Missing teeth don’t have to hold you back. Dental implants are a long-term, natural-looking way to restore your smile’s strength, comfort, and confidence. At Billings West Dental in Billings, MT, Dr. Low evaluates your teeth and jawbone to determine if implants are right for you—then guides you through each step so you always know what to expect.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium post that functions like a tooth’s root. It’s placed in the jawbone, where it fuses with bone during healing (a process called osseointegration). Once healed, the implant can support a custom crown, a bridge, or even help permanently anchor dentures. Implants look and feel like your own teeth and help keep your bite stable.

Why Patients Love Dental Implants: 5 Big Benefits

1. Natural look and feel
   Implants support custom restorations designed to match your smile’s shape and shade. Most people won’t notice you’ve had a tooth replaced.
2. Stability you can trust
   Because the implant integrates with bone, chewing feels secure—no slipping the way removable appliances can.
3. Helps protect bone and facial shape
   Replacing the root helps preserve jawbone in the area of the missing tooth, which supports long-term oral health and facial structure. Learn more about bone changes after tooth loss from the Mayo Clinic.
4. Protects neighboring teeth
   Single-tooth implants don’t require grinding down adjacent teeth the way some bridge designs do.
5. Versatile solutions
   From a single missing tooth to full-arch options, implants can support a crown, bridge, or implant-retained dentures for a secure, fixed feel.

The Dental Implant Process at Billings West Dental

Implant therapy happens in two main phases and typically requires multiple appointments. Dr. Low will map out your personalized plan and timeline.

Phase 1: Implant Placement

• Evaluation and planning: Dr. Low examines your mouth and reviews imaging to confirm there’s healthy bone for support (or discusses ways to improve candidacy).
• Placement: A small titanium implant is placed in the jawbone.
• Healing: Over the next several weeks to months, the implant fuses to the bone, creating a strong foundation.

Phase 2: Restoration

• Abutment & impression: Once healed, a connector (abutment) is attached and precise impressions are taken.
• Custom restoration: A crown, bridge, or denture is crafted to match your bite and smile.
• Placement: Your restoration is secured, adjusted, and polished so it looks and feels natural.

Throughout treatment, our team explains each stage and encourages questions—before, during, and after visits—so you feel informed and comfortable.

Comfort and Sedation

Most patients do well with local anesthesia. If anxiety is a barrier, we offer conscious oral sedation: you’ll take a prescribed medication at our office before treatment, remain awake but deeply relaxed, and you’ll need a driver to and from your appointment. It’s common to feel drowsy afterward and remember little about the visit.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

You may be a great candidate if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have adequate bone (or are open to options to improve bone support)
• Maintain healthy gums and good oral hygiene
• Want a fixed, long-lasting solution (including options to anchor dentures)

Not sure where you fit? During your consultation, Dr. Low will compare implants with bridges and dentures so you can choose with confidence.

Implants vs. Bridges vs. Dentures (Quick Compare)

• Implant + Crown: Best for a single tooth when bone is healthy; no impact on neighboring teeth.
• Traditional Bridge: Faster and cost-effective when adjacent teeth already need crowns or when bone is insufficient for an implant.
• Partial/Full Denture: Removable, budget-friendly; implant-retained dentures increase stability dramatically.

Healing, Aftercare, and Longevity

• Healing time: Implant healing typically takes a few months, depending on the site and your health.
• Daily care: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss around the implant, and consider a water flosser for easy cleaning.
• Lifestyle tips: Avoid smoking, limit very hard foods, and wear a nightguard if you grind.
• Lifespan: With good care and regular checkups, implants can last decades; the attached crown/bridge/denture may need periodic replacement due to normal wear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Are dental implants painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during placement thanks to local anesthesia, and mild soreness afterward that improves within a few days. Oral sedation is available if you’re anxious about treatment.

How long does the process take?
From placement to final restoration, many cases span 3–6 months depending on healing. More complex needs can take longer; Dr. Low will outline your timeline at the consultation.

Can dental implants anchor dentures?
Yes. Implants can securely anchor full or partial dentures for far better stability and chewing comfort.

How much do dental implants cost?*
Costs vary based on the number of implants, the type of restoration (crown/bridge/denture), and any preparatory procedures. Many single-tooth implant cases fall in the low-to-mid thousands. These are estimates—please contact Billings West Dental in Billings, MT for an accurate treatment plan and pricing.

How do I care for an implant?
Brush and floss daily, clean around the implant, and keep up with professional exams and cleanings. Your hygienist will show you simple techniques that keep the area healthy.

* Price ranges are general estimates. Contact Billings West Dental for precise information for your case.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants in Billings, MT

Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or stabilizing a denture, dental implants can bring back strength, comfort, and confidence. Dr. Low and the team at Billings West Dental will tailor a plan to your goals and guide you through every step—from evaluation to final restoration. Ready to learn if implants are right for you? Call our office today to schedule a consultation.