Dental Implants

Missing Teeth? Stop Bone Loss with Implants

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Categories: Dental Implants, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry

A graphic image of a dental impant and its parts.Gaps in your smile caused by missing teeth have more than just cosmetic consequences. Untreated tooth loss can lead to jawbone deterioration, affecting both your oral health and facial structure. At The Fort Collins Dentist, Dr. Allison Lesko and Dr. Emily Riesgraