Losing a tooth — or living with one that’s failing — affects more than your smile. It changes how you chew, how you speak, and over time even the shape of your jaw. Dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they’re the only option that restores the root, not just the visible crown. If you’re weighing implants here in Keller, here’s a straightforward look at what they cost, what the process actually involves, and how long you can expect them to last.
What a dental implant actually is
An implant has three parts. First, a small titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it acts as an artificial tooth root. Over a few months it fuses with the bone — a natural process called osseointegration — creating a foundation as stable as a real root. A connector called an abutment is then attached, and finally a custom crown is placed on top. The result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth, and it stands on its own without relying on the neighboring teeth for support.
The process, step by step
- Consultation and imaging. We evaluate the health of your gums and the amount of bone available, and map out the plan. Some patients who’ve been missing a tooth for a while may need a bone graft first to rebuild a strong base.
- Implant placement. The titanium post is placed in a single appointment, usually under local anesthetic. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable and quick this step is.
- Healing. Over roughly three to six months the post integrates with the bone. You’ll wear a temporary solution in the meantime so you’re never without a tooth in a visible area.
- The crown. Once healing is complete, we attach a custom-made crown color-matched to your surrounding teeth. From here, you simply brush and floss as usual.
One advantage of being treated at Keller Parkway Dental is that we handle the process in-house, so your care stays coordinated from the first scan to the final crown.
What dental implants cost in Keller
At Keller Parkway Dental, a single dental implant is $2,799, which is an investment that reflects the surgical placement, the materials, and the custom crown that finishes it. For patients missing several teeth, an implant-supported overdenture — where a denture snaps securely onto a small number of implants — can be a cost-effective path to a stable, full-arch result. We’re happy to walk through the numbers and financing options during your consultation so there are no surprises.
It’s worth comparing implants against the long-term cost of alternatives. A traditional bridge may cost less up front but often needs replacement every 10–15 years and requires grinding down healthy neighboring teeth. Implants typically avoid both of those drawbacks.
How long do implants last?
With good care, the titanium post can last a lifetime. The crown on top — like any tooth surface — experiences daily wear and may need replacement after 10–15 years, but that’s a simpler, less costly procedure than redoing the whole implant. “Good care,” reassuringly, just means what you already do for natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss, and keep up with regular checkups and cleanings so we can monitor the gum and bone around the implant.
Are you a candidate?
Most healthy adults are. The main factors we look at are gum health and bone volume, both of which we can assess at a consultation — and both of which can often be addressed if they’re not ideal at the start. Smokers and patients with certain medical conditions may need a tailored plan, which is exactly what the evaluation is for.
Thinking about replacing a tooth?
Learn more about dental implants at Keller Parkway Dental or explore our crown options. To book a consultation, visit our contact page or call (817) 431-6995.