Implant Dentistry
Permanent solutions for missing teeth
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Unlike bridges or removable dentures, implants fuse with your jawbone to act as a true tooth root — supporting a crown that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. They preserve the bone in your jaw, eliminate the slippage and discomfort of removable appliances, and can last a lifetime with proper care.
At Gateway Smiles, we offer a full range of implant solutions, from single tooth replacement to full arch restoration. Dr. Zaiber has completed continuing education in dental implants and works closely with the laboratories and specialists needed to deliver predictable, long-lasting results.
Every implant case begins with a thorough planning phase that includes 3D imaging when indicated, an evaluation of your bone and gum health, and a clear discussion of timing, cost, and recovery. For more complex cases — including All-on-4® full arch reconstruction, sinus lifts, or significant bone grafting — we collaborate with trusted oral surgeons and periodontists in the area, and we coordinate every aspect of your care.
Implant Dentistry Procedures
The Gateway Smiles approach
The closest thing to a natural tooth
Implants restore the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. You can eat anything you want, brush and floss normally, and forget you have an implant most of the time.
Preserves jawbone
When a tooth is missing, the bone underneath it begins to shrink. Implants stimulate the bone just like a natural tooth root, preventing the bone loss and facial collapse that can occur with bridges or dentures.
Long-lasting investment
While bridges typically need replacement every 10–15 years, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown on top may need replacement after 15–20 years, but the implant itself is permanent.
Protects neighboring teeth
Unlike a bridge, an implant does not require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth for support. Your neighboring teeth stay intact and untouched.
At your appointment.
Every patient gets the same thoughtful, unhurried care. Here is the typical flow of a implants appointment at Gateway Smiles.
- 1
A comprehensive consultation including 3D imaging and an evaluation of bone and gum health
- 2
A discussion of treatment options, including timing, cost, and alternatives
- 3
Placement of the implant fixture, typically under local anesthesia with optional sedation
- 4
A healing period of 3–6 months during which the implant fuses with the bone
- 5
Placement of the final crown, bridge, or denture once healing is complete
Insurance and cost
Insurance coverage for dental implants varies widely. Some plans cover a portion of the procedure (typically 25–50% of the crown component), some cover none of it, and a few cover more. We will verify your benefits and provide a clear written estimate before treatment begins. Most patients use a combination of insurance, HSA/FSA funds, and CareCredit financing to make implants affordable.
Frequently asked questions
Most implant cases take 4–9 months from start to finish. The implant is placed surgically, then needs 3–6 months to integrate with the bone before the final crown is placed. Some cases qualify for immediate-load implants where a temporary crown is placed the same day. We will give you a specific timeline based on your case.
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. Implant placement is performed under local anesthesia, with sedation available if desired. Most patients describe the recovery as easier than a typical extraction — some over-the-counter pain medication for a day or two, and you are back to normal.
A single dental implant — including the implant fixture, abutment, and crown — typically costs between $3,500 and $6,000, depending on the case. Full arch solutions like All-on-4 range from $20,000 to $30,000 per arch. We provide a detailed written estimate after your consultation.
Most adults in good general health are candidates for dental implants. Sufficient bone density and healthy gums are important; if either is lacking, we can often build them up with grafting before implant placement. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain medications can affect success rates, but these are not absolute disqualifiers. A consultation with 3D imaging gives us the information we need to assess your case.
A single implant replaces one tooth with one implant and one crown. All-on-4® is a technique for replacing an entire arch of teeth (upper, lower, or both) using just four strategically placed implants that support a full fixed bridge. All-on-4 is dramatically less expensive and faster than placing an individual implant for every missing tooth.
Dr. Zaiber places implants for most straightforward cases. For complex cases — significant bone grafting, sinus lifts, or full arch restorations — we coordinate with trusted oral surgeons and periodontists in Fredericksburg and complete the restorative phase in our office. We will be transparent about which provider will be doing which part of your care at your consultation.