Dental Implant Case Study: How One Mom Got Her Smile and Confidence Back

She was born without two of her front teeth …

Kristen was born with the absence of two of her adult teeth—the ones right next to her two middle front teeth. These are called lateral incisors, and they help give your smile balance and form.

Because these teeth never grew in, Kristen’s mouth had visible gaps. And over time, that missing space started to bother her more and more.

Her first fix was a bridge

To fill the space, Kristen got a bridgeThis link leads to a blog post about dental bridges. It helped her feel like she had never been missing her natural teeth, and it worked pretty well for about ten years. But bridges don’t last forever.

She was at a restaurant with her husband in Las Vegas, eating dessert, when it happened.

“I bit into something hard and my tooth fell out,” Kristen said.

It was a clear sign that something stronger was needed.

She decided to look for a permanent solution

That’s when Kristen found Chisholm Trail DentalThis link leads to Home page in Benbrook, TX. Here, she met Dr. Ryan KnightThis link leads to Dr. Ryan’s section of the About page, Dr. Cindy KnightThis link leads to Dr. Cindy’s section of the About page, and Dr. Wendi FurmanThis link leads to Dr. Furman’s section of the About page—a caring team of dental experts who specialize in complete implant treatment and smile restoration. They work together to provide collaborative implant placement and restorative care for comprehensive patient treatment.

Kristen was ready to try something new—something long-lasting.

She chose to invest in dental implants.

What are dental implants, really?

Dental implantsThis link leads to Implant Dentistry page are one of the most trusted ways to replace missing teeth. They give your smile strength and a natural appearance.

The process involves:

• A small titanium post that is inserted into your jawbone
• A healing period while the bone grows around it
• A custom-made implant crown that’s cemented on top

The connection between the implant and the crown or prosthesis is crucial for long-term stability and optimal esthetic outcomes.

But at the end of the process, it looks and feels just like a real tooth!

However, this dental implant case study came with a twist …

Because Kristen’s teeth had been missing since birth, there wasn’t much bone in the area. That meant her case needed a few extra steps.

To support the implants, a bone graft was required from insufficient bone. In some implant cases, a lateral window sinus lift is also required—a type of periodontics surgery that makes room for implants in the upper jaw.

Every implant case is unique, but Kristen’s care was carefully prepared, performed, and connected under one roof at Chisholm Trail Dental.

She received two implants + veneers

Our expert dental team at Chisholm Trail Dental placed two implants to fill the gaps where Kristen’s natural teeth had never developed.

Within a few months, they applied the finishing touches with veneersThis link leads to a blog post about veneers and crowns to complete her smile. This created a uniform look and helped restore proper function and form.

Kristen’s final restorations looked stunning—strong, white, and completely real. The aesthetic result achieved with the final restorations provided a natural and satisfying appearance.

The importance of implant placement

When it comes to restoring your smile with dental implants, the placement of the implant is one of the most critical steps in the entire treatment process. Implant placement is more than just a technical procedure—it’s the foundation that supports your new tooth and ensures your smile looks and feels completely natural.

A dental implant is carefully inserted into the jawbone, typically using a small titanium post. Titanium is chosen for its remarkable ability to bond with bone, creating a stable and long-lasting base for your new implant crown. This integration, known as osseointegration, is what allows the implant to function just like a natural tooth, giving you the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without worry.

Planning creates natural results

Proper implant placement is essential for achieving a beautiful smile and restoring the natural appearance and function of your teeth. Whether you’re replacing a single missing tooth or several teeth, precise placement ensures that your new teeth blend seamlessly with the rest of your mouth. In some cases, implant placement can be combined with other treatments, such as tooth removal or orthodontic treatment, to create the best possible outcome for each patient.

Thanks to advancements in dental technology and imaging, implant placement has become a highly predictable and efficient procedure. Each case is carefully planned to ensure the implant is positioned in the ideal spot, maximizing both aesthetics and function.

