If you are missing a tooth, or several, dental implants are the closest thing to getting your natural teeth back. At our Richardson office on President George Bush Highway, Dr. May Yeap and the Signature Dental team can examine your smile, explain whether implants are a good fit, and walk you through every option before you decide. Implants are placed and restored right here at our Richardson office.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone, and over the following months the bone bonds to it. Once that bond is solid, a crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the post. The result looks, feels, and works like a natural tooth, and it does not have to come out at night. Implants are one of several restorative dentistry options we offer for missing or damaged teeth.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Richardson?
Dental implants generally range from $3,000 to $6,000 per implant. The final cost depends on how many teeth you are replacing, the type of implant system used, and whether you need extra steps such as a bone graft or an extraction first. Full-arch options such as All-on-4 are priced differently. Signature Dental offers flexible financing to help make implant treatment more affordable, and we recommend reviewing your dental insurance coverage before treatment. Pricing can change over time, so call our Richardson office to confirm current costs.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth can be evaluated for implants. The key requirement is enough healthy jawbone to hold the titanium post. At your consultation, we take X-rays to check your bone and look at the health of your gums and remaining teeth. If there is not enough bone, a bone graft can often build it up. A graft is a separate procedure that is done before the implant is placed.
The Dental Implant Process, Step by Step
Getting a dental implant takes time, but each step is straightforward:
- Exam and X-rays. We evaluate your mouth and talk through your goals and options.
- Extractions, if needed. Any tooth that needs to come out is removed before the post goes in.
- Placing the post. The titanium post is placed in the jawbone, and a temporary tooth fills the gap while you heal.
- Healing. The bone bonds to the post over roughly 6 to 9 months. We may ask you to come in during this time so we can check how it is healing.
- Your permanent tooth. Once the post is stable, your permanent crown is attached.
Implant Options for One Tooth or Many
Implants are not only for a single missing tooth. Depending on how many teeth you need to replace, we may recommend:
- A single implant and crown to replace one missing tooth without touching the teeth next to it.
- An implant-supported bridge to replace several teeth in a row, anchored on implants instead of natural teeth.
- Implant-secured dentures that attach to posts in the jaw, so they stay firmly in place when you eat and speak.
Not ready for implants? Read about the alternatives to dental implants, including bridges and dentures, so you can compare your choices.
Why Choose Implants Over Dentures?
Because implants are anchored in the jawbone, they help preserve the bone and the natural shape of your face. They do not slip, so you can eat the foods you enjoy and speak with confidence.
Caring for Your Implants
You care for implants the same way you care for natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular checkups and cleanings. Implants can still chip or crack from an injury, so wear a mouthguard for contact sports. If an implant or crown is ever damaged, contact our office and we will find the right repair.
Visit Our Richardson Dental Office
Signature Dental is located at 2040 E President George Bush Hwy #110, Richardson, TX 75082. Our Richardson office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (972) 231-6300 to schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. May Yeap, or visit our contact page for directions.
Closer to Frisco? We also offer dental implants at our Frisco office.
