Dental Implants

Bone density: The implant needs sufficient bone to anchor into. If bone loss has occurred, grafting may be needed first

Gum health: Active gum disease needs to be treated before implant placement to reduce the risk of failure

Overall health: Certain conditions and medications can affect healing, so a thorough health history is part of our evaluation

Lifestyle factors: Smoking, for example, significantly increases the risk of implant complications and is something we discuss openly

We use a Carestream CBCT scanner to get a three-dimensional view of your jaw structure before any planning begins. This level of detail lets us assess bone volume, identify nerve positions, and place implants with precision that flat X-rays simply can’t support.

Implants have a high success rate, but complications do occur, and we think patients deserve a straight answer about what they look like.

The most common complication is peri-implantitis, an infection of the tissue around the implant that resembles gum disease. It can develop if oral hygiene around the implant is neglected, and in serious cases, it can lead to bone loss and implant failure. Regular check-ups and consistent home care are the most effective ways to prevent it.

Implant failure: In some cases, the bone does not fuse properly with the post. This can happen due to infection, poor healing, or systemic factors. When caught early, the implant can sometimes be removed and replaced after the site heals

Nerve or tissue damage: Improper placement can affect nearby nerves, causing numbness or tingling. This is one reason precise imaging before surgery matters so much

Sinus issues: For implants placed in the upper jaw, there is a risk of the post extending into the sinus cavity if placement depth is not carefully managed

Implant fracture: While rare, the post or crown can crack under excessive force, particularly in patients who grind their teeth

None of this is meant to discourage you. It’s meant to give you an accurate picture so you can make an informed decision and know what to watch for after treatment.

Precision is non-negotiable when it comes to implant placement. Before we do anything, we use our 3Shape Trios intraoral scanner to capture a detailed digital model of your mouth. Combined with CBCT imaging, this gives us a complete picture of both the hard and soft tissue structures we’re working with.

Dr. Michael M. Bohn brings careful, clinically focused care to every implant case. Each placement decision is based on your specific anatomy, not a one-size-fits-all approach. We also use Bufferpro and Onset buffered anesthetics during procedures, which reduce injection discomfort and speed the onset of numbness. For patients who are already anxious about a surgical procedure, that difference is meaningful.

How long does the implant process take from start to finish? The full process typically takes several months, largely because the bone needs time to fuse with the implant post before the final crown is placed. The exact timeline depends on whether any preparatory work, like bone grafting, is needed and how your healing progresses.

Does getting a dental implant hurt? The procedure itself is done under local anesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during placement. Some soreness and swelling in the days following surgery is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief in most cases. We use a buffered anesthetic to make the injection itself more comfortable as well.

Can an implant fail, and what happens if it does? Yes, implant failure can happen, though it's not common. Signs include persistent pain, movement of the implant, or swelling that doesn't resolve. If failure occurs, the implant is typically removed, the site is allowed to heal, and replacement may be possible once the area has recovered.

Will my implant look like a natural tooth? Yes. The crown placed on top of the implant is custom-made to match the shape and shade of your surrounding teeth. Most people cannot tell the difference between an implant crown and a natural tooth.

Is there anything I can't eat with an implant? Once fully healed, implants function like natural teeth and don't require a restricted diet. During the healing period, softer foods are recommended to avoid putting pressure on the site before osseointegration is complete.

If you’ve been living with a missing tooth or have been told you’re not a candidate elsewhere, it’s worth having a conversation with us. Dental implants in Fresno are more accessible than many people expect, and the planning process will give you a clear picture of what’s possible for your specific situation.

Call our office to schedule a consultation and find out whether implants are the right fit for you.