15,000–$25,000/arch |
| Traditional Denture | Budget-conscious patients | No | No | $2,000–$5,000 |
Are You a Candidate?
Think of implant placement like planting a tree — the bone needs to be healthy, and you need to commit to proper care for long-term success. The best candidates share these characteristics:
• Adequate bone density — enough structure to support the post (assessed with cone beam imaging) • Healthy gums — free from active periodontal disease that could compromise healing • Good oral hygiene — commitment to daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings • Non-smoker — smoking significantly increases failure risk and slows healing • Good overall health — ability to undergo minor oral surgery and heal properly
Age is rarely a limiting factor — implants have been successfully placed in patients from their twenties to their nineties. Bone grafting and sinus lifts are available when additional support is needed before placement.
Cost & Financing
Single implants typically cost $6,000–$7,000 per tooth, depending on case complexity and any preparatory procedures. While this represents a meaningful investment, implants consistently outperform alternatives in long-term value — no relines, no adhesives, no replacements every 5–10 years.
• CareCredit — extended payment plans with promotional interest rates • In-house financing — customized arrangements based on your timeline and needs • Insurance coordination — we help maximize your benefits and provide documentation for reimbursement
Why Choose Casco Bay Smiles
Start-to-finish care under one roof — Most offices refer implant surgery to an oral surgeon, then have you return months later for the crown, adding appointments and coordination across two separate practices. Dr. McVety handles surgical placement, osseointegration monitoring, and final restoration in-house. One team, one location, one cohesive plan.
Advanced surgical training — Dr. McVety completed post-graduate implant training at the Kois Center, Wehrle Training Institute, and Engel Institute, including international programs with Dr. Tomas Linkevičius (Lithuania) and Dr. Bernardo Sousa (Portugal). His approach is guided by Zero Bone Loss concepts for long-term implant success.
Precision technology — CBCT cone beam imaging provides 3D visualization of your bone for precise surgical planning. SprintRay 3D printers create custom surgical guides. VHF milling machines and Medit digital scanners allow in-house crown fabrication, reducing visits and turnaround time.
Sedation for every comfort level — Oral sedation is available for moderate anxiety. Deep IV sedation, administered by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), is available for patients who want to sleep through the procedure entirely.
Common Questions About Dental Implants
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