audit_keyword: dental implants hub
Dental Implants — Permanent Tooth Replacement That Looks and Feels Real
What Are Dental Implants and Why Do Patients in Hillsboro Choose Them?
Dental implants are titanium tooth-root replacements that fuse with the jawbone and support a permanent crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis. At our Dental Implants Hub in Hillsboro, we use 3D treatment planning software, guided implant placement systems, and digital impression technology so each restoration blends with your natural teeth. Implants serve as a stable foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth and are designed to last decades with proper care.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts (grade 4 or grade 5 alloy, about 3.5-5mm in diameter and 8-13mm long) surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line. The International Congress of Oral Implantologists considers implants the standard of care for tooth replacement when bone volume and patient health allow, with documented long-term success rates above 95%. Unlike dentures, implants won’t slip or shift, and the fusion with jawbone (osseointegration) keeps the bone from resorbing the way it does after a tooth is lost. Most Hillsboro patients are surprised at how small the post actually is — about the size of a small wood screw.
The Anatomy of Dental Implants
A dental implant has three parts:
- Implant body — The titanium post placed in your jawbone. We use Straumann and Nobel Biocare almost exclusively; both have 30+ years of clinical longevity data.
- Abutment — The connector that screws into the implant and projects through the gum. Usually titanium; sometimes zirconia for upper front teeth where gum tissue is thin enough that gray show-through matters.
- Crown — The visible tooth on top. Most of ours are IPS e.max porcelain (single-tooth) or layered zirconia (back teeth where bite forces are higher).
- Carestream CBCT (cone beam CT): 3D bone-density imaging at sub-millimeter resolution. Maps nerve channels, sinus floor, and exact bone volume — the planning basis for every case. Radiation dose is roughly 1/10th of a medical CT.
- CBCT-guided surgical planning software: We design the implant position virtually before surgery and 3D-print a surgical guide for cases where positioning is critical (front teeth, narrow ridges).
- iTero digital impression scanner: Replaces traditional gooey impression trays for the final crown stage. Scan-to-lab is faster and the fit is consistently better.
- Straumann and Nobel Biocare implants: Two of the longest-track-record systems globally. Both have 30+ years of peer-reviewed survival data.
- Intel Ronler Acres: ~7 minutes via Cornell Road
- Intel Jones Farm: ~10 minutes
- Streets of Tanasbourne / Orenco Station: ~6 minutes via Cornell or 231st
- Aloha (TV Highway): ~12 minutes
- Beaverton (Cedar Hills area): ~15 minutes
- Cornelius / Forest Grove: ~20-25 minutes via Hwy 8
- All-on-4 Process Step by Step: What to Expect — Consultation, surgery day, temporary teeth, and final restoration timeline
- All-on-4 Recovery Day by Day in Hillsboro — What to eat, when swelling peaks, and post-op care instructions for the first two weeks
- Multiple Tooth Implant Options: Bridges, Individual Implants, and All-on-4 — Choosing the right approach when replacing 2 or more missing teeth
- Full Mouth Reconstruction Cost: What You'll Actually Pay — Implant-supported full-arch vs. traditional dentures cost breakdown with financing options
- How Long Do Dental Implants Take? Timeline from Consultation to Final Restoration — Total treatment time by case complexity: single tooth, multiple teeth, and full-arch implants
- What Happens at a Dental Implant Consultation? — CT scan, bone assessment, treatment planning, and cost estimate breakdown
- Dental Implants — Comprehensive dental implants overview
- Single-Tooth Implant — Single tooth replacement
- Multiple-Tooth Implants — Multiple-tooth implant bridges
- Implant-Supported Dentures — Implant-supported denture
- All-on-4 Dental Implants — All-on-4 full-arch restoration
- Dental Implant Cost in Hillsboro — Cost and financing options
Call (503) 614-0198 to schedule a free consultation at our Hillsboro office on Shaleen Street. The visit includes a 3D CBCT scan, a written treatment plan, and an itemized cost estimate before you commit to anything.
