When you’re missing teeth, it can affect more than just your smile. Everyday activities like eating, speaking, and even socializing can feel more difficult. At Lance Family Dental in Festus, MO, we know how important it is to restore both the function and confidence of your smile. That’s why we often recommend dental implants as the gold standard for tooth replacement.
This complete guide will help you understand what dental implants are, how they work, their benefits, and what you can expect if you’re considering them.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once healed, they fuse with your natural bone in a process called osseointegration. These implants then support a crown, bridge, or denture, creating a stable, long-lasting solution that looks and functions like natural teeth.
Unlike removable dentures or traditional bridges, implants don’t rely on surrounding teeth for support. This makes them a healthier and more permanent choice for replacing missing teeth.
Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Options?
Patients in Festus often ask why implants are considered superior to dentures or bridges. Here are a few key reasons:
- Stability and comfort – Implants stay securely in place, so you don’t have to worry about slipping or clicking.
- Preserve jawbone health – By stimulating the bone, implants prevent the bone loss that often happens with missing teeth.
- Natural appearance – Implant-supported teeth are custom-made to match your smile.
- Longevity – With proper care, implants can last 25 years or more, often for life.
- Improved quality of life – You can eat, talk, and smile with confidence again.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. The best candidates typically have:
- Healthy gums and good oral hygiene habits
- Adequate bone support in the jaw
- No untreated gum disease or active infections
- Overall good health to support healing
Even if you’ve been told before that you don’t have enough bone for implants, advances in bone grafting and surgical techniques may make you a candidate today. At Lance Family Dental, we’ll evaluate your individual needs during your consultation.
The Dental Implant Process: Step by Step
Getting implants is a process, but one that delivers incredible long-term benefits. Here’s what to expect:
1. Consultation and planning – We’ll perform a thorough exam, take digital images, and discuss your goals. From there, we create a customized treatment plan.
2. Implant placement – The titanium implant is surgically placed into your jawbone. Most patients report little discomfort thanks to local anesthesia and sedation options.
3. Healing and integration – Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the bone to create a stable foundation. During this time, a temporary restoration may be used.
4. Abutment placement – Once healed, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant.
5. Final restoration – A custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is secured to the implant, completing your smile.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Many patients worry about pain, but the procedure is far more comfortable than most expect. Local anesthesia ensures you won’t feel pain during placement. Some mild soreness afterward is normal, but it can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication. Most patients are back to work or daily activities within a day or two.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants are one of the longest-lasting dental solutions available. They can last 25 years or more, and many last a lifetime. To protect your investment, it’s important to:
- Brush and floss daily
- Visit our Festus office for regular check-ups and cleanings
- Avoid habits like smoking or chewing on ice
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
The Cost of Dental Implants
Cost is often one of the biggest considerations for patients. While implants may seem more expensive upfront than dentures or bridges, they often save money in the long run because they don’t need to be replaced as often. Implants are also more effective at protecting oral health, reducing the need for future treatment.
At Lance Family Dental, we’ll review your insurance benefits and payment options to make treatment affordable. We also offer flexible financing plans to help spread out the cost.
Benefits of Choosing Lance Family Dental for Implants
We’ve seen firsthand how dental implants transform lives. Patients who once avoided smiling now laugh freely again. People who struggled to eat their favorite foods enjoy steak, apples, and corn on the cob without worry. And because implants help preserve bone, they support a youthful facial structure as you age.
At Lance Family Dental, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care. From your first consultation to your final restoration, you’ll feel supported and informed at every step.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be the permanent solution you’ve been looking for. Our Festus team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you toward the treatment that best fits your goals.
Contact Lance Family Dental today to schedule your implant consultation. A stronger, healthier, more confident smile could be just one appointment away.