Dental Implants in Salem, Oregon

Dental implants are widely recognized as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants replace the entire tooth structure—from root to crown—providing unmatched stability, function, and natural aesthetics.

A dental implant consists of three components: a titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone, an abutment that connects to the post, and a custom restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that looks and functions like your natural teeth. The titanium post fuses with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, creating a permanent foundation that mimics the strength of a natural tooth root.

Unlike dentures that can slip or bridges that require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth, dental implants stand independently and preserve your surrounding teeth. They look, feel, and function exactly like natural teeth—allowing you to eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile with complete confidence.

When you're missing a single tooth due to decay, injury, or extraction, a single tooth implant offers the most natural and conservative replacement option. Unlike a traditional bridge, which requires grinding down the two teeth on either side of the gap, a single implant stands on its own without affecting your healthy adjacent teeth.

Single tooth implants also prevent the bone loss that naturally occurs when a tooth is missing. The implant post stimulates your jawbone just like a natural tooth root, maintaining bone density and facial structure. The typical timeline from implant placement to final crown is 3-6 months, allowing time for the implant to fully integrate with your bone. The result is a restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural smile and can last a lifetime with proper care.

When you're missing three or more adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge offers an excellent solution. Rather than placing an individual implant for each missing tooth, we strategically place two implants to support a bridge of 3-4 teeth. This approach is more cost-effective while still providing the stability and bone preservation benefits of dental implants.

Unlike traditional bridges that rely on your natural teeth for support, implant-supported bridges don't require any modification to your remaining healthy teeth. The implants bear the full load of chewing forces, protecting your natural dentition. Implant bridges also last significantly longer than traditional bridges and help preserve jawbone density throughout the treated area.

If you currently wear dentures and struggle with slippage, discomfort, or the hassle of adhesives, implant-supported dentures can transform your quality of life. These solutions use strategically placed implants to anchor your denture securely in place, eliminating the embarrassing slips and limitations of traditional dentures.

We offer two main options: snap-on removable overdentures that click onto implant attachments for cleaning, and fixed implant dentures that remain permanently in place. The lower arch typically requires 2-4 implants, while the upper arch usually needs 4-6 implants for adequate support. Implant-supported dentures restore your ability to chew efficiently, speak clearly, and smile confidently—all without worrying about adhesives or your dentures shifting during meals or conversations.

All-on-4 represents a revolutionary approach to full-arch tooth replacement that has transformed the lives of countless patients in Salem and throughout Oregon. This technique uses 4-6 strategically placed implants to support a complete arch of beautiful, functional teeth—often in a single day.

The genius of All-on-4 lies in the angled placement of the posterior implants. By tilting these implants, we maximize contact with available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting procedures that were once required for patients with bone loss. This means many patients who were previously told they 'weren't candidates' for implants can now achieve a permanent, life-changing solution.

Ideal candidates for All-on-4 include patients with a full arch of failing or missing teeth, current denture wearers seeking a permanent solution, and those experiencing significant tooth decay or gum disease affecting multiple teeth. The procedure begins with a comprehensive evaluation including 3D imaging to create your customized treatment plan.

One of the most exciting aspects of All-on-4 is that many patients receive temporary teeth the same day as their implant surgery. After a healing period of 3-6 months, your final permanent prosthesis—typically crafted from durable zirconia—is placed. The result is a fixed, non-removable set of teeth that look natural and allow you to eat anything: steak, apples, corn on the cob, and all the foods you may have given up with traditional dentures.

Beyond function, All-on-4 implants prevent the continued bone loss and facial collapse that occurs with missing teeth or traditional dentures. Many patients appear years younger as their facial structure is restored and supported. And because you're replacing an entire arch with just 4-6 implants rather than individual implants for each tooth, All-on-4 is often more affordable than you might expect.

Most adults with missing teeth or teeth requiring extraction are candidates for dental implants. The best candidates have adequate bone density (or willingness to undergo bone grafting if needed), healthy gums, good overall health, and are non-smokers or willing to quit during the healing process.

Many conditions that patients worry might disqualify them can actually be managed successfully. Controlled diabetes, previous bone loss (which can often be addressed with angled implant placement or bone grafting), and advanced age are typically not barriers to successful implant treatment. We encourage anyone considering dental implants to schedule a consultation so we can evaluate your individual situation and discuss all available options for restoring your smile.

Dental implants offer benefits that no other tooth replacement option can match. They prevent the bone loss that occurs naturally when teeth are missing, helping maintain your facial structure and youthful appearance. Unlike bridges, implants don't require any alteration to your healthy adjacent teeth.

With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime—making them an excellent long-term investment in your oral health. They allow you to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence, never worrying about slippage or embarrassing moments. Implants look and feel completely natural, and caring for them is simple: just brush and floss as you would your natural teeth.