Dental Implants in Hillsboro — Permanent Teeth That Look and Feel Like Your Own

audit_keyword: dental implants hillsboro

Dental Implants in Hillsboro — Permanent Teeth That Look and Feel Like Your Own

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once healed, a custom porcelain crown is attached on top — creating a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Unlike dentures that rest on gums or bridges that depend on neighboring teeth for support, implants stand on their own and are designed to last decades.

Three experienced doctors — Dr. Ostovar (FAGD), Dr. Gvozden (Tufts-trained, 30+ years oral surgery experience), and Dr. Youngblood (OHSU DMD) — all place dental implants at our Hillsboro office. From a single missing tooth to full-arch All-on-4 reconstruction, the entire workflow happens under one roof. Our in-house 3D CBCT imaging, experienced surgical team, and collaborative treatment planning mean most patients complete their entire implant journey without outside referrals.

How Dental Implants Work

A dental implant consists of three components:

1. The implant post — A small titanium screw (about 3.5–5mm in diameter) that is placed into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning your bone accepts it and fuses around it naturally.
2. The abutment — A connector piece that attaches to the top of the implant post after it has healed. The abutment extends just above the gum line and serves as the attachment point for your crown.
3. The crown — A custom porcelain tooth designed to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. This is the visible part — what people see when you smile. We can fabricate crowns using our CEREC same-day crown system or through our dental lab for complex cosmetic cases.

Osseointegration — Why Implants Are Permanent

After the implant post is placed, a biological process called osseointegration begins. Over three to six months, your jawbone cells grow into the microscopic pores and ridges on the titanium surface, creating a direct bone-to-metal bond. This is the foundation of implant success — the American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that properly osseointegrated implants commonly last 25 years or longer, withstanding normal biting forces just like a natural tooth root.

This is also what makes implants superior to other tooth replacement options for long-term health: because the implant stimulates the jawbone during chewing, it prevents the bone resorption (shrinkage) that naturally occurs when a tooth root is missing. The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) — with over 25,000 member clinicians worldwide — reports clinical success rates exceeding 95% at 10 years for titanium implants placed by trained clinicians following proper protocols.

Types of Dental Implants We Place

Single-Tooth Implant

If you are missing one tooth — whether from an injury, decay, or extraction — a single implant replaces it without affecting adjacent teeth. Unlike a traditional dental bridge, which requires grinding down the two teeth on either side to support a three-unit restoration, a single implant stands independently.

Best for: One missing tooth with adequate surrounding bone.

Multiple-Tooth Implants

If two or more adjacent teeth are missing, implant-supported bridges replace the entire span. Typically, two implants support a bridge of three to four teeth — so you do not need an individual implant for every missing tooth.

Best for: A section of missing teeth (2–4 adjacent teeth).

All-on-4 / All-on-6 Full-Arch Implants

For patients missing all or most teeth in an arch, All-on-4 dental implants replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth with a fixed, non-removable prosthesis supported by four to six strategically placed implants. In many cases, temporary teeth are placed the same day as surgery.

Best for: Full arch of missing or failing teeth, patients unhappy with dentures.

Implant-Supported Dentures

An alternative to full-arch fixed teeth, implant-supported dentures use two to four implants to snap a removable denture into place. The denture is far more stable than a traditional one — no adhesive, no slipping — but can be removed for cleaning.

Best for: Patients who want improved denture stability at a lower cost than All-on-4.

The Implant Process at East Wind Dental Care

Step 1: Consultation and 3D Planning

Your implant journey starts with a thorough consultation. Dr. Ostovar, Dr. Gvozden, or Dr. Youngblood will:

• Take a 3D CBCT scan of your jaw — revealing bone density, nerve pathways, sinus position, and the exact dimensions available for implant placement
• Perform a clinical exam of your teeth, gums, and bite
• Review your medical history and medications
• Discuss your goals and answer every question
• Present a detailed treatment plan with cost estimate and insurance breakdown

This appointment takes about 60–90 minutes. There is no charge for the implant consultation.

Step 2: Preparatory Procedures (If Needed)

Some patients need preparatory work before implants can be placed:

• Tooth extraction — If the damaged tooth is still present, it will be removed. In some cases, the implant can be placed immediately after extraction (immediate implant placement).
• Bone grafting — If the jawbone has lost volume due to prolonged tooth loss, a bone graft rebuilds the site. Healing typically takes three to four months before implant placement.
• Sinus lift — For upper back teeth, the sinus cavity sometimes sits too low for implant placement. A sinus lift raises the sinus membrane and adds bone material underneath.
• Gum disease treatment — Active periodontal disease must be controlled before implant surgery to reduce the risk of infection and implant failure.

