What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Over 3 to 6 months, the titanium fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration — creating a stable, permanent anchor.

Once integrated, a custom crown is attached to the implant via a small connector called an abutment. The result is a fully functional, natural-looking tooth fixed permanently in place. You brush it, floss it, and chew on it just like a natural tooth — no removing it, no adhesive, no slipping.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Single Tooth Implant Crown

Once your implant has fully integrated, we design and place a custom porcelain crown matched precisely to your surrounding teeth. The result is a permanent, natural-looking restoration that is indistinguishable from a natural tooth.

$3,000 – $4,500 total (implant + crown)

Implant-Supported Bridge

When multiple adjacent teeth are missing, implants at either end of the gap support a fixed bridge — replacing several teeth without involving natural teeth as anchors. More stable than a traditional bridge and preserves bone at both implant sites.

Cost varies by case — discussed at consultation

Implant-Supported Denture

Implants anchor a removable or fixed denture securely — eliminating slipping, improving chewing function dramatically, and preserving bone at the implant sites. A significant upgrade from conventional dentures.

Cost varies by case — discussed at consultation

Consultation at TFD

We evaluate your bone, gum health, and overall oral condition with X-rays and a thorough exam. We confirm candidacy, discuss your options, and give you a clear cost estimate.

Surgical Placement

We refer you to a trusted oral surgeon who places the titanium implant post into the jawbone. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Most patients find it more comfortable than expected.

Osseointegration

Over 3 to 6 months the implant fuses with the surrounding bone. Most patients have minimal disruption to daily life during this healing period.

Impressions at TFD

Once integration is confirmed you return to us. We take impressions and design your custom crown, bridge, or denture restoration to fit precisely and match your natural teeth.

Crown Delivery at TFD

Your permanent restoration is attached, adjusted for fit and bite, and you leave with a fully functional, natural-looking tooth.

Most healthy adults who are missing one or more teeth are good candidates. The key requirements are sufficient bone density at the implant site, healthy gums, and no uncontrolled systemic conditions that impair healing.

We evaluate candidacy with digital X-rays and a clinical exam at your consultation. For cases where bone volume or anatomy requires more detailed three-dimensional imaging, we coordinate a referral for a cone beam CT scan as part of the surgical planning process. We explain what the imaging reveals and what it means for your treatment plan before anything is scheduled.

Key Candidacy Factors

• Permanent — fixed in place
• Preserves jawbone
• No impact on adjacent teeth
• Can last a lifetime
• Highest upfront cost
• Requires surgery & healing time

• Fixed — cemented in place
• Does not preserve bone
• Adjacent teeth must be crowned
• 10 to 15 years typically
• Lower upfront cost
• No surgery — faster treatment

• Removable
• Does not preserve bone
• No surgery required
• 5 to 10+ years with care
• Most affordable upfront
• May feel less stable

Implant placement is performed by an oral surgeon under local anesthesia. Post-operative soreness is typically mild and resolves within a few days — most patients report it felt comparable to or less than a tooth extraction. We follow up with you after the surgical appointment and coordinate any post-op needs.

The implant post itself can last a lifetime in most cases. The crown on top typically lasts 15 to 25 years depending on location, bite forces, and oral hygiene. Routine cleanings at TFD are an important part of long-term implant maintenance.

A single tooth implant including surgical placement, abutment, and crown typically ranges from $3,000 to $4,500. We provide a clear cost breakdown at your consultation covering both the surgical and restorative components, insurance coverage, and financing options.

Coverage varies significantly by plan. Some PPO plans cover the crown component but not the implant post. Others provide a missing tooth benefit applicable toward the overall cost. We verify your benefits in detail before your consultation and explore every available coverage option.

Clinical studies consistently report success rates of 95% or higher in healthy patients. The most common causes of failure are insufficient bone or gum health at placement — which is why thorough pre-surgical evaluation matters. We discuss your specific risk factors openly at your consultation.

Bone loss begins within months of losing a tooth. Adjacent teeth drift toward the gap and the opposing tooth over-erupts. Over time this leads to bite problems, additional tooth loss, and a more complex treatment situation. Acting sooner preserves both bone and your options.

“The team at Tribute walked me through the whole implant process clearly — what they handle, what the surgeon handles, and what to expect at each stage. The crown they placed looks exactly like my natural tooth.”

— Patient, The Tribute

“They were honest about the bridge vs. implant tradeoffs. The implant took longer but preserving my healthy adjacent teeth was worth it. Tribute coordinated everything and I always knew where I was in the process.”

— Patient, Lone Star Ranch

“My implant-supported denture is a completely different experience from my old conventional denture. Snaps in firmly, no movement, I can eat normally. The restoration Tribute placed is excellent.”

— Patient, Phillips Creek Ranch