Missing teeth can affect how you chew, speak and feel about your smile. At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists provide dental implants in Idaho Falls, Idaho, as a long-term tooth replacement option for appropriate patients who want to restore function with a stable, natural-looking result.
Dr. Curtis Godfrey performs dental implant placement and related oral surgery, including tooth extractions and socket grafting. He also uses CBCT imaging, digital design and 3D computer-guided implant placement when appropriate to support detailed surgical planning.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. After the implant becomes stable within the bone, it can support a dental restoration that replaces the visible portion of the tooth.
Depending on your needs, dental implants may be used to replace a single missing tooth, support multiple replacement teeth or help stabilize a larger full-arch restoration. The treatment plan depends on the number of missing teeth, available bone, bite, oral health and restorative goals.
Who May Be a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants can be an effective option for many patients with missing or failing teeth, but candidacy depends on more than the presence of an open space. Our dentists evaluate the entire treatment area before recommending implant placement.
Factors that may be considered include:
- The number and location of missing teeth
- The amount and quality of available jawbone
- The health of the gums and surrounding tissues
- Your bite and how the surrounding teeth function
- Your medical and dental history
- Existing restorations or nearby teeth
- Your goals for function, appearance and long-term tooth replacement
If a damaged tooth is still present, our dentists will first determine whether it can be predictably restored or whether removal and replacement with an implant should be considered.
Dental Implant Planning in Idaho Falls, Idaho
Successful implant treatment begins with careful planning. Dr. Godfrey uses three-dimensional imaging to evaluate available bone and surrounding anatomy before determining where an implant may be placed.
Digital planning can also help coordinate the intended implant position with the final restoration. When guided surgery is appropriate, a digital plan may be used to create a surgical guide that helps transfer the planned position to the mouth during treatment.
This restorative-first approach allows Dr. Godfrey to consider not only where an implant can be placed, but where it should be positioned to support the final tooth or restoration.
What Happens During Dental Implant Treatment?
The implant process varies based on the treatment area and whether any additional procedures are needed. Treatment generally begins with an examination, imaging and a discussion of your tooth replacement goals.
If implant placement is appropriate, Dr. Godfrey will plan the surgical portion of treatment and explain whether tooth removal, grafting or another preparatory step is needed. The implant is then placed in the planned position within the jawbone.
After an appropriate healing period, restorative treatment is completed to replace the visible portion of the missing tooth. Our dentists will explain the sequence and expected timeline based on your individual plan.
Do You Need Bone Grafting Before an Implant?
Dental implants depend on adequate bone for support. If a tooth has been missing for some time or the treatment area does not have enough bone for predictable implant placement, grafting may be considered.
Dr. Godfrey performs socket grafting and can evaluate whether additional bone support may be appropriate when planning treatment. Not every implant patient needs grafting, so the recommendation depends on the anatomy of the individual treatment site.
Replacing One Missing Tooth
A single dental implant can replace one missing tooth without relying on neighboring teeth for support. After the implant is placed and healed, it can support a crown designed to restore the appearance and function of the missing tooth.
For some patients, this can be an alternative to a dental bridge, which typically uses neighboring teeth for support. Our dentists can compare the two options based on the health of the surrounding teeth, available bone and your treatment goals.
Dental Implants for Multiple or Missing Teeth
Implants can also be incorporated into treatment when several teeth or an entire arch are missing. Depending on the situation, implants may support multiple replacement teeth or a larger restoration rather than placing a separate implant for every missing tooth.
Patients with extensive tooth loss may be candidates for All-on-4 dental implants or another full-arch implant approach. These treatments require careful evaluation of the remaining teeth, bone, bite and restorative needs.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Both implants and dentures can replace missing teeth, but they function differently. Traditional dentures are removable and generally rest on the gums, while implant-supported restorations receive support from implants placed in the jaw.
Some patients prefer the added stability that implants can provide, while others may be better suited to removable treatment. The right option depends on oral health, bone, treatment goals, budget and the extent of tooth loss.
Why Implant Position and Bite Matter
An implant ultimately needs to support a restoration that functions within your bite. Positioning therefore involves more than simply finding enough bone for placement.
Dr. Godfrey has advanced training in occlusion and comprehensive treatment planning through Spear Education. He considers implant position, bite forces, surrounding teeth and the planned restoration together when developing treatment.
This is particularly important when implants are part of a more complex restorative dentistry plan involving multiple teeth.
Experience With Dental Implant Treatment
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has more than 20 years of clinical experience and provides dental implant placement as part of his comprehensive approach to care. His experience includes implant surgery, tooth removal, socket grafting, CBCT imaging, digital design and guided surgical techniques.
Dr. Brock Russell also has experience with implant dentistry. He has restored 10 dental implants, has experience with surgical implant placement and completed 48 hours of continuing education in implant dentistry, including the Hiossen Master Implant Course.
Together, our dentists bring surgical, restorative and digital planning experience to implant treatment, allowing the replacement tooth and the implant supporting it to be considered as part of the same plan.
Dental Implant FAQs
How do dental implants replace missing teeth?
A dental implant replaces the root portion of a missing tooth and provides support for a dental restoration above the gumline. Depending on the treatment plan, implants may support a single crown, multiple replacement teeth or a larger full-arch restoration.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Candidacy depends on your oral health, available bone, bite, medical history and treatment goals. Our dentists will evaluate these factors before determining whether implant placement is appropriate.
Do I need bone grafting before a dental implant?
Not every patient needs grafting. Dr. Godfrey can use three-dimensional imaging to evaluate the available bone and determine whether grafting should be considered as part of your treatment plan.
How long does dental implant treatment take?
The timeline varies depending on tooth removal, grafting, implant placement, healing and restorative treatment. Our dentists can provide a more specific treatment sequence after completing your examination and imaging.
Are dental implants better than bridges or dentures?
No single tooth replacement option is best for every patient. Implants, bridges and dentures each have different benefits and requirements. Our dentists can compare the options based on your oral health, bone, remaining teeth and goals.
Can dental implants replace all of my teeth?
Implants may be used as part of a full-arch treatment plan for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth. Dr. Godfrey can evaluate whether an implant-supported full-arch option is appropriate for your needs.
Who places dental implants at Excellence in Dentistry?
Dr. Curtis Godfrey performs dental implant placement and related oral surgery at Excellence in Dentistry. Dr. Brock Russell also has implant training and experience with both implant restoration and surgical placement.
Where can I get dental implants in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Excellence in Dentistry provides dental implant treatment for appropriate patients with missing or failing teeth. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an implant consultation with our dentists.
Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
If missing or failing teeth are affecting your ability to eat, speak or smile comfortably, dental implants in Idaho Falls, ID, may provide a stable replacement option. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule a consultation at Excellence in Dentistry and discuss your implant treatment options with our dentists.