Here’s what happens during healing and after placement

Most implant placements are performed under local anesthesia, and for patients who feel anxious, sedation dentistry is also available to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

After the implant is placed, a period of healing allows the bone to grow around the titanium post, securing it firmly in place. This healing phase is crucial for the long-term success of the implant. Once the implant has fully integrated, a custom implant crown is fabricated and attached, completing your smile with a restoration that looks and feels completely natural.

With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last for many years—often decades—making them a reliable and effective solution for missing teeth. For patients seeking a predictable, long-term way to restore both the function and beauty of their smile, implant placement is truly life-changing.

It all happened in one place

At Chisholm Trail Dental, everything was done under one roof in Benbrook, TXThis link opens a new tab to Google Maps. Kristen didn’t need to go to an outside oral surgeon or get referrals to different offices.

Her doctors were all in one place, using one plan, with one goal: to restore her smile.

Her care plan included predictable steps

Here’s a simplified version of how her treatment worked:

• Extraction of the old broken bridge and any unsalvageable teeth
• Bone grafting to support the new implants
• Careful implant placement using advanced imaging
• A period of healing and integration
• Placement of a custom-made new crown on the implant and veneers for a beautiful smile, providing optimal function and aesthetics

Each part of the process was determined based on Kristen’s needs.

Healing took time—but not too long

With all treatment steps finished and the final restorations in place, Kristen’s case was completed successfully in about four months.

Some cases take longer. Others can use immediate loading, where the abutments and crownsThis link leads to a blog post about dental crowns are placed soon after surgery.

Kristen’s implant treatment followed the more traditional approach, giving her time to heal before the final touches.

A smile that changed her life

Kristen now smiles all the time. She feels safe eating, talking, and even enjoying time away from home.

“I’m proud of how my teeth look. I don’t have to think about them falling out anymore,” she said.

Her aesthetics and function were fully restored—and so was her confidenceThis link leads to a blog post about dental implants.

The improvement in Kristen’s smile and self-assurance was evident to everyone around her.

Are dental implants better than dentures or bridges?

In most case studies, the answer is yes.

• Bridges wear down neighboring teeth
• DenturesThis link leads to a blog post about dentures and dental implants can slip or feel bulky
• Implants are strong, secure, and integrated with the bone

They offer a more natural solution with long-term results.

What about braces or root canals?

Some people may need orthodontic treatment or a root canal before getting implants. It all depends on your history and dental health.

That’s why it’s important to work with a team that can review your needs and help you figure out the right plan.

You’re not alone—and your smile matters

Kristen isn’t the only one with this story. There are many people who have had teeth extracted, bridges break, or dentures fail.

But with the right help—and a predictable plan—you can restoreThis link leads to a blog post about Full Mouth Reconstruction your smile, too.

Start your own transformation today

If you’ve been thinking about implants, come meet our team at Chisholm Trail Dental in Benbrook, TX.

Your consultation includes a full impression, review of your aesthetics, and a step-by-step breakdown of your options.

Dr. Ryan KnightThis link leads to Dr. Ryan’s section of the About page, Dr. Cindy KnightThis link leads to Dr. Cindy’s section of the About page, and Dr. Wendi FurmanThis link leads to Dr. Furman’s section of the About page have demonstrated care and compassion again and again. They’ve treated countless smiles with precision and heart.

And they’re ready to help you take the first step toward something better.

Ready to restore your smile? Contact Chisholm Trail Dental in Benbrook now!

Schedule your consultationThis link opens a new tab to the LocalMed scheduling website with Dr. Cindy or Dr. Ryan today.

Or:

• Call us at: (817) 934-7347This link opens an application to make a phonecall
• Get DirectionsThis link opens a new tab to Google Maps

We are located in Benbrook, TX, and welcome folks from all local areas, including Fort Worth, Aledo, Willow Park, Weatherford, Cresson, and Granbury.