A missing tooth does more damage over time than most people expect. Bone loss, shifting teeth, and changes to your bite can all follow. Dr. Andrew Truong, DDS at Oil Hill Dental works with patients across El Dorado and the surrounding communities who want a permanent fix, not a workaround. Dental implants address the problem at the root level, literally, replacing both the tooth and the structure beneath it. For patients who qualify, it’s the closest thing dentistry has to growing the tooth back.
Implants
Understanding Dental Implants
Your natural tooth has two parts: the visible crown above the gumline and the root anchored in the jaw below it. Most tooth replacement options only address the crown. A dental implant is different — it replaces both. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone where the root once was, and over the course of a few months, the surrounding bone fuses to it through a process called osseointegration. The result is a stable, fixed anchor that functions the same way a natural root does.
Once that integration is complete, a custom-made crown is secured on top, shaped and shaded to blend in with your surrounding teeth. The finished restoration looks like a natural tooth, bites like one, and is cleaned the same way. There are no clasps to deal with, no adhesives, and nothing that comes in and out. Because the implant stimulates the jawbone the way a root does, it also helps prevent the deterioration that typically follows extraction, something no other replacement option fully addresses.
Benefits of Getting a Dental Implant
Your Replacement Tooth Is Built to Match, Not Stand Out
The crown placed on your implant is custom-made based on the exact size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth. It sits at the same gumline, fills the same space, and draws no extra attention, which is exactly the point. Most patients stop thinking about their implant entirely once it is in place. It simply becomes part of their smile.
You Can Eat What You Want Without Thinking Twice
Dentures and partial plates often mean avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods to prevent slipping or discomfort. Implants are fixed in place and restore close to full biting strength, so your diet does not have to change around your teeth. That kind of reliable, everyday function is one of the reasons patients consistently rate implants as the most life-improving option they have chosen.
Losing a Tooth Affects More Than the Gap You Can See
After a tooth is extracted or falls out, the jawbone underneath starts to resorb. It literally shrinks because there is no root to stimulate it. This process begins within the first year and continues over time, eventually changing the shape of your face and making future dental work more complicated. An implant post acts as a substitute root, keeping that stimulation active and the structure intact.
Most Patients Never Need to Replace Their Implant Post
The titanium post that anchors your implant is designed to be permanent. With good oral hygiene and routine dental care, it can remain stable for the rest of your life. The crown on top may eventually need refreshing after 15 to 25 years of wear, but the foundation underneath stays put. Compare that to bridges, which typically need replacement every 10 to 15 years, and the value over time becomes clear.
Healthy Teeth Nearby Stay Exactly as They Are
A dental bridge closes a gap by crowning the two teeth on either side, which means permanently altering healthy tooth structure to support the restoration. An implant requires none of that. It is self-supporting, freestanding, and completely independent of the teeth around it. Your existing teeth stay untouched, which matters both now and years down the road.
Our Precise and Thorough Approach to Dental Implants
Why Choose Us for Dental Implants
Placing a dental implant correctly takes more than a steady hand. It takes detailed planning, precise imaging, and a thorough understanding of each patient’s unique anatomy. That’s why our practice uses CBCT 3D imaging before any implant procedure. This technology produces three-dimensional scans of your jaw, capturing bone density, nerve pathways, and sinus proximity at a level of detail that changes how accurately placement can be planned. Combined with digital scanners and in-house 3D-printed surgical guides, the procedure is fully mapped before it begins.
Our practice handles the full scope of implant care, from consultation and imaging through to placement and final crown, all in one location. You will not be sent to a separate specialist for one part of the process and then back again. Everything is handled by a team that already knows your case. Patients are never pressured into a decision, and past dental choices are never a source of judgment. Free cosmetic implant consultations are available, so there is no cost to sitting down, reviewing your scans, and understanding exactly what treatment would involve.
Dental Implants Are the Confident Choice for Missing Teeth
The longer a missing tooth goes unreplaced, the more the surrounding bone changes, and that affects your options down the line. Replacing a missing tooth is a decision worth making with full information, and that is exactly what a consultation with Dr. Andrew Truong, DDS and our team at Oil Hill Dental is designed to provide. Our Facebook page is a great place to see patient stories, dental tips, and what our practice does day to day, and our Instagram brings it to life in a way that is worth a scroll.
We offer free cosmetic implant consultations with no commitment required, just a straightforward conversation about your situation and what treatment would realistically involve. Every question you bring to that appointment will get a direct and honest answer so you can move forward with confidence. Dial 316-251-3565 to schedule your free consultation today.
FAQs
How much are dental implants?
The total cost depends on factors like how many teeth need replacing, whether bone grafting is required beforehand, and the type of restoration selected. During your free consultation, our team will outline expected costs based on your specific treatment needs. Our practice offers financing options to help make the process more accessible.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once they fuse with the bone, a custom crown is attached on top to create a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural one. They are considered one of the most effective and permanent solutions available for replacing missing or severely damaged teeth.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, the implant post itself can last a lifetime, making it one of the most durable tooth replacement options available. The crown may need to be refreshed after 15 to 25 years depending on wear and care habits. Keeping up with routine dental visits and good daily hygiene are the most reliable ways to protect the restoration over time.
Do dental implants hurt?
Most patients report that the procedure is more comfortable than they expected, largely because the area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia throughout. Some soreness and swelling in the days following surgery is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Our team will walk you through the recovery process so nothing catches you off guard.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are a well-established, FDA-approved treatment that has been used successfully for decades. Titanium, the material used for the implant post, is biocompatible, meaning the body accepts it well and bone naturally integrates around it. A thorough evaluation beforehand ensures that implants are a suitable option for your individual health needs.
