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A Confident Smile That Lasts
Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile — they can change the way you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. At Lockwood Family Dental in Lockwood, MT, Dr. Brysen Hansen restores confidence and function with durable, natural-looking dental implants.
This guide walks you through each stage of the dental implant process, so you know exactly what to expect from your first consultation to your final restoration.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once placed in the jawbone, it provides a strong foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
Implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth — and with proper care, they can last a lifetime.
Unlike bridges or dentures, implants stimulate your jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure.
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, making them one of the most reliable solutions for tooth replacement.
Step 1: Consultation and Planning
Every successful dental implant begins with a personalized consultation.
During your first visit, Dr. Brysen Hansen will:
- Review your medical and dental history
- Take 3D digital scans and X-rays
- Evaluate bone density and gum health
- Discuss your smile goals and treatment options
If you’re a good candidate, we’ll create a custom treatment plan that outlines every stage, including cost, timeline, and post-care.
Patients who need additional support — such as a bone graft — will receive all details upfront so you can prepare accordingly.
Step 2: Implant Placement
Once your treatment plan is approved, the implant placement process begins.
- Comfort and Sedation: We’ll use local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. For patients who feel anxious, we also offer sedation dentistry options to help you relax.
- Placing the Implant: Dr. Hansen gently inserts the titanium implant into the jawbone where the missing tooth was located.
- Healing Cap Placement: A small healing cap is attached to protect the area while your bone begins to fuse with the implant.
The entire process is precise, minimally invasive, and typically completed in under an hour per implant.
Step 3: Osseointegration (Healing Phase)
Over the next few months, your bone naturally bonds to the implant in a process called osseointegration. This fusion gives the implant its unmatched strength and stability.
During this healing phase, Dr. Hansen may provide a temporary crown or restoration to maintain appearance and function.
Most patients experience only mild tenderness for a few days after placement, which can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
Learn more about healing expectations in our related post: 5 Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crown Restorations
Step 4: Attaching the Abutment
Once the implant has fully integrated, the next step is placing the abutment, a small connector that attaches your permanent crown to the implant.
This minor procedure is done under local anesthesia and requires minimal recovery time. The abutment serves as the foundation for your final restoration.
Step 5: Placing the Final Crown
Your custom crown is designed to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth. Once it’s ready, Dr. Hansen securely attaches it to the abutment — completing your smile transformation.
The result looks and feels completely natural. You’ll be able to eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile with confidence again.
What to Expect After Your Implant Procedure
After receiving your dental implant, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth recovery:
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods for a few days
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Keep the area clean but avoid brushing directly on the site for the first 24 hours
- Take any prescribed medications as directed
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing
Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
Long-term implant success depends largely on consistent oral hygiene and routine dental visits.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most advanced solutions for restoring your smile. Some of their key benefits include:
- Permanent tooth replacement – no slipping or adhesives
- Natural look and feel – blends seamlessly with your other teeth
- Improved speech and chewing ability
- Preserved bone structure – prevents bone loss after tooth extraction
- Durability – can last decades with proper care
Learn how implants compare to other options in our related article: Dental Crowns vs Fillings: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Smile
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for dental implants if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have healthy gums and adequate bone structure
- Don’t smoke or are willing to quit during the healing process
- Want a long-lasting, natural-looking solution
If you’re unsure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brysen Hansen to discuss your goals and learn more about your options.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence in Lockwood, MT
At Lockwood Family Dental, we take pride in restoring smiles through compassionate, modern care. Dr. Brysen Hansen uses advanced implant technology to provide results that look and feel completely natural.
If you’ve been considering dental implants in Lockwood, MT, contact our team today to schedule your consultation. We’ll guide you through every step — from planning to your confident new smile.
