Dental Implant FAQs in Grants Pass & Medford, OR

How long is the dental implant process, start to finish?

The dental implant process typically takes several months from start to finish, but the exact timeline varies based on your individual treatment plan. After the implant is placed in the jawbone, a healing period of approximately 3–6 months is usually needed for the implant to fuse with the bone (a process called osseointegration). Once healing is complete, your restoring dentist will place the final crown, bridge, or denture.

Some patients may require additional procedures—such as bone grafting or sinus lift—which can extend the overall timeline, while others may be candidates for more streamlined treatment.

Learn more about dental implants and the steps involved on our Timeline for Dental Implants page. You may also be interested in our Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift pages.

 

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implant treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors, including the need for bone grafting or sinus lift, the complexity of the procedure, and your individual anatomy. Because of this, we do not provide exact implant fees without a consultation and personalized treatment plan.

It’s also important to note that fees are typically split between providers: our oral surgery office places the implant, while your restorative dentist places the final crown, bridge, or denture.

While dental implants may have a higher upfront cost than some alternatives, they are a long-term investment in your oral health. Implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support like a traditional bridge, and they can help preserve jawbone and maintain a more natural bite.

Learn more about the cost of dental implants.

Will my insurance cover dental implant surgery?

Insurance coverage for dental implants varies widely depending on your specific plan. In some cases, dental insurance may contribute toward certain portions of treatment, such as extractions or restorations, but may or may not cover the implant itself.

Medical insurance generally only provides coverage when tooth loss or implant treatment is related to a medical condition, such as trauma, pathology, or congenital conditions, and this varies widely carrier to carrier. Our experienced team will review your benefits and help determine whether your particular insurance may pay your care.

Because coverage differs so much between plans, the best way to know what your insurance may cover is through a consultation with our office.

You can learn more about insurance considerations for oral surgery on the Insurance & Financial Information page.

 

Do you offer financing for dental implants?

Yes. We offer financing options to help make dental implant treatment more affordable, including CareCredit® and Proceed Finance. These third-party financing companies offer flexible payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of treatment over time.

Our team will be happy to review these options with you during your consultation and help you determine which plan may be the best fit for your needs.

Learn more about our payment and financing options on our Insurance & Financial Information page.
Visit CareCredit or Proceed Finance to learn more about their financing programs. Our office’s Provider Code to use on the Proceed Finance site is 15983-5831-C924. 

 

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

Dental implant placement is typically very well tolerated. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia, and for many patients, IV sedation or general anesthesia is also available to ensure comfort during surgery.

Most patients report less discomfort than they expected, often comparing post-operative soreness to that of a tooth extraction. Any discomfort after surgery can usually be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications and typically improves within a few days.

 

Who makes my tooth? Is it part of the implant?

The dental implant itself is the titanium post that is placed into the jawbone by our oral surgeons. The replacement tooth (crown) is not part of the implant and is made and placed by your restorative dentist (such as your general dentist or prosthedontist).

Your restorative dentist designs the crown to match your natural teeth in shape and color, then attaches it to the implant once healing is complete. We work closely with your dentist throughout the process to ensure a seamless result.

 

What is a dental implant made of?

Dental implants are made of medical-grade titanium, a material that has been used safely in medicine and dentistry for decades. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning it is well accepted by the body and able to fuse naturally with the jawbone during healing.

Our office uses BioHorizons® dental implants, a highly respected implant system known for its advanced design and long-term clinical success.

For additional information about implant materials, visit BioHorizons.

 

Will I have a temporary tooth while my dental implant heals?

Yes! In many cases, a temporary tooth or appliance can be provided while the implant site heals—especially for front teeth or other visible areas. One option offered by our office is a Screw-Retained Provisional, which we fabricate through a local dental lab. This temporary tooth is secured to the implant, giving a natural appearance and maintaining the contour of the gumline, while protecting the healing site.

Other options, such as a removable appliance like a flipper, may be provided by your restorative dentist, depending on your individual treatment plan. Our team works closely with your dentist to ensure you have a safe and esthetic solution during healing.

 

Why can’t I chew with a temporary tooth, flipper, or Essix retainer?

Temporary teeth such as flippers or Essix retainers are designed primarily for appearance, not for chewing. Biting or chewing with these appliances can place pressure on the healing implant site or bone graft, which may disrupt healing or affect implant success.

These temporary options are lightweight and removable, helping protect the surgical area while your jawbone heals properly. Once healing is complete, your restorative dentist will place a permanent tooth that is designed to handle normal biting and chewing forces.

 

When can I eat with dental implants?

After your implant is placed, it’s important to avoid chewing directly on the surgical site until it has sufficiently healed. This protects the implant and any bone graft from pressure that could interfere with healing.

If you have a Screw-Retained Provisional (a temporary tooth we may provide for front teeth), you would avoid biting into anything with that tooth, until your restorative dentist places the permanent crown. Your surgeon and dentist will give you specific guidelines based on your individual healing progress.

Eating on a temporary or healing implant too soon can compromise osseointegration, so following post-op instructions carefully is key to long-term success.

 

Will I need any bone grafting?

Some patients require bone grafting to provide a strong, stable foundation for a dental implant. This may be necessary if there has been bone loss due to tooth loss, infection, trauma, or other factors.

Bone grafting can help preserve or rebuild the jawbone, improving both the function and appearance of your final restoration. The need for grafting is determined during your consultation and imaging evaluation, and our team will create a personalized plan to ensure the best long-term outcome for your implant.

Learn more about bone grafting and jawbone preservation on our
Jawbone Loss & Deterioration and Bone Grafting pages.

 

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Implants are made of durable, biocompatible materials that fuse with your jawbone, providing a stable and permanent foundation for replacement teeth.

Long-term success depends on good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits like smoking that can affect healing and bone health. Your implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture may need periodic replacement over the years, but the implant itself is designed to be permanent.

 

What could cause my dental implant to fail?

Dental implants have a very high success rate, but like any surgical procedure, there are factors that can affect healing and long-term success. Potential causes of implant failure include:

• Smoking or vaping, which can slow healing and greatly increase the chance of failure
• Inadequate bone or bone loss at the implant site
• Infection during or after surgery
• Poor oral hygiene or gum disease
• Excessive stress or biting forces on the implant too soon

Our team carefully evaluates each patient and creates a personalized treatment plan to minimize risks and maximize the likelihood of long-term success. Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions and maintaining regular dental care are key to keeping your implant healthy for life.

 

What is the dental implant surgery recovery like and how long does it take?

Recovery after dental implant surgery is usually well tolerated, with most patients experiencing mild to moderate swelling and discomfort for the first few days. Some bruising and soreness around the surgical site are normal and can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, but full healing of the implant site—including fusion of the implant with the jawbone (osseointegration)—typically takes 3–6 months. During this time, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions, maintain good oral hygiene, and avoid placing pressure on the implant site.

Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions and support to help you recover comfortably and successfully.