Not every patient needs these steps. Many patients have enough bone and gum health to proceed directly to implant placement.

Step 3: Implant Placement Surgery

Implant surgery is performed under local anesthesia. Sedation options (nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation) are available for patients who want deeper relaxation.

The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes per implant:

1. A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone
2. A precise series of drills creates a channel in the bone at the planned angle and depth
3. The titanium implant post is threaded into the channel
4. A healing cap or cover screw is placed on top
5. The gum tissue is sutured over or around the implant

Most patients describe the discomfort as less than they expected — similar to a tooth extraction. Post-operative soreness is managed with prescribed medication and typically subsides within three to five days.

Step 4: Healing and Osseointegration (3–6 Months)

During the healing period, you follow a modified diet for the first two weeks (soft foods), then gradually return to normal eating. We monitor your progress with check-in appointments at one week, one month, and three months.

If you had a front tooth extracted, a temporary flipper or bonded temporary tooth maintains your appearance during healing.

Step 5: Abutment and Crown Placement

Once the implant has fully integrated:

1. A small incision exposes the top of the implant (if it was buried under the gum)
2. The healing cap is removed and replaced with the permanent abutment
3. After the gum tissue heals around the abutment (one to two weeks), impressions or digital scans are taken
4. A custom porcelain crown is fabricated and permanently cemented or screwed onto the abutment
5. Your bite is verified and the crown is polished

You now have a permanent replacement tooth. Brush and floss it like any other tooth.

Dental Implant Cost in Hillsboro

For full cost breakdowns, insurance details, and financing options, visit our dedicated dental implant cost page. Here is a summary:

| Treatment | Typical Cost |
|—|—|
| Single implant + crown | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Implant-supported bridge (2 implants + 3–4 teeth) | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| All-on-4 full arch | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Implant-supported overdenture | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Bone graft (if needed) | $500 – $2,500 |

We accept most dental and medical insurance plans. VIP Membership Plan members receive 15% off all fees. CareCredit (0% for up to 24 months), Sunbit, and Cherry Health financing are available.

Why Choose East Wind Dental Care for Implants

Three Experienced Implant Doctors

Dr. Ostovar holds the FAGD credential — a distinction earned by only 7% of general dentists — and has placed hundreds of implants over his 15+ year career. Dr. Gvozden brings over 30 years of surgical experience with advanced oral surgery training from Tufts University, specializing in complex extractions, bone grafting, and surgical implant placement. Dr. Youngblood (OHSU DMD) places implants alongside the rest of his general and restorative caseload. Together, the three doctors handle cases that many general practices would refer to outside specialists.

In-House 3D CBCT Imaging

Every implant case at our office starts with a 3D CBCT scan — not a simple panoramic X-ray. This technology maps bone density in three dimensions, revealing nerve pathways, sinus proximity, and the optimal implant position with sub-millimeter precision. The result is safer surgery and more predictable outcomes.

Everything Under One Roof

Consultation, 3D imaging, bone grafting, extraction, implant placement, and crown fabrication — it all happens at our Hillsboro office. No referrals to outside surgeons, no coordinating between multiple offices, no repeating your medical history.

CEREC Same-Day Crowns for Implants

Once your implant is healed, Dr. Ostovar can design and mill your permanent implant crown using our CEREC system — often completing the restoration in a single appointment.

Get Your Smile Back — Permanently

Free implant consultation includes 3D CBCT scan and personalized treatment plan. Call (503) 614-0198.