The Implant Procedure — Step by Step
A complete implant case has three clinical phases over 4-9 months. Here’s what each one looks like in our Hillsboro office.
Phase 1: Consultation and 3D Planning (60-90 minutes)
Dr. Ostovar, Dr. Gvozden, or Dr. Youngblood does a clinical exam, takes a Carestream CBCT scan (3D bone-density mapping in sub-millimeter resolution), and reviews your medical history and current medications. We project the CBCT on the chairside monitor and walk through your bone height, width, sinus position, and nerve channels in front of you. You leave with a written treatment plan, an itemized cost estimate, and an honest answer on whether grafting is needed first. The consultation is free.
Phase 2: Surgical Placement (1-2 hours)
You’re numb under local anesthesia. If you want to be sedated, we offer nitrous oxide (laughs gas; recover in 5 minutes), oral sedation (a triazolam pill 30 minutes before; you remember little), or IV sedation handled by Dr. Gvozden’s surgical training. Dr. Gvozden makes a small gum-tissue flap, drills a precise channel using a CBCT-guided surgical guide, threads the titanium post into the bone, and sutures the gum back. Most placements are 30-60 minutes per implant. You go home with detailed post-op instructions and a direct line to the office for any concerns in the first week.
Phase 3: Osseointegration and Final Crown (3-6 months)
The implant needs 3-6 months to fuse to your bone (osseointegration). During this time you wear a temporary crown or flipper if it’s a visible front tooth — back teeth often heal under the gum without anything visible. We see you at 1 week (suture check), 1 month, and 3 months to confirm healing. Once integration is verified, Dr. Ostovar takes a digital impression with our iTero scanner, the lab fabricates your final crown over 1-2 weeks, and we seat it at a 30-minute appointment. After that, you brush and floss it like a natural tooth.
Why Implants Beat Bridges and Dentures Long-Term
Three honest reasons most patients we see choose implants over the alternatives:
Implants don’t grind down healthy neighbors
A traditional 3-unit bridge requires us to file down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to anchor the bridge. Those teeth then carry the bite force for both themselves and the missing tooth — and they’re more vulnerable to decay and root issues over time. An implant stands alone. Your healthy neighbors stay untouched.
Implants preserve your jawbone
The instant a tooth comes out, the bone underneath starts shrinking — about 25% of bone width in the first year. Bridges and dentures don’t stop this; only an implant root replaces the chewing stimulus the bone needs to stay healthy. Patients from Beaverton, Aloha, and Tanasbourne who waited 10+ years between extraction and implant almost always need a bone graft first. Patients who place an implant within the first year usually don’t.
Implants outlast the alternatives
A standard bridge typically needs replacement at year 7-15. A removable denture is relined every 1-2 years and remade every 5-7. A properly placed implant: 20+ years for the post (often lifetime), 15-25 years for the crown. Compare 30-year total cost — implants come out cheaper for most patients despite the higher day-one fee.
All-on-4 vs. All-on-X: Full-Arch Implant Solutions
For patients missing all or most teeth in one arch, full-arch implant-supported prosthetics offer a fixed, permanent alternative to traditional dentures. The two most common approaches are All-on-4® and All-on-X.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
The All-on-4 protocol uses four strategically placed dental implants to support a full-arch prosthetic bridge. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw — where bone density is typically highest — and two are angled at 30–45 degrees toward the back to maximize contact with available bone. This technique often eliminates the need for bone grafting and allows for immediate temporary teeth on the day of surgery.
All-on-X Dental Implants
All-on-X is a broader term referring to full-arch restorations supported by any number of implants — typically 4, 5, or 6 — depending on bone quality, jaw anatomy, and patient-specific factors. Patients with higher bone density or specific anatomical considerations may benefit from 5 or 6 implants for added long-term stability.
Dr. Ostovar evaluates each full-arch case using 3D CBCT imaging to determine the optimal implant count and angulation. Both All-on-4 and All-on-X approaches can deliver fixed, non-removable teeth in a single day for eligible candidates.
