What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth, topped with an abutment and a custom crown. Over several months the bone fuses to the post through osseointegration, creating a stable foundation that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth and helps preserve the surrounding bone.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Dental implants are medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw,” and the agency advises patients to talk with their dental provider about the potential benefits and risks before choosing them.
Surgically placed into the jawbone. Biocompatible and designed to fuse permanently with bone.
A connector piece that attaches to the top of the post, providing a base for the crown.
A custom-crafted crown matched to your natural tooth color, shape, and bite.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are among the most durable treatments in dentistry. A 2019 systematic review in the Journal of Dentistry estimated that 96.4% of implants were still in place after 10 years. The implant post can last decades with good care, while the crown on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years from normal wear.
| Consideration | Dental implant | Fixed bridge | Removable denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preserves jawbone | Yes — the post stimulates the bone | No | No |
| Changes neighboring teeth | No | Yes — adjacent teeth are reshaped | No |
| Removable | No — fixed like a natural tooth | No | Yes — taken out daily |
| Chewing firm foods | Like natural teeth | Good | Often limited |
| Daily care | Brush and floss normally | Floss threaders under the bridge | Remove, clean and soak |
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most adults in good general health with enough jawbone are candidates for dental implants, and bone grafting can rebuild bone when it is not. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and some medications can affect healing, so the McLaren team reviews your medical history and a 3D CBCT scan before recommending implants.
Which implant treatments does McLaren Dental Associates offer?
McLaren Dental Associates places and restores implants in Midland for nearly every tooth-loss situation, from a single missing tooth to a full arch. Treatment is planned with 3D CBCT imaging and guided placement, and the same University of Michigan trained team handles your care from consultation through the final crown, so you never coordinate between separate offices.
Replace one missing tooth with a permanent, natural-looking implant crown.
Replace multiple adjacent teeth without grinding down healthy neighbors.
Restore a full arch of teeth on just four strategically placed implants.
Permanently secure loose dentures for confidence when eating and speaking.
Rebuild bone volume to support implant placement when needed.
Restore bone in the upper jaw to enable implant placement in the back teeth.
How much do dental implants cost in Midland?
A single dental implant at McLaren Dental Associates typically costs $3,000 to $5,000, including the crown. Full-arch options such as All-on-4 are quoted case by case, and bone grafting adds to the fee only when it is needed. Insurance benefits, CareCredit financing, and in-house payment plans can all help, and every consultation ends with a clear plan and transparent pricing.
Why choose McLaren Dental for implants?
Your implant is planned and restored by University of Michigan trained dentists led by Dr. John McLaren, an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at the U-M School of Dentistry. Dr. John and Dr. Charles McLaren both earned a Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry, advanced training in replacing and rebuilding teeth, and have cared for Midland patients since 2004.
Schedule a comprehensive implant consultation. We'll review your 3D imaging, discuss your options, and give you a clear plan with transparent pricing — no surprises.
Book My ConsultationWhat do dental implant results look like?
Dental implant results should be difficult to tell apart from natural teeth, because each crown is custom-matched to the color, shape, and bite of the teeth around it. The before-and-after comparison below is an illustrative example of an implant restoration. Drag the slider to compare, and keep in mind that individual results vary with each case.
* Illustrative example. Individual results vary.
What do patients ask about dental implants?
Patients considering dental implants in Midland most often ask about cost, comfort, healing time, insurance, and whether they are a candidate. The answers below address each question. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also advises telling imaging staff about your implants before any MRI or x-ray, a good habit for every implant patient.
Sources
- Long-term (10-year) dental implant survival: a systematic review and sensitivity meta-analysis — Journal of Dentistry (2019), via PubMed
- Dental Implants: What You Should Know — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Tooth Loss in Seniors (NHANES 2017–March 2020) — National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Tooth Disorders — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry — University of Michigan