In many cases, yes — this approach is called immediate implant placement. It allows the implant to be placed on the very same day the tooth is removed, which can help reduce overall treatment time and preserve the natural shape of your gums and jawbone. However, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Whether you’re a good candidate depends on factors like:

• Bone quality and density – Your jawbone needs to be strong enough to hold the implant securely from day one.

• Gum and soft tissue health – Healthy gums help the implant heal properly and look natural.

• Tooth location – Front teeth often heal differently than molars, so the approach may vary.

• Presence of infection – If the tooth or surrounding area is infected, it’s usually best to treat the infection and allow healing before placing the implant.

At Montana Dental Works, we evaluate your situation with advanced 3D imaging and a thorough exam to determine if same-day placement is the safest, most predictable option for you. When it’s possible, patients love the convenience of walking in with a problem tooth and leaving with a replacement already in place.

Both titanium and zirconia dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth with a stable, long-lasting solution — but they differ in material, appearance, and in some cases, suitability for certain patients.

Titanium Implants Titanium has been the gold standard in implant dentistry for more than 50 years. It’s lightweight, incredibly strong, and biocompatible, meaning it fuses naturally with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a rock-solid foundation for your replacement tooth. Titanium implants can also be made in two pieces (a post and an abutment), which gives your dentist more flexibility in positioning the final crown for the best bite and aesthetics.

Benefits of Titanium Implants:

• Proven decades-long track record of success

• Excellent bone integration for long-term stability

• More placement flexibility due to multi-piece design

• Extremely durable and resistant to fracture

Zirconia Implants Zirconia implants are a newer, metal-free option made from a strong ceramic material. They’re often chosen by patients with metal sensitivities, allergies, or those who prefer a completely white, tooth-colored implant for aesthetic reasons — especially in areas where the gum tissue is thin and might reveal the implant underneath. Zirconia is naturally resistant to corrosion and plaque buildup, which may make it appealing for patients prioritizing oral hygiene.

Benefits of Zirconia Implants:

• 100% metal-free for patients with sensitivities

• Tooth-colored material blends seamlessly with natural gums and teeth

• Highly biocompatible and gentle on surrounding tissue

• Naturally resistant to plaque accumulation

Which One Is Right for You? Choosing between titanium and zirconia depends on your unique needs, preferences, and oral health. At Montana Dental Works, Dr. McAllister evaluates factors such as bone density, gum thickness, bite alignment, and your medical history before recommending the best implant material for you. Whether you opt for titanium’s long history of success or zirconia’s metal-free appeal, our goal is to ensure your implant looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth for years to come.

Possibly — it depends entirely on your jawbone’s current strength and density. Dental implants rely on a solid foundation, much like a house depends on a sturdy frame. If your jawbone has thinned over time due to tooth loss, gum disease, injury, or natural aging, it may not be strong or thick enough to hold an implant securely. That’s where a bone graft comes in.

A bone graft is a procedure that adds or regenerates bone in areas where it’s lacking, giving your implant the stability it needs to last for decades. The material used for the graft can come from a variety of sources, including highly safe, processed donor bone or synthetic materials that encourage your own bone to grow. Here’s why this step matters:

• Improved implant stability – Stronger bone means your implant will stay firmly in place.

• Better long-term success rates – Bone grafting helps reduce the risk of implant failure.

• Preserves facial shape – Rebuilding bone can help maintain your natural facial contours and prevent a sunken look.

At Montana Dental Works, Dr. McAllister uses advanced 3D imaging to measure your bone structure before planning your treatment. If a bone graft is needed, we’ll walk you through the process, explain your options, and make sure the procedure is as comfortable and efficient as possible — so your implant has the best foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

The timeline for getting dental implants isn’t the same for everyone — it depends on your individual oral health, the number of teeth being replaced, and whether additional procedures are needed to prepare your mouth for implant placement.

For many patients, the process can be completed in as little as 3–4 months, especially if no bone grafting or other preparatory treatments are required. In these cases, once the implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone, we allow several weeks for osseointegration — the process where your bone naturally fuses with the implant. After that, we can place your custom crown, bridge, or denture.

However, if your jawbone needs to be built up first with a bone graft or sinus lift, you’ll need additional healing time before the implant can be placed. This can extend the overall timeline to 6–9 months or more.

Here’s a general outline of what to expect:

1. Consultation & Treatment Planning – 1 visit

2. Preparatory Procedures (if needed) – healing time 3–6 months before implant placement

3. Implant Placement Surgery – followed by 3–6 months of healing for osseointegration

4. Abutment & Restoration Placement – your permanent crown, bridge, or denture is attached

At Montana Dental Works, we take the time to do each step right, so your implant is strong, comfortable, and built to last. While it may take a little longer than quick-fix solutions, the result is a permanent tooth replacement that can serve you for decades — and often a lifetime — with proper care.

No — one of the big advantages of dental implants is that the titanium or zirconia post, and the custom crown attached to it, can’t develop cavities like natural teeth. The materials used in implants are not organic, so bacteria can’t break them down the way they do with tooth enamel.

However, that doesn’t mean implants are maintenance-free. The gums and bone around your implant are still very much alive and can be affected by gum disease (peri-implantitis) if plaque and tartar build up. This type of infection can cause inflammation, bone loss, and even implant failure if not treated.

That’s why daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are just as important for implants as they are for your natural teeth. By keeping your mouth clean and your gums healthy, you protect the foundation your implant relies on — ensuring it stays strong and functional for decades.

Think of it this way: Your implant crown may be immune to cavities, but the “soil” it’s planted in still needs care to keep it thriving.