What Are Dental Implants, and What Is the Procedure?

Key takeaways

• Dental implants are a long-term fix for missing teeth.
• The dental implant procedure is safe, simple, and done in stages.
• Implants look, feel, and work like natural teeth.
• Star City Dental in Lincoln, NE, offers expert care from Drs. Long and Allen.
• You can earn $50 through their Share-A-Smile referral program.

What are dental implants?

Ever lost a tooth and thought, “Now what?” That’s where dental implantsThis link leads to Dental Implants page come in. A dental implant is a small metal post, usually made of titanium, that replaces the root of your lost tooth. It’s placed into your jawbone where the missing tooth used to be.

Then, we top it off with a dental crown that looks and feels like your real tooth, attached to the implant after the healing period.

Dental crowns are artificial tooth caps that restore decayed or fractured teeth and are also used in dental bridges to support artificial teeth.

At Star City DentalThis link leads to Home page in Lincoln, NE, we use implant dentistry to give you back your bite, your confidence, and your smile.

Drs. LongThis link leads to Dr. Long’s page and AllenThis link leads to Dr. Allen’s page love helping patients feel whole again with this popular tooth replacement option.

Types of dental implants

Dental implants come in various types, each designed to address different needs and conditions. Whether you’re dealing with missing teeth or severe bone loss, there’s a dental implant solution for you.

Endosteal implants are the most commonly used type of implant. These implants are placed directly into the jawbone, acting as a tooth root for artificial teeth. They offer a natural look and feel, making them a popular choice for many patients.

For those with limited bone density, subperiosteal implantsThis link leads to Dental Implants page are an excellent alternative. These implants are placed on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum tissue, providing a stable base for artificial teeth without the need for extensive bone grafting.

In cases where the jawbone is too short or narrow, particularly in the upper jaw, zygomatic implants are used. These longer implants anchor into the cheekbone, ensuring that even patients with complex cases can benefit from dental implant therapy.

All-On-4 dental implantsThis link leads to Dental Implants page are a cost-effective solution for those needing to replace multiple teeth.

Using just four implants to support a full arch of artificial teeth, this method offers the benefits of dental implants without the need for individual implants for each missing tooth.

Why missing teeth can lead to bigger problems

Losing a tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue. When you’ve got missing teeth, your other teeth can start shifting, your bite can change, and you might even lose bone in your jaw.

Yep, that’s a thing. Your tooth root helps keep your jawbone strong and healthy. Without it, bone loss begins.

Dental implants help stop that bone loss by acting like a real tooth root. That’s why they’re not just about looks.

They’re about your whole oral health.

How dental implants work in real life

So what’s the process like? First, we take dental X-rays to map out your implant site. Then comes the minor surgery. We’ll place the metal implant post into your jawbone. Sounds intense, right? But don’t worry—we use local anesthesia, and you’ll be comfy the whole time.

The process of placing dental implantsThis link leads to Dental Implants page is categorized as oral surgery.

Over the next few months, your bone heals and fuses around the implant. Bone healing is crucial for the success of the procedure, as the bone needs to heal tightly around the implant for optimal support. That’s the magic.

Once it’s healed, we attach the artificial tooth. It blends right in with your remaining teeth.

Step-by-step look at the dental implant procedure

Here’s how we do it at Star City DentalThis link leads to Home page:

• Consultation with Drs. LongThis link leads to Dr. Long’s page and AllenThis link leads to Dr. Allen’s page, our experienced dental professionals
• Dental X-rays and treatment plan
• Tooth extraction (if needed). General anesthesia may be necessary for complex procedures that involve multiple implants.
• Bone grafting (only if there’s severe bone loss)
• Implant placement into the jawbone
• Healing and bone growth (about 3–6 months)
• Abutment attachment (the piece that holds the crown)
• Crown placement for your new artificial tooth

This isn’t a rushed process, and that’s a good thing. It is important to get each stage just right.

Bone grafting and preparation

Bone grafting is a crucial step in preparing for dental implant placement, especially if you’ve experienced severe bone loss. This procedure strengthens and expands the jawbone, providing a solid foundation for the implant.

The bone graft material can be taken from another part of your body or be a synthetic, bone-like material. The choice depends on your specific needs and medical history.

Once the graft material is placed in the implant site, it needs time to integrate with your existing bone, a process that can take several months to complete.

During this healing period, regular dental visits are essential to monitor progress and prepare the site for the implant. Proper care and a well-planned treatment strategy are vital for successful implant dentistry.

It plays a significant role in ensuring the long-term success and stability of your dental implant.

Placing the abutment and crown

Once your bone has healed and the implant is stable, the next step is to place the abutment. This minor surgery involves attaching the abutment to the implant, which will hold the artificial tooth in place.

The abutment is screwed into the implant, and the gum tissue is allowed to heal around it. After the healing process, the final crown or bridge is attached, completing the tooth replacement process.

The crown is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless integration with your surrounding teeth. Typically crafted in a dental lab, the crown is then placed on the abutment using either a screw or cement, depending on the type of implant and crown used.

Regular follow-up visits with your dental provider are necessary to ensure everything is functioning properly and to address any concerns. Ongoing oral health care is crucial to the success of your dental implant.

When fewer implants can do the job

Don’t need one for every tooth? That’s right. If you’re missing multiple teeth, we can use fewer implants to support a fixed denture. Think of it like using a few sturdy posts to support a bridge.

Unlike a fixed denture supported by implantsThis link leads to Dental Implants page, a removable denture can be taken out and cleaned easily. Removable denturesThis link leads to Dentures page can be partial or full, serving to restore smiles and maintain oral structure.

