Losing a tooth changes more than your smile. It affects how you chew, how you speak, and over time, it can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and your jawbone to shrink.
Dental implants are the closest thing to getting your natural tooth back. They look real, feel real, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. But if you’ve never been through the process, it can sound intimidating.
Here’s how dental implants in Rexburg actually work — step by step, no jargon.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that gets placed directly into your jawbone. It acts as an artificial root. Once it heals, your dentist attaches a custom-made crown on top that looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
The three parts of an implant are the post (titanium screw that goes into the bone), the abutment (connector piece that sits on top of the post), and the crown (the visible tooth-shaped part).
The Dental Implant Process
Step 1: Consultation and Planning
Everything starts with a thorough exam. Dr. Stout will take X-rays and 3D images of your jaw to check bone density and plan the exact placement. If you have a Cone Beam CT scan, it gives an even more detailed view of your bone structure and nerve locations. At Family First Dental, we use computer-guided implant planning to place implants with precision.
Step 2: Tooth Extraction (If Needed)
If the damaged tooth is still in place, it needs to come out first. In some cases, the implant can be placed the same day as the tooth extraction. Other times, the socket needs to heal for a few weeks before moving forward. Your dentist will let you know which approach fits your situation.
Step 3: Implant Placement
This is the main procedure. Under local anesthesia, a small incision is made in the gum to access the jawbone. A precise hole is drilled, and the titanium post is placed. The gum is closed over or around the implant, and a healing cap may be placed on top.
Most patients say the procedure is less uncomfortable than they expected. The surgery typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per implant.
Step 4: Healing and Osseointegration
This is the waiting phase, and it’s the most important one. Over the next 3 to 6 months, your jawbone grows around the titanium post in a process called osseointegration. This is what makes implants so stable — the bone literally fuses with the implant.
During this time, you may wear a temporary tooth or leave the gap if it’s not visible. Your dentist will check on healing progress at regular intervals.
Step 5: Abutment and Crown
Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, the abutment is attached. Then impressions are taken for your permanent crown. The crown is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth.
When the crown is placed, you’re done. You’ll walk out with a tooth that looks and works like the original.
How Long Does the Implant Process Take?
From start to finish, most implant cases take 3 to 9 months. The timeline depends on whether you need extractions or bone grafting before placement, how quickly your body heals, and the location of the implant in your jaw.
Simple single-tooth implants with good bone are on the shorter end. Cases that require bone grafting can take closer to a year.
Implants vs. Bridges vs. Dentures
Implants aren’t the only option for replacing missing teeth. Here’s how they compare:
Bridges are faster and less expensive upfront, but they require grinding down the healthy teeth on either side. They typically last 7 to 15 years.
Dentures are removable and can replace a full arch of teeth. They’re the most affordable option but can slip, require adhesives, and don’t prevent bone loss.
Implants are the only option that preserves jawbone, stands alone without affecting neighboring teeth, and can potentially last a lifetime. The upfront cost is higher, but the long-term value is hard to beat.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults with missing teeth are good candidates. The main requirements are enough jawbone density to support the post (bone grafting can help if you’re short), healthy gums without active periodontal disease, and no uncontrolled health conditions that impair healing. Smokers face higher failure rates. If you smoke, your dentist may recommend quitting before the procedure.
Dental Implants at Family First Dental
Dr. Craig Stout offers computer-guided implant surgery at our Rexburg office. From the initial consultation through the final crown, everything is planned and placed with precision.
Call (208) 400-9946 to schedule an implant consultation, or book online. We’ll evaluate your bone, review your options, and give you a clear picture of the timeline and cost for your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is getting a dental implant?
Most patients report less discomfort than they expected. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during placement. Afterward, mild soreness is common for a few days and is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How long do dental implants last?
The titanium post can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown on top typically lasts 15 to 20 years before it may need replacing due to normal wear.
Can you get a dental implant years after extraction?
Yes, but it depends on your bone density. When a tooth is missing for a long time, the jawbone in that area can shrink. If that’s happened, bone grafting may be needed before the implant can be placed.
Does dental insurance cover implants?
Coverage varies by plan. Some dental insurance covers part of the implant cost, especially if it’s considered medically necessary rather than cosmetic. Family First Dental works with WellCredit and Cherry financing to help with out-of-pocket costs.