Whole Tooth Column: Behind the scenes of dental implants

By Dr. Ben Aanderud, DMD, FAAID, DABOI/ID — General Dentist and Implant Specialist 

SHERWOOD, Ore. — One of the most common things I hear from patients considering implants is some version of: "I don't really know what I'm getting into." They've done enough research to know implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement, but the actual experience — what happens at each appointment, how long it takes, what recovery feels like — remains a mystery. My goal is to demystify the process and recovery. 

It starts with a conversation, not a drill 

Every implant journey should begin with a thorough consultation. With my patients, I discuss their goals and take complementary 3D CBCT imaging — a detailed scan that shows the precise condition of your jawbone, nerves, and surrounding structures. We’ll also discuss your medical history and current health status, including your vitamin D and calcium levels.  

This foundational step is part of the key to success. The information gathered at this appointment shapes every decision that follows, from whether bone grafting is needed, to exactly where and how each implant will be placed.  

New Smiles offers “guided surgery.” So, a surgical guide is designed at this point to ensure that implant placement is precise and predictable.   

For a single missing tooth 

Single implant surgery is more straightforward than most patients expect. Experienced implant specialists can place the surgical post in under an hour. The surgery requires only local anesthetic — you can drive yourself home. Some doctors use PRF (platelet rich fibrin) treatments to speed the healing, which I recommend.  

The site may be tender for a day or two, but most patients return to normal activity the next day. From there, your body takes over. The implant post integrates with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration — essentially, your bone grows around and fuses to the titanium post, creating a stable, permanent foundation, which takes 4-6 months.  

Once integration is confirmed, your doctor will attach your custom-made crown, color-matched to your surrounding teeth, and you're done.  

If any adjustments are needed, some offices (like New Smiles) have in-house labs which enable their techs to modify the crown on-the-spot. In-house labs cut down the timeline and reduce errors. 

For a full arch restoration 

Full arch cases — where an entire upper or lower set of teeth is replaced — are where a board certification and surgical experience become especially important. We highly recommend utilizing a dentist who is also an implant specialist.  

When it comes time to place the implants, these procedures are longer and require sedation, so you'll need a driver to and from the appointment.  

This full mouth procedure is typically called All-0n-X where four to six implants are placed in each arch using guided surgery for accuracy and PRF to aid in recovery. What makes this remarkable is that it happens in one day: you leave the office with a full set of beautiful, functional temporary teeth. You can smile, speak, and eat soft foods immediately.  

Over the following months, osseointegration takes place as your jaw heals and fuses to the implants, typically between 5-6 months. Plan on several follow-up visits for your doctor to monitor your healing during this time. Once complete, your custom-designed final teeth — crafted from high-quality zirconia in our in-house lab — are permanently attached. The result looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth, and is designed to last for decades. 

The questions patients don't always think to ask 

If you are considering implant treatment, be sure to ask your doctor about: 

-        Certifications and implant experience 

-        How current health impacts the success rate of the surgery 

-     Guided surgery equipment and resources 

-        Timeline for recovery 

-        Number of follow-up appointments expected to monitor your recovery 

-        In-house lab with trained technicians 

-        Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) and bone grafting treatments 

Most patients tell us afterward that the experience was far less intimidating than they imagined, and the outcome was more life-changing than they expected. They wish they had done it sooner. 

If you've been sitting on the decision, a complimentary consultation with Dr. Aanderud at New Smiles is simply a conversation. No commitment, no pressure — just answers. New Smiles Dental is located at 17680 SW Handley St #101 in Sherwood. To schedule a complimentary implant consultation, call 503-925-9595.