Dental Implants

Our goal is to make the process easy to understand. From your first exam through your final restoration, we explain what to expect, why we recommend specific treatment options, and how to care for your implant long term.

A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. After the implant bonds with the surrounding bone, it can support a custom crown or another type of dental prosthesis.

Because the implant is supported by the jawbone, it can provide a stable alternative to removable tooth replacement options.

Most dental implant treatment begins with an exam and diagnostic imaging. We use CBCT scanning and digital X-rays to evaluate the shape of your jawbone, nearby structures, and nerve positions. This information helps us plan the size and placement of the implant.

During implant placement, local anesthesia is used to keep the area comfortable. Sedation may also be used when appropriate.

After the implant is placed, it needs time to heal and bond with the jawbone. This process generally takes place over several months and is an important part of creating a stable foundation for the final restoration.

Once the area has healed, we take digital impressions to help create a custom crown or prosthesis designed to fit your bite. We may also use CEREC technology as part of the restorative process when appropriate.

You will receive aftercare instructions and scheduled follow-up visits throughout treatment.

Local anesthesia is used during implant placement to keep the treatment area numb. Sedation may also be available depending on your needs and treatment plan.

Some soreness or tenderness can occur while the area heals. We provide instructions for caring for the surgical site and let you know what to expect after treatment.

Dental implant treatment usually takes place in stages rather than during a single appointment.

Your timeline depends on factors such as your oral health, available jawbone, the number of implants being placed, and how your body heals. After implant placement, the implant typically needs several months to integrate with the jawbone before the final restoration is completed.

We monitor your healing during follow-up visits and adjust the treatment timeline when necessary.

Although every treatment plan is individualized, the dental implant process commonly includes:

• An initial consultation, exam, and CBCT-based treatment planning

• Placement of the dental implant into the jawbone

• A healing period while the implant bonds with the surrounding bone

• Follow-up visits to monitor healing

• Digital impressions for the final restoration

• Placement of the custom crown or prosthesis

Each stage is designed to support healthy healing, preserve surrounding structures, and create a restoration that functions comfortably with your bite.

Dr. Gwendolyn Kines-McLeod leads a small team, allowing patients to receive consistent, hands-on care throughout their treatment.

We consider more than the missing tooth itself. Before recommending dental implants, we evaluate your gum health, existing dental restorations, jawbone, and bite forces. This helps us determine whether implant treatment offers a strong long-term outlook.

Our Terrell office uses modern dental technology, including CBCT scanning, digital impressions, CEREC technology, and laser dentistry for soft-tissue management when appropriate. We also place a strong emphasis on clear explanations so you understand each stage of your care.

Dental implants can provide several benefits for patients with missing teeth, including:

• Improved chewing and the ability to eat a wider variety of foods

• Improved speech when missing teeth affect pronunciation

• A stable tooth replacement option that does not need to be removed for daily cleaning like a removable denture

• Support for the jawbone in the area where a tooth has been lost

• A restoration designed to fit comfortably with your existing bite

Dental implants are intended to function as a long-term tooth replacement option, but ongoing oral hygiene and regular dental care remain important for maintaining the implant and surrounding gum tissue.

Many adults may qualify for dental implants, but candidacy depends on individual health and oral conditions.

During your evaluation, we consider:

• Your overall health and any conditions that may affect healing

• Whether there is enough healthy jawbone to support an implant

• The health of nearby teeth and gums

• Lifestyle factors, including smoking, that may affect healing and long-term success

Dental implants may be considered after a tooth extraction, when replacing an already missing tooth, or when existing dental work is no longer functioning as intended.

If there is not enough jawbone to support an implant, we can discuss whether bone grafting or another treatment option may be appropriate.

We only recommend implant treatment when we believe it offers a strong long-term outlook for your oral health.

Dental implants require regular home care much like natural teeth.

Brush twice a day, clean around the implant crown, and continue regular professional cleanings and exams. During your visits, we evaluate the implant connection, surrounding gum tissue, and your bite.

Healthy gums are an important part of maintaining a dental implant. If you notice looseness, sensitivity, discomfort, or a change in the way your bite feels, contact our office so we can evaluate the area.

During your visit, we can review your imaging, discuss your tooth replacement options, and explain the expected treatment timeline. If you have previous dental records, you are welcome to bring them with you.

Our goal is to create a treatment plan that fits your needs while keeping your long-term oral health at the center of your care.