A Step-by-Step Look at Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants offer more than just a beautiful smile—they restore confidence, function, and long-term oral health. Whether you’re considering implants for the first time, transitioning from dentures, or preparing for surgery, understanding the full process helps you make an informed decision.

At StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery, our Southlake dental experts—led by Dr. Richard Urbanek, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon provides a seamless experience that combines surgical precision, advanced technology, and personalized care from start to finish.

Why Choose Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement because they restore both the visible crown and the tooth’s root. Unlike removable dentures or bridges that rest on the gums, implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, providing a strong, natural foundation for chewing, speaking, and smiling with ease.

Some of the key benefits of dental implants include:

• Long-lasting durability that can span decades with proper care
• Preservation of jawbone health, preventing facial sagging or bone loss
• Secure, comfortable fit with no adhesives or slipping
• Ability to eat your favorite foods without restriction

Am I a Candidate? Evaluation and Planning

Every successful dental implant journey begins with careful evaluation and precise planning. During your consultation, our team reviews your oral health, bone density, and treatment goals to determine the best path forward.

We use CT-guided dental implant technology to capture a 3D image of your jawbone, ensuring every implant is placed in the ideal position for long-term success. This advanced imaging enables us to anticipate any anatomical challenges and tailor your treatment plan accordingly.

Additional factors that determine candidacy include:

• Healthy gums and good overall oral hygiene
• Adequate bone density (or willingness to consider bone grafting)
• Stable medical health to support proper healing
• Commitment to ongoing dental maintenance

For patients seeking a more comfortable experience, our team offers safe IV sedation options administered by highly trained professionals.

The Surgical Process: What to Expect

At StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery, our approach to implant surgery emphasizes comfort, safety, and predictable outcomes. Whether you need a single implant or a full-arch restoration, the process follows a carefully planned sequence.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Before your surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions regarding diet, medication, and anesthesia. If sedation is part of your plan, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home. Dr. Urbanek and his team will review every step in advance to make sure you feel confident and informed.

Implant Placement

Using precise, digitally guided techniques, your oral surgeon places the titanium implant posts into the jawbone. These posts act as artificial tooth roots and will integrate with the bone over the next several months—a process known as osseointegration.

For many patients, the procedure is quicker and more comfortable than expected. Thanks to our advanced imaging and gentle surgical techniques, recovery is typically smooth and efficient.

Same-Day Teeth Options

Some patients may qualify for Teeth-In-A-Day or full-arch implant solutions, which allow placement of temporary teeth on the same day as surgery. This approach restores your smile immediately while the implants heal beneath the surface.

Bone Grafting: When and Why It’s Needed

Healthy jawbone is the foundation for successful dental implants. Unfortunately, many people experience bone loss due to missing teeth, gum disease, or long-term denture use. Bone grafting rebuilds the strength and volume of your jaw, ensuring a secure and lasting foundation for implants.

Common Reasons for Bone Loss

• Tooth loss without replacement, leading to bone resorption
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Facial trauma or injury
• Long-term denture wear causing gradual bone shrinkage

Types of Bone Graft Materials

Dr. Urbanek may use one or more of the following grafting materials based on your needs:

• Processed human bone or mineral matrix for natural integration
• Bovine collagen membranes to guide bone regeneration
• Synthetic bone crystals (tricalcium phosphate) that stimulate growth

Bone grafting can often be performed at the same time as implant placement, minimizing the number of procedures and overall treatment time.

Benefits of Bone Grafting

• Stronger foundation for implants
• Restored facial contours and youthful appearance
• Improved implant longevity and success rate

This preparatory step ensures that your implants function just like natural teeth for decades to come.

Recovery and Early Post-Operative Care

Following your implant or grafting procedure, proper care during the healing phase is crucial. Most patients report mild discomfort that can be managed easily with prescribed medications and careful home care.

The First Few Days

• Expect minor swelling and tenderness; apply cold compresses as directed.
• Stick to a soft-food diet with soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and yogurt.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and strenuous exercise during initial recovery.

Oral Hygiene and Maintenance

• Rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the surgical area clean.
• Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding the implant site initially.
• Resume flossing or use a water flosser as healing progresses.

Your care team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the implants are integrating properly.

Long-Term Dental Implant Care

Once your implants have healed and your final restorations are in place, ongoing maintenance ensures they remain healthy and functional for the rest of your life.

Daily Care Habits

• Brush twice daily using non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth with floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers.
• Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth.

Routine Professional Maintenance

Regular professional cleanings and exams help prevent gum inflammation and detect any early issues around the implants. During these visits, your dentist will check for proper bite alignment and assess the stability of each implant.

To learn more about protecting your investment, explore our guide on caring for dental implants.

Transitioning From Dentures to Dental Implants

If you currently wear traditional dentures, switching to implants can significantly enhance your comfort and overall quality of life. Implant-retained or implant-supported dentures provide enhanced stability and function, eliminating the need for adhesives and ensuring a secure fit.

Your Options Include

• Implant-Retained Dentures (2–4 implants): Removable but secure “snap-in” design.
• Implant-Supported Bridges (4–6+ implants): Fixed full-arch teeth that feel and function like natural teeth.
• All-on-4 or Full-Arch Restorations: Ideal for patients seeking a permanent, same-day solution.

Some patients may be able to adapt existing dentures for use with implants, though new prosthetics often provide the best results. You can explore your options on our page about full-arch implant restoration.

Surgeon Qualifications: Why Experience Matters

Choosing the right surgical team is one of the most important steps in your implant journey. At StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery, Dr. Richard Urbanek brings decades of experience and a record of over 6,000 successful implant procedures. His board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery ensures that every treatment is performed with precision, safety, and attention to patient comfort.

Our team’s advanced training enables us to manage complex cases, perform oral surgery procedures safely, and deliver predictable, aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Patients benefit from a seamless collaboration between our surgical and restorative providers, ensuring every detail—from bone grafting to final smile design—is handled with expert care.

Cost, Timeline, and Personalized Planning

Your total investment depends on several factors, including the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of restoration used. During your consultation, we provide a transparent breakdown of costs, outline financing options, and design a timeline that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Take the Next Step Toward a Stronger, Healthier Smile

Dental implants are a life-changing solution that restores your smile, confidence, and overall quality of life. At StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery, Dr. Richard Urbanek offers advanced implant care, backed by state-of-the-art technology, extensive experience, and genuine compassion.

Call us today at (817) 587-4566 to take the first step toward a beautiful, lasting smile with dental implants.