Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. At Andover Family Dentistry in Andover, KS, Dr. Howell provides comprehensive implant treatment, from surgical placement to final restoration, all under one roof.
Implants function like natural tooth roots, providing stability, preventing bone loss, and lasting a lifetime with proper care. Whether you’re missing one tooth or an entire arch, implants offer a permanent solution.
Single Tooth Implants
A single tooth implant replaces one missing tooth without affecting adjacent teeth. Unlike a bridge, which requires grinding down healthy teeth for support, an implant is a standalone restoration that preserves your natural tooth structure.
The implant is placed in your jawbone, where it integrates over several months. Once healed, a custom crown is attached to the implant, creating a tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures & Full-Arch Solutions
For patients missing most or all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures offer dramatically improved stability compared to traditional dentures.
Options include:
- Snap-on dentures that attach to two to four implants and can be removed for cleaning
- Fixed dentures that are permanently attached to four to six implants
- All-On-4 solutions that replace an entire arch with just four strategically placed implants
Implant-supported dentures eliminate the slipping and discomfort associated with traditional dentures. You’ll be able to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Precision Planning With Digital Technology
Successful implant placement requires careful planning. Dr. Howell uses digital x-rays and cone beam 3D imaging to evaluate your bone structure, measure bone density, identify nerves and sinuses, and plan optimal implant positioning.
This advanced imaging ensures precise placement, reduces complications, and improves long-term success. Digital planning also allows us to create surgical guides that make placement more accurate and efficient.
Surgical Placement & Healing
Implant placement is typically performed under local anesthesia, though sedation options are available.
Dr. Howell places the titanium implant post in your jawbone through a small incision in the gum tissue. The implant is positioned precisely according to the digital treatment plan. The gum tissue is closed, and the implant is left to heal.
Healing typically takes three to six months. During this time, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong, stable foundation.
Restorative Phases
Once the implant has fully integrated, we begin the restorative phase. Dr. Howell attaches an abutment to the implant and takes impressions for your custom crown, bridge, or denture.
Your final restoration is placed a few weeks later. The result is a tooth replacement that looks natural, feels comfortable, and functions perfectly.
Why Implants Are Superior
Compared to bridges and dentures, implants offer significant advantages:
- Prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone
- Preserve adjacent teeth without requiring alteration
- Provide superior stability and chewing efficiency
- Look and feel completely natural
- Last longer than any other tooth replacement option
- Maintain your facial structure
Implants are an investment in your long-term oral health and quality of life.
Restore Your Smile Permanently
At Andover Family Dentistry, dental implants offer the most advanced, longest-lasting solution for missing teeth. Dr. Howell combines surgical precision with restorative artistry to deliver results that transform your smile and your life.
Call our Andover, KS office or book online to schedule your implant consultation. We’ll evaluate your needs, discuss your options, and create a treatment plan that gives you the permanent, beautiful smile you deserve.