Getting a dental implant is a journey of a few visits spread over several months, and the wait is the bone doing its work, not you sitting in a chair. Because Dr. James Willis plans and places implants in-house on Medical Avenue, every step happens in one familiar office, with no outside referral and no extra trips across the Valley. Here is how it unfolds.
Consultation and CBCT Imaging
Your first visit is all about planning. We take a scan with our in-house CBCT scanner, a 3D X-ray that shows your jaw in detail, then sit down and look at it together. Dr. Willis checks your bone, the position of your nerves and sinuses, and whether you need a graft first. You leave knowing exactly what your treatment looks like and what it costs, with no surprises.
Placing the Implant
Following your custom plan, we set a small titanium post, your new tooth root, into the jaw at the exact angle and depth your scan mapped out. We numb the area thoroughly with local anesthesia and work at an unhurried pace. Most patients tell us it was far easier than they expected. You leave with a temporary tooth so your smile looks complete while everything heals.
Healing and Bonding to the Bone
Over the next three to six months, the implant fuses with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration that simply means the bone grows snugly around the post. This is what gives your new tooth a foundation as solid as a natural root. You stop in for a few brief check-ups so we can confirm your healing is right on track.
Your New Tooth Goes On
Once the implant is fully fused, we attach a small connector called an abutment and place a porcelain crown, shade-matched and shaped to blend in with your other teeth. The result looks, feels, and works like a natural tooth, so you can eat what you love and smile freely again.
Staying Comfortable Throughout
Comfort comes from preparation and pace. We numb the area thoroughly with local anesthesia before we begin, we explain each step as it happens, and we never rush you. If you need a moment, you raise your hand and we pause. Most patients are surprised by how routine the whole thing feels once it is underway.