Find Your Best and Healthiest Smile
Drs. Baker and Jepsen are experts at restoring missing or failing teeth with dental implants. Dental implants are a lifelike, healthy, and permanent tooth replacement that consists of three parts: a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jaw bone, an abutment piece that is used to connect the implant to a custom-made crown, and the crown itself, which is designed to match your existing teeth. During your consultation at our welcoming Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho office in Pocatello, ID, your oral surgeon will collaborate with you to determine the best tooth replacement solution for your smile, be it a dental implant or another solution such as implant-supported fixed bridges and dentures.
Learn more by checking out our Dental implants FAQ.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a three-part tooth replacement solution: a small post, most often made of titanium, that replaces the root of your missing tooth, a connector piece called an abutment that is placed on the top of the dental implant to anchor the final piece of the restoration, and a crown that is custom-made to match your natural teeth.
Dental implants are, by far, the most popular tooth replacement solution we provide at our Pocatello, ID, practice.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?
Unlike traditional dentures and tooth-supported bridges, dental implants are a complete tooth replacement, restoring the root of your tooth as well. Like healthy natural teeth, dental implants are anchored in your jaw for a stable, and permanent solution to tooth loss. Because dental implants replace the tooth’s root, they help stimulate your jaw bone to keep the bone atrophy that can happen when teeth are missing for a long time, at bay.
While dentures and bridges only last a short time before they require replacement, dental implants have the ability to last a lifetime when you practice good oral hygiene and take care of them just as you would your healthy, natural teeth. In addition, it is not necessary to damage your existing teeth to place implants.
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Dental implants offer these benefits and more:
Benefits
Because the implant fuses with the jaw bone, dental implant patients enjoy a permanent and realistic tooth replacement. With good oral care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Clean your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth! It’s that simple.
It’s almost impossible to tell the difference between a dental implant and a natural tooth. Implants really do look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
A boost in confidence is common with our dental implant patients. They love smiling knowing that their tooth restoration looks just like nature intended.
Comfortably and confidently enjoy the foods you love. You don’t have to worry about your replacement tooth slipping around when you chew.
Dental implants replace the entire tooth, including the root, so they stimulate the bone under your gums to prevent bone atrophy (the way natural teeth do).
Dental implants can replace one or multiple missing teeth or even an entire arch of teeth. They can also be used to secure lifelike and comfortable implant-supported fixed bridges and dentures.
Drs. Baker and Jepsen are experts at bone grafting techniques that will allow almost anyone to receive a successful and durable implant. If you are healthy enough to have a standard tooth extraction, dental implants are most likely an option for you at our practice.
We offer the full scope of oral surgery and dental implant restoration options at our Pocatello, ID, practice and pride ourselves on the safety and quality of our work restoring the smiles of our patients. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, check out our Dental Implant FAQ, or contact our office to schedule your consultation with one of our trusted oral surgeons. We look forward to offering you the best in compassionate and comfortable oral surgery care.
Types of Dental Implants
As you consider what type of tooth restoration may be right for you, you may be curious to know more about what your tooth replacement options are. Drs. Baker and Jepsen offer many different solutions for restoring missing or failing teeth, from long-lasting and lifelike dental implants to solutions such as fixed bridges and dentures that can replace an entire upper and/or lower arch of your teeth.
At our practice, we are dedicated to finding tooth replacement solutions that match our patient’s desires and conditions so that their oral health is vastly improved along with their well-being and confidence. Every one of our patients is different, so when your oral surgeon meets with you at your consultation appointment, he will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that is best for your smile. Your doctor will also discuss your options for anesthesia at your consultation, such as in-office intravenous (IV) sedation. Some of the most common tooth replacement options include the following:
- Dental Implants. Dental implants are a favorite tooth replacement solution because they are a true replacement, root and all. With dental implants, patients can regain the joy of eating, smiling, and speaking again with complete confidence, with teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. Please visit our Dental Implant page and Dental Implant FAQ to learn more.
- Implant-Supported Dentures and Bridges. When patients come to us seeking a permanent replacement for multiple missing teeth in one or both of their arches, we may recommend implant-supported bridges or dentures. These tooth replacement solutions offer patients new, customized, and realistic teeth — you can even restore all your teeth in both arches using implant-supported dentures! Please see our Implant-Supported Dentures and Bridges page to find out more.
- Tooth-Supported Bridges. Tooth-supported bridges are a very common tooth replacement for one or more missing teeth that are beside each other in the dental arch. This solution bridges the gap created from a missing tooth. Bridges are fixed in your mouth, so they are non-removable and secure, though they will usually need to be replaced every few years. Because the bridge is cemented in place using the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth/teeth, this solution requires that your dentist reshape the teeth that are used to anchor the bridge.
