How We Work — Surgeon Places, We Restore
We want to be clear about this from the start, because it’s an important detail and one many practices leave vague.
Dr. Burmaster and Dr. Hemphill do not place implants. They restore them. The surgical placement is performed by one of two local oral surgeons we partner with — specialists we have worked alongside for years and trust with our patients. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, we design and place the crown, bridge, or denture that attaches to it.
The advantage of this arrangement is that each part of the process is handled by someone who does it constantly. We coordinate the treatment plan with your oral surgeon directly, so you aren’t relaying messages between two offices or wondering who is responsible for what. We plan the final restoration before surgery, which means the implant is positioned with the finished result already in mind.
What We Restore
Single tooth implants One implant, one crown, replacing one missing tooth without touching the teeth beside it.
Implant-supported bridges When several teeth are missing in a row, a small number of implants can support a bridge spanning the gap — no alteration of your natural teeth required. Learn about bridges →
All-on-4 dental implants A full arch of replacement teeth supported by four strategically placed implants. For patients missing all or most of their teeth in an arch, this provides a fixed, stable result without a removable denture.
Implant-supported dentures Dentures that snap securely onto implants rather than resting on the gums. A substantial improvement in stability for patients who struggle with a conventional denture. Learn about dentures →
What the Process Looks Like
Evaluation and planning. We examine the site, take the necessary imaging, and discuss whether an implant is the right choice for you. If it is, we develop the restorative plan and coordinate with the oral surgeon.
Surgical placement. Your oral surgeon places the implant. This is typically a shorter appointment than most patients expect.
Healing and integration. Over several months, the implant fuses with your jawbone — a process called osseointegration. This is what gives an implant its stability, and it can’t be rushed.
Restoration. Once integration is complete, you return to us. We take a digital scan and have your custom crown, bridge, or denture fabricated by our laboratory, then fit and secure it.
Is an Implant Right for You?
Implants work well for most adults with good general and oral health, but not for everyone. Adequate bone volume at the site matters, and so does healthy gum tissue — active periodontal disease needs to be treated before implant treatment begins. Learn about periodontal therapy →
One thing to know: we don’t perform bone grafting at our office. If your evaluation shows insufficient bone at the implant site, that would be handled by the oral surgeon as part of the surgical phase, and we’ll make sure it’s part of the conversation early rather than late.
