Dental implants in Southaven, MS, provide several options for replacing missing or failing teeth, from a single missing tooth to an entire arch. Our dentists use dental implants to support individual crowns, implant-supported bridges, removable implant-supported dentures and fixed full-arch restorations.
Dr. M. A. Bleibel has placed more than 15,000 dental implants and has completed more than 500 hours of continuing education focused on implant dentistry. His advanced training includes full-arch implant treatment, immediate fixed full-arch protocols, guided implant placement and digital implant workflows. This experience allows much of the surgical, restorative and laboratory treatment associated with dental implants to be coordinated in one location.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to replace the root portion of a missing tooth. After the implant integrates with the surrounding bone, it can support a dental crown, bridge, removable denture or fixed full-arch restoration.
Dental implant treatment is different from simply replacing the visible portion of a missing tooth. Because the implant is anchored in the jawbone, it provides a stable foundation for the restoration placed above it. The number of implants needed depends on how many teeth are being replaced, the type of restoration planned, available bone and other clinical factors.
Dental Implant Options We Provide
Dental implants can be used in several different ways depending on the extent of tooth loss and the goals of the patient.
- Single-Tooth Dental Implants: One dental implant can support a crown to replace a single missing tooth without requiring the neighboring teeth to support the restoration.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Multiple missing teeth in one area may be replaced with a bridge supported by dental implants rather than by natural teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Dental implants can help stabilize a removable denture and reduce movement during eating and speaking. Patients interested in this option can learn more about implant-supported dentures.
- Full-Mouth And Full-Arch Implants: Patients who are missing most or all teeth in an arch may be candidates for fixed full-arch treatment using All-on-X, All-on-4® or another implant configuration. Learn more about full-mouth implants.
Our dentist will evaluate the number and condition of remaining teeth, jawbone anatomy, gum health and treatment goals before recommending an implant option.
Benefits Of Dental Implants
Dental implants may provide several advantages for patients replacing missing teeth:
- Replace one, several or an entire arch of missing teeth.
- Provide stable support for crowns, bridges or dentures.
- Avoid using neighboring teeth to support a traditional bridge when a single implant is appropriate.
- Improve chewing function after the implant and restoration have healed.
- Help maintain stimulation of the jawbone in areas where implants are placed.
- Support natural-looking restorations designed to fit the smile.
- Provide fixed or removable treatment options depending on individual needs.
- Allow treatment to be customized according to the number of missing teeth and available bone.
The appropriate benefits and expectations depend on the type of implant restoration being used and the individual treatment plan.
Who May Be A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Dental implants may be considered for adults who have one or more missing teeth, teeth that cannot be predictably restored or difficulty with removable dentures.
Candidacy depends on several factors, including:
- The amount and quality of available jawbone.
- Gum and periodontal health.
- The condition of remaining teeth.
- Overall medical health.
- Smoking or tobacco use.
- Bite forces and tooth-grinding habits.
- The ability to maintain good oral hygiene.
- The type of implant restoration being considered.
Some patients have adequate bone for implant placement without additional procedures, while others may require treatment to improve the available foundation. Our dentist will determine what is appropriate after an examination and diagnostic imaging.
How Dental Implant Treatment Is Planned
Careful planning is an important part of dental implant treatment because the implant must be positioned to support the final restoration while avoiding important anatomical structures.
The planning process may include:
- Comprehensive Examination: Our dentist evaluates the teeth, gums, bite and areas of missing teeth.
- 3D Imaging: Cone beam imaging provides a three-dimensional view of the jawbone and surrounding anatomy.
- Digital Impressions: Digital scanning can be used to capture the shape of the teeth, gums and bite for restorative planning.
- Implant Planning: The number, size and position of the implants are planned according to the restoration and available bone.
- Surgical Planning: Guided or digitally planned implant techniques may be used when appropriate.
Dr. Bleibel uses CBCT-based implant planning, guided implant technology, digital scanning, CAD/CAM workflows, 3D printing and advanced full-arch scanning methods when appropriate for the case.
The Dental Implant Process
The exact sequence depends on whether the treatment involves one implant, several implants, an implant-supported denture or full-arch treatment.
- Evaluation And Planning: Our dentist evaluates oral health, bone anatomy and the planned final restoration.
- Preparatory Treatment If Needed: Damaged teeth may need to be removed, and certain patients may require additional procedures before implant placement.
