Dental Implants in Idaho Falls, ID

West Wind Dental in Rigby provides affordable dental implants for patients in Idaho Falls and throughout Eastern Idaho

Fast forward a few years: are you still dealing with gaps in your smile or the challenges of loose dentures? Maybe you’re avoiding social events or hesitating to smile in photos? The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Instead of struggling to eat your favorite foods or laugh freely with friends and loved ones, you could have replacement teeth that feel natural, work well, and restore your confidence. That’s the power of dental implants. Think of them as the foundation of your smile. By offering secure support for replacement teeth, they make daily life easier and help you focus on living fully, rather than worrying about your teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants in Idaho Falls, ID | Schedule a FREE Consultation — Traditional dental implants have multiple pieces, while mini dental implants have just one.

A dental implant is a sturdy replacement for the root of a missing tooth. We position it in the jawbone, where it provides stable support for a new tooth.

Implants are typically made of titanium, a strong, biocompatible material that fuses with the jawbone over time (a process called osseointegration). Depending on the type of implant, the design can differ:

Conventional dental implants are wider and have multiple pieces:

Implant screw: A titanium post placed in the jawbone that acts like the root of a natural tooth. The screw is 3 millimeters wide or larger.
Abutment: A small connector piece that attaches to the implant screw after healing. It secures the crown, bridge, or denture to the implant.

This two-step process often requires multiple visits and months of healing due to the surgical placement of the implant screw.

Mini dental implants are a slimmer, low-tech option made of just one piece. The implant combines the screw and abutment into a single, solid component that measures less than 3 mm wide. Because they don’t require as much space in the jawbone and don’t require invasive surgery, more people are eligible for mini implants. They’re especially well-suited for those with low bone density or for individuals who want to avoid more extensive oral surgery.

While both types provide a strong and reliable foundation for replacement teeth, mini dental implants are smaller, simpler, and usually more cost-effective.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Compared to traditional bridges and full or partial dentures, dental implants offer a more secure and lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. While dentures may slip and bridges rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants are anchored directly into the jawbone. As a result, they provide unmatched stability and long-term oral health benefits.

Here’s why implants are often the preferred choice:

Boosted confidence: Dental implants restore a natural-looking, complete smile without the drawbacks of shifting dentures or artificial-looking bridges.
Clearer speech: Missing teeth and ill-fitting dentures can cause slurred or unclear speech, whereas implants stay in place and allow you to speak naturally.
Stronger bite force: Unlike dentures or bridges that can limit your chewing ability, implants offer strong, stable support so you can enjoy a full range of foods.
More dependable stability: Bridges may need replacement over time, and dentures can loosen, but implants are meant to be permanent fixtures in your mouth.
Better jaw health: Implants are the only tooth replacement option that embeds in the jawbone. Like a natural tooth root, it’s able to stimulate the bone to prevent bone loss and maintain your facial structure.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Every dental implant journey at our practice begins with advanced imaging. Using our 3D CBCT scanner, we capture a highly detailed view of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. This imaging helps us evaluate bone density, determine the best type of implant for you, and design a personalized treatment plan.

Conventional Implants

A traditional implant is a two-piece system and requires multiple surgeries. The first step is placing the titanium implant post into the jawbone. After administering local anesthesia to numb the area, we make an incision in the gum and drill a carefully measured hole into the bone. We then place the implant below the gum line and close the area with sutures.

The healing process takes 4 to 6 months. During this time, the implant fuses with your jawbone. Once healed, you return for a second procedure. At this visit, we uncover the implant and attach an abutment. This connector supports the final restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture.

This method is reliable, but it involves multiple visits, a longer healing timeline, and often more post-operative discomfort.

Mini Implants

Mini dental implants simplify the process dramatically. These are one-piece implants that don’t require a separate abutment or extensive surgery. After applying local anesthesia, we make a tiny opening in the gum and use a specialized drill to create a narrow channel in the bone. We then gently position the mini implant into place.

Because the procedure is less invasive, it’s quicker and more comfortable than placing a traditional implant. Most patients report only mild discomfort afterward that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. There’s minimal bleeding, and many people return to normal activities within a day or two.

In some cases, we can even place the implant immediately after we extract a tooth. This immediate placement allows the bone to heal around the implant all at once, reducing your overall recovery time and helping you get back to smiling, eating, and speaking sooner.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dental implants are a wise long-term investment in your smile, but the overall cost can vary significantly depending on the type of implant, the number needed, and the unique details of your treatment plan. Generally, a dental implant costs between $1,400 and $4,500, depending on the type of implant used.

At our office, we understand that cost is a major concern. We do everything we can to make implant treatment accessible. Dr. Ellis describes implant dentistry as the most rewarding part of his work. His goal is always to create a treatment plan that benefits you, not just clinically, but financially as well.

If you’re motivated to improve your smile and are open to options like financing or insurance, we can almost always create a plan that works for you. With flexible solutions and a genuine desire to help, we’re here to make dental implants possible for nearly anyone who wants them.

Book a Free Implant Consultation Today

Dental implants are a secure, natural-looking solution for missing teeth, whether you need to replace one tooth or a full set. At West Wind Dental, we focus on mini dental implants because they’re quicker, less invasive, and more accessible for most patients. Our goal is to make the implant process feel easy and rewarding, from your initial 3D scan to your final, confident smile.

If you’re tired of loose dentures, hiding your smile, or struggling to enjoy the foods you love, now is the time to explore your options. Schedule a free implant consultation today and take the first step toward reclaiming your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants are a safe and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. At our office, we only use FDA-approved implants that are cleared for use anywhere in the mouth and under any oral condition. These implants are made from biocompatible materials like titanium, which allows them to fuse naturally with your jawbone.

We’ve been placing implants for about 18 years with excellent results. When you combine premium materials with our experience and advanced 3D imaging technology, you’re getting a treatment that’s safe and built to last. If you have questions or concerns, we’re always happy to walk you through the process and put your mind at ease.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Dental insurance may cover part of the cost of implants, but it really depends on your specific plan. We’ve seen some plans cover up to 80% of the cost, while others offer a flat benefit, such as $1,000 toward your implant treatment.

Most dental plans offer an annual benefit amount (usually between $1,000 and $5,000 per year) that you can apply to procedures the insurance company deems eligible. It’s a little different from medical insurance, but we can help you make sense of your policy. Our team is happy to help you navigate your coverage and maximize your benefits to make treatment as affordable as possible.

Is getting a dental implant painful?

Compared to traditional implants, mini dental implants use a simpler, gentler procedure that patients often find surprisingly comfortable. At the start of your visit, we administer local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the process.

We also offer several sedation options to help you feel relaxed, including laughing gas and oral conscious sedation. For patients who need a deeper level of comfort, we provide IV sedation one day each month with a visiting nurse anesthetist.

To support healing, we use L-PRF (leukocyte-platelet rich fibrin), a natural aid made from your own blood. It helps reduce swelling, ease discomfort, speed up recovery, and promote faster bonding between the implant and your jawbone.

Most of our patients are surprised by how quick and easy the appointment is, and many resume their normal routines the very next day. If you’re feeling nervous, we’ll talk you through everything and make sure you feel completely comfortable.

Why is it so important to replace missing teeth?

Replacing missing teeth is about more than just filling a gap. It’s about protecting your overall oral health and maintaining a high quality of life. Losing a tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, change your bite, and lead to bone loss in the jaw where the tooth once was. Over time, this can lead to facial changes, difficulty chewing, and even more tooth loss.

Implants help prevent all that. They keep your bite stable, support your jawbone, and restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably. Plus, having a complete smile boosts your confidence. Ultimately, replacing missing teeth helps you stay healthy and feel like yourself again.