Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you’re missing one or more teeth and want a long-term solution, you may be wondering whether dental implants are right for you. At Gentle Dental, we believe that more people are candidates than they realize—and our Franklin team is here to help you find out.
To be a good candidate, it is generally important to have:
- Healthy gums and no active periodontal disease.
- Good oral hygiene habits to support long-term implant success.
- Adequate jawbone density to support the implant.
- A commitment to follow post-treatment care and maintenance.
However, factors like smoking, systemic health conditions (e.g., diabetes), or low bone density do not automatically disqualify you. At our Franklin office, we offer advanced treatment options such as:
- Bone grafting to rebuild jawbone support.
- Guided implant placement using precise digital technology.
- Customized care plans for complex or high-risk cases.
The Dental Implant Process Explained
Understanding how dental implants work can ease anxiety and help you feel confident about your care. At Gentle Dental, we guide you through each phase of the process with expert support and full transparency.
Initial Consultation & Assessment
Your journey begins with a one-on-one consultation at our Franklin office. We use digital imaging, X-rays, and a comprehensive oral exam to evaluate your bone health and overall readiness for implants. Based on your unique needs, our team creates a customized treatment plan tailored to your goals, timeline, and budget.
Implant Placement Surgery
Once you're ready, the next step is implant placement. A small titanium post is surgically inserted into your jawbone under local anesthesia, making the procedure safe and relatively pain-free. This post acts as a replacement tooth root, forming the solid foundation for your future restoration.
Healing Period and Osseointegration
After the implant is placed, your body needs time to heal. Over the next few months, the implant fuses with your jawbone in a natural process called osseointegration. This is what gives implants their superior strength and durability. During this period, we monitor your progress to ensure everything is healing properly.
Abutment and Crown Placement
Once the implant has fully integrated, we place a small connector piece called an abutment, followed by a custom-designed dental crown. The crown is crafted to match your surrounding teeth in shape and color—restoring both the look and function of your natural smile.
Customized Solutions for Every Patient
At Gentle Dental, we understand that no two smiles are alike. That’s why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach to dental implants. Every treatment plan is built around your unique dental needs, health conditions, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
We offer a full range of implant solutions, including:
- Single-tooth implants for replacing one missing tooth.
- Implant-supported bridges to replace several missing teeth in a row.
- All-on-4 full-arch restorations for those needing a full set of upper or lower teeth.
- Full-mouth implant solutions for complete smile rehabilitation.
From diagnosis to design, every step of your care is tailored to ensure maximum comfort, function, and satisfaction.
Long-Term Care for Your Implants
Getting dental implants is a long-term investment in your health and confidence, and at Gentle Dental, our commitment to your care doesn’t end after the procedure.
To ensure your implants last for many years, we emphasize the importance of proper maintenance, just like you would with natural teeth. That includes:
- Practicing good daily oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing around the implant.
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings at our Franklin clinic.
- Monitoring the health of your gums and jawbone over time to catch any early signs of trouble.
We view our relationship with you as a partnership. Whether it’s years after your implant placement or during a routine cleaning, we’re here to support you with expert care, trusted advice, and personalized attention at every stage.
A Patient-Centric Approach
At Gentle Dental, we believe dental care is about more than procedures—it’s about people. That’s why we take a patient-first approach to everything we do.
From your very first consultation, we focus on your comfort, clarity, and confidence. We take time to explain each step, answer every question, and adjust your care to match your needs and concerns. Whether you’re anxious about surgery or simply curious about your options, we make sure you feel informed and supported throughout your implant journey.
What truly sets us apart is the way our patients feel after their experience. Many share stories of renewed confidence, life-changing results, and how our team made them feel valued and cared for, not just treated.
