Dental Implants in Riverview
A missing tooth changes more than your smile. The bone that once supported the root begins to shrink, neighboring teeth drift toward the gap, and chewing shifts to one side. Dental implants stop that chain reaction by replacing the root itself — a small titanium post placed in the jawbone that fuses with it over time and holds a crown, bridge, or denture securely in place. For patients in Riverview, our office at 22500 Allen Rd. in Woodhaven is a short drive, which matters when a treatment involves a few appointments spread over several months.
An implant has three parts: the post that sits in the bone, an abutment that connects it, and the restoration on top. Because the post behaves like a natural root, it stimulates the bone and keeps the jaw from shrinking the way it does under a traditional bridge or removable denture. The crown is shaped and shaded to match the teeth around it, so most people can't tell which tooth is the replacement.
We place both traditional implants and mini implants. Mini implants are narrower and can be a practical option when bone width is limited or when the goal is stabilizing a lower denture. Implants also anchor implant-supported dentures, which snap into place instead of resting on the gums — a meaningful change for Riverview patients tired of adhesive, sore spots, and dentures that lift while eating.
Most adults missing one tooth, several teeth, or all of their teeth are candidates. What we look for is healthy gums and enough bone to hold the post. If gum disease is present, we treat it first with scaling and root planing or periodontal therapy. If bone volume is thin — common when a tooth has been missing for years — bone grafting can rebuild the site so an implant has a stable foundation. Gum grafting and crown lengthening are available when soft tissue needs attention too.
Your first visit is a complimentary consultation. We examine the area, take X-rays, review your medical history, and talk through the options, including whether a bridge or denture might suit you better. You'll leave knowing what the treatment plan involves and what it costs before anything is scheduled. We also run a complimentary insurance benefits check so there are no surprises.
The Implant Process, Step by Step
If a damaged tooth still needs to come out, we handle that here with simple or surgical extraction — no outside referral required. Implant placement itself is a focused procedure. The site is numbed, the post is placed in the bone, and the area is closed. Nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation are both available for patients who feel anxious about surgery.
Then comes healing. Over the next several months the bone grows around the post and locks it in place. Once that's complete, we attach the abutment and the final restoration. Our in-house dental lab is a real advantage during this stage: crowns, dentures, and appliances are made and adjusted on site, so fit changes and repairs don't require shipping anything out and waiting.
- A free consultation with X-rays and a written treatment plan
- Any preparatory work needed first — extraction, gum treatment, or bone grafting
- Implant placement with sedation options available
- A healing period while the post integrates with the jawbone
- Final crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture fitted and adjusted on site
Aftercare and Keeping Your Implant Healthy
For the first few days after placement, expect mild soreness and swelling. Soft foods, rest, and following the post-op instructions we give you make the biggest difference. We'll see you back to confirm the site is healing as expected, and if anything feels off between visits, we offer same-day emergency appointments.
Long term, an implant is cared for like a natural tooth: brushing, flossing around it, and regular checkups. Our hygienists monitor the gum tissue around implants at every cleaning, since healthy gums are what keep an implant stable for the long haul. Periodontal maintenance visits are available for patients who need closer monitoring, and a night guard from our lab can protect your investment if you grind your teeth.
Paying for Implant Treatment
We accept all major PPO insurance plans along with cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. CareCredit financing lets you spread treatment across monthly payments, and we're glad to walk you through the application.
Riverview patients without insurance can join our in-house membership plan — $199 a year for adults, $99 for patients 17 and under. There's no annual maximum, deductible, waiting period, or pre-authorization. Exams, X-rays, two cleanings, and two fluoride treatments are covered at 100%, with 20% to 50% off other treatment. Se habla español.