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Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the local urgent care facility.

Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the urgent care facility.

636-978-6967

Dental Implant Placement: What to Expect

Dental implant placement is the surgical step that creates a foundation for a replacement tooth. The implant must be positioned in healthy bone and aligned with the crown, bridge, denture, or full-arch restoration planned by your dentist.

Dr. Maryann L. Udy uses the referral, examination, imaging, and restorative plan to determine the implant position and surgical approach. For a broader look at candidacy and replacement options, visit our Dental Implants page.
636-978-6967
Smiling senior dental patient inspecting implants
Dr. Udy reviews the missing-tooth site, bone support, gum tissue, nearby anatomy, health history, and restorative goal. Records can include dental X-rays, CBCT imaging, digital scans, and information from the dentist who will make the final restoration.

If the site needs an extraction, bone graft, sinus lift, or soft-tissue preparation, that procedure may be completed before implant placement or during the same appointment. The recommended sequence is confirmed before surgery.

After anesthesia is administered, Dr. Udy prepares a precise space in the jawbone and positions the implant according to the surgical and restorative plan. A healing component may remain visible above the gum, or the tissue may be closed over the implant while it heals.
Appointment length depends on the number and location of the implants, the anesthesia plan, and whether another procedure is completed at the same visit. Our team will review the expected timing for your case.

During osseointegration, new bone forms a stable connection around the implant. Follow the instructions for diet, oral hygiene, temporary appliances, and follow-up so the site is protected during this phase.

Even when the area feels normal, the implant still needs to be evaluated before the restorative phase begins. Some cases require a separate uncovering procedure or a change in the healing component before the dentist takes a scan or impression.
Once Dr. Udy confirms that the implant has healed enough for the next phase, the restorative dentist completes the crown, bridge, denture, or full-arch restoration. Our office can share implant records and surgical information to support that process.

After the restoration is delivered, ongoing home care and professional maintenance remain important. Contact your dental team if the restoration feels loose, the bite changes, or the tissue around the implant becomes sore or inflamed.

What to Confirm Before Implant Surgery

Confirm the anesthesia instructions, transportation plan, medications, temporary tooth, and who will adjust any removable appliance. Tell our office about health changes or new prescriptions that occurred after the consultation.
Also verify which restorative office will complete the final tooth and whether that dentist needs records, implant components, or a follow-up date from Northwest Oral Surgeons.
636-978-6967

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Placement

Anesthesia is used during the procedure. Dr. Udy will discuss the recommended anesthesia plan and provide instructions for managing expected postoperative symptoms.
A healing component may be visible, or the implant may heal beneath the gum tissue. The approach is based on the site and treatment plan.
Temporary options are coordinated with the restorative dentist and depend on the implant location, bite, stability, and pressure on the surgical site.
The restorative phase begins after the implant and surrounding tissues have healed enough and both offices confirm the next step.

Questions About Dental Implant Placement?

Call Northwest Oral Surgeons at 636-978-6967 with questions about your referral, upcoming surgery, or records needed from your restorative dentist.
Call: 636-978-6967