Restore Your Smile with Tooth Implants in Little Rock, AR Built to Last a Lifetime
Losing a tooth affects more than just your smile. Many patients tell us they stop chewing on one side, avoid certain foods, or feel self-conscious when they talk or laugh. A dental implant closes the gap, but more importantly, it helps you feel comfortable and confident again. The goal is to help you stop thinking about your teeth and get back to living your life normally.
At Rainwater Drake Dental (RDD), our doctors have over 65 years of combined experience. They've trained in full-arch rehabilitation at Arrowhead Dental Laboratory and use Cone Beam CT 3D imaging and the T-Scan Novus digital bite analysis system to carefully plan each implant and make sure your bite feels balanced and natural before you leave the office. If you've been told you're not a candidate for implants or had a difficult experience somewhere else, we’d love the chance to talk with you and help you understand your options.
As Dr. Drake often says about the implant process,
"Every implant case is different, and that is why we spend so much time on the planning side. When you take care of the diagnosis and the details up front, the procedure itself goes more smoothly, the outcome is more predictable, and the patient leaves with a result that is built to last. That is the standard we hold every case to."
Why Families in Little Rock Choose Us for Implant Restorations
Patients often come to us after being told somewhere else that they aren’t a good candidate for implants. That's usually where we start. We take a close look at the full picture before we ever tell someone what is or is not possible.
We plan every implant case carefully from the very beginning. Using a 3D Cone Beam CT scan, we can see your bone structure, nerve locations, and jaw anatomy before treatment starts. This helps us place implants more precisely, avoid complications, and create a smoother experience for you overall. We also use the iTero digital scanner to map out your treatment digitally, so you can clearly understand what to expect at every step.
Once your restoration is placed, we use the T-Scan Novus digital bite analysis system to ensure your bite is properly balanced at every contact point. That means your implant not only looks natural, but also feels comfortable when you chew and speak.
Technology is important, but patients often tell us that what matters most is feeling listened to and cared for throughout the process. Our doctors are deeply committed to this community and to building long-term relationships with the people we treat. With Rainwater Drake Dental, you get a team that knows you and supports you, focused on helping you achieve a balanced, natural, and comprehensive smile.
"These guys were so accommodating when I moved from Vegas back to Little Rock. I needed the rest of my zirconia implant done & Dr. Rainwater went above & beyond to make it happen. He cares about his patients & his staff are truly so kind. I’ve been to many dental places & these guys take the cake…not to mention my dental crown is beautiful!"
"Always a good experience. Courteous staff. Kim and Dr. Hawkins do a great job. If you want to have a good experience at the dentist, then Hawkins Rainwater is the place to go!"
"I love Hawkins Rainwater Dental Group. Everyone is always friendly and courteous. They answer all my questions and make me feel like I am important to them."
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Honestly, most people who come in wondering if they qualify end up being good candidates. Here is what we look for:
- You're missing one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or gum disease.
- You want a long-term replacement that looks and feels natural.
- Your gums and overall health are in good condition.
- You have enough jawbone support or are open to bone grafting if needed.
Certain health conditions or habits, such as teeth grinding, may mean we need to take a closer look before moving forward, but they don’t automatically rule implants out. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, or smoking can affect healing and treatment planning. That’s why we use a 3D scan during your first visit to get a complete picture and give you honest recommendations based on your specific situation.
Implant Options We Offer
Single Tooth Implants
A small titanium implant is placed in the jawbone to act like the root of your natural tooth. Once healing is complete, we attach a custom crown that’s designed to blend naturally with your smile, without affecting the healthy teeth next to it.
Multiple Tooth Implants
For patients missing more than one tooth, implant-supported restorations rebuild function and appearance without relying on neighboring teeth for support.
Implant Retained Dentures
Many patients come in embarrassed by loose dentures they've been dealing with for years. Implant-retained dentures change that completely. They snap into place, stay put, and let you eat and talk without thinking about it. This is a difference our team takes pride in delivering.
Bone Grafting
If you’ve experienced bone loss after a tooth extraction, bone grafting can help rebuild the foundation needed to support a successful implant. Our team can complete this as part of your treatment plan, so you can receive all your care in one convenient place.
Full-Arch Rehabilitation
For extensive tooth loss or failing teeth across an arch, full-arch rehabilitation brings everything together in a coordinated plan. Our doctors have received specialized training at Arrowhead Dental Laboratory.
Learn more about Full-Arch Rehabilitation Service
How the Process Works, Step by Step
Step 1
Consultation and 3D Imaging
We examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone with Cone Beam CT imaging for a precise picture before starting. We also take time to understand your goals and what you've been dealing with, so your treatment is built around your specific situation from day one.
Step 2
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
We’ll walk you through your treatment timeline, explain your options clearly, and answer any questions you have along the way. You’ll receive all costs and recommendations upfront, with no pressure to move forward until you feel ready.
Step 3
Placing the Titanium Tooth Root
Most patients are surprised by how manageable the procedure feels. We use local anesthesia throughout, and nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available for anyone who feels nervous. A lot of people tell us afterward that it was nothing as they expected.
Step 4
Healing and Integration
Over the next three to six months, the implant gradually fuses with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. We know the waiting period can feel long, but it's what makes the implant permanent. We give you clear aftercare instructions before you leave and check in regularly throughout the process.
