Evaluate your options
Talk about the missing tooth, your health history, and what an examination shows. Ask whether keeping an existing tooth, an implant, a bridge, or a removable option is reasonable.
A considered approach to missing teeth
Dental implants
Missing a tooth can affect how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. Dental implants are one way to replace missing teeth. We can help you understand this option alongside bridges and removable replacements, starting with your own needs.
Understanding the process
A clearer path to replacing a missing tooth.
There is no standard implant plan that works for everyone. These are the conversations that help you make an informed decision.
Understand the plan
If an implant is appropriate, ask which steps are proposed, whether other care may be needed first, how healing affects the timeline, and where each stage would take place.
Plan for the long term
Discuss the restoration, everyday cleaning, follow-up visits, potential complications, and an itemized estimate. Good ongoing care matters whichever replacement you choose.
Worth knowing
An implant is not right for everyone.
Gum health, available bone, overall health, and healing all matter. Some people need other dental care before implant treatment can be considered, and others may be better served by a different option. Ask your dentist to explain the expected steps, risks, alternatives, and a written estimate specific to your plan.
Your next step
Thinking about replacing several teeth?
The best way to replace several missing teeth depends on which teeth are involved and your dental health. If you are researching a full-arch solution, our separate All-on-X guide explains that approach. Start by telling us what is happening; an individual evaluation can help you compare reasonable options.
Contact an officeGood questions, honest answers
What you may be wondering.
These general answers are a starting point. Your dental team can speak to your own health, needs, and options.
What are the parts of a dental implant?
The implant is the post placed in the jaw. After appropriate healing, a connecting piece and a restoration, such as a crown, can be attached. The number of implants and the type of replacement depend on your individual plan.
Who might be a candidate for dental implants?
An examination is needed. A dentist will consider your gums, jawbone, other teeth, health history, and goals before discussing whether an implant may be suitable or whether another option makes more sense.
What happens during dental implant treatment?
Treatment generally begins with an evaluation and plan. If an implant is recommended, the plan may involve placement, a period of healing, and a final restoration. Preparatory care or a different sequence may be needed; ask your dentist what applies to you and where each step would take place.
How long does getting a dental implant take?
There is no universal timetable. Planning, any preparatory care, healing, and the final replacement all affect timing. Healing can take months, so ask for an estimate based on your situation rather than assuming a same-day result.
Can implants replace more than one missing tooth?
They may be used in plans for one tooth or several teeth, sometimes to support a bridge or denture. The number of implants and type of restoration depend on the location of the missing teeth, your health, and a dentist’s evaluation.
How is an implant different from a bridge or removable denture?
An implant-supported replacement uses a post in the jaw; a traditional bridge is supported by neighboring teeth, while a removable denture can be taken out for cleaning. Each has different considerations for dental health, maintenance, treatment time, and cost. Your dentist can explain the trade-offs for your mouth.
What if I do not have enough bone for an implant?
The amount and condition of bone are part of the evaluation. In some cases, additional care such as grafting may be discussed; in others, a non-implant option may be preferable. A dentist can explain what is reasonable for you and who would provide any proposed care.
How much do dental implants cost, and will insurance help?
Cost varies with the evaluation, the number of teeth involved, any preparatory care, the implant and restoration, and follow-up. Insurance coverage depends on your plan. Request a written, itemized estimate and ask the office how benefits are reviewed before you commit.
How do I care for an implant-supported tooth?
Implants and their restorations still need daily cleaning and regular dental follow-up. Your dentist can explain how to clean around your particular restoration and what signs should prompt a call. No restoration can be promised to last indefinitely.
Are dental implants and All-on-X the same thing?
No. A single-tooth implant replaces one missing tooth, while All-on-X describes an implant-supported full-arch approach for extensive tooth loss. The right conversation depends on your needs; our All-on-X page explains the full-arch option separately.
Where can I ask about dental implants near Auburn, Gray, or Portland?
Maine Dentistry has offices in Auburn, Gray, and Portland, Maine. Contact the office you prefer to ask how to arrange an evaluation and confirm where any recommended treatment steps would be available.
Close to home
Choose the office you prefer.
Maine Dentistry has offices in Auburn, Gray, and Portland, Maine. Call your preferred office to ask about an implant evaluation and confirm where any recommended treatment would take place.
Auburn
34 Center Street
Auburn, ME 04210
Gray
31 Portland Road
Gray, ME 04039
Portland
383 Commercial Street, Suite B
Portland, ME 04101