Losing a tooth raises a lot of practical questions at once. Will an implant work for me? Does it hurt? How long will I be without a tooth? What will it cost? This dental implants FAQ collects the questions our patients at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics in Reno ask most often, grouped by where you are in the decision, from first curiosity to long-term care. For the full overview of the treatment, see our dental implants page.
Before You Decide: Is an Implant Right for You?
What exactly is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to act as a replacement root. Once it has bonded with the bone, a connector called an abutment is attached, followed by a custom crown shaped and color-matched to blend with your natural teeth. The result is a tooth replacement you brush, floss and chew with much like a natural tooth.
How is an implant different from a bridge or denture?
A traditional dental bridge is anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap, which usually means reshaping those neighboring teeth. An implant stands on its own, so the adjacent teeth do not need to be prepared. Because the post sits in the bone the way a root does, implants may also help maintain bone in the area over time, something bridges and removable dentures do not do in the same way.
Can implants replace more than one tooth?
Yes. Implants can support a single crown, an implant-supported bridge across several missing teeth, or larger restorations for patients missing many teeth. Your dentist will recommend an approach based on how many teeth are missing and the condition of the surrounding bone and gums.
Am I a good candidate?
Good candidates generally have healthy gums, enough jawbone to support the post, and no uncontrolled health conditions that could interfere with healing. Bone loss does not automatically rule you out; bone grafting can sometimes rebuild the area first. A full evaluation, including imaging and a review of your health history, is the only reliable way to know.
What could delay or complicate treatment?
Active gum disease needs to be treated before an implant is placed. Uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking and limited bone volume can also affect healing, so your dentist may recommend addressing these first or adjusting the plan. Dr. Brian Struby reviews these factors with each patient before recommending treatment.
During Treatment: The Procedure and Timeline
Does getting an implant hurt?
The area is numbed before the post is placed, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Soreness afterward is common for a few days and usually eases with over-the-counter pain relief. If you are anxious about the procedure, tell our team ahead of time so we can talk through what to expect and how to keep you comfortable.
What happens during the implant procedure?
Treatment happens in stages over several appointments. First, the titanium post is placed in the jawbone. Next comes a healing period while the post integrates with the bone, a process called osseointegration. After the tissue has healed, the abutment is connected, and finally your custom crown is attached. Our team explains each step as you go, so you always know what comes next.
How long does the whole process take?
Most patients should plan on several months from placement to final crown. The healing phase alone typically takes three to six months while the implant becomes part of the jaw. If you need an extraction or bone grafting first, the overall timeline will be longer. Your dentist can give you a personal estimate at your consultation.
Can an implant be placed right after a tooth is removed?
Sometimes, but not always. Whether an implant can go in at the same visit as an extraction, or needs to wait while the area heals, depends on the condition of the bone and gums at that site. Your dentist will recommend the timing that gives the implant the best foundation.
Will I have a gap while the implant heals?
Usually not for long. Many patients wear a temporary crown or a transitional partial denture during healing, so the space is filled while the implant integrates.
After Treatment: Recovery, Care and Longevity
What is recovery like?
Some swelling, tenderness and mild discomfort in the first few days are normal and are usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and cold compresses. Most people return to their regular routine within a few days, even though the implant itself continues to heal beneath the gum for months. Stick to softer foods at first and follow the aftercare instructions your provider gives you, and call the office if anything feels off.
What should I eat while I heal?
Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, eggs, soup, pasta and smoothies for the first several days, and chew on the opposite side when you can. Avoid very hard, crunchy or sticky foods near the implant site until your dentist says it is safe, and skip smoking, which can slow healing.
How do I take care of an implant?
Treat it like a natural tooth: brush twice a day, floss daily and keep up with regular professional cleanings and checkups. Implants are very long-lasting when they are cared for, and routine visits let your dentist check the implant, the crown and the gum tissue around them.
Are implants safe?
Dental implants have been used for decades and have a well-established safety record. As with any surgical procedure, risks exist, including infection, nerve sensitivity or an implant that does not integrate. Careful screening before treatment and good aftercare help keep those risks low.
Cost and Getting Started
What affects the cost of dental implants?
Cost depends on how many implants you need, whether you need preparatory work such as extractions or bone grafting, the type of restoration and the complexity of your case. Because every mouth is different, a consultation is the only way to get an accurate estimate. Ask our team about payment options when you visit.
Why choose South Meadows Dental for an implant?
Dr. Brian Struby earned his dental degree at Creighton University and is a member of the Frank Spear Faculty Club, a group committed to lifelong learning in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. The practice also brings general, cosmetic and orthodontic care together under one roof, which helps when an implant is one part of a larger plan. You can read more about his background on Dr. Struby’s page or see restorative results in our smile gallery.
Find Out Whether an Implant Fits Your Smile
The best next step is a consultation, where we can look at your teeth, gums and bone and walk you through your options. Request an appointment online or call our office. We see patients from Reno, Sparks, McCarran and across Northern Nevada.