Are you missing one or more teeth, or struggling with loose dentures that make it hard to enjoy your favorite foods? At eyeSMILE, we help patients across Ellis County restore full biting power and confident smiles with state-of-the-art dental implants.

Located right on the Bricks of Downtown Hays at 1300 Main Street, our dental team—Dr. Jarrod E. Jones, DDS and Dr. Christine M. Thomas, DMD—combines advanced digital imaging with personalized, compassionate care to replace missing teeth permanently.

What is a Dental Implant?

Unlike traditional bridges or dentures that sit on top of your gums, a dental implant replaces both the root and the crown of your natural tooth. Because the implant fuses directly into your jawbone, it prevents bone loss and looks, feels, and functions just like a healthy natural tooth.

The Three Components of an Implant:

1. Titanium Post (Fixture): A biocompatible screw gently placed into your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root.

2. Abutment: A secure connector piece attached to the top of the post once healing is complete.

3. Custom Crown or Bridge: A lifelike, custom-shaded replacement tooth (or multi-tooth restoration) crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural smile.

Are You A Candidate For
Dental Implants?

Most adults in good general health with missing or unviable teeth make excellent candidates for dental implants. During your consultation at our Hays office, Dr. Jones or Dr. Thomas will evaluate your oral health using digital X-rays and 3D imaging.

You are likely a great candidate if you:

  • Have one or more missing teeth, or face tooth extraction.
  • Want an alternative to removable dentures or modifying adjacent healthy teeth for a traditional bridge.
  • Have healthy gums free of active periodontal (gum) disease.
  • Have sufficient jawbone density to support the titanium post (if bone density is low, bone grafting can often build up the foundation).

Your Dental Implant Timeline & Process

Every smile is unique, but most dental implant treatments follow a structured 3- to 6-month journey from initial evaluation to final restoration.

1. Comprehensive Consultation & Digital Imaging

We examine your mouth, capture detailed digital X-rays, and assess your jawbone health. We discuss your goals, explain all your replacement options, and map out a personalized, transparent treatment plan.

2. Implant Placement Surgery: Single outpatient visit.

The titanium implant post is gently placed into your jawbone under local anesthesia (with sedation options available for your comfort). Most patients report that the procedure involves less discomfort than a standard tooth extraction.

3. Healing & Osseointegration: Typically 3 to 4 months.

Over the next few months, your jawbone naturally fuses with the biocompatible titanium post through a biological process called osseointegration. This creates a rock-solid, permanent foundation. A temporary tooth can often be worn during this period so you never have to go without a smile.

4. Abutment Placement & Impressions: After bone integration is confirmed.

Once healing is complete, we attach the abutment to the post and take precision digital impressions of your mouth to design your final crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture.

5. Final Restoration & Smile Reveal: Your permanent smile.

Your custom porcelain crown or restoration is securely anchored onto the abutment. We verify your bite alignment, ensure a perfect color match, and send you out the door with a fully restored, functional smile.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Hays, KS?

We believe in complete financial transparency so you can make informed healthcare decisions for your family without surprises. While exact costs depend on your specific anatomy and whether preparatory work (like tooth removal or bone grafting) is needed, here are general cost ranges:

Treatment Option Estimated Investment Range What It Includes
Single Tooth Implant $5,100 – $6,500 Titanium post placement, abutment, and custom porcelain crown
Implant-Supported Bridge (3+ Teeth) $10,000 – $13,000+ Two implant posts supporting a multi-tooth ceramic bridge
Implant-Retained Overdentures $10,500 – $20,000 per arch 2 to 4 implants snapping into a removable lower or upper denture

 

Maximizing Insurance & Flexible Financing

Dental insurance may cover a portion of the implant procedure, such as the consultation, X-rays, preparatory extractions, or the final crown restoration. Our front office team will happily verify your benefits and file claims on your behalf. We also accept all major credit cards, cash, check and third-party financing to ensure permanent tooth replacement fits within your monthly budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

With thorough daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings at our Main Street office, the titanium implant fixture can last a lifetime. The custom porcelain crown attached to the implant typically lasts 15 to 20 years before requiring minor adjustment or replacement due to normal wear.

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. Because jawbone tissue has relatively few nerve endings, implant placement under local anesthesia causes minimal discomfort. Mild post-operative soreness can usually be managed easily with over-the-counter pain relievers for a day or two.

Age is rarely a limiting factor! As long as you are in good overall health and have sufficient bone density, patients in their 70s, 80s, and beyond regularly receive dental implants with high success rates.

You care for them just like natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily (using floss or a water flosser), and visit eyeSMILE every six months for routine exams and professional cleanings.

Ready to Restore Your Smile? Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from smiling, speaking, or enjoying your favorite meals. Let our family-owned practice help you achieve optimal dental health right here in Hays.

Request Your Implant Consultation Online