Dental Implants – Idaho Falls, ID

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

As with many other dental treatments, we start with a consultation with Dr. Cline. During this meeting, he’ll get a close look at your jaw and your mouth to make sure your oral health allows for the procedure. He will also plan the number and location of your implants as well as explain how dental implants work in Idaho Falls. You need to have an infection-free mouth and enough jawbone to support the implants in order to qualify and be successful. If there are issues that stand in your way, we can administer the treatment you need to be in a better position for implants.

Dental Implant Surgery

One of the most complex steps of receiving dental implants is the actual placement procedure. Before we begin, we give a local anesthetic so that you stay comfortable the whole time. During this surgery, Dr. Cline positions the implant post into the jawbone and closes up the gums. For a couple of days afterward, you need to take it easy, avoid using a straw, and allow the site to heal properly to avoid infection or complication. We’ll send you home with a complete list of instructions for a smooth recovery.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Following the post placement, we give your jawbone plenty of time to grow around the implant, in a process called osseointegration. Once the jaw bone and tissue have fully healed, which typically takes a couple of months, you’ll come back to our dental office to have another simple procedure for the abutment placement. This piece sticks out above the gums and secures your restoration to the post.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

The final step of implant treatment is to create and attach the restoration. A few weeks after the abutment has been inserted, we take impressions of your arches and send the information to a dental lab. When the restoration is complete, you return to our office to have it permanently bonded into position. At that point, your smile is complete and ready for action!

Day-to-Day Benefits

• Because dental implants recreate the root structure of your lost teeth, you’ll regain most of the chewing power you had before tooth loss. This allows you to enjoy a varied diet of nutritious foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Traditional dentures might warp if you drink hot beverages, causing them to not fit correctly. Implant-supported prosthetics should retain their shape, so you’ll be able to enjoy coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to your heart’s content.
• Dentures also notoriously slip around or even fall out of your mouth every so often. If your new teeth are secured onto dental implants in Idaho Falls, you can trust that they’ll remain in place, preventing any embarrassing moments.
• Your implant restorations are carefully designed to mimic the size, shape, and color of your original pearly whites. Overall, your implants should look and feel just like the teeth you used to have!

Health Benefits

• Studies show that prolonged or extensive tooth loss is associated with higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other medical conditions. Dental implants prevent these issues by filling all of the functions of your natural teeth.
• Bridges require natural teeth to be filed down, and dentures can rub up against the gums. In contrast, dental implants are self-supporting and secure – they won’t irritate your gums or require the removal of healthy tooth structure.
• Dental implants stimulate the jawbone whenever you talk or chew. This makes them the only solution that prevents the bone deterioration that commonly occurs after tooth loss. Jawbone loss has been linked with additional tooth loss, and it also causes a sunken facial appearance. Dental implants keep your jawbone strong and you looking young!

Long-Term Benefits

• While dentures require you to learn a whole new cleaning process, dental implant maintenance is simple. For the most part, you can pretty much brush and floss as you would natural teeth. Of course, you’ll also want to visit your implant dentist in Idaho Falls for routine checkups.
• If you take good care of your implants, they can last for 30+ years or even a lifetime. Bridges and dentures, on the other hand, rarely last more than 10 years. So, while traditional options may cost less initially, their frequent repairs and replacements will compound that lower cost over time. Dental implants are the most cost-effective solution in the long run.

• Healthy gums

• Proper bone density

• General oral health

• Patience

• No smoking

• Good overall health

The best way to determine whether or not dental implants are the right option for you is to schedule a consult with Dr. Cline.

How long do dental implants last?

Despite the latest innovations in dentistry, modern tooth replacement options only last for a few years before needing new ones. Dental implants differ because they are proven to last for 30 years or longer. Their lifespan is influenced by several factors, like a patient’s oral health and lifestyle habits. You can ensure your dental implants last for decades by practicing proper oral hygiene. Besides brushing and flossing, use a mouthwash daily to kill any bacteria lingering in your mouth. Don’t forget to visit your implant dentist in Idaho Falls at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Your dentist will recommend avoiding anything that might compromise the success of your new smile, like chewing overly hard or sticky foods and using your teeth as tools.

Can I take dental implants out?

Your jawbone will fuse to your implant posts through a process called osseointegration. As a result, you can’t remove them on your own. Only a dental professional can take them out; however, some implant dentures that can be removed for cleaning.

Are dental implants safe?

If you’re a good candidate for the procedure, dental implants are safe and effective. It’s also important to choose a qualified dentist to perform the procedure. They’ll perform a thorough examination to look for any issues that might cause dental implant failure, like an infection. They’ll resolve any concerns before moving forward with your treatment plan. If you have certain pre-existing conditions, like diabetes, your implant dentist will take extra precautions to safeguard your new smile from any complications. With the right care at home and routine visits to your dentist, your dental implants can thrive for a lifetime.

How can I tell if my dental implant is failing?

Dental implants are the most reliable option to replace lost teeth. They have over a 95% success rate, but they can fail in rare cases. Often, pain around the implant or a feeling that it’s loose is the first indicator of a problem. Inflammation and redness are also red flags. It’s important to contact your dentist at the first sign of a complication. They’ll find the cause of the problem to quickly intervene before your dental implant fails.

What should I do if my implant feels loose?

You should call your dentist right away. In some cases, the restoration may be loose or need to be replaced. In severe instances, the dental implant might be failing. Your dentist will create the strategy you need to restabilize your smile.