Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryant Birch, DDS on July 31, 2026
Dental implants remain one of the most reliable ways to replace a missing tooth, because they rebuild the root as well as the visible crown. Whether a tooth was lost to decay, periodontal disease, or an injury, an implant gives you a fixed foundation that looks, feels, and functions like the tooth it replaces, and there is no season you need to wait for to start the process.
At Birch Family Dental, we walk patients in Green River through every stage of implant treatment, from the first consultation to the final restoration. If you have been putting off replacing a missing tooth, here is what to know about how implants work, how they compare to bridges and dentures, and what the process actually involves.
From Bridges and Dentures to Modern Dental Implants
Before implants became widely available, bridges and dentures were the only options for replacing a missing tooth. Both can still work well for the right patient, but neither replaces the tooth root, which means the jawbone underneath the gap continues to change over time. A dental implant is different: a small titanium (or ceramic) post is placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial root, and a custom crown is attached on top once the implant has healed in place.
Because the implant fuses with the bone rather than resting on top of it, it holds still while you eat, speak, and smile, and it does not rely on the neighboring teeth for support the way a traditional bridge does.
Why Patients Choose Dental Implants
Patients weighing their tooth replacement options tend to land on implants for a consistent set of reasons:
Dental Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures
Every tooth replacement option has a place, and your dentist can help you weigh them against your specific situation. In broad terms, here is how implants compare to the two traditional alternatives:
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process
Every treatment plan is personalized, but most dental implant cases move through the same general stages:
These figures reflect general research and typical timelines, not a guarantee for any individual case. A long-term cohort study following more than 10,000 implants for up to 22 years, published through the National Institutes of Health, found survival rates of about 98% at five years and roughly 94% at fifteen years among patients who kept up with routine hygiene and dental visits.
Missing a Tooth for a While? Timing Still Matters
If you have lived with a gap for months or years, you may wonder whether it is too late to consider an implant. In most cases, it is not, but waiting does change what treatment looks like. Once a tooth is gone, the jawbone underneath no longer gets the stimulation it needs from chewing, and the bone can gradually thin out. Neighboring teeth may also drift into the open space, and gum tissue can recede.
None of this rules out an implant. It often means your dentist may recommend a bone graft first, to rebuild a stable base before the implant post is placed. If you want a faster path back to a complete smile in select cases, ask your dentist whether an immediate load implant could apply to your situation, and read more about when a bone graft is necessary before an implant so you know what to expect at your consultation.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
A consultation is the only way to know for certain, but in general terms, candidacy for a dental implant depends on a few factors:
Caring for Your New Dental Implant
Once your implant is fully restored, day-to-day care looks a lot like caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss around the implant just as you would a natural tooth, and use an antibacterial mouthwash if your dentist recommends one. Routine exams and cleanings let your dental team check that the implant, the surrounding gum tissue, and your bite are all holding up the way they should. For a closer look at daily habits and warning signs to watch for, see our guide on how to care for your dental implants.
Dr. Birch and our team have helped patients throughout Green River restore missing teeth for years, combining hands-on experience with the technology needed to plan each implant case carefully. If you are ready to talk through your options, whether that means a single implant, a bone graft first, or a broader restoration, we can walk you through what to expect at every stage.
There is no need to wait for a particular season to get started. Reach out to our team to schedule a consultation and find out whether a dental implant can help you complete your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How long does it take to get a dental implant from start to finish?
Most implant cases take about three to six months from placement to the final crown, though the exact timeline depends on healing and whether a bone graft is needed first. Your dentist will map out a schedule specific to your case during your consultation.
Is it too late to get a dental implant if I have been missing a tooth for years?
In most cases, no. Long-term tooth loss can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, or gum recession, but a bone graft can often rebuild a stable base for an implant. A consultation and imaging can show your dentist what your jaw and gums need.
Are dental implants better than a bridge or a denture?
Each option can be right depending on your bone health, budget, and preferences. Implants tend to stand out because they replace the tooth root, help preserve jawbone, and do not require reshaping neighboring teeth the way a bridge often does.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Implant placement is done under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious. Most people report mild soreness for a few days afterward, which is generally manageable with the aftercare plan your dentist provides.
What does a dental implant cost?
Cost depends on how many teeth are being replaced, the type of restoration, and whether additional procedures such as a bone graft are needed. Our team provides a personalized estimate during your consultation, and general pricing details are outlined on our dental implants page.
About the Author
Practice Owner, Birch Family Dental
Dr. Bryant Birch is a Green River, Wyoming native who earned his dental degree from Creighton University and has led Birch Family Dental since 2011. He has modernized the practice with technologies such as CEREC same-day crowns and cone beam CT imaging, and he works closely with patients to plan tooth replacement options, including dental implants, that fit their long-term oral health.
