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Missing teeth can affect more than your smile—they impact your confidence, your ability to eat comfortably, and even your long-term oral health. Dental implants offer the most natural-looking, longest-lasting solution for tooth replacement available today. At Schultz Family Dental, Dr. Schultz provides expert implant restorations that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
Did you know that only about 48% of adults have a full set of permanent teeth (excluding wisdom teeth)? For patients who have lost a tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can be a great option for replacing them. With her advanced training in implant dentistry, Dr. Schultz can determine if implants may be an option for you!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted surgically into the jawbone to provide stability for artificial teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants replace the entire tooth—from root to crown—making them the closest thing to natural teeth.
Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth, several teeth, or to support a full set of dentures. The titanium post fuses with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, creating a permanent, stable foundation for your restoration. Dental implants can be a great, long-term alternative to dentures, without the hassle or maintenance required.
Types of Dental Implant Restorations
Dental implants are incredibly versatile. Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, Dr. Schultz can restore your smile with:
- Single Tooth Implant — One dental implant topped with a custom crown replaces a single missing tooth without affecting neighboring teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge — Two or more dental implants support a bridge to replace several missing teeth in a row—no need to alter healthy adjacent teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures — For patients missing most or all teeth, dental implants can anchor a full or partial denture securely in place. This eliminates the slipping, clicking, and adhesive hassles of traditional dentures.
- Full Mouth Dental Implants (All-on-4®) — A full arch of teeth can be supported by as few as four strategically placed dental implants, providing a permanent, non-removable solution for patients who have lost all their teeth.
During your consultation, Dr. Schultz will evaluate your specific needs and recommend the best dental implants procedure for your situation.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
There can be many reasons that patients begin to consider long-term solutions to for their smile. Some patients may be self-conscious about missing teeth, while some may be fed up with dentures that are uncomfortable or require time and maintenance. Dental implants may be right for you if you:
- Are in good health, or are cleared by your physician prior to scheduling surgery
- Have enough bone to support the dental implant, or are a candidate for bone augmentation, if needed
- Have healthy gum tissue to surround the implant
- Commit to taking care of the implant with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits
Not sure if you qualify? Many patients who were previously told they weren’t candidates for dental implants may now be eligible thanks to advances in bone grafting and implant technology. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schultz.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Why do patients choose dental implants over other tooth replacement options?
- Look and Feel Natural — Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your own teeth. Most patients forget they even have them.
- Permanent Solution — With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them an excellent long-term investment in your oral health.
- Preserve Your Jawbone — Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent the bone loss that occurs after tooth loss.
- No Slipping or Shifting — Dental implants are anchored securely in your jaw, so you can eat, speak, and laugh without worry.
- Protect Healthy Teeth — Unlike bridges, dental implants don’t require preparing adjacent teeth for support.
- Eat What You Love — Enjoy your favorite foods again without restrictions—dental implants restore full chewing function.
- Improved Confidence — Smile, speak, and engage socially without feeling self-conscious about missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
- Easy Maintenance — Care for dental implants just like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
The Dental Implants Procedure: What to Expect
Getting dentures is a process that takes several appointments to ensure the best possible fit and appearance. Here’s what to expect:
- Phase 1: Consultation and Planning
- Your journey begins with a Consultation and EvaluationYour journey begins with a comprehensive exam. Dr. Schultz will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and recommend the best type of dentures for your situation—whether that’s partial dentures, complete dentures, or implant-supported options.
- Phase 2: Implant Placement (Surgical Phase)
- The titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone by an oral surgeon. Dr. Schultz works closely with trusted oral surgery specialists to ensure seamless, coordinated care throughout your dental implant procedure.
- Phase 3: Healing and Osseointegration
- After placement, the dental implant needs time to fuse with your jawbone—a process called osseointegration. This healing phase typically takes 4–6 months and is essential for creating the strong, stable foundation that makes dental implants so successful.
- Phase 4: Restoration
- Once your implant has fully integrated, you’ll return to Schultz Family Dental for your custom restoration. Dr. Schultz will digitally scan your implant and carefully match your new crown, bridge, or denture to the color and shape of your natural teeth for seamless results.
Dental implants feel comfortable and natural once placed, and many patients feel like they have their original teeth back. They function just like natural teeth and require regular brushing and flossing to ensure that they last for the long-term.
Caring For Dental Implants
One of the best things about dental implants is that they’re easy to care for—just like natural teeth:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Floss daily around your implant restoration to remove plaque and food particles
- Visit Schultz Family Dental regularly for professional cleanings and checkups
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or hard candy that could damage your restoration
- Don’t smoke — tobacco use can compromise implant success and longevity
With proper home care and regular dental visits, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
Wondering how dental implants compare to other solutions? Here’s a quick overview:
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dental Bridge | Dentures |
| Lifespan | Lifetime (with care) | 10–15 years | 5–10 years |
| Bone Preservation | Yes | No | No |
| Affects Adjacent Teeth | No | Yes (requires crowns) | No |
| Stability | Permanent, fixed | Fixed | May slip or shift |
| Maintenance | Brush & floss normally | Special flossing | Daily removal & cleaning |
| Natural Feel | Most natural | Good | Less natural |
While dental implants cost more initially, their durability, bone-preserving benefits, and natural feel make them the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Meet Your Dentist
Dr. Anna Schultz combines advanced clinical training with a compassionate, patient-focused approach. Her philosophy centers on education, prevention, and early detection—empowering you to take a proactive role in your oral and overall health. Parents, families, and long-time patients appreciate her attention to detail, warm communication style, and whole-health perspective. Learn more about our team.
What Patients Are Saying
“Absolutely by far the best care I have ever received. Such in depth scans, X-rays, and exam. I got a detailed plan in place and very much looking forward to my next appt. I’ve never had such an upscale quality of care. So thrilled to be a new patient!”
– Jacqueline Kernechel
FAQs
Dental implant cost varies based on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the type of restoration, and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are required. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized estimate and discuss payment options to fit your budget.
The dental implant procedure typically involves two phases: surgical placement of the titanium post (performed by an oral surgeon) and restoration with a custom crown, bridge, or denture (performed by Dr. Schultz). The entire process usually takes 4–6 months to allow for proper healing.
Most patients report that the dental implant procedure is more comfortable than they expected. Local anesthesia is used during placement, and any post-operative discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Many patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The implant post itself is designed to be permanent, while the crown or restoration on top may need replacement over time, due to normal wear.
Full mouth dental implant cost depends on the treatment approach. Options range from implant-supported dentures (which use fewer implants) to fixed full-arch solutions like All-on-4®. We’ll discuss all options during your consultation so you can choose what works best for your needs and budget.
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%. However, factors like smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, poor oral hygiene, or insufficient bone can increase the risk of complications. Following your care instructions and attending regular checkups helps ensure long-term success.
Most adults with good general health are candidates for dental implants. Even if you’ve been told you lack sufficient bone, modern techniques like bone grafting can often make implants possible. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation.
Absolutely. Dr. Schultz custom-designs each restoration to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Once placed, most people can’t tell the difference between a dental implant and a natural tooth.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants
If you are looking to restore your smile and think dental implants may be right for you, contact us to schedule a consultation! Dr. Schultz will evaluate your needs, answer your questions about the dental implant procedure, and help you understand your options—including a transparent discussion of dental implant cost and financing.