- Full or Partial Dentures. Full or partial dentures are the most well-known solution for missing teeth. They are completely removable and tend to be inexpensive, though after several years of wear, may need to be adjusted or replaced. Many people find dentures satisfactory, but others find them to be uncomfortable and are self-conscious about how they can slip during chewing or speaking.
To learn more about your options for tooth replacement and determine which option is right for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons. We look forward to providing you with the best of care as we help you improve your oral health.
The Value of Dental Implants
Dental implants are life-changing. Tooth loss can be more than just an uncomfortable inconvenience — it also affects self-esteem. When our patient’s failing or missing teeth are replaced with dental implants, they once again enjoy the look, feel, and function of healthy, natural teeth, and could not be happier with their investment. Dental implants also improve the long-term health of your jaw and facial structure, and with good oral care, they can last a lifetime. Other, more traditional tooth restorations that might have a lesser price tag might end up costing more over time. Dental implants and dental implant-supported dentures and bridges are the only tooth restorations that are lifelike, have a protective influence on oral health, and offer long-term viability.
Below are some of the reasons many of our patients choose to invest in dental implants at our Pocatello, ID, oral surgery practice:
- Lifelong tooth replacement solution. Dental implants will not need to be replaced, saving you the inconvenience and cost of more time receiving treatment for your missing teeth. They can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental appointments — this is one of the main reasons people choose implants over traditional bridges and dentures.
- Protects oral health for less dental work. Dental implants fuse with your jaw bone during healing time through a process called osseointegration. Because of this incredible benefit, they act just like natural teeth, roots and all, continuously stimulating the bone in your jaw when you chew, keeping further bone loss from occurring. When you have a healthy jaw and teeth that are properly aligned in the dental arch, costly dental work in the future is much less likely.
- Enhanced quality of life. It’s truly priceless to be able to enjoy the foods you love with ease again and speak and smile with confidence. These improvements add up to a happier and healthier you!
If you are interested in dental implants and live in or around the Pocatello, ID, area, we encourage you to contact Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho today. Our warm and welcoming staff is happy to schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Baker or Dr. Jepsen to discuss if this life-changing tooth restoration is the right option to restore your smile.
What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?
Your oral surgeon will go over every detail of your dental implant procedure before you have your surgery, including your options for anesthesia, your pre- and post-operative instructions, and your projected recovery time. You will have your dental implant surgery in the comfort and safety of our practice under intravenous (IV) sedation unless otherwise specified during your consultation, and you will be continuously monitored throughout your procedure. Our doctors and clinical team are trained in the safe administration of in-office anesthesia and sedation.
On the day of your surgery, the anesthesia that you chose during your consultation will be administered so that you will not feel any discomfort during your procedure. Next, your oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gum tissue over the area where your implant is to be inserted. Your doctor will then insert the implant post into your jaw bone and stitch the surgical site closed. After the procedure, you will have time to rest comfortably at the practice before your designated driver takes you home.
A single implant placement procedure takes 30–60 minutes and around two to three hours for multiple implants. Every case is different, and you are receiving personalized care at our practice, so the amount of time that your procedure will take will vary based on the specifics of your surgical treatment plan.
What if there is not enough bone in my jaw for secure implant placement?
When teeth are missing for a long time, bone loss in the jaw can occur, and dental implants can be harder to place securely. However, even our patients with extensive bone loss can be candidates for successful implants with the help of bone grafting. Bone grafting can restore lost bone in areas where an implant is going to be placed to ensure that your dental implant has a stable foundation for long-term durability. Our oral surgeons perform bone grafting procedures in the comfort of our practice.
How do I care for my new dental implant?
When your oral surgeon gives you the go-ahead that you’ve healed enough, you can brush and floss your implant the same way you do your natural teeth. It’s as simple as that! If you keep your mouth healthy and see your dentist regularly, your implant will have the potential to last a lifetime.
Anesthesia Options
Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho offers the following types of in-office anesthesia and sedation.
Dental Implants in Pocatello, ID
If you are interested in dental implants and live in or around the Pocatello, ID, area, we encourage you to contact Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho today. Our warm and welcoming staff is happy to schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Baker or Dr. Jepsen to discuss if this life-changing tooth restoration is the right option to restore your smile.
Hear From Dental Implant Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing dental implant treatment at our office.
Reviews From Our Dental Implant Patients
"My name is Donna. I live here in Pocatello, and I came here for an implant. The staff has been really great. Dr. Baker made me feel really at ease. I almost feel like I'm home. I feel really comfortable after my surgery. I had such a wonderful experience! I would highly recommend going to Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho."
