What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal post surgically placed into the bone beneath the gums, serving as a replacement for a missing tooth. It functions like a natural tooth root and is completed with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to create a lifelike appearance and feel.
Choosing a dental implant is a significant decision. If you’re considering one but are unsure about the process, we provide all the information you need to help you make an informed choice about your dental care.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Missing teeth affect more than just appearance—they can impact speech, chewing ability, and overall oral health.
When a gap is left in your smile, surrounding teeth may shift out of place, leading to misalignment and bite problems. These changes increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and even further tooth loss. Beyond these immediate effects, losing a tooth also sets off a process called bone resorption.
Without the stimulation from a tooth root, the jawbone begins to shrink over time. This gradual bone loss can alter facial structure, causing wrinkles, a sunken look around the cheeks and lips, and a shortened jawline.
Dental implants offer the next best thing to natural teeth, helping to restore function, prevent bone deterioration, and maintain a youthful facial appearance.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
A missing tooth can impact daily life, making it harder to eat comfortably, affecting speech, and leading to potential oral health issues. Over time, gaps can cause surrounding teeth to shift and weaken the jawbone.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance – Dental implants are designed to look and function like real teeth. Each implant is custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking smile.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort – Once placed, the implant fuses with the jawbone, providing a secure and stable foundation. Whether supporting a crown, bridge, or dentures, implants stay firmly in place, allowing you to eat, speak, and laugh without worry.
- Improve Bone Strength – The absence of teeth can lead to jawbone deterioration over time. Dental implants help counteract this by encouraging bone regeneration, maintaining bone density, and preventing further structural loss.
As a long-term solution, dental implants feel natural and, with proper care, can last for decades.
Dental Implant Restorations
The restoration is the visible part of a dental implant, serving as the replacement tooth that sits on top of the implant post. While the implant itself remains hidden beneath the gumline, the restoration is what gives the appearance of a natural tooth.
- Dental Crown – The most frequently used restoration for implants, providing a secure replacement for a single missing tooth by affixing directly to the implant post.
- Dental Bridge – Ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth in a row. A bridge is supported by one or more implants to close the gap, and a full-arch implant-supported bridge can replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth with four or more implants.
- Implant Denture – Enhances the stability of a removable denture by securely attaching it to two or more small implants, improving comfort and function.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Experience a lasting improvement in both function and appearance with a dental implant.
Maintaining an implant is straightforward—daily brushing and flossing keep it clean, while protective measures, such as wearing a mouthguard during sports, help prevent damage. Regular dental visits ensure that your implant stays in excellent condition.
With the right care, a dental implant can provide years of strength, confidence, and a beautiful smile!
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How It Feels
The thought of having a metal post placed in the jawbone may sound intimidating, but the procedure is much more comfortable than expected.
A mild anesthetic is used to ensure a pain-free experience during surgery. Thanks to advanced dental technology, implants are placed with precision, minimizing both discomfort and recovery time.
Many patients describe the procedure as quick and uneventful, with some even feeling relaxed or sleepy during the short 30-minute process. The most challenging part may simply be keeping the mouth open for brief intervals.
After the procedure, mild swelling, soreness, or slight bruising can occur within the first several hours, but these symptoms are easily managed. Clear aftercare instructions will be provided so that discomfort can be minimized before the anesthetic wears off. Most patients notice significant improvement within a week.
With a success rate of nearly 95%, dental implants are one of the safest and most predictable treatments in modern dentistry.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The process of getting a dental implant is far more comfortable than most people anticipate.
Assessment
Your journey begins with a consultation to determine whether dental implants are the right solution for you. The dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan to assess bone density and plan the procedure. A digital scan or impression of your teeth will also be taken to ensure precise placement of the implant.
Inserting the Implant
A local anesthetic is used to completely numb the area before surgery. The dentist carefully makes a small opening in the gum and jawbone, then securely places the implant post. In some cases, sutures may be required to close the gums, but this is not always necessary.
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to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost of Dental Implants in Ruston
The price of dental implants varies, with a single implant typically costing between $3,000 and $6,000+. Full-mouth restoration with implants can range from $6,000 to over $60,000, while a complete set of implant-supported dentures averages around $30,000. Because implant procedures are highly personalized, an exact quote cannot be provided over the phone. Many factors influence the final cost, making an in-person consultation essential.
What Determines the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery? Several key factors impact the total cost, including:
- The number and type of implants required.
- The materials and supplies used for the procedure.
- The expertise and time of the dental team overseeing your treatment.
- The complexity and location of the surgery.
- The length of the recovery process, with continued follow-up care available as needed.
Since every patient’s needs are different, an oral exam is necessary to assess your situation and provide customized treatment options. A detailed quote can be given after an evaluation.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
For smaller gaps caused by one to three missing teeth, a dental bridge may be an alternative. Extensive tooth loss, whether on the upper or lower arch or the entire mouth, may be addressed with a dental prosthetic or removable dentures.
While dental implants have a higher upfront cost, they offer superior stability and longevity compared to bridges or dentures. Removable prosthetics require ongoing maintenance and may need adjustments or replacements over time. In contrast, implants are cared for like natural teeth, requiring routine oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. With proper maintenance, an implant can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one will be able to tell that your implants are not natural teeth. While the implant itself is a metal post hidden beneath the gums, the restoration placed on top is designed to seamlessly match the rest of your smile.
Both dentures and implants offer unique benefits and function differently. Dentures sit on top of the gums and depend on the underlying bone for support, whereas implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing enhanced stability. Each option has its pros and cons, and the best way to determine the right choice for you is through an in-person consultation.
For those who may not be candidates for implants, options such as dental bridges or full and partial dentures can be used to replace missing teeth. The best way to explore your options is by scheduling an appointment, where we can discuss solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Candidates for dental implants must be adults with good oral health. A strong jawbone is essential to support the implant, and healthy gums help reduce the risk of complications. If you’re unsure about eligibility, a consultation can help determine whether you qualify. In many cases, treatment options exist to improve oral health in preparation for implant placement.
Thanks to advancements in implant technology, the procedure is highly precise and minimally invasive. The process is designed to be as comfortable as possible, with little discomfort during and after the surgery. With proper aftercare, swelling and bleeding are minimal. If you have any anxiety about the procedure, let us know—we are here to ensure a stress-free experience.
Most patients are able to return to work the day after the procedure. However, depending on the complexity of the treatment, we can provide a more accurate recovery timeline in advance so you can plan accordingly. Post-operative care instructions will also be discussed to ensure a smooth recovery.
The long-term success of dental implants depends on routine maintenance. Just like natural teeth, implants need regular professional cleanings and examinations. Checkups are generally recommended every six months, but the frequency may vary based on individual needs.
Maintaining implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are essential to keeping them in excellent condition. If any concerns arise, notify your dentist as soon as possible.
No, they are built to be a durable, long-term option. With proper oral care and regular dental checkups, implants can remain in place for a lifetime without requiring routine replacement.
