Losing a tooth affects more than your smile. It changes how you chew, how you speak, and over time, even the shape of your face. A dental implant is the most complete way to replace a missing tooth because it restores both the visible crown and the root beneath the gum. At our Northeast Philadelphia office on Verree Road, we place and restore dental implants for patients missing one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch.

After more than 30 years in practice, we know most people come to their first consultation with the same questions: How does it work? Will it hurt? How long does it take? Am I a candidate? This guide answers each of them in plain language, so you can walk into your appointment informed and confident.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root. It is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone, where it bonds with the bone over several months. Once healed, it supports a crown, bridge or denture that looks and works like natural teeth.

Every implant restoration has three parts:

• The implant post: a screw-shaped titanium fixture that sits in the bone and acts as the root.
• The abutment: a small connector that attaches to the top of the post and holds the restoration.
• The restoration: a custom dental crown, bridge or denture, shaded to blend with your smile.

The key is a process called osseointegration, where living bone grows tightly around the titanium surface. This is what makes an implant stable enough to handle full chewing force without slipping, clicking or moving.

Why replacing a missing tooth matters

It can be tempting to leave a gap alone, especially if it is in the back of the mouth. But a missing tooth starts a chain reaction:

• Bone loss: the jawbone needs stimulation from a tooth root to stay healthy. Without it, the bone in that area slowly shrinks.
• Shifting teeth: neighboring teeth drift and tilt into the space, which can change your bite and create hard-to-clean areas.
• Over-eruption: the opposing tooth can grow down (or up) into the gap.
• Extra wear: the remaining teeth take on more chewing force and can crack or wear faster.
• Facial changes: with several missing teeth, bone loss can make the lower face look sunken or older.

Replacing a tooth sooner rather than later usually means a simpler procedure, because there is more healthy bone to work with. If you are weighing your choices, our guide to options for replacing missing teeth is a good place to start.

Types of dental implant treatment

Not every patient needs the same solution. These are the main ways implants are used:

If you already wear dentures or partial dentures, implants can turn a loose plate into a secure one. For patients with many damaged or missing teeth, implants are often one part of a larger full mouth reconstruction or smile makeover.

The dental implant process, step by step

Most single implants take three to nine months from start to finish. Much of that time is healing, not appointments. Cleveland Clinic notes that osseointegration alone "can take anywhere from three to nine months."

1. Consultation and 3D planning. We review your medical history, examine your teeth and gums, and take X-rays and imaging to measure the bone. You leave with a written plan that explains each step and its timing.
2. Treating problems first. Active gum disease or decay must be treated before an implant is placed. Healthy gums are the foundation of long-lasting implants.
3. Extraction, if needed. If a damaged tooth is still in place, it is removed gently. In some cases the implant can be placed the same day; in others, the site heals first. Learn when tooth extraction is necessary.
4. Bone grafting, if needed. If the bone is too thin or short, a graft rebuilds it. Grafting adds a few months of healing but gives the implant a solid base. Read more about bone grafts for dental implants.
5. Implant placement. With the area fully numbed, the gum is opened, the post is placed in the bone, and the gum is closed with a few stitches. A single implant usually takes about an hour.
6. Healing and osseointegration. Over the next few months, the bone bonds to the post. In visible areas, you can wear a temporary tooth so you never go without a smile.
7. Abutment and final restoration. Once the implant is stable, we attach the abutment and your custom crown, bridge or denture, then check your bite so everything feels natural.

What recovery feels like

Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery is. Here is what a typical single-implant recovery looks like:

• First 24–48 hours: mild soreness, some swelling and light oozing are normal. Cold packs on the cheek (20 minutes on, 20 off) and over-the-counter pain relievers usually keep you comfortable.
• Days 3–7: swelling fades. Stick to soft foods such as eggs, yogurt, pasta and soup, and chew on the other side. Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.
• Weeks 2–4: stitches dissolve or are removed, and most people are back to their normal diet, still avoiding very hard or sticky foods on the implant site.
• Months 3–6: the bone fuses to the implant. You will hardly notice it, but this is the most important stage.

Avoid smoking, vaping and drinking through a straw in the first days, because they can disturb the healing site. Cleveland Clinic notes that smoking or vaping "can disrupt the healing process." Call us if you have increasing pain after day three, swelling that gets worse, or a fever.

Are there downsides or risks?

