Oral surgery
Dental implants
An implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to hold a crown, a bridge or a denture. Dr. Nair places them for adults who are missing one tooth, several teeth or all of them.
What happens
Most people need two to four visits with us, spread over several months. Your own dentist makes the crown.
- 01
Step 1: Exam and scan
A 3D scan and an exam show how much bone you have. Your dentist usually sends records first.
- 02
Step 2: A written plan
Dr. Nair goes through your options, the visits each takes and the estimate.
- 03
Step 3: Placement
The post goes in during one visit in the office, with the comfort level you chose.
- 04
Step 4: Healing
Over several months the bone grows onto the post. We check it, and your dentist takes over for the crown.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
A local anesthetic numbs the area, and many people add sedation. Tell us what you'd like, and see the sedation page for the levels.
If you wait
Neighboring teeth can drift into a gap and the bone under it can shrink, but an implant is rarely urgent unless you're in pain. A bridge, a partial or full denture, or leaving the space are other choices, and Dr. Nair will go through them.
Risks and aftercare
Swelling, bruising and soreness for several days are expected. Less often: infection, an implant that doesn't join the bone, or irritation of a nerve or the sinus. Dr. Nair explains the risks that apply to you before you decide, and you leave with written aftercare.
How it's billed
Plans treat implants differently: some bill dental, some medical, some not at all. You get the written estimate before any treatment.
How fees work
Questions about dental implants
Who makes the crown?
Usually your own dentist, and we work with them. If you don't have one, we can talk about options.
Do I need a bone graft?
Some people do. The scan and the exam show whether the bone is enough, and Dr. Nair explains the choice if it isn't.
Can I get an implant if I smoke or have diabetes?
Both can affect healing. Dr. Nair reviews your health history and tells you what applies to you.
How long does healing take?
Months, not days. The exact time depends on you and on where the implant goes, and Dr. Nair gives you her range when she plans it with you.
Provided by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Dr. Usha Nair, DDS. Residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery; American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Licensed in Wyoming.