Dental Implants in Wenatchee, WA
A missing tooth does more than change the look of your smile. Over time, the jawbone beneath the gap begins to shrink because it is no longer stimulated by a tooth root — a process that can affect surrounding teeth, your bite, and even your facial structure. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth loss is one of the most common oral health concerns in adults, and the consequences compound when it goes unaddressed. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that restores both the visible tooth and the root beneath it — stopping bone loss at the source.
At Wenatchee Dental Arts, Dr. John Divis, DDS, and Dr. Riley Savage, DMD, place implants as part of a comprehensive approach to dental care. Neither physician markets themselves as an implant-only provider — what they bring is extensive continuing education in implant dentistry combined with 3D imaging technology, real-time lab collaboration, and full in-house capability from consultation through final restoration. If you are missing one tooth or several, we will take the time to evaluate your situation thoroughly and walk you through every option available to you.
Why Dental Implants Are Different From Other Tooth Replacement Options
When a tooth is lost, you have three main options for replacing it. Each works differently, preserves your oral health differently, and requires different levels of long-term care. Understanding the differences makes it easier to have a productive conversation with Dr. Divis or Dr. Savage about which approach fits your situation.
Implant Options We Provide
Our practice offers a broad range of implant-supported restorations. We can help you replace everything from a single lost tooth to an entire arch. Every treatment plan is built around your specific anatomy and goals — there is no one-size-fits-all protocol here.
We use zirconia and other advanced materials for all restorations — chosen because they replicate the appearance of natural teeth and hold up exceptionally well under normal bite forces. Learn more about our restorative options on the Restorations page.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults in good general health who are missing one or more teeth can be candidates for implants. The most important factors are adequate jawbone density to support the implant and healthy gum tissue. A thorough evaluation at Wenatchee Dental Arts will tell you exactly where you stand.
Advanced Technology for Precise Implant Placement
Wenatchee Dental Arts uses Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) — the same type of 3D imaging technology used by dental surgery practices — to plan every implant procedure. The i-CAT 3D imaging system produces detailed images of your teeth, jaw, nerves, blood vessels, and sinuses with far less radiation than a medical CT scan.
Before any implant is placed, Dr. Divis uses this digital data to map the ideal position and angle for each implant, perform a virtual mock placement, and create a surgical guide for use during the actual procedure. This level of pre-surgical planning makes the process more predictable, reduces chair time, and significantly lowers the risk of complications. The results are more precise and the recovery is more straightforward.
What the Implant Process Looks Like
Implant treatment happens in stages over several months. The exact timeline depends on whether preparatory work (such as an extraction or bone graft) is needed, and how quickly osseointegration — the process of the implant fusing with your jawbone — takes place in your case.
Sedation Is Available for Implant Treatment
For patients who feel anxious about surgical procedures, we offer oral and IV sedation dentistry administered by Dr. Divis, who has completed more than 80 hours of additional training in sedation and has performed over 1,000 sedation cases since 1999. He holds a Washington State permit for moderate IV anesthesia — meaning you can receive comprehensive implant treatment from placement to restoration without ever leaving the comfort of this practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last?
The titanium implant post is designed to be a lifetime solution. With proper care, studies show over 90% of implants are still functioning well after 20 or more years. The crown or restoration attached to the implant may eventually need replacement due to normal wear, typically after 10 to 15 years or longer, depending on the material used and how well it is maintained.
Does getting an implant hurt?
The placement procedure is performed with local anesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the surgery. For patients who want additional comfort, sedation options are available. Post-operative soreness is normal for a few days and is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is.
Does dental benefits coverage apply to implants?
Most dental benefits plans do not cover the implant post itself, as it is considered a surgical procedure. Some plans may cover the crown portion of the restoration. We will help you understand your coverage before treatment begins. CareCredit and Cherry financing are also available to help spread the cost over time.
What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?
Over time, the jawbone in the gap area begins to shrink because it is no longer stimulated by a tooth root. Adjacent teeth may gradually drift or tilt into the space, affecting your bite. The longer a tooth is missing, the more complex (and costly) eventual replacement can become — which is why most dentists recommend addressing tooth loss relatively promptly.
Do I need to see a specialist for implant treatment?
Not necessarily. Dr. Divis and Dr. Savage place and restore implants in-house at Wenatchee Dental Arts. They have both completed extensive continuing education in implant dentistry and use CBCT 3D imaging and surgical guides for precision placement. Many patients prefer the continuity of having the same trusted team manage everything from consultation through final restoration.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation at Wenatchee Dental Arts
Wenatchee Dental Arts provides comprehensive dental care to patients across North Central Washington from a single, fully equipped practice in the Wenatchee Valley. Dr. John Divis, DDS, and Dr. Riley Savage, DMD, bring extensive continuing education in implant dentistry together with in-house CBCT imaging, surgical guide fabrication, and real-time lab collaboration to every case. Whether you need a single-tooth restoration, a full-arch solution, or a combination of procedures to rebuild your smile, the team takes the time to understand your situation and present all options clearly.
We are in-network with Delta Dental and Premera Blue Cross. CareCredit and Cherry financing are available for patients who need flexible payment options, and we work with out-of-network benefits as well. To learn more or take the first step, contact our team today.
Contact Us
We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.