Dr. Ostovar: “When patients ask me whether they need All-on-4 or All-on-X, my answer is always: it depends on your bone. The implant count is a clinical decision, not a brand decision. We use CBCT imaging to look at bone height, width, and density before recommending anything.” — Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD
Cost: Full-arch implant solutions range from $20,000–$30,000 per arch, depending on the number of implants, materials, and case complexity. Financing is available through CareCredit (0% interest) and Cherry Health. Call (503) 614-0198 for a consultation and personalized estimate.
Technology and Three-Doctor Surgical Team
What we use for every implant case
Three-doctor model
Dr. Jovan Gvozden, our oral surgeon, places the implants. He trained at Tufts and has 30+ years of surgical experience — bone grafting, sinus lifts, complex extractions, and implant placement are his daily work. Dr. Merat Ostovar (FAGD, 19+ years on Shaleen Street) plans the case and handles the restorative work — abutment seating, crown design, and bite calibration. The two coordinate in person, in the same office, with the same chart open. Most Hillsboro patients tell us this surprised them — fewer appointments, no chasing referrals between offices, one practice accountable from start to finish.
What Patients Worry About — and What’s Actually True
“Will it hurt?”
During placement, no — you’re fully numb under local. If you want to be sedated, we offer three levels (nitrous, oral, IV). After the surgery, expect 3-5 days of pressure soreness controlled by 600mg ibuprofen every 6 hours plus ice. Most patients are surprised it’s milder than they expected — closer to a tooth extraction than a root canal.
“Are implants high-maintenance?”
No. You brush twice a day with a soft-bristle brush, floss daily (or use a water flosser around the implant base), and come in for cleanings every 6 months — same routine as natural teeth. The one extra: we take a periapical radiograph annually to monitor bone level around the implant. Catching peri-implantitis early is the single biggest factor in long-term success.
“What if I’m too old?”
Age alone isn’t a contraindication. We’ve placed implants for patients in their 80s with excellent outcomes. What matters is bone density, gum health, controlled medical conditions, and medication review (particularly IV bisphosphonates and recent head/neck radiation, which need careful planning). Healthy 75-year-olds heal nearly as well as 45-year-olds.
Serving the Hillsboro Area
We see implant patients from across Washington County. Driving times to our office at 7546 NE Shaleen St:
Intel and Nike employees often book lunch-hour consults — we keep midday Tuesday and Thursday slots open for the Cornell-corridor crowd. Spanish-speaking staff on site for Cornelius and Aloha patients. Call (503) 614-0198 to schedule.
From Our Dental Library
Learn more about dental implants with these in-depth guides from our Hillsboro dental blog:
Related Services at East Wind Dental Care
Areas We Serve
East Wind Dental Care welcomes patients from across Washington County and the west Portland metro area: Hillsboro, Orenco Station, Tanasbourne, Aloha, Beaverton, South Hillsboro, Rock Creek, AmberGlen, Cornelius, Forest Grove, North Plains, and Banks.
Frequently Asked Questions — Dental Implants Hillsboro
What is the success rate of dental implants in Oregon?
Properly placed implants have a documented 95-98% success rate at 10 years. Across our Hillsboro practice on Shaleen Street, our outcomes track with that range — our internal records on Straumann and Nobel Biocare cases align with the published peer-reviewed survival data. The biggest variables that move that number: smoking (drops success to ~85%), uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c above 8 is a real risk), and skipped 6-month maintenance visits. We CBCT-plan every case in advance and review annual radiographs to catch peri-implantitis early.
Are titanium or zirconia implants better?
Titanium is still the workhorse — what we use for ~95% of our Hillsboro cases. Grade 4 and grade 5 titanium has 50+ years of clinical longevity data and the highest documented success rate. Zirconia (ceramic) implants are metal-free — they appeal to patients with metal sensitivity concerns or those who want zero gray show-through under thin gum tissue at front teeth. Zirconia trade-offs: single-piece design (less restorative flexibility), shorter long-term data (15-20 years vs. titanium’s 50+). For an aesthetic upper front tooth in a thin biotype, we’ll discuss zirconia. For molars, titanium every time.
What is the typical bone graft cost before an implant?
