Dental Implants

A single missing tooth may weaken the jaw and encourage bacteria build-up, increasing the risk for gum disease. A single dental implant can prevent this. However, the benefits go far beyond preventive oral care!

Benefits of implants include:

• Fully restored function. One of the most significant advantages of a dental implant is that it will restore your full chewing power—with no need to avoid certain foods or treats!
• Natural looking and feeling restoration. Most patients can’t tell the difference between their natural teeth and the teeth implants.
• Supported facial structure. A dental implant replaces your tooth root—which no other tooth restoration does! This supports your jaw and facial structure for long-term support.
• Better oral health. Because the supporting bone tissue is better maintained, you do not lose stability in the jawbone, and your surrounding teeth can stay correctly aligned.

A dental implant acts very similar to your original tooth to provide a stable foundation for both teeth and gums. Your implant restoration also provides a natural-looking tooth replacement that will last for a long time. Each tooth restoration we create at McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry is designed to be durable and give you lasting results with the proper care.

Our dental team is dedicated to crafting the most comfortable dental implants for each patient. These implants allow you to chew, speak, brush, and even floss as normal!

Dental Implant Options

Like a fingerprint, each person’s teeth and gums are unique and will probably have different types of treatment. At McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry, we make sure we offer the remedy needed to give you your greatest smile. With dental implants, there are varying options when it comes to determining which course of treatment is greatest for you.

Some options include:

• Single implants: This treatment replaces a missing tooth with a dental implant and restoration. A titanium cylinder will be comfortably connected to your jaw, simulating a tooth’s root. The top of the implant, often referred to as a crown, will act as the top of a tooth.
• Implant-supported dentures: Instead of regular dentures, dentures supported by dental implants allow for a more stabilized and cost-effective solution. Many patients report that they feel like this type of denture functions just like their natural teeth.
• Implant-supported bridges: An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants to anchor the bridge to replace multiple missing teeth in a single gap.
• Full-mouth reconstruction: Dental implants can help in a full-mouth reconstruction, where your treatment is fully customized to restore the look and function of your mouth.

“Excellent dental office with terrific staff and fabulous dentists! I have been going to Drs. McKinley and Holloway for several years and have never been disappointed in my care or the results. From cleanings and checkups to basic fillings, gold inlays, crowns, root canals, and tooth implants, this team can do it all. They have the knowledge and equipment to ensure my dental care is perfect! Thanks!” 

– Ted M.

What Is the Dental Implant Process?

As with all of our treatments, we will invite you to meet with our dental team for a thorough consultation. At the consultation, we will answer any questions you might have about the procedure while we get your input on the results you’d like to see.

From there, we will schedule a comprehensive dental examination to plan the perfect place for your dental implant. This includes using our top-tier dental technology to the fullest. We may use an X-ray before moving on to the more advanced 3D cone beam scanner, which renders a more accurate model of your mouth.

With the cone beam scanner, we can fully render exactly where to place your implant—all digitally! With this model rendered, your personalized treatment plan can be finalized. This includes tooth placement, options for dealing with damaged teeth and scheduling to fit your lifestyle.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

With millions of Americans without teeth and hundreds of millions missing at least one tooth, it is understandable why dental technology needed to evolve to address these issues. At our practice, we offer our advanced, compassionate implant dentistry to all those who need it.

What our dental team looks for in the ideal candidate for a dental implant is moderate oral health. Adequate bone health in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the greatest candidates have satisfactory gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

The initial consultation is important as we carefully connect dental implants with the gum tissues and underlying bone tissue. With years of experience and access to the latest advancements in dental technology, we can safely, quickly, and thoroughly evaluate your candidacy.

Keep in mind that implant dentistry can treat a variety of conditions. At our office, we strive to create an oral care treatment plan that meets your personal needs, so consider a consultation today if any of the following apply to you:

• Missing One or More Teeth: Single implant or implant-supported can replace any gaps in your natural teeth, eliminating chewing discomfort, lowering gum-disease risk, and supporting jaw strength!
• Broken, Damaged, or Decayed Teeth: If you have teeth that are beyond repair, dental implants may be the solution, as they easily replace and simulate natural teeth.
• Dissatisfied With Dentures: If you are tired of the slipping, realigning, or the risk of loss with traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures may be the alternative you’ve been looking for!

