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If you’re missing a tooth—or several—you’re not alone. Millions of Americans live with tooth loss every day, and whether it’s from decay, trauma, or gum disease, the result is the same: discomfort, self-consciousness, and oral health challenges. At Love to Smile Dentistry in Overland Park, Dr. Pedersen offers one of the most natural, long-lasting solutions available: dental implants.
But not everyone is a candidate for implants. If you live in Overland Park, Johnson County, or even nearby communities like Peculiar, Missouri, this guide will help you determine if implants might be the right fit for your smile, health, and lifestyle.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It’s surgically placed into your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, a crown is attached to the implant, giving you a tooth that looks, feels, and functions like your natural one.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
- They’re permanent and don’t need to be removed
- They prevent bone loss and jaw shrinkage
- They don’t affect neighboring teeth like bridges can
- They restore full chewing function and a natural appearance
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dental Implants in Overland Park?
Dental implants are incredibly versatile, but a few health and anatomical conditions need to be met for successful placement. Here’s what Dr. Pedersen looks for:
✅ You’re Missing One or More Teeth
If you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or disease and want a permanent replacement, implants may be ideal.
✅ You Have Healthy Gums
Gum disease can compromise the success of an implant. Patients from Peculiar, MO and Johnson County often visit us for periodontal care before qualifying for implants.
✅ You Have Adequate Bone Density
Your jawbone must be thick and dense enough to support the implant post. If not, a bone graft may be recommended.
✅ You’re Committed to Good Oral Hygiene
Implants need care, just like natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and routine checkups are non-negotiable for long-term success.
✅ You Don’t Smoke (or Are Willing to Quit)
Smoking can impair healing and increase implant failure risk. We’ll guide you through smoking cessation support if needed.
Conditions That May Require Extra Evaluation
- Diabetes: Well-controlled diabetes may still allow for implants, but healing can be slower.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may impact bone healing.
- Osteoporosis: Bone loss doesn’t always rule you out, but we may recommend bone grafting first.
Dr. Pedersen’s advice: “Every mouth is different. We don’t make assumptions—an in-depth evaluation lets us create a plan tailored just for you.”
The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect
At Love to Smile Dentistry in Overland Park, we make the process as streamlined and stress-free as possible:
- Consultation and 3D Imaging: We assess your mouth, jawbone, and overall health to ensure implant success.
- Surgical Placement: The implant post is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia or sedation.
- Healing and Osseointegration: Over 3–6 months, the implant fuses with your bone.
- Abutment and Crown Placement: We attach the custom-made crown that looks and functions like a real tooth.
The result? A confident, strong smile that’s built to last for decades.
Are Implants Worth the Cost?
Dental implants are more expensive upfront than other tooth replacement options—but they last significantly longer. Dentures and bridges may need to be replaced every 5–10 years, while implants often last a lifetime with proper care.
We offer flexible financing options and work with many dental insurance plans to make implants accessible for patients across Overland Park and Johnson County.
FAQs About Dental Implants
Do implants hurt?
The procedure is done with local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort—far less than expected.
How long does the whole process take?
From consultation to final crown, the timeline is usually 3–6 months, depending on healing and any preparatory procedures.
What’s the success rate?
Dental implants have a 95–98% success rate in healthy, non-smoking patients.
Can seniors get implants?
Absolutely! Age isn’t a limiting factor—overall health and bone density are more important.
Will insurance cover dental implants?
Some plans do offer partial coverage. We’ll help you verify benefits and explore payment plans if needed.
Your Smile Deserves a Second Chance
If you’ve been living with missing teeth, don’t settle. Dental implants offer the closest thing to getting your natural teeth back. At Love to Smile Dentistry in Overland Park, we take the time to understand your needs, review your health history, and walk you through the options—all with honesty, care, and zero pressure.
Whether you’re in Overland Park, Leawood, or even commuting in from Peculiar, MO, we’re here to help you smile again—with confidence.
Want to learn more? Visit our Dental Implant Services Page or Contact Us today to schedule your personalized consultation.