Lower dental implants are a common solution for people missing lower teeth or who have failing lower teeth. This article explains what lower dental implants are, who makes a good candidate, the step-by-step treatment process, recovery and risks, costs and payment options, alternatives, and next steps so you can decide if lower dental implants are right for you.
What Are Lower Dental Implants?
Lower dental implants are titanium posts placed into the lower jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. A typical implant has three parts: the implant body (the post), the abutment (connector), and the crown (the visible tooth). Implants in the lower jaw often have denser bone than the upper jaw and can handle higher chewing forces, but the anatomy of the lower jaw and proximity to nerves require careful planning.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Lower Dental Implants?
Oral health and bone requirements
Good candidates have healthy gums and enough bone to hold an implant. If bone has shrunk after tooth loss, a bone graft or sinus lift (upper jaw) may be needed; for lower dental implants, grafts or ridge augmentation can rebuild support. A clinical exam and 3D imaging show whether bone quantity and quality are adequate.
Medical and lifestyle factors
Medical conditions and habits affect healing. Well-controlled diabetes, not smoking, and avoiding certain medications that interfere with bone healing improve success rates. Discuss all health issues and medicines with your dentist so they can assess your candidacy and plan the safest approach.
What To Expect During The Lower Dental Implants Process
Consultation and planning
The first step is a consultation with exams and imaging (X-rays or CBCT). Your dentist will map nerves, measure bone, and plan implant positions. If extractions or grafts are required, those may happen before implant placement.
Surgery and healing timeline
Implant surgery places the post in the jaw and the site is closed to heal. Osseointegration—the process where bone bonds to the implant—typically takes several months (often 3–6 months). After healing, an abutment and crown are placed, restoring function.
Sedation and comfort options
Most implants are placed with local anesthesia. For anxious patients or longer procedures, IV sedation or other comfort options are available to ensure a calm, painless experience.
Benefits and Risks Of Lower Dental Implants
Benefits include improved chewing, bone preservation, stability compared to dentures, and a natural look. Risks include infection, nerve injury (rare), and implant failure. Proper planning, imaging, and surgical technique reduce these risks and help manage complications if they occur.
Costs, Insurance, And Payment Options For Lower Dental Imants
Costs depend on the number of implants, need for bone grafting or extractions, and the type of crown or restoration. Dental insurance may cover parts of evaluation or restoration but often not the implant itself. Many practices offer financing, payment plans, or third-party options—compare quotes, warranties, and included follow-up care.
Alternatives To Lower Dental Implants
Alternatives include removable partials or full dentures, fixed bridges, and implant-supported overdentures. Dentures cost less but lack the bone-preserving benefit of implants. Bridges may be quicker but require altering adjacent teeth.
Recovery, Maintenance, And Long-Term Care
Short-term care includes pain control, soft foods, and careful oral hygiene. Long-term care means regular dental checkups, cleanings around implants, and watching for signs like swelling, persistent pain, or loosening—report issues early.
Why Choose Restoration Dental For Lower Dental Implants?
Restoration Dental in Edmond, Oklahoma offers implant experience, IV sedation, All-on-X full-arch solutions, and CEREC same-day crowns. Dr. Aaron Cohenour and Dr. Sahar Chavili provide implant training and gentle, modern care with financing and insurance support to help patients in Edmond evaluate lower dental implants in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Next Steps & Call To Action
If you’re considering lower dental implants in Edmond, Oklahoma, schedule a consultation to review images and options. Book online to see before-and-after cases, discuss costs, and find the right treatment plan for your smile.
