Dental Implants in Beaverton, OR
Dr. Gvozden plans, places and restores dental implants in our Beaverton office, explaining every step and every alternative first.
Why choose an implant over other options?
When a tooth is lost, the root goes with it. Without that root, the jawbone in the area gradually shrinks, and neighboring teeth can tilt into the space. An implant replaces the root itself, which helps preserve bone and lets you bite and chew on something anchored in place.
Implants are not right for everyone and not always the first choice. They take time, involve minor surgery and need healthy gums to last. We will describe them honestly next to the alternatives so you can decide what suits your health, goals and budget.
The implant journey, phase by phase
- Evaluation and planning. A dental exam, X-rays, and a review of your health history and medications. We examine bone height and width, gum health and the bite.
- Preparing the site. If a tooth needs removal, that comes first (see tooth extractions). Infection or gum disease is treated before implant surgery.
- Implant placement. Under local anesthetic, the implant is placed in the bone. Dr. Gvozden’s surgical training and long clinical experience shape this step, and a temporary tooth may be arranged when suitable.
- Healing and integration. Over the following months, bone bonds to the implant surface. Timing depends on the site, the bone and your health, and we will map it out for you.
- Abutment and final restoration. A connector is attached, and your custom crown, bridge or denture is made to match your bite and blend with neighboring teeth.
- Maintenance. Implants cannot get cavities, but the gums around them can become inflamed, so home care and regular checkups matter.
Bone grafting and socket preservation
Enough healthy bone is what an implant stands on. If bone has thinned, the plan may include a graft, which is material placed to build up the area so the implant can be stable. Grafts may use donated, synthetic or your own bone, and healing time before the implant varies.
If you know a tooth has to come out and you might want an implant later, ask about socket preservation. Graft material is placed right in the empty socket at the time of extraction to help keep the ridge’s shape, which can make later steps more straightforward. Whether a graft is needed, and which kind, depends on your imaging and the tooth location.
If your case calls for major grafting, sinus work or advanced surgical techniques, we will tell you and may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for that portion. Being clear about our scope is part of keeping you safe.
Who is a good candidate?
Often a good fit
- Adults whose jaw growth is complete
- Healthy gums, or gum disease that is treated and stable
- Enough bone, or bone that can be built up
- Willing to keep up with brushing, cleaning between teeth and checkups
Needs extra care or discussion
- Smoking or vaping, which can hinder healing
- Uncontrolled diabetes or certain medical conditions
- Some medications, including certain bone-related drugs
- Heavy grinding, which may call for a night guard
Please do not assume you are ruled out. A conversation and imaging tell far more than a checklist. Also note that implants are generally for adults; for a teenager missing a tooth, Dr. Hsu will discuss other options in the meantime.
Implants compared with the alternatives
| Option | Advantages | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Dental implant | Stands alone; supports the bone; does not rely on neighboring teeth | Surgery, longer timeline, needs adequate bone and gum health |
| Bridge | Fixed in place; usually quicker | Requires shaping healthy neighboring teeth |
| Partial or full denture | Non-surgical; adaptable to many missing teeth | Removable; fit changes as the bone changes |
| No replacement | Nothing to do | Drifting teeth, bone loss, chewing changes |
Some people replace an entire arch with a few implants supporting a denture, which offers more stability than a conventional denture. That is a larger treatment plan we would review with you in detail.
Caring for your implant
Treat it like a natural tooth that happens to need a bit more gum vigilance. Brush twice daily, clean around the base with floss or interdental brushes, and never skip professional cleanings. Inflammation around implants, sometimes called peri-implantitis, can loosen them if ignored, and early stages are much easier to reverse. If you have a history of gum disease, our gum care program pairs well with implant maintenance.
Costs vary considerably with the number of implants, grafting and type of restoration, so we prefer to give you an individual estimate after your evaluation rather than a general figure. We are happy to check your dental benefits before your visit; see insurance and financing.
What to ask at your consultation
- Do my bone and gums support an implant now, or would preparation come first?
- What is the timeline from placement to final tooth in my case?
- Would you recommend an implant, a bridge or a denture for this space, and why?
- Which parts of treatment happen here, and which, if any, might be referred?
- What will follow-up and maintenance look like?
Patients from Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard and nearby communities see Dr. Gvozden for implant consultations. To begin, call (503) 822-0096 or request a visit online. Bring a list of your medications and any prior X-rays if you have them.
Questions patients often ask
How long does the dental implant process take?
From evaluation to final crown often spans several months, mostly to allow bone to bond with the implant. Extractions, grafting or gum treatment first can lengthen the timeline.
Is implant surgery painful?
Local anesthetic numbs the area, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain. Soreness and swelling afterward are common and usually manageable with the pain relief your dentist advises.
Do I need a bone graft?
Only if imaging shows too little bone to support the implant. Some patients need none, some benefit from socket preservation after extraction, and some need larger grafts.
Can smokers get implants?
Smoking and vaping raise the risk of complications and slower healing. It is a conversation to have honestly with Dr. Gvozden, and quitting improves your odds.
Will an implant get cavities?
The implant itself will not decay, but the gums and bone around it can become inflamed without good hygiene. Daily cleaning and regular checkups keep them healthy.
Can Dr. Gvozden do the whole implant treatment?
He places and restores implants in our office. If a case involves extensive grafting or complex anatomy, we may refer that step to an oral surgeon and coordinate your care.
Does insurance pay for dental implants?
Coverage for implants varies a lot. Some plans pay part of the crown or surgery and others exclude implants. We review your benefits and discuss cost before any treatment. See our insurance and payment options page or call (503) 822-0096.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).