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Frequently Asked Questions

Dental & Oral Care FAQs

We have collected some of your most asked dental questions and done our best at answering them. If you don’t see your question here, try typing it in into the search bar or calling one of our offices.

After the procedure, how do I care for my dental implants?

Make sure to do the following after you receive a dental implant. These steps will help avoid unnecessary complications during the healing process

  1. Rinse regularly. Use salt water or an antiseptic solution.
  2. Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain medicine
  3. Avoid crunchy and chewy foods

After your gums have fully healed, you can treat your dental implants like your natural teeth and clean and care for them in the same way. Daily brushing and flossing are necessary to reduce the risk of gum disease. Be sure to schedule routine appointments with Castle Dental & Implants so that Dr. Eakin and his team can make sure the gum and bone tissues around the dental implants are in good shape.

What to expect during a dental implant procedure?
  1. First evaluation – Before the procedure, the doctor will take x-rays of your mouth to examine your jawbone. The doctor will study the jaw structure, its strength, and the positioning of the rest of your teeth. You will also need to share your health history so our team can determine if you can safely receive a dental implant. During this time, the doctor will also see if you need to undergo other preparatory procedures such as a sinus lift or bone graft.
  2. Placement of Implant – Before surgery, you will be put under local anesthesia, sedative and or nitrous. The doctor will make small cuts on your gums and insert small titanium screws into those incisions. Then, your gums will be stitched closed around the screws. It takes around 3-6 months for your gums to heal and during this time, a process called osseointegration (the fusing of the jaw bone with the implant) takes place. After your gums have fully healed, the doctor will reopen the incisions and insert a metal piece called an abutment. The gums will be stitched up with the abutment exposed and a temporary crown will be attached to the abutment while the gums heal.
  3. Placement of crown or denture – The last step is the placement of the crown (for single implants), bridge (for multiple missing teeth), or dentures.
What are dental implants made out of?

They are made out of durable titanium which is bio-compatible, as strong as steel, and regarded as non-toxic to the body. Making it the best material for dental implants.

How long does a dental implant procedure take?

It can take up to 4-5 months which includes the surgery time. The implant and gums need to heal before placing the final crown. The exact length of time will depend on your specific implant treatment plan so we recommend booking a free consultation to get a more specific timeline.

Is financing available for my dental implant procedure?

Yes, we have flexible-low-interest financing options available. Call our office at (713) 947-9800 to learn more.

Do we accept insurance?

We accept a variety of PPO insurances. Click on the link to see which insurances are accepted.

View Insurance

Does it hurt to get dental implants?

It should not. During the surgery, we use anesthesia so you should not feel pain. You would be surprised it is actually a smoother procedure than an extraction. For more details, book a free implant consultation. Dr. Eakin and our dental team will answer all your implant questions.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost will differ for each patient and depends on a number of factors such as your oral health or the number of implants you need.

Oral health – Before receiving a dental implant, your mouth must be healthy. If it is not, you may need to undergo preparatory procedures such as extractions, root canals, and tissue or bone grafts.

Number of implants – This will vary from patient to patient. If you have a weaker jaw, you may need to receive more implants. Our team will let you know how many implants you should receive.

During your initial Free consultation, we will provide a personalized implant treatment plan that will include options, costs and a timeline. We have a great offer right now, $1295 for a single implant and affordable, flexible payment plans if needed*

*On approved credit. Offer does have an expiration so please ask our office for more details.

Can I get dental implants?

Patients that receive dental implants must be in relatively good health. During your initial consultation, our team will ask if you suffer from diabetes, gum disease, tooth decay, and certain autoimmune diseases. This will help them determine if it is safe for you to continue with the procedure.

If you are a smoker, you will have to quit before the procedure since tobacco and nicotine can increase the risk of infection and impede the recovery process.

How much are braces?

Prices will vary depending on the complexity of the case. Please call the office number listed above for more information, we’re more than happy to help.

How do I inquire about the amount I owe on my bill?

There are multiple ways for you to inquire about your amount due. Please feel free to reach out to us at patcollsupport@smilebrands.com or reach out to your local dental office. If you would like to speak to someone please call 1-888-364-8522, tap Option 2 to connect with a patient account representative. Feel free to contact us regarding your bill.

How can I pay my bill?

There are multiple ways for you to pay your bill. If you would like to speak to someone please call 1-888-364-8522, tap Option 2 to connect with a patient account representative. They can help you process a onetime payment over the phone, set up reoccurring payment arrangements, and process Care Credit payments. The other option is to use the online payment portal. Note this only applies to patients that received a statement.

Do you have an online payment portal?

Yes we do! At the moment the payment portal only works for a patient’s that received a statement. If you do not have a statement, and you would like to inquire about your bill and/or the amount due, please feel free to do any of the following.

Do you have a guide on how to use the Payment Portal?

Please click on the link here to be routed over to the most frequently asked questions regarding the payment portal.

What is BrightNow doing to keep patients safe during the COVID-19 epidemic?

Please review our dedicated COVID-19 page to learn more about how we are protecting and servicing our patients during the COVID-19 outbreak.

When should I take my child to the dentist for their first check-up?

You can bring your child in for a checkup as soon as they have teeth!

I’m interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?

Every case would be different so it’s best to get the professional opinion of a Cosmetic Dentist. Some options include, a small procedure if it’s just one tooth or veneers and dental crowns if you’d like a full smile makeover.

Are clear aligners better than traditional braces?

It depends on the individual, each case will be different. Learn more about their differences.

What costs more braces or clear aligners?

Prices will vary depending on the complexity of the case. Braces will typically cost more as they tend to have a longer treatment time and require frequent visits to the dental office for adjustments. Reveal® Clear Aligners are an affordable option. We have treatment plans that start at $96 a month and $0 down, 0% interest. Please call the office number for more information, we’re more than happy to help.

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