Dental Implants
Restorations From the Root Up
Dental Implants Designed to Feel Like They Were Always There
A missing tooth impacts more than just your smile, it changes how you enjoy your life. Dental implants offer a long-term, functional solution by replacing both the visible tooth and the root. Under the care of Dr. Draper and Dr. Gibbins, we carefully plan your treatment to restore your natural confidence.
Why Our Patients Are Choosing Dental Implants
Your tooth doesn’t have to be lost forever for life to feel different without it. Maybe it was an accident or years of wear finally catching up. However it happened, you have more ways to get your smile back today than ever before, and a dental implant is one of the strongest options on the table. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, dental implants fuse with your jawbone to create a permanent foundation that supports your oral health and facial structure.
We typically recommend dental implants to our patients because they want a solution that feels secure and acts just like their natural teeth. You want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your replacement tooth will stay exactly where it belongs. That level of reliability is exactly what makes dental implants the gold standard for tooth replacement.
How Dental Implants Actually Work
A dental implant is a small, durable titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root. During your procedure, Dr. Draper or Dr. Gibbins places the implant into your jawbone where your natural tooth once existed. As you heal, your bone naturally bonds to the implant, creating a rock-solid foundation for a custom crown or full-arch restoration.
Because the implant replaces the root, it mimics nature more closely than any other option. Instead of relying on neighboring teeth for support, your implant functions independently. This approach preserves your remaining teeth and restores your oral foundation in a way that feels and functions just like your original smile.
Your Treatment Options
- Single Crowns: A direct, one-for-one replacement when you’re missing a single tooth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Replace several teeth in a row, anchored to implants instead of your remaining natural teeth.
- Overdentures: A denture that snaps securely onto implants for a steady, confident fit throughout the day.
Dental implants are a viable solution for patients of all ages. Rather than focusing on a specific age, we evaluate your overall health and bone density to ensure that this treatment is the right, long-term fit for your unique needs.
Your Journey to a New Smile
Your Consultation and Implant Evaluation
Successful treatment starts with your specific goals. During your first visit, Dr. Draper or Dr. Gibbins will warmly invite you to talk about how you got here and where you want to be. They will then use advanced imaging to evaluate your bone structure and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to you. You will leave your consultation with a clear roadmap of what to expect and the financial options available to help you achieve your desired smile.
Your Implant Placement Procedure
Once you’ve considered your options and decided to go forward with changing your smile, we will perform your placement procedure using precise techniques designed for your comfort. The process is simple and efficient, with IV sedation options available to keep you relaxed. After a natural healing period, we attach your custom restoration, and send you home to enjoy your new, confident smile. Most of our patients return to their normal daily activities within a few days.
Your Healing Period
Over the following months, your jawbone fuses to the implant through a natural process called osseointegration. The healing time can range anywhere from three to six months, or longer if your procedure is more complex. This stage is what gives implants their exceptional stability and long-term durability. As you heal, our team will monitor your progress and make sure everything is developing as expected before moving forward with your final restoration.
Expert Care Delivered With Kindness
Experience matters when you are investing in your smile, but so does your comfort. Choosing dental implants is a serious commitment to your oral health, as the procedure will require months of recovery. Because of this, technical skill is only part of the equation; you need a team that you can trust to guide you through the highs and lows of recovery. That’s why Dr. Draper and Dr. Gibbins have intentionally created a practice where elite academic training and surgical precision meet the compassionate, personal attention of a neighborhood office.
By keeping advanced treatments under one roof, we provide a seamless experience where you are cared for by a team that knows you by name. While the dental implants procedure is tough, it is an investment in your future that becomes truly transformative when you have the right dentists leading the way.
Find Out What Is Possible for Your Smile
It’s time to stop compromising and start rebuilding your quality of life. Dental implants offer you an opportunity to restore more than just the appearance of your smile; they restore your strength and confidence too. If you are ready to see what’s possible, come meet Dr. Gibbins, Dr. Draper, and the rest of the team. There’s no pressure, just thoughtful care and honest guidance from people who genuinely want to help you feel your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental assessments with our team, the implant post itself is built to last for decades, often a lifetime. The crown or prosthesis attached to it may need replacement or adjustment over the years simply from normal wear, the same way a natural tooth would.
Is the procedure painful?
Placement is done under local anesthesia, with IV sedation available if you'd rather not be aware of the process at all. Most of our patients describe the days after surgery as uncomfortable rather than painful, similar to a tooth extraction, and it's manageable with the care plan we send you home with.
How long is the recovery time?
There are really two timelines. The surgical site itself typically settles down within a few days to a week. The deeper healing, where the implant actually fuses to your jawbone, takes three to six months. Dr. Draper and Dr. Gibbins will see you for check-ins throughout that second stage to make sure everything is on track.
Can implants fail?
It's uncommon, but it can happen, usually tied to things like uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, insufficient bone to support the post, or untreated gum disease. Careful planning before surgery, grafting when it's needed, and keeping up with your follow-up visits are how we keep that risk as low as possible.
Am I too old for dental implants?
Age alone does not prevent you from receiving dental implants. Many of our senior patients are excellent candidates for treatment, provided they have adequate oral health and bone support. During your consultation, your doctor will review your oral anatomy to determine if dental implants are part of your smile’s journey.