If you’re looking for an implant dentist in Lehi, it helps to choose a team that can guide you through the entire process with clear recommendations and careful planning. At Thanksgiving Point Dental, Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Clark, and Dr. Stringham work together to provide implant care focused on long-term function, comfort, and a natural-looking result.
From your initial consultation through your final restoration, our goal is to help you understand your options and feel confident about each step of treatment.
What Does an Implant Dentist Do?
An implant dentist helps plan, place, and restore dental implants used to replace missing teeth. A dental implant consists of a small titanium post placed in the jawbone and topped with a custom restoration, such as a crown. The implant post functions much like a natural tooth root and can help preserve bone in the area of the missing tooth.
At Thanksgiving Point Dental, implant care may include treatment planning, implant placement, and the final restoration. We also evaluate your bite, bone structure, and cosmetic goals so the finished tooth looks and functions naturally.
You can learn more about the range of dental procedures we provide and how our team approaches comprehensive care through Thanksgiving Point Dental.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants can provide several long-term benefits for patients who are missing one or more teeth:
- Restore chewing ability and make it easier to enjoy a varied diet.
- Help preserve the jawbone in the area where a tooth is missing.
- Provide a fixed restoration that matches the color, shape, and bite of your natural teeth.
- Replace a missing tooth without requiring healthy neighboring teeth to be reshaped for a traditional bridge.
- Create a secure, stable solution that feels more like a natural tooth.
Depending on your goals, implant treatment may also be part of a broader smile plan. Options such as cosmetic dentistry can address concerns involving tooth color or shape, while restorative dentistry can help repair and rebuild damaged teeth.
What to Expect During Dental Implant Treatment
Dental implant treatment typically takes place in several stages. Your exact timeline will depend on your oral health, bone structure, healing, and the type of restoration being placed.
1. Consultation and Planning
Your dentist evaluates your teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone and uses imaging to determine whether an implant is a suitable option. This stage is also an opportunity to discuss your goals, expected timeline, and any other treatment that may be needed.
2. Implant Placement
The titanium implant is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. After placement, the area is given time to heal.
3. Healing and Integration
Over the next several months, the implant gradually integrates with the surrounding bone. This process creates a stable foundation for the final restoration.
4. Final Restoration
Once healing is complete, a custom crown is attached to the implant. Your dentist checks the fit, appearance, and bite and makes adjustments as needed.
Patients who want to become familiar with the practice before treatment can visit our Lehi dental office and review the location using this map and directions link.
How Do You Choose an Implant Dentist in Lehi?
When comparing implant dentists, consider who will be responsible for each stage of care. Ask whether the practice handles planning, placement, and restoration, what imaging is used during treatment planning, and how follow-up care is managed.
At Thanksgiving Point Dental, our dentists collaborate on implant cases and provide planning, placement, and final restoration in-house when appropriate. If a specialist consultation would benefit your care, our team coordinates the referral and helps keep your treatment plan organized.
This collaborative approach can make it easier to understand who is responsible for your care and what to expect throughout the process.
Common Questions About Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, the implant itself can remain functional for many years and may last for decades. The crown attached to the implant can experience normal wear over time and may eventually need repair or replacement.
Is dental implant placement painful?
Local anesthesia is used during implant placement to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Some soreness, swelling, or discomfort may occur afterward, and your dentist will provide postoperative instructions to support your recovery.
Can anyone get a dental implant?
Not everyone is automatically a candidate for implant treatment. Your dentist will evaluate factors such as bone quality, gum health, overall health, and the location of the missing tooth. If there is not enough bone to support an implant, bone grafting or another treatment may be discussed.
Do you provide both implant placement and restoration?
Yes. At Thanksgiving Point Dental, our team provides implant planning, placement, and final restoration in-house when appropriate. If a specialist consultation is recommended, we coordinate that part of your care.
Do dental implants help prevent bone loss?
Dental implants can help preserve jawbone in the area of a missing tooth because the implant post transfers forces into the bone during normal function. Your dentist can evaluate how much bone is present and whether an implant is appropriate for that area.
Coordinated Implant Care at Thanksgiving Point Dental
Implant treatment often involves several appointments, so communication and follow-up matter. Our team provides written instructions after treatment and remains available to answer questions as you heal.
Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Clark, and Dr. Stringham collaborate as appropriate so that your treatment can be tailored to your individual needs. Patients can also read about other people’s experiences with the practice through our patient reviews or explore additional dental topics on the Thanksgiving Point Dental blog.
Schedule an Implant Consultation in Lehi
If you’re considering a dental implant, a consultation can help determine whether it is the right option for your smile. Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Clark, or Dr. Stringham can evaluate your oral health, review your treatment options, and explain what the implant process may involve in your case.
Contact Thanksgiving Point Dental in Lehi today and take the next step toward replacing your missing tooth.