"Hi, my name is Kathy, and I’m from Pocatello, and I had some dental implants done by Dr. Baker. The staff here is very welcoming. They always greet you with a smile, and make you feel welcome, [and] are very attentive to your needs. Dr. Baker is very thorough in explaining the procedure that he’s going to do. He’s very caring and makes sure that you understand. The procedure went very smoothly. I was pleased with the outcome. To my friends in Pocatello and Idaho Falls, I highly recommend Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho. "
"Hi, I'm Merlin from Tyhee and I came to see Dr. Baker for a dental implant. When I first came into this practice, I felt very comfortable. The staff here is very friendly and accommodating. Dr. Baker is, he's very professional. He's just an awesome person. My recovery was very quick. My teeth are pretty good shape right now. Improved my life because now I can eat. It feels good to have a smile because I'm smiler, I've always been a smiler. My overall experience with Dr. Baker and his staff has been, I would rate it, top notch. I would recommend Dr. Baker to anybody that needs work on their teeth."
"Hi, my name is Alisha and I’m from Blackfoot, Idaho, and I came to Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho for a dental implant. When I first walked in, it was very warm feeling. Everyone introduced themselves and said hi and asked how I was. Everyone was very, very nice. Dr. Baker is amazing. He's actually really caring. The WUWTA videos explained everything in great detail. The procedure went really good. I feel great — more confidence. I can smile. It really gave me a second chance. I would absolutely recommend Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho!"
"My first name is Gwen. I live here in <a title="Dental implant placement in Pocatello, ID" href="/procedure/dental-implants-pocatello-id/">Pocatello, Idaho</a>, and the procedure that Dr. Baker did was bone graft and dental implant. My experience with the staff was very good. The surgery went well. My experience with Dr. Baker has been very good. He was very attentive to me, and I appreciated everything that he did. I would give Dr. Baker five stars in a minute. My experience here with Oral Surgery Specialists was very good. For my friends and family in Burley and Soda Springs, I would highly recommend Dr. Baker."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a general dentist place my dental implant?
To ensure that your implants have long-term success, dental implants should be placed by an experienced oral surgeon, not a general dentist. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the dental professional with the training, skill, and experience in the surgical procedures required to perform this delicate surgery. A general dentist places the temporary teeth that you may use while your implants are healing, as well as the permanent replacement teeth that will be attached to the dental implants to complete your treatment. See our page on oral surgery for more important information about this.
2. How long is the dental implant process?
The process of receiving implants can range from just a few months to more than a year for more complex conditions. You may be receiving one or many implants, or you may be receiving a dental implant-supported denture or bridge — during your first visit with your oral surgeon you will have a complete oral exam, including all the necessary diagnostic images, and then you will receive a treatment plan that will include the estimated amount of time it will take to complete your restoration. Your treatment will depend on a few factors: your specific needs and desires, your medical and dental history, the health of bone in your jaw, and more.
3. Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Many of our patients want to know if it is going to be painful to receive dental implants. Of course, all oral surgeries do involve some discomfort, but we want to assure you that it is our priority to be sure that you are comfortable and safe along every step of your treatment. You are in excellent hands with Drs. Baker and Jepsen and their surgical team — our surgeons have extensive hospital-based anesthesia training and are experts in the placement of dental implants. Their specialized skills ensure that you are receiving precise and efficient procedures with the least amount of post-surgical downtime possible. You will receive detailed aftercare and post-surgical instructions before your treatment, including medications for any post-operative discomfort you may experience.
4. What is the recovery like after dental implant placement?
One of the benefits of dental implants is that they replace the root of your tooth, fusing with your jaw bone for a lifelike and permanent solution. It takes a few weeks of healing for your implants to fuse with the bone in your jaw, so you will want to stick with a diet of soft foods and then avoid chewing on the implant sites until this healing period is complete. Most patients are back to their regular routines within a few days after the placement of their implants. We will go over every detail of your aftercare and post-surgical instructions with you before your treatment begins, including medications for the management of any postoperative discomfort. Learn more about preparing for and recovering from oral surgery on our oral surgery page.
5. How much do dental implants cost in Pocatello, ID?
Every patient’s condition is different, so the cost of treatment varies. Some of the things that will be considered when estimating the cost of your dental implants include the number of implants you will be receiving, if you require a bone grafting procedure for successful implant placement, and if you will require any tooth extractions to prepare your mouth for your implants. Your insurance coverage will factor into the overall cost as well. We accept many types of insurance and have multiple payment options to make oral surgery accessible for our Pocatello, ID, patients.
The best way to estimate your dental implant cost at our practice in Pocatello is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baker or Dr. Jepsen. During this appointment, your oral surgeon will work with you to develop a treatment plan — your cost estimate will be determined at this time as well.
Southeastern Idaho’s Premier Oral Surgery Destination
When you visit Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho, you’ll access quality oral health care delivered with compassion and respect. We adhere to the highest standards of care and prioritize your well-being. By leveraging decades of experience and advanced technology, we provide a comprehensive suite of services designed to address your unique needs. Discover premier oral surgery services by scheduling a consultation at our practice. We can’t wait to be a partner in your journey to better oral health.