- Implant Placement: The dental implant is placed into the planned position within the jawbone.
- Healing And Integration: The implant is given time to integrate with the surrounding bone.
- Restorative Treatment: Once the implant is ready to support the restoration, an abutment and crown, bridge or denture can be attached.
For more complex implant cases, several stages may be coordinated through the practice's on-site dental laboratory and digital restorative workflows.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
A single-tooth implant replaces one missing tooth using an implant, an abutment and a dental crown. Unlike a traditional bridge, a single implant generally does not require neighboring teeth to be reshaped for support. The implant acts as the foundation for the replacement tooth while the crown restores the visible portion above the gumline. Single-tooth implants may be considered when one tooth is missing or when a tooth cannot be predictably saved and replacement is necessary.
Implant-Supported Bridges
When several adjacent teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge may be used to replace multiple teeth without placing an implant for every missing tooth. The implants support the bridge while the replacement teeth fill the spaces between them. The number of implants required depends on the number of missing teeth, available bone, bite forces and the design of the restoration. Implant-supported bridges differ from traditional dental bridges, which typically rely on natural teeth next to the missing-tooth space for support.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Dental implants can also be used to improve the stability of a removable denture. Implant-supported dentures attach to implants in the jaw, helping reduce movement compared with a traditional denture. The denture is still removable by the patient for cleaning, which distinguishes this option from a fixed full-arch restoration. Patients who already wear dentures but want additional stability may benefit from discussing implant-supported dentures with our dentist.
Full-Mouth And Full-Arch Dental Implants
Dental implants can also support fixed replacement teeth for an entire upper or lower arch. Full-arch treatment may include All-on-4®, All-on-X or another implant configuration depending on bone anatomy, implant stability and the needs of the patient. Several implants are strategically positioned to support a fixed full-arch restoration. For patients who need extensive tooth replacement, our full-mouth implants page explains All-on-X, All-on-4® and other full-arch implant options in greater detail.
Dental Implant Experience And Technology
Dental implant treatment involves both surgical placement and restorative planning. Dr. Bleibel has placed more than 15,000 dental implants and has completed more than 3,000 implant restorations.
He has completed more than 500 hours of continuing education focused on implant dentistry, including advanced multi-day implant courses and training in immediate fixed full-arch protocols.
The practice uses technology that may include:
- CBCT 3D imaging for implant planning.
- Digital impressions and intraoral scanning.
- Guided and digitally planned implant placement.
- CAD/CAM restorative workflows.
- 3D printing for selected dental applications.
- Advanced full-arch scanning and restorative workflows.
- An on-site dental laboratory that supports implant, denture and restorative treatment.
These tools help our dentist plan the surgical and restorative portions of treatment together.
What To Expect After Dental Implant Placement
Some swelling, tenderness or soreness can occur after implant placement. The extent of recovery depends on the number of implants placed, whether teeth were removed and whether additional procedures were performed.
Our dentist and team will provide instructions for:
- Keeping the surgical area clean.
- Managing temporary discomfort or swelling.
- Choosing appropriate foods during early healing.
- Avoiding activities or habits that could interfere with healing.
- Returning for follow-up appointments.
The implant must then integrate with the surrounding bone before the final restoration can be completed in many cases. Healing time varies according to the patient and treatment plan.
Caring For Dental Implants
Dental implants cannot develop cavities, but the gums and bone around them still require consistent care.
Patients should:
- Brush around implant restorations every day.
- Clean between teeth and around implants with floss or other recommended tools.
- Use specialty floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser when recommended.
- Attend professional dental cleanings and examinations.
- Avoid smoking or tobacco use.
- Tell our dentist about grinding, clenching or changes in the bite.
- Contact the office if an implant restoration feels loose or uncomfortable.
Regular maintenance allows our dental team to monitor the implants, surrounding tissues and restorations over time.
How Much Are Dental Implants?
Dental implant cost depends on how many teeth are being replaced and the type of restoration being used.
Single Dental Implant — $2,499
Includes the implant body, abutment and crown.
3-Unit Implant Bridge — $5,500
Includes two implant bodies, two abutments and three crowns to replace three teeth.
Four Or More Teeth — Free Consultation
More extensive implant treatment requires individualized planning based on the number of missing teeth and type of restoration.
FAQs About Dental Implants
Hours
