Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are a smart solution for adults of all ages—whether you were born missing a tooth or lost one due to injury, infection, or decay. In select cases, immediate implants can replace a tooth in a single visit, giving you a faster path to a fully restored smile. Missing teeth don’t have to hold you back—at Petoskey Dental Associates, we’re here to provide personalized solutions for your needs.

Types of Implant-Supported Restorations

1. Dental Implant Crowns
Custom-made to match your natural teeth, implant crowns restore a single missing tooth with a durable, natural-looking solution.

2. Dental Implant Bridges
Supported by two or more implants instead of natural teeth, implant bridges are ideal when multiple teeth are missing or healthy abutments aren’t available. A fixed bridge can replace an entire upper or lower arch without slipping, offering a natural look and feel.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants can stabilize dentures, creating a secure, comfortable fit. Lower dentures stay firmly in place, and upper dentures can be modified to improve taste and comfort.

4. Retrofitting Existing Dentures
If your current dentures feel loose, Dr. Clement can use implants to stabilize them, helping you enjoy eating and speaking with confidence again.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Dental Implant Procedure

At Petoskey Dental Associates, we guide you through every step of the dental implant process to ensure comfort, precision, and long-lasting results. Dental implants are placed with care and attention to your individual needs, combining advanced technology with expert skill.

From your initial consultation to the placement of your final restoration, our team will explain each step, answer your questions, and provide the support you need for a smooth, stress-free experience. Implants not only restore your smile—they help preserve your jawbone, improve oral function, and enhance your confidence.

1. Initial Consultation
We’ll examine your mouth, take X-rays and impressions, and discuss your implant options to create a personalized treatment plan.

2. Non-Traumatic Extraction & Bone Grafting (if needed)
Damaged teeth are removed, and bone grafting may be placed to ensure a solid foundation for your implant.

3. Implant Placement
The dental implant is placed into your jawbone under local anesthesia. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, manageable with over-the-counter medications.

4. Osseointegration
As your jawbone heals, it fuses with the implant to form a strong, long-lasting foundation. This process can take several months, during which you may follow a soft-food diet. Temporary teeth may be placed in some cases.

5. Abutment Placement
Once healed, a small connector (abutment) is placed on the implant above the gumline. Sometimes this step occurs at the same time as implant placement.

6. Custom Restoration
Impressions are taken to craft your replacement teeth—whether a crown, bridge, or denture. These are then securely attached to the abutment. While they don’t decay, your implant teeth require the same routine care as natural teeth.

7. Periodic Checkups
Depending on your treatment, the full process can take 3–9 months. Follow-up visits ensure your implants and replacement teeth remain healthy and functional.