Everything You Need to Know About the Implant Process

If you’ve been living with missing teeth, you already understand the impact it can have, not just on how you eat or speak, but on how you feel when you smile. Dental implants offer a lasting, life-changing solution, but for many, questions and hesitation surround the process. Is it safe? Will it hurt? How long does it take?

At Drew Dentistry in Casa Grande, Dr. Shane Drew and his team believe that understanding the implant process should feel reassuring, not overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this simple, step-by-step breakdown to give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind as you take the next step toward restoring your smile.

What Are Dental Implants, Exactly?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once healed, they serve as a secure anchor for crowns, bridges, or dentures, offering the most natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement option available today.

Unlike removable options, implants integrate with your bone through a process called osseointegration. This makes them stable, durable, and capable of lasting decades with proper care.

Why Do People Choose Implants?

Choosing dental implants is about more than replacing a tooth, it’s about regaining confidence, comfort, and long-term oral health. Patients often choose implants because they:

• Look and feel like natural teeth
• Preserve facial structure by preventing bone loss
• Allow normal chewing, speaking, and smiling
• Don’t shift or click like dentures can
• Support surrounding teeth and prevent shifting

The Implant Process: Step-by-Step

One of the most common concerns we hear at Drew Dentistry is, “What does the process actually involve?” Here is a simplified breakdown of the typical dental implant journey:

Personal Consultation & Planning

Your implant experience begins with a personalized consultation. Dr. Shane Drew takes time to understand your goals, review your health history, and use 3D digital imaging to evaluate your bone structure. If implants are right for you, a custom plan is created based on your needs.

Tooth Extraction (If Necessary)

If you're replacing a damaged or decayed tooth, an extraction may be required first. We're known for prioritizing comfort, using advanced tools and gentle techniques to make this step smooth and stress-free.

Bone Grafting (In Some Cases)

If your jawbone lacks the density needed to support an implant, bone grafting may be recommended. This helps create a solid foundation for the implant and ultimately improves long-term success. 

If your jawbone is healthy enough to accommodate an implant without bone grafting, this step is not necessary. Dr. Drew will advise based on your scan. Bone grafting can also sometimes be integrated with tooth extraction to simplify the preparation process.

Implant Placement

During this minor surgical appointment, the implant post is placed into the jawbone. Most patients describe the recovery as easier than expected, and local anesthesia or sedation options ensure a comfortable experience. Healing begins immediately after placement.

Osseointegration & Healing

Over the next 3-6 months, your bone naturally fuses with the implant. This phase is critical. It’s what gives the implant its strength and stability. You’ll visit us periodically so we can monitor healing and ensure everything stays on track.

Abutment & Restoration

Once healed, a connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. This is what holds your new crown, bridge, or denture in place. We use digital impressions to ensure a precise, natural-looking restoration tailored just for you.

Your New Smile is Complete

The final step is placement of your permanent restoration, and the results speak for themselves. You’ll walk out with a confident, functional smile that looks and feels like your own.

Frequently Asked Questions About Implants

Are implants painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort, often comparing the experience to a routine dental procedure. At Drew Dentistry, we use advanced technology and personalized anesthesia options to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

How long do implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last 20-30 years, and even up to a lifetime. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings are key to maintaining their longevity.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Healthy gums and sufficient bone density are important, but even if you’ve been told implants aren’t an option in the past, technology and techniques have advanced significantly. Dr. Drew takes a conservative, whole-health approach when evaluating candidates and will never suggest a procedure that isn’t right for you.

Why Choose Drew Dentistry for Dental Implants?

As an independent, family-owned dental practice in Casa Grande, Drew Dentistry is committed to care, not quotas. Dr. Shane Drew opened the practice to offer a more transparent and patient-focused experience, one where your comfort, trust, and long-term health come first. We offer comprehensive dental implant treatments all under one roof, from planning through placement and restoration. 

Using the latest technology, such as cone beam CT imaging and CEREC digital impressions, we ensure precise results every step of the way, without needing to refer you to multiple offices. And because we’re rooted in the local community, our team is here for you before, during, and long after your procedure.

Tips for a Smooth Implant Experience

• Follow pre- and post-op instructions carefully to support healing
• Ask questions, understanding what to expect can ease anxiety
• Keep up with your regular dental hygiene routine
• Attend follow-up visits to ensure everything is progressing well

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering dental implants, you deserve a team that supports you every step of the way. At Drew Dentistry in Casa Grande, we combine advanced technology, decades of expertise, and warm, personalized care to make your implant experience a success. Whether you're replacing a single tooth or want a full smile makeover, we'll guide you with honesty and precision.

Call us today at (520) 374-2400 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Shane Drew and discover if dental implants are right for you. Let’s restore your smile, and your confidence, together.