We know your time is valuable. When trying to balance everything life throws at you, the last thing you want is to waste that time. If you’re seeking a Rigby implant dentist, having answers before you set foot in our waiting room can give you a strong head start with your treatment.
No one likes surprises in dental care. At West Wind Dental, Dr. Robert Ellis strives for transparency, and the more informed you are before treatment, the more confident you’ll be moving forward.
How Many Years Have You Been an Implant Dentist?
When you are choosing an implant dentist, experience matters. Every patient brings a different amount of bone, a different health history, and a different set of needs. Dr. Robert Ellis believes a dentist should understand conventional and mini dental implants so they can recommend the approach that fits the patient, not force every case into the same treatment.
Dr. Ellis has more than 19 years of firsthand experience as a Rigby implant dentist. He has also trained with the Mini Dental Implant Centers of America, or MDICA, which focuses on minimally invasive implant care.
Over the years, Dr. Ellis began seeing more patients with lower bone density who were not good candidates for larger conventional implants. As he used mini implants more often, he saw how well they could work in the right situations. That experience gradually changed his approach, and today he uses mini implants for most of the implant treatment he provides.
What Does the Free Consultation Include?
West Wind Dental offers free consultations so you can get clear answers before making a decision. The visit gives Dr. Ellis the information he needs to evaluate your options.
The consultation includes:
- A 3D cone beam scan: A CBCT scan shows the height, width, and density of your bone, giving Dr. Ellis precise information.
- A medical history review: Your health conditions, medications, and past procedures are considered during treatment planning.
- A bite evaluation: Dr. Ellis checks how your teeth come together and where pressure will fall on the implant.
- A discussion about options: He determines what type of implant and what approach best fits your needs.
Your bone, bite, and overall health all affect whether an implant is a good fit. If another office told you implants were not possible, Dr. Ellis may still find a different approach that makes sense for your situation.
Will My Implant Procedure Hurt?
Pain keeps a lot of patients from getting the dental care they need. Dr. Ellis understands that, so he adjusts the numbing approach based on the patient and the procedure instead of treating every case the same.
He uses a local anesthetic to numb the area and may add a buffering solution to make the injection more comfortable and help the anesthetic work reliably. Patients who feel anxious can also choose from sedation options at West Wind Dental.
Forms of sedation may include:
- Nitrous oxide
- Oral medication
- IV sedation
Dr. Ellis also uses dexamethasone, an injectable steroid that helps control inflammation and reduce discomfort after treatment.
What Should I Expect During Healing?
Healing time depends on the type of implant you receive. Traditional implants usually need about four to six months to bond with the bone. They also require another appointment later to uncover the implant and prepare it for the final tooth.
Mini dental implants usually heal much faster because they are slimmer and placed with a less invasive approach. In many cases, healing takes about four to six weeks. If Dr. Robert Ellis places the implant when he removes a tooth, the area may need six to eight weeks to heal around it.
Some soreness is normal after treatment, but it usually improves within a day or two. Many patients manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever that is safe for them to take.
Dr. Ellis will explain your follow-up schedule, home care instructions, and any warning signs that should prompt a call to the office.
What If I Can’t Pay All at Once?
Cost stops many patients from moving forward with dental implants. Dr. Robert Ellis believes it should be discussed at the consultation. He wants you to understand the financial side of treatment before making a decision.
West Wind Dental works with CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit to help eligible patients divide the cost over time. Depending on the provider and your approval, options may include promotional 0% interest or payment plans lasting up to six years.
Because terms vary, the team will explain the current choices and help you see what may work for your budget. You can also review our dental financing page for a more detailed breakdown.
Talk With a Rigby Implant Dentist About Your Options Today
Choosing an implant dentist should give you answers, not add to your uncertainty. Dr. Robert Ellis uses decades of dental experience to explain your options, address comfort concerns, review the healing process, and discuss payment choices upfront. Schedule a free consultation at West Wind Dental to get clear information and find out which approach makes the most sense for you.