At our Hillsboro office, a single-site bone graft runs $500-$2,000 depending on the size of the defect and graft material. Socket preservation graft right after extraction (small, immediate) is on the lower end. Ridge augmentation for an old extraction site that has resorbed is mid-range. Sinus lift for the upper back teeth runs $1,500-$3,000. Dr. Gvozden does all of these in-house. Most insurance plans cover 50% of medically necessary grafting after deductible. See our bone grafting page for the full cost-and-timeline breakdown.
Can you get a dental implant years after extraction?
Yes — we do this regularly. The catch: jawbone resorbs (shrinks) starting the first month after a tooth comes out, and after 5-10 years there’s often not enough bone height or width left for a standard implant without grafting first. Most patients who come to us 10+ years post-extraction need a bone graft (3-4 month healing window) before we can place. The CBCT scan at your free consultation tells us exactly how much bone you have. We’ve placed implants for patients 30+ years post-extraction.
Do all dentists place implants or only specialists?
Both. General dentists with implant training can place straightforward cases; oral surgeons or periodontists are typically referred to for complex surgical cases (severe bone loss, sinus proximity, ridge augmentation). At East Wind, our three-doctor model handles both: Dr. Gvozden is Tufts-trained in oral surgery (30+ years) and handles every surgical placement; Dr. Ostovar (FAGD) plans the case and does the restorative work. Most patients tell us the surprise is fewer appointments and one office accountable end-to-end.
What is the difference between implants, bridges, and dentures?
Implants are titanium roots fused into your jawbone supporting permanent crowns — they preserve bone, last 20+ years, don’t touch adjacent teeth. Bridges are crowns connected to two adjacent teeth — they require grinding those healthy neighbors down for support. Dentures rest on gums (or snap onto implants) and are removable. Cost: implant ($3,500-$5,500), bridge ($2,500-$4,500), denture ($1,500-$3,500). Lifespan: implant 20+ years, bridge 7-15 years, denture 5-10 years. Bridges remain the right answer when adjacent teeth already need crowns anyway.
How do I prepare for dental implant surgery?
A few practical things. If you smoke, quit at least 2 weeks before — smoking is the #1 modifiable risk factor for implant failure. Eat a normal meal beforehand unless you’re doing IV sedation (then nothing 8 hours prior). Arrange a ride home if sedated. Stock soft foods at home for the first 5 days. Pick up 600mg ibuprofen and have ice packs ready. Most Hillsboro patients schedule placement on a Thursday so they have the weekend to recover before returning to Intel or Nike on Monday.
What payment plans are available for dental implants in Oregon?
We work with three main lenders: CareCredit (0% interest for 6, 12, or 24 months), Cherry Health (soft credit check, up to 60 months), and Sunbit (instant approval, 6-72 months). For full-arch All-on-4, monthly payments typically land $400-$700 over 36-60 months. We also accept HSA and FSA cards — many Intel and Nike employees use HSA dollars. Our VIP Membership Plan ($299/year) takes 15% off the case price first, then financing applies to the discounted balance.
How many implants do I need for a full arch?
Depends on bone, prosthesis type, and bite forces. For a fixed full-arch prosthesis (like All-on-4): 4 implants for most cases; 5-6 for heavier bite forces or larger arches. For a removable snap-in overdenture, 2-4 per arch usually does it. Dr. Gvozden uses CBCT bone-density mapping to recommend the right count — clinical decision based on your jaw, not a sales decision based on what costs more. See our All-on-4 page for the full-arch breakdown.
When can I eat normally after a dental implant is placed?
Soft foods only for the first 5-7 days — yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies, well-cooked pasta. By week 2 you can add tender chicken and soft bread. By week 4 most patients are back to ~80% of normal diet, avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy foods directly on the implant site. The implant needs 3-6 months of osseointegration before it can take full chewing forces. Once the final crown is on at month 4-6, you eat normally — including steak, apples, and corn on the cob.
Ready for your consultation?
Call our Hillsboro office at (503) 614-0198 or schedule online.
Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD | East Wind Dental Care, Hillsboro, OR | Book a Consultation
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