Book Your Free Consultation

Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options

| Factor | Dental Implant | Dental Bridge | Removable Denture |
|—|—|—|—|
| Lifespan | 20+ years (often lifetime) | 7–15 years | 5–10 years |
| Adjacent teeth affected | None | Two teeth ground down | Clasps may wear adjacent teeth |
| Bone preservation | Yes — implant stimulates bone | No — bone resorbs under pontic | No — bone resorbs under denture |
| Chewing function | Near-natural | Good | Reduced 60–80% |
| Maintenance | Brush and floss normally | Floss threader under bridge | Remove and clean nightly |
| Adhesive needed | No | No | Often yes |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Moderate | Lowest upfront |

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for implants. Dr. Ostovar evaluates the following factors:

• Bone density — Adequate bone is needed to support the implant. If bone has resorbed, grafting can rebuild it.
• Gum health — Active gum disease must be treated first to prevent infection around the implant.
• Overall health — Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and certain medications (bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants) may affect healing. These do not automatically disqualify you — they require careful evaluation.
• Smoking — Smoking significantly increases implant failure rates. We strongly encourage patients to quit at least two weeks before surgery.
• Age — Implants are appropriate for adults of all ages. There is no upper age limit. We regularly place implants for patients in their 70s and 80s.

If implants are not suitable for your situation, Dr. Ostovar will recommend the best alternative — whether that is a bridge, a partial denture, or an implant-supported overdenture.

More Resources

For a deeper look at every related topic in this category, visit our Dental Implants Hub — explore detailed implant treatment options.

Academy & Clinical Resources

Visit our East Wind Academy for in-depth clinical reference content:

• Academy: All On 4 Costs — Detailed cost breakdown for All-on-4
• Academy: Dental Implant Costs — Implant cost reference for clinicians and patients
• Academy: Case Library — Treated implant cases — before/after

What Patients Say

★★★★★

Rated 4.9 / 5 across 300+ Google reviews — read what Hillsboro patients say about dental implants.

Read all 300+ reviews on Google →

Related Services at East Wind Dental Care

• Single-Tooth Implant — Replacing one missing tooth with a single titanium implant and porcelain crown
• Multiple-Tooth Implants — Implant-supported bridges for two or more adjacent missing teeth
• Implant-Supported Dentures — Removable dentures stabilized by two to four implants
• All-on-4 Dental Implants — Full-arch teeth replacement on four implants — often same-day temporary teeth
• Bone Grafting & Sinus Lift — Rebuilding bone volume so an implant can be placed safely
• Dental Implant Cost in Hillsboro — Detailed pricing, insurance breakdown, and financing options

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

How much does a dental implant cost in Oregon?

Across Oregon, a single tooth implant with abutment and crown runs roughly $3,500-$6,500 as of 2026. At our Hillsboro office on Shaleen Street, the all-in fee lands at $3,500-$5,500 — that’s the titanium post, the abutment connector, and the final porcelain crown. Bone grafting (if your CBCT shows you need it) adds $500-$2,000. Sinus lift, if the upper back tooth site is involved, adds $1,500-$3,000. We give you a written itemized estimate after the free CBCT scan. See our full cost page for line-item breakdowns.

Are dental implants covered by insurance in Oregon?

Most Oregon dental plans cover implants partially as a major procedure — typically 50% after deductible, capped by your annual maximum (commonly $1,500-$2,000). Delta Dental, MODA, Cigna, Regence, and Pacific Source all have implant benefits, but the language varies plan to plan. We verify your specific benefits in writing before treatment so you know your real out-of-pocket. If you don’t have insurance, our VIP Membership Plan ($299/year) gives you 15% off the full case — on a $5,000 implant that’s $750 in savings.

Why are dental implants so expensive?

The honest breakdown: the titanium post itself is roughly $300-$500 wholesale, but it’s surrounded by costs you don’t see — 3D CBCT scan and surgical planning software, the surgical guide, sterile single-use surgical kits, the abutment, the lab-fabricated porcelain crown, and 6-9 months of clinical chair time across multiple visits. Add a Tufts-trained surgeon and a restorative dentist working as a three-doctor team and you’re paying for a procedure with a 95-98% 10-year success rate. A bridge is cheaper upfront ($2,500-$4,500), but it grinds down two adjacent teeth and usually needs replacement at year 7-15. Over 20 years, the implant is often the cheaper path.

Does Medicare cover dental implants in Oregon?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover routine dental implants — that’s been the policy since Medicare started. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include limited dental benefits that may pay $500-$2,000 toward an implant case. Oregon Health Plan (OHP) covers extractions and dentures for adults but does not cover implant placement. If you’re on Medicare and need implants, your real options are Medicare Advantage with a dental rider, CareCredit financing (0% for up to 24 months), our VIP Membership Plan, or paying in stages as we phase the treatment over months.

What is the cheapest type of dental implant?