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brittany McKinley-Holloway today to determine whether dental implants are the correct treatment option for you.

Call Us Today for a Strong Solution to Restoring Your Smile

To learn more about our practice and the implant dentistry techniques we use, feel encouraged to contact us at (586) 684-1543 or schedule an appointment with us online. If you are curious about the anesthetics used during these procedures, you may find our sedation treatment page informative!

Dental Implant FAQs

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant consists of a titanium implant post and a dental restoration. Our dentists surgically place the titanium implant post in your jawbone, where it acts as replacement tooth roots.

The dental restoration (such as a crown, bridge, or dentures) is attached to the implant post. The color of each restoration can match the shade of your natural teeth and blend in with your smile.

What is the dental implant procedure?

When placing a dental implant, our dentists will first surgically place the titanium implant post into the bone socket of your missing tooth. (Our practice uses a 3D Cone Beam Scanner to diagnose better and locate a placement site.) After we anchor the post, your jawbone will heal and grow around the appliance, making it a permanent part of your smile.

It will take about 6–12 weeks for your jawbone to heal. After your jaw has had time to heal, our dentists will attach a small connector post called an abutment to the dental implant post. We will then take impressions of your teeth so that we can start your dental restoration construction. When it is complete, your dental restoration will be attached to the abutment.

What can we use implants for?

We can use implants to replace a single tooth, replace multiple teeth, or secure a restoration appliance. Depending on your individual needs, our dentists may recommend one of several different appliances, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Often, we use dental implants to secure a removable or permanent set of dentures. Our office also offers mini implants that can secure dentures more quickly, with less invasive treatment.

How much do dental implants cost?

While other restorations may initially cost less than teeth implants, you may end up paying more in the long run. Dental implants are one of the most durable procedures available at our office and rarely need replacement. They also work with your natural features, helping keep your existing teeth, bite, and overall smile healthy.

However, several individual factors will determine exactly how much your own dental implants cost. To plan your new smile, call (586) 684-1543 and ask our dentists about implant dentistry.

Are dental implants removable?

No, dental implants are firmly anchored in your mouth and are only removed if they break or become worn down.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last for the duration of your life. By practicing good oral hygiene and attending your biannual dental appointments, your dental implants will remain in great condition.

Can dental implants be done in one day?

Yes. Depending on your treatment, we can place a dental implant in one day. The number of implants needed, your oral health and medical history, the technique and materials needed, and the supporting bone structure all affect this. Consult with our team to determine what you need for your dental implant restoration.

How do you care for your dental implants after treatment?

Like your natural teeth, you will want to continue brushing daily each morning and night, flossing at least once a day, and continue seeing our dental team at McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry for your biannual dental exam and cleaning. Following your treatment, we will provide aftercare instructions.

Do dental implants act as a permanent replacement?

Yes, your dental implant can last for a lifetime. It all depends on the care you provide for your teeth and gums. Continue to keep up with your regular dental hygiene to ensure a healthy mouth that allows your implant restoration to last for years to come!

Schedule Your Dental Implants Appointment Today!

If you are missing one or more permanent teeth, Dr. McKinley-Holloway may recommend dental implants. Implants allow you to enjoy a full, beautiful smile with a restoration that looks and feels natural. Conveniently located in Shelby Township, MI, and a short drive from Macomb and Clinton Township, the experienced team at McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry is glad to help you throughout the entire process—from planning to placement and complete restoration.

Don’t let a missing tooth hinder your confidence—missing teeth weaken your jaw, and any teeth gaps become potential health risks. We make smiles sparkle, and with dental implants, we can design the new smile that helps you look and feel your finest!

Call us today at (586) 684-1543! Our services include family dentistry, one-visit dentistry, same-day crowns, and more!