This makes dental implants more manageable and reduces the need for surgical procedures. It’s a smart way to replace lost teeth without overdoing it.

What dental implants offer that other options don’t

Compared to removable denturesThis link leads to Dentures page or a dental bridge, dental implants offer better stability, comfort, and a natural feel. They don’t slip. They don’t click. And you don’t need to take them out every night.

Dental implants are also an excellent solution for replacing a single tooth, providing a customized approach to tooth loss.

Plus, implants don’t mess with your adjacent teeth the way bridges sometimes do. We won’t need to reshape your teeth to replace a single missing tooth, thereby preserving your natural tooth structure.

The benefits of dental implants you’ll love

• Eat your favorite foods again—yes, even steak and apples.
• Talk clearly and confidently.
• Keep your jawbone healthy.
• Say goodbye to denture glue.
• Smile like you mean it.

Drs. LongThis link leads to Dr. Long’s page and Allen often hear from patients in Lincoln, NE, how much more comfortable and confident they feel after implant therapy. It’s life-changing.

What to expect during dental implant surgery

Dental implant surgery might sound scary, but it’s more like a small project than a big deal. You’ll be numb with local anesthesia, and you’ll walk out the same day. Healing time varies, but most folks feel back to normal within a day or two.

If you need oral and maxillofacial surgery because of complex bone issues or implant failure, don’t worry—we’ve got that covered, too. Our team is experienced and well-equipped to handle any challenge.

How we make sure implant failure doesn’t happen

Implant failure is rare, but it can occur if the bone doesn’t grow properly around the implant or if the gum tissue becomes infected. That’s why regular dental visits to a dental professional are important.

We check to make sure everything stays snug and healthy around the implant.

We also give you all the aftercare tips—no mystery instructions. Just real talk and good advice.

Bone growth and healing

The process of bone growth and healing around the dental implant, known as osseointegration, is crucial for the implant’s success. This process provides a strong and stable base for the artificial tooth.

Osseointegration can take several months, during which it’s important to avoid putting too much stress on the implant. Chewing hard foods, for example, can lead to implant failure or complications.

Regular dental visits allow us to monitor the healing process and ensure the implant is integrating properly with the surrounding bone. This allows for timely intervention in the event of any issues arising.

Once the bone has fully healed and the implant is stable, the abutment and crown can be placed, completing the dental implant procedure. This restoration lets you chew, speak, and smile with confidence.

Proper care and maintenance of your dental implant, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, ensure long-term success and durability. This helps prevent common issues such as bone loss or gum disease, so your implant remains a strong and reliable part of your smile.

How long do most dental implants last?

With good care, most dental implantsThis link leads to Dental Implants page can last a lifetime. Seriously. We’re talking decades of solid, natural-looking smiles. Brush, floss, and see us regularly, and your implant will stay strong.

We’ve seen Lincoln, NE, patients come back years later, still loving their results. That’s the goal: long-lasting results with a natural feel.

Are you a good fit for dental implant treatment?

If you’ve got healthy tissues, enough bone, and good oral hygiene habits, you’re probably a great candidate. Even if you’ve experienced some bone loss, we can address it with a simple bone grafting procedure.

Drs. Long and AllenThis link leads to Dr. Allen’s page can walk you through a full treatment plan at our dental office. We’ll review your X-rays, examine your jawbone, and discuss all your options.

What about the dental implants cost?

We get this question a lot. And honestly, it depends on how many teeth you need to replace and whether you need other treatments like bone grafting or tooth extraction. The good news? It’s a one-time investment with long-term perks.

At Star City DentalThis link leads to Home page, we’re always upfront about costs. Plus, don’t forget our Share-A-Smile referral program. Send a friend or family member our way and get a $50 credit toward your care. You can call us This link opens an application to make a phone callfor more details.

How implant dentistry helps preserve your natural smile

When you choose implant dentistry, you’re protecting your remaining teeth and your oral health. Implants help preserve bone and don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Think of them as the MVPs of tooth replacement. Strong, steady, and there for the long haul.

What it feels like to live with dental implants

Once your dental implant is healed and topped with a crown, it becomes part of your daily life—just like your own teeth. You’ll eat, talk, and smile without giving it a second thought. No slipping. No awkward moments.

And when you’re ready to show off that smile? We’ll be the first to cheer you on here at Star City Dental.

Why Star City Dental is your go-to in Lincoln, NE

When it comes to dental implant specialists, we know you’ve got choices. But at Star City DentalThis link leads to page in Lincoln, NE, we combine advanced care with a hometown feel. Drs. Long and AllenThis link leads to page have the skill, experience, and heart to make your smile goals happen.

From implant placement to full dental implant therapy, we’re here every step of the way.

A word from Drs. Long and Allen

“What are dental implantsThis link leads to Dental Implants page? They’re the most natural, secure, and long-lasting way to replace missing teeth,” say Drs. LongThis link leads to Dr. Long’s page and Allen of Star City Dental in Lincoln, NE. “Implants let you eat, smile, and live like you never lost a tooth.”

Looking ahead to your best smile

Whether you’ve lost one tooth or several, dental implants offer a strong, lasting solution. At Star City DentalThis link leads to Home page in Lincoln, NE, we’re proud to provide implant dentistry that restores more than just your smile—it brings back your confidence.

We’d love to walk with you through your dental implant journey. Let’s rebuild your smile—together.

• 📞 Call us at: (402) 858-0525
• 💻 Email us at: lincoln@starcitydentalne.com

📍 We look forward to seeing you. We are located on 86th Street, just off Mandarin and Pioneers Blvd., near the Firethorn Golf Club in the Southeastern part of Lincoln.