If you’re missing a single tooth and have adequate bone, a standard endosteal titanium implant (the type we place 95% of the time) is your most cost-effective option at $3,500-$5,500 all-in. Mini implants are smaller-diameter posts at $500-$1,500 each, but they’re typically used to stabilize a lower denture rather than replace a single tooth — long-term durability for chewing molars is lower. Be cautious about offshore implant tourism quotes — implant brands vary, follow-up care if something goes wrong is hard to coordinate, and we end up redoing failed cases more often than you’d expect.

Do dental implants last forever?

The titanium post itself, once it has fully osseointegrated with your jawbone, often lasts the rest of your life — we have implants placed in 2007 still functioning today. The porcelain crown on top is the wear part: it typically lasts 15-25 years before normal chewing wear or a chip means we replace just the crown (not the whole implant). Long-term failure is uncommon (under 5% at 10 years) but causes include peri-implantitis, heavy unrelieved grinding, and uncontrolled diabetes. Daily flossing or water flosser around the implant matters more than around natural teeth.

How long does the full dental implant process take in Hillsboro?

Plan on 4-9 months from your first consultation to the final crown going on. The breakdown: free consultation with CBCT scan (60-90 minutes); implant placement surgery (1-2 hours); 3-6 months of osseointegration while bone fuses to titanium; then 2 short visits to take impressions and seat the final crown. If you need a bone graft first, add another 3-4 months. Some patients qualify for immediate implant placement at the same visit as extraction — this shortens the timeline by 2-3 months. Dr. Ostovar reviews your CBCT in front of you and gives you the realistic timeline at the consultation.

Can dental implants fail and what causes it?

Yes, implants can fail — but the rate is low (3-5% over 10 years when properly placed and maintained). Early failure (first 6 months) usually means the implant didn’t osseointegrate, often due to infection at placement, heavy smoking during healing, or uncontrolled diabetes affecting bone turnover. Late failure (after the crown is on) is usually peri-implantitis — bone loss from chronic plaque buildup around the implant base. Heavy nighttime grinding without a guard can also crack a crown or loosen the abutment screw. A failed implant site can usually be regrafted and re-implanted after 3-4 months. We follow every implant patient with annual radiographs to catch peri-implantitis before it becomes terminal.

What are dental implants made of?

The implant post is medical-grade titanium (grade 4 or grade 5 alloy) — the same biocompatible material used in orthopedic hip and knee replacements. Titanium has a unique property: bone cells grow directly onto its oxide surface, creating the bone-to-metal lock called osseointegration. We use Straumann and Nobel Biocare implants almost exclusively at our Hillsboro office — both are Swiss/Swedish-engineered with 30+ years of clinical longevity data. The abutment connector is also titanium or sometimes zirconia for front teeth where the gum is thin. The crown on top is usually IPS e.max porcelain or layered zirconia.

Is the dental implant procedure painful?

Honestly, most patients tell us it was easier than they expected — closer to a tooth extraction than to a root canal. During placement you’re fully numb with local anesthetic; if you want to be relaxed, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation handled by Dr. Gvozden’s surgical training. The first 48 hours after surgery you’ll feel pressure soreness manageable with 600mg ibuprofen every 6 hours plus ice packs. Most Hillsboro patients are back to desk work the next day and back to soft-food normal by day 5. The biggest surprise isn’t pain — it’s how unremarkable the recovery feels compared to what they imagined.

Schedule Your Free Implant Consultation

Office Location: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 614-0198

Your Permanent Smile Starts Here

Free consultation includes 3D CBCT scan, personalized treatment plan, and cost estimate. Call (503) 614-0198.

Request Your Free Implant Consultation

From Our Dental Library

Explore related articles from our dental education blog:

• Dental Implant Cost Guide: What to Expect in Hillsboro
• Dental Implant Recovery: Timeline and What to Expect
• How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
• Can Dental Implants Fail? Causes and Prevention
• What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD | East Wind Dental Care, Hillsboro, OR | Last medically reviewed: 2026-05-05 | Book a consultation

> Dr. Ostovar leads East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro, which has served the community since 2006. He holds Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a credential earned by fewer than 7% of general dentists. Implant surgery at East Wind is performed by Dr. Jovan Gvozden, DMD — Tufts-trained, with 30+ years of oral surgery experience.

Written by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD

Doctor of Dental Medicine | 15+ Years Experience

Last updated: May 14, 2026