Step 5
Attaching the Abutment
Once the implant fully integrates, we attach a small connector called an abutment during a brief visit. This is what your final crown or restoration will attach to, and it sets the stage for completing your new tooth.
Step 6
Your New Crown or Restoration
Your custom crown, bridge, or restoration is carefully designed to match your natural teeth and permanently secured in place. The goal is for your new tooth to look, feel, and function as naturally as possible. We use the T-Scan Novus digital bite analysis system to confirm your bite is balanced correctly, which helps protect both the implant and your surrounding teeth long term.
Ready to see if permanent tooth replacement is right for you?
We’ll explain every option with no pressure or obligation. We accept Delta Dental, Cigna, Blue Cross, and Aetna, and offer CareCredit to make treatment accessible.
Financing and Insurance for Tooth Implants
Permanent tooth replacement is a significant investment, and we never want cost to prevent your care. A single implant with a crown typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on how many teeth you’re replacing and if bone grafting is needed.
Often, dental insurance covers part of implant procedures, such as the crown or bone grafting. We’re in network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Blue Cross, and Aetna, and we will review your benefits before treatment. CareCredit lets you spread payments monthly.
Meet the Doctors Behind Your New Smile
David Rainwater, DDS
General Dentist, Partner
Dr. Rainwater is a Little Rock native who earned his DDS with honors from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. With 14 years in practice, he has advanced training in implants and full-arch rehabilitation at Arrowhead Dental Lab. His approach with every implant patient is the same: a precise, honest plan built around long-term results.
ADA Member AGD Member Implant Specialist Arrowhead Trained
Michael Drake, DDS
General Dentist, Partner
Dr. Drake is a Little Rock native who earned his DDS from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. His 100+ hours of advanced implant and occlusion training through Arrowhead Dental Lab, combined with his role as an instructor there, give him a depth of implant expertise few general dentists in the area can match. He volunteers at Shepard's Hope Dental Clinic and approaches every patient with one goal: a long-term plan to help them keep their teeth for life.
ADA Member Invisalign® Certified Cosmetic Expert AGD Member
Sukhmani Scott, DMD
General Dentist
Dr. Scott earned her DMD from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University and completed a hospital-based general practice residency at UAB, where she gained broad clinical experience across complex dental needs. She's a member of the ADA and the Arkansas State Dental Association. Her residency training prepared her to evaluate and manage diverse patient situations, including the health considerations that factor into implant candidacy.
ADA Member AGD Member Family Dentistry Preventive Care
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How much does permanent tooth replacement cost in Little Rock?
Costs vary based on how many teeth are replaced, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of restoration. A single implant with a crown typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000. We accept major insurance plans, offer CareCredit financing, and review all costs with you upfront at your consultation.
How do I know if I'm a candidate for implant-supported teeth?
Most healthy adults who are missing teeth qualify. Good candidates have healthy gums, no uncontrolled systemic conditions, and adequate jawbone or are open to bone grafting. We use 3D imaging to give you an honest assessment at your first visit. If dental implants are not right for you, we will discuss other options, such as bridges or traditional dentures, to ensure you still have a solution that suits your needs and restores your smile.
Are tooth implants painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with nitrous oxide and oral sedation available if needed. Mild soreness afterward typically resolves quickly, and most patients find the process less uncomfortable than they anticipated.
How long does the whole process take?
From placement to final crown, the process typically takes three to six months. Most patients can expect to visit our office about four to six times during this period: for your initial consultation, imaging and planning, implant surgery, follow-up appointments during healing, abutment placement, and finally, placement of your custom crown. If bone grafting is needed first, additional healing time and one or two more visits may be required.
How long do titanium tooth roots last?
With good oral hygiene, the restoration (the artificial tooth attached to the implant) can last 20 to 30 years or more. The crown, the visible part of the artificial tooth, may need to be replaced after 15 to 20 years, but the implant itself (the metal post placed in the jawbone) is designed to last a lifetime. To protect your investment, the basics matter more than people realize: brush and floss daily, keep your regular cleaning appointments, and let us know if you grind your teeth. A nightguard can make a significant difference for a lot of our patients.
What happens if I leave a missing tooth alone?
The jawbone can lose up to a third of its volume in the first year, and neighboring teeth may shift into the gap. A permanent tooth replacement stops this and preserves the surrounding structure. We see this more than we would like to. The sooner the gap is addressed, the more options you have and the simpler the treatment tends to be.
Start Your Implant Journey in Little Rock
Rainwater Drake Dental has served Little Rock for over 30 years, building a reputation for advanced skill and deeply personal care. Our doctors' combined 65+ years of experience, exclusive technology, and genuine investment in your outcome are why your restored smile will exceed your expectations and why our patients refer family and friends year after year.
What you can expect when you choose us:
- A consultation built around your goals, not a treatment menu
- Advanced Cone Beam CT imaging, iTero digital scanning, and T-Scan Novus bite analysis for precise planning and verification
- Sedation options so anxious patients feel at ease from day one
- Transparent costs, CareCredit financing, and zero pressure
From your first phone call to your final restoration, our goal is to make the entire process feel comfortable, clear, and personalized to you. New patients can also complete their forms online before their visit, making their first appointment easier and more convenient from the start. A lot of our implant patients tell us the hardest part was making the first call. We make everything after that as straightforward as we can.
Questions About Dental Implants?
Are you wondering if you're a good candidate for dental implants?
Contact us today and our team will get you scheduled for a free implant consultation.