Implants have a long track record of success, but like any surgery, they carry some risks. Being honest about them helps you make the right choice:

• Longer timeline: implants take months, not weeks, because the bone needs time to heal.
• A surgical step: placement is a minor oral surgery, so there is some short-term discomfort.
• Infection around the implant (peri-implantitis): like gum disease around natural teeth, this is mostly prevented with good home care and regular cleanings.
• Failure to integrate: occasionally an implant does not bond with the bone. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and poor oral hygiene raise this risk. A failed implant can often be replaced after healing.
• Nerve or sinus proximity: careful 3D planning helps avoid the nerve in the lower jaw and the sinus above the upper back teeth.

According to Cleveland Clinic, "When an experienced surgeon places implants, the risk of complications is minimal."

Choosing an experienced team and following your aftercare instructions are the two biggest things you can do to protect your result.

Are you a good candidate for dental implants?

Most healthy adults who are missing one or more teeth can get implants. Good candidates usually have:

• Healthy gums, or gum disease that has been treated
• Enough jawbone to hold an implant, or are willing to have a bone graft
• Good general health, with conditions like diabetes under control
• A commitment to daily brushing, flossing and regular checkups

Cleveland Clinic lists active gum disease, severe bone loss, unmanaged diabetes, smoking or vaping, extensive decay and poor oral hygiene as factors that can delay or rule out treatment. The good news is that most of these can be treated first. A "not yet" is often not a "no."

If your gums bleed when you brush or seem to be pulling back, it is worth addressing first. Read our guides on why gums bleed and receding gums.

Dental implants vs. bridges vs. dentures

Implants are not the only way to replace teeth. Here is how the three main options compare:

A bridge or denture can be the right choice if you want a faster result, have health conditions that make surgery harder, or prefer a removable option. Implants are usually the better long-term choice when bone and gum health allow. We will walk you through all three and recommend what suits your mouth, health and goals.

How to choose an implant dentist in Philadelphia

There are many offices offering implants in Philadelphia. Before you commit, ask:

• How much implant training and experience does the dentist have? Look for advanced education such as membership or fellowship in implant organizations.
• Who places the implant, and who restores it? Some offices do both; others refer the surgery out. Either can work, but you should know who is responsible.
• Will I get a written treatment plan? It should list each step, the timeline and what happens if a graft is needed.
• What happens if something goes wrong? Ask how complications and follow-up visits are handled.
• Can I see results and reviews? Before-and-after photos and honest patient reviews show real experience.
• Do I feel comfortable asking questions? You will be working together for months. Clear communication matters.

At our office, implant care is led by Dr. Anna Marchenko, with more than 30 years of experience, and Dr. Mila Abramov, a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). You can see our work in the smile gallery and read what patients say in our reviews.

How to care for your dental implants

Implants cannot get cavities, but the gums and bone around them can still become inflamed. Daily care keeps them healthy for decades:

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, paying attention to the gumline around the implant.
• Floss daily with implant-friendly floss or a floss threader.
• Use an oral irrigator (water flosser) to clean around implants and under bridges.
• Clean removable implant dentures nightly and soak them in denture solution.
• Wear a night guard if you clench or grind your teeth.
• Keep your checkups. Regular dental checkups let us check the gums and bone around your implant and catch problems early.

For a refresher on the basics, see our guide to oral hygiene basics and our approach to preventive dental care.

Insurance and payment options

We accept all major PPO insurance plans and work with each patient to find a way to get the care they need, with or without insurance. Payment options include CareCredit and Cherry payment plans, cash, check, major credit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo and Zelle. Many dental plans cover part of implant treatment, such as the crown, so our team will review your benefits with you before treatment begins. Visit our patient information page or call us to confirm your coverage.

Why Northeast Philadelphia patients choose our office

• More than 30 years of experience: Dr. Anna Marchenko earned her DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1994 and trained under periodontist Dr. Emanuel Hayes Malamed.
• Implant-focused training: Dr. Mila Abramov is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
• One team, start to finish: from consultation and extraction to the final crown, your care is coordinated in one office.
• We speak your language: our team speaks English, Ukrainian and Russian.
• Family-friendly care: we also see children and families as a family dentist, so the whole household can be cared for in one place.
• Convenient location: 10125 Verree Rd, Suite 307, serving Somerton, Bustleton, Fox Chase, Parkwood, Huntingdon Valley and surrounding neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions about dental implants