Tooth loss changes more than your smile. It affects how you chew, how you speak, and how confident you feel in daily life. Over time, even one missing tooth can shift your bite, wear down neighboring teeth, and change the shape of your face as the jawbone shrinks.
Dental implants are designed to solve these problems in a long-term, stable way. They act like artificial tooth roots anchored in the jawbone, supporting lifelike crowns, bridges, or dentures. At Hillcrest Family Dentistry in Medford, OR, implants are one of the most predictable and natural-feeling options for restoring missing teeth.
But implants are not automatically the best choice for everyone. Before you decide, it helps to understand how they work, who they’re best suited for, and what questions you should ask your dentist.
What Exactly Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium or ceramic post placed into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Over time, the bone grows and bonds tightly to the surface of the implant—a process called osseointegration. Once this foundation is stable, your dentist attaches a custom crown, bridge, or denture to the implant so it can function like a natural tooth.
On the Hillcrest dental implants page, you’ll see how implants are used to replace single teeth, multiple teeth, or even support full-arch restorations, depending on how many teeth are missing.
Key benefits include:
- Strong, stable chewing power
- A natural look that blends with nearby teeth
- No reliance on neighboring teeth for support
- Protection against bone loss in the jaw
Question 1: How Many Teeth Am I Missing?
The number and location of missing teeth play a big role in determining the best solution.
- Single missing tooth:
A single implant and crown often provide the most natural, long-lasting option. It replaces the missing root and tooth without touching neighboring teeth. - Multiple missing teeth in a row:
An implant-supported bridge can replace several teeth with fewer implants. This may provide better stability and preserve more bone than a traditional bridge resting on natural teeth. - Many or all teeth missing:
Implants can be used to secure full or partial dentures, reducing movement and improving chewing function compared to traditional removable dentures.
A thorough exam as part of your overall general dentistry care will help determine where implants might be placed and what type of restoration will give you the best result.
Question 2: Is My Jawbone Healthy Enough for Implants?
Dental implants rely on healthy bone for long-term stability. If you’ve been missing teeth for a long time, the jawbone in that area may have shrunk or thinned. Conditions like osteoporosis, chronic infection, or trauma can also affect bone quality.
During your evaluation, your dentist will:
- Review X-rays or 3D imaging to measure bone height and thickness
- Check for signs of infection or sinus involvement in upper jaw areas
- Evaluate how your teeth come together (your bite) and how implants would fit into that system
If bone is insufficient in certain areas, options may include bone grafting or choosing different implant sizes/angles. Your dentist will explain whether these steps are necessary to support a predictable outcome.
Question 3: Do I Have Medical Conditions That Need Special Consideration?
Many patients with medical conditions can still receive implants, but careful planning is essential.
Conditions that need extra attention include:
- Diabetes (especially if poorly controlled)
- Autoimmune disorders
- History of radiation therapy in the head or neck
- Smoking or vaping
- Certain medications that affect bone metabolism
Your dentist will review your medical history, medications, and lifestyle during your overall exam. The goal is not simply to place an implant, but to ensure it has the best chance of integrating and staying healthy for years.
Question 4: What Is My Daily Hygiene Routine Like?
Implants do not decay, but the tissues around them can still develop infection. Just like natural teeth, they require consistent care.
You’ll need to commit to:
- Brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush
- Cleaning between teeth and implants daily with floss, interdental brushes, or recommended tools
- Visiting regularly for professional cleanings and exams
If plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up around implants, you can develop peri-implant disease, which threatens the bone supporting the implant. Patients who already prioritize preventive visits and home care usually do very well with implants.
Question 5: What Are My Other Treatment Options?
Implants are a powerful tool, but they are not the only option for replacing missing teeth. In some cases, a traditional bridge or removable denture may be more appropriate due to cost, bone availability, or health considerations.
Your dentist should walk you through alternatives such as:
- Traditional dental bridge anchored to neighboring teeth
- Removable partial denture
- Full denture for complete tooth loss
Comparing pros and cons helps you decide whether the added stability and longevity of implants align with your priorities. Hillcrest’s comprehensive dental services allow you to see how implants fit into a full menu of restorative and cosmetic options.
Question 6: What Is the Timeline for Treatment?
Implant treatment is typically completed in stages:
- Evaluation and planning:
Exam, X-rays or 3D imaging, and treatment planning. - Implant placement:
The implant post is placed in the jawbone, then allowed to heal and integrate. - Healing period:
Integration usually takes several months. During this time, you may wear a temporary restoration. - Final restoration:
Once the implant is stable, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached.
In certain situations, the timeline can be shortened or combined with other procedures, but your dentist will only do this if it does not compromise long-term success.
Question 7: How Will Implants Affect My Day-to-Day Life?
Most patients notice a clear improvement once their implant restorations are complete:
- Chewing feels more secure and comfortable
- Speech is more natural than with loose dentures
- There’s no need for adhesive creams
- Confidence improves when you’re not worried about a denture slipping or a gap showing when you smile
During the healing phase after surgery, you may need to modify your diet temporarily and follow specific instructions to protect the implant site. Your dentist will review these details in advance so you know what to expect.
Question 8: What Happens If I Need Emergency Care?
While complications are uncommon, it’s important to know where to turn if something feels wrong—such as sudden pain, swelling, or a loose restoration. Hillcrest offers prompt help through its emergency dentistry services for issues like infections, trauma, or broken restorations.
Having an established relationship with a practice that knows your history and has placed your implants makes emergency care smoother and more effective if you ever need it.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
The decision to choose dental implants is personal. It depends on your oral health, medical background, expectations, and budget. What you should not do is decide based solely on advertising or a quick headline.
A thoughtful conversation with your dentist—paired with a detailed exam and imaging—will give you a clear picture of:
- Whether you’re a good candidate
- What the process would look like
- How implants compare with your other options
- What kind of result you can realistically expect
If you’re curious about whether implants could help you eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile with confidence again, the next step is straightforward: schedule a consultation so your questions can be answered one by one.
You can reach Hillcrest Family Dentistry through the contact page to request an appointment and begin exploring whether dental implants are the right solution for your smile.