What is a dental implant and how does it work?

A dental implant is a small titanium rod with a screw on one end and a post on the other. The dentist will place the implant into your jawbone and then leave it for 3-6 months so the bone tissue can grow around the implant and ensure the implant will be ready to handle the forces of biting and chewing. A crown or fixed denture is then created to place over the implant post to complete the restoration.

Is everyone a good candidate for dental implants?

Most people are good candidates, provided they have healthy gum tissue around the site and sufficient bone material.

You may not be a good candidate if you have diabetes, osteoporosis, have taken bisphosphonate mediations, are a heavy smoker, or have problems healing.

Pros

  • Prevents bone loss in the jaw by providing the pressure and stimulation needed to maintain healthy bone.
  • Dental implants are very durable and many will last a lifetime.
  • A fully healed dental implant has comparable strength to natural teeth

Cons

  • Some insurance policies do not cover dental implants…but some do. (check your insurance verify coverage)
  • A temporary crown will be used for 3-6 months until the implant has integrated into the surrounding jaw bone.
  • More expensive than a bridge or removable denture
  • May require bone grafting to increase the likelihood of implant success

Alternatives

3D x-ray technology allows Boise dentists Dr. Crump and Dr. Harker to place dental implants with precision and accuracy available to few other Treasure Valley Dentists.