Every week, our team at SmileOn Dental Implants fields hundreds of questions from patients considering implants. These are the 25 that come up most often – answered clearly, without jargon, by a fellowship-trained implant specialist who has placed 3,000+ implants across DFW.
If your question isn’t here, bring it to your free consultation. There are no dumb questions about a decision this important.
Cost & insurance
1. How much does a single dental implant cost?
$4,000* to $6,500* for the complete restoration at SmileOn in 2026. That includes the titanium implant fixture, the abutment (connector), and the zirconia crown. The range depends on case complexity – whether you need bone grafting, whether sedation is used, and the position of the tooth. Ask any practice for a written, itemized quote so you can compare apples to apples.
2. How much does All-on-X cost per arch?
$24,000 per arch at SmileOn for the permanent zirconia version. This includes four implants, the abutments, the temporary bridge worn during healing, and the final permanent bridge. Both arches: $48,000. Extractions and IV sedation are typically additional. The national range for All-on-X with zirconia is $20,000–$35,000 per arch.
3. Does dental insurance cover implants?
Most dental insurance covers 0–20% of implant procedures. Many plans classify implants as cosmetic and exclude them entirely. Some cover the crown but not the implant fixture. Annual maximums ($1,000–$2,000) limit how much insurance pays regardless of coverage percentage. HSA and FSA funds can be applied to any portion. We verify your specific coverage before treatment is planned.
4. What financing options are available for dental implants?
Four providers with $0 down and payments from $299/month: CareCredit (often 0% interest for 6–24 months), Sunbit (accessible from a credit score of 450), Cherry (soft credit check for pre-qualification), and LendingClub (longer terms up to 84 months). Approval takes 5 minutes at the consultation. If one provider declines, another usually approves.
5. Why are dental implants so expensive?
Because you’re paying for four things at once: a biocompatible titanium fixture ($350–$600 wholesale per implant from premium brands), precision surgical placement by a fellowship-trained specialist, a custom-milled zirconia crown ($1,200–$2,000 in lab fees), and advanced 3D imaging for surgical planning. The 20+ year lifespan means the per-year cost is actually lower than alternatives that need replacement every 5–10 years.
6. Are cheap dental implants safe?
It depends on why they’re cheap. Dental schools, teaching clinics, and practices in lower-cost-of-living areas offer legitimate savings. But heavily discounted “implant specials” at $1,000–$1,500 usually quote the implant fixture only – the abutment and crown (which cost $1,500–$2,500 more) are billed separately. Always ask: what’s included, what implant brand is used, and what the surgeon’s credentials and case volume are.
Pain & comfort
7. Do dental implants hurt?
Not during the procedure. Local anesthesia numbs the area completely. You may feel pressure and vibration but not pain. Recovery involves 3–5 days of mild-to-moderate discomfort for most single-implant cases, managed with prescription pain medication for 24–48 hours and over-the-counter Tylenol/Advil after. Most patients describe it as easier than a wisdom tooth extraction. Full guide →
8. What sedation options are available?
Four levels, from lightest to deepest: local anesthesia only (awake but numb), nitrous oxide/laughing gas ($50–$100, drives yourself home), oral conscious sedation via pill ($200–$300, need a driver), and IV sedation ($400–$800, deeply relaxed with no memory of the procedure, need a driver). All-on-X patients typically choose IV sedation given the length of the surgical day.
9. How long is the recovery after implant surgery?
Most single-implant patients return to non-physical work in 24–48 hours. Discomfort peaks at 48–72 hours and resolves by day 5–7. For All-on-X, plan for 3–5 days off before non-physical work and 7–10 days before physical exertion. Soft foods for 1–2 weeks (single implant) or 6–8 weeks (All-on-X). Full recovery to unrestricted eating: 3–6 months once the final restoration is placed.
Candidacy & eligibility
10. Am I too old for dental implants?
Almost certainly not. Dr. Doshi has placed implants in patients from their late 20s through their late 80s. There is no upper age cutoff. What matters is your overall health, bone volume, and healing capacity. Many patients over 75 are excellent candidates. A 3D scan at the consultation determines eligibility based on your actual anatomy, not your birth date.
11. Can I get dental implants if I have diabetes?
Yes, if your diabetes is well-controlled. An A1c under 7 is the general guideline. Well-managed diabetic patients have implant success rates close to non-diabetic patients. Uncontrolled diabetes (A1c above 7.5) impairs bone healing and raises infection risk – in those cases, we may recommend stabilizing blood sugar before proceeding.
12. Can I get implants if I smoke?
Yes, but with important caveats. Smokers have 2–3× higher implant failure rates during the first year and significantly higher rates of long-term complications. Dr. Doshi strongly recommends quitting at least 2 weeks before surgery and staying smoke-free for 3 months after. Former smokers who quit 6+ months prior see outcomes approaching non-smoker levels.
13. Can I get implants if I’ve been told I don’t have enough bone?
In most cases, yes. Bone grafting, sinus lifts, angled implants (All-on-X technique), and zygomatic implants have dramatically expanded candidacy. About 90% of patients who’ve been told “no” elsewhere are candidates when evaluated with modern 3D imaging and technique options. The consultation scan shows us exactly what’s available and what’s needed. Full guide →
14. Can I get implants if I have gum disease?
Yes, after the gum disease is treated. Active periodontitis must be resolved before implant placement – placing an implant into infected tissue sets it up for failure. Treatment typically involves deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), possibly antibiotics, and improved home care. Once gum health is stabilized, most patients become good implant candidates.
Procedure & timeline
15. How long does the dental implant process take from start to finish?
3–6 months for a single implant. Active office visits total about 4–6 hours spread across 4–6 appointments. Most of the timeline is healing time between visits. For All-on-X, the surgical day itself produces a full set of temporary teeth – the permanent bridge is finalized 3–6 months later. Full procedure walkthrough →
16. Can I get dental implants in one day?
Yes, in specific scenarios. Same-day extraction + implant placement (most common), same-day implant + temporary crown (for visible teeth), and same-day All-on-X (full arch in one surgical day) are all performed at SmileOn. About 60% of single-tooth cases qualify for same-day extraction and placement. Nearly all full-arch cases qualify for same-day All-on-X. Full guide →
17. What happens during the consultation?
A 45–60 minute visit that includes: a 3D cone-beam CT scan (normally $300+), clinical exam with Dr. Doshi, treatment plan recommendations, an itemized cost quote, insurance verification, and financing pre-qualification across four providers (5-minute soft credit check). No obligation, no pressure. You leave with a written plan.
18. Will I have a gap in my teeth during healing?
Usually no. For visible teeth, a temporary crown or “flipper” is placed during the 3–6 month healing period. For All-on-X, a fixed temporary bridge is attached the same day as surgery. For non-visible back teeth, some patients choose to heal without a temporary since the gap isn’t seen – that’s your choice.
Longevity & maintenance
19. How long do dental implants last?
The implant fixture typically lasts 20+ years, often a lifetime. The crown on top typically lasts 15–20 years before needing replacement (~$1,500–$2,500 for a new crown, no surgery). An All-on-X zirconia bridge lasts 15–25 years. The implants underneath typically outlast the restorations above them. Full lifespan guide →
20. How do I take care of dental implants?
Like natural teeth, with one addition. Brush twice daily (electric toothbrush preferred), floss daily or use a water flosser (essential for All-on-X), and maintain 6-month professional cleanings. No special cleaning solutions, no soaking, no removal. Get a nightguard if you grind. Don’t use your teeth as tools or chew ice.
21. Can dental implants fail?
Yes, but it’s uncommon. About 3% of implants fail within the first 1–3 years (usually from infection, smoking, or insufficient bone). Late failure from peri-implantitis is largely preventable with good hygiene and regular cleanings. SmileOn warrants the surgical placement – if an implant fails within the warranty period, the replacement fixture is provided at no additional cost.
Comparisons
22. Are dental implants better than bridges?
For most patients, yes. Implants don’t damage adjacent teeth (bridges require grinding down two healthy neighbors), they preserve jawbone (bridges don’t), and they last longer (20+ years vs 10–15 years). Bridges are better when: the anchor teeth already have crowns or large fillings, the patient can’t undergo surgery, or insurance coverage makes the upfront difference substantial. Full comparison →
23. Are dental implants better than dentures?
In terms of function, bone preservation, and daily experience – yes. Implants restore 90% of bite force (dentures restore ~20%), preserve the jawbone (dentures accelerate bone loss), and don’t need removal or adhesive. Dentures cost significantly less upfront and require no surgery. Dentures are the right choice when surgery isn’t possible or budget is the overriding constraint. Full comparison →
24. What’s the difference between All-on-X and All-on-6?
The number of implants supporting the full-arch bridge. All-on-X uses four implants per arch (sufficient for most patients). All-on-6 uses six for patients with higher bite forces, larger jaw anatomy, or specific bone distribution patterns. Same procedure, same-day teeth, same bridge material – just more anchor points. Dr. Doshi determines which is right based on your 3D scan. Full comparison →
Location & logistics
25. Where are SmileOn’s locations in DFW?
Three locations across the metroplex:
- 360 Dental Lounge – 3550 East Broad St, Suite 112, Mansfield, TX 76063
- Arlington Dental Lounge – 4010 N Collins St #104, Arlington, TX 76005
- Irving Family Dental – 2932 N Belt Line Rd, Irving TX 75062
Dr. Doshi practices at all three on a rotating schedule. The clinical work, technology, pricing, and outcomes are identical at each location. Choose whichever is closest. All locations accept the same insurance plans and financing providers.
Phone (all locations): (682) 563-5663 Online scheduling:
Your question not here?
Bring it to your free consultation. Dr. Doshi has heard every implant question there is across 3,000+ cases, and he’d rather answer 20 questions during a consultation than have you go home with one unanswered.
Call (682) 563-5663 or schedule online.
Consultation is complimentary for new patients. Treatment plan recommendations require diagnostic evaluation including imaging. Not applicable to patients with active untreated periodontal disease. Cannot be combined with insurance. Subject to clinical eligibility.