Dental Implants at North End Dental

Dental implants are small titanium screws that are surgically placed into your jawbone and take the place of missing tooth roots. These metal anchors will fuse with your natural bone, a process called osseointegration. After the fusion process is complete, your dentist will attach abutments to each dental implant that will hold the dental crown in place. The crowns are the part of the restoration that resembles your natural teeth.

Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They’ll also prevent bone loss in your jaw that typically occurs after tooth loss. Typically, the placement of dental implants takes three trips to the dentist’s office over the course of several months. However, once the implants have been placed and the gums have healed, you’ll be able to care for your implant-supported restorations just like natural teeth. Regular brushing with a toothbrush and flossing are all that’s required to keep your smile healthy for years to come!

At our office, we also offer implant-supported dentures as well. With this procedure, you’ll leave our office with a new replacement arch of teeth and a brand-new smile. 

Why Choose Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most preferred and effective ways to replace missing teeth. They give patients the ability to regain lost function, improve their appearance, and enhance self-esteem. They are stable and reliable restorations that can last for a lifetime with proper care, as they require no special cleaning requirements beyond regular brushing and flossing. If a patient does not take care of their teeth and gums properly, it can lead to plaque build-up around the crown and eventually cause the tooth to become infected, so care for them just as you would for your natural teeth.

If you lose a tooth due to severe decay or an accident, you have a few options for restoring your smile. You could choose a traditional bridge, which would rely on adjacent teeth for support. However, this damages the teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile. Dentures can also be worn as an effective tooth replacement option. However, many denture patients complain about discomfort or problems with routine tasks such as chewing food or speaking clearly. Dental implants, on the other hand, are a permanent solution that does not impact neighboring teeth.

FAQs

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots designed to replace a missing tooth’s structure. They consist of three parts: the implant, abutment, and crown. The implant is surgically placed in the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. A temporary appliance is placed until the healing process is complete. 

During that healing period, the bone will fuse to the implant in a process called osseointegration, making the connection as strong as a natural tooth root. Once that process is completed, the abutment is attached to the implant, and the restoration is attached on top of it. Essentially, it’s a “tooth on a post” with a crown attached to it. As a result, patients enjoy a number of benefits, such as improved appearance, better speech, easier at-home care, and improved oral health.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. They are used to support artificial teeth, such as crowns and dentures. The entire process usually takes several months from start to finish. The dental implant procedure consists of several steps. First, patients undergo oral surgery to place the implant into the jawbone. Because the bone will heal around the and fuse with the titanium implant, the implant must be stable enough to withstand the forces of biting and chewing. After the surgery is complete, the patient needs time to heal before getting their permanent restoration. Once healing is complete, the dentist will take impressions of the smile to send to the lab, where the final restorations will be made. When the restoration is finished, it will be attached to the titanium implant.

What Are Dental Implants Used For?

Dental implants are replacements for missing teeth that are designed to look and feel natural. They are permanent and can replace any number of lost teeth, from a single tooth to an entire row of teeth. Unlike dentures, which can shift around in the mouth while talking and eating, dental implants remain securely in place at all times. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth as needed to restore the structure of the mouth and prevent further damage from taking place.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are long-lasting, durable tooth replacements that look and feel like natural teeth. They are an excellent option for patients missing one or more teeth. Along with improved appearance, implants provide several oral health benefits as well.

• Retain bone and facial structure as neighboring teeth shift out of place or are removed.
• Protect against future tooth loss caused by shifting teeth.
• Feel natural and comfortable in the mouth.
• Function normally so you can enjoy your favorite foods again.
• Be cared for just like your natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing.

How Should You Care For Dental Implants?

Dental implants require the same care as your natural teeth; however, they are not invincible. You still need to visit the dentist every six months for routine cleanings and exams. In addition to regular checkups, you also need to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily to keep the gums healthy and free of infection. You also need to visit us immediately if you experience any pain or problems with your implant.

By practicing these habits, you can expect your dental implant to last for decades or even a lifetime with proper care! 

Am I a Good Candidate For Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a great tooth replacement option for patients who are missing one or more teeth due to various causes, such as traumatic injury, poor oral hygiene habits, or severe decay. Patients with good oral health and sufficient jawbone density are typically excellent candidates for this restorative treatment. Our dentist in Colorado Springs can evaluate you to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.

During your initial consultation, our dentist will take x-rays of your mouth to evaluate the health of your teeth and the amount of bone you have in the jaw. If the bone is too thin to support an implant post, you may need a bone graft before the dental implant procedure. It is also important to have healthy gums free of periodontal disease or other health conditions. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking or using other tobacco products for at least two weeks after the surgery, preferably longer. These steps are necessary to ensure a successful outcome with your new implants.

To find out more about the implant dentistry services offered at North End Dental, call (719) 471-1900 or schedule an online consultation with the dentist in Colorado Springs.