What to Expect

We’re excited that you’re here and ready to go get your healthy smile on!
Rest assured we’re in this together, and our job is to keep you smiling every step of the way!

Smile and relax

We get it… a dentist visit isn’t top of your list of fun things to do. We promise we will make you comfortable, give you our best care, utmost respect, and help you get on with your day. Our offices are brimming with friendly, understanding people who know exactly what you’re feeling. We’re here for you, every step of the way!

What happens at my first visit?

You will get a careful oral examination by your dentist, who will check for things like tooth decay, gum disease and other things that can affect not just your mouth, but your overall health. Then you’ll talk together about any treatments you might benefit from.

You may get a teeth cleaning on your first dental visit, or it may be scheduled for a follow-up visit. From start to finish, this first visit will most likely last 1 – 1 1/2 hours so we can make sure we’ve given your smile the attention it needs.

What should I bring with me?

Let’s make sure your visit is a breeze. Don’t forget to bring:

Dental x-rays from the last six months
We can take x-rays if you don’t have them
Your medical and dental history info, including any medications you’re taking
Your dental insurance card (if you have insurance)
Your parent if you’re under 18 (or if you’re over 18, but just want the company)

Are you ready to smile? Book your appointment.

DO THE PAPERWORK AHEAD OF TIME

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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

Rinse regularly. Use salt water or an antiseptic solution.
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain medicine
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?

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.
Placement of Implant – Before the surgery, you will be put under local anesthesia either with a sedative or general IV anesthesia. 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.
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

Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.