Dental Implants & Implant-Supported Dentures

Permanently Restore Your Teeth And Transform Your Life

Tooth loss can make it harder to smile proudly, speak clearly, and even eat your favorite foods. And if you don’t replace your teeth, it can even lead to further issues like shifting teeth or even a weaker jawbone. Dr. James Grundy is here to help you restore the natural beauty and function of your teeth with dental implants and implant-supported dentures in Boise, ID. 

What Are Dental Implants And How Do They Work?

A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped piece of titanium metal. Each implant is designed to be surgically placed into the gums and jawbone where you’ve lost a tooth. Then, once it heals, the titanium has the ability to bond (osseointegrate) with your jawbone.

This locks the dental implant in place, allowing it to function as an artificial tooth root. Once it heals, the implant can be used to hold one dental crown (single-tooth implant). Multiple implants can also be used to hold up an implant-supported bridge, or even a full mouth of implant-supported dentures.

The benefits of dental implants

  • Natural look and feel – Dental implants are extremely stable, and restorations like dental implant crowns are designed to be totally lifelike. Your new tooth will never move or shift. It will also look completely natural and fit in with your smile perfectly.
  • 30+ year lifespan – With proper care, you may be able to keep your dental implants for the rest of your life. Dental implants can easily last 30+ years, which means they last much longer than alternatives like dental bridges and partial dentures.
  • Simple care – For the most part, you can treat your new dental implants just like regular teeth. Make sure you brush twice a day, floss once daily, and see Dr. Grundy for a checkup every six months. Along with a “tooth-healthy” diet and lifestyle, this is enough to keep your new teeth in great shape for years to come.
  • Protects jaw health – Unlike alternatives like dentures and bridges, dental implants actually are attached to your jawbone. This means implants stimulate the bone tissue when you bite and chew. This keeps your jawbone strong and prevents the bone from deteriorating, which is a common issue after tooth loss.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are a great alternative to traditional dentures. Traditional dentures are only held in place with friction. They are designed to fit tightly over your gums, but can still slip and slide around sometimes. Denture adhesive can help with, but doesn’t guarantee complete stability.

With implant-supported dentures, things are different. A set of 4-6 implants will be placed in the upper, lower, or both arches of your mouth. Then, these implants will be used to support a set of removable implant dentures. Your dentures will snap right onto the implants, which will hold them in place and ensure that they never shift or move.

The benefits of implant-supported dentures

  • Much more stable – Implant-supported dentures are locked into place by a set of 4-6 implants that are firmly attached to your jawbone. This means that they're way more stable than traditional dentures. You can chew and eat your favorite foods, speak more clearly, and never worry about your teeth moving around when you smile or laugh.
  • Longer-lasting treatment – Traditional dentures usually last only 5-10 years, and often must be relined after just a few years. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, usually last 10-20 years. This makes them a great option if you’d like a longer-lasting way to replace your missing teeth.
  • Enhanced comfort – Since they snap onto dental implants, implant-supported dentures do not sit directly on your gums. Not only does this make them more stable, but it makes them more comfortable, too. You’re less likely to develop sore “hot spots” on your gums with implant-supported dentures.
  • More youthful appearance – Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures help prevent jaw bone loss. In turn, this prevents changes to your appearance, such as facial sagging that can make you look older than you really are. With implant-supported dentures, you can enjoy a more youthful appearance.

Answering FAQs About Dental Implants

How long does it take to get dental implants?

It usually takes between 6-9 months to place your implants and replace your missing teeth. This also excludes any preparatory treatments like tooth extractions, bone grafts, and ridge augmentation that may be necessary before implant surgery. If necessary, these treatments will add more time to the implant placement process.

Do dental implants really last a lifetime?

Yes. Dental implants can easily last 30 years or longer with proper oral care. If you take good care of them, you can keep them for the rest of your life. This makes them a truly excellent investment in your long-term oral health.

What if my jaw is too weak for an implant?

It may be possible to strengthen your jaw with a bone graft. In this procedure, Dr. Grundy will create an opening in the gum and jaw tissue near the treatment site. Then, he will pack it full of bone granules. Over time, healthy bone tissue will begin to grow around the bone graft, strengthening your jaw enough for a dental implant.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Unfortunately, it is not common for dental insurance plans to cover the cost of dental implants. However, they are worth the investment. During your visit to Grundy Dental Studio, you can ask our team for more information about dental implant pricing and your options for payment plans.

Explore Your Tooth Replacement Options Today!

At Grundy Dental Studio, Dr. James Grundy has years of experience in implant dentistry. Whether you’re missing just one tooth or would like to replace an entire mouth full of teeth with implant dentures, Dr. Grundy and our dental team are ready to help you explore your options.

During your consultation with Dr. Grundy, he will examine your mouth, assess your overall oral health, and determine if dental implants in Boise, ID from our office are right for you. He can also answer any questions you may have about the process, how much treatment will cost, and much more. Give us a call or book your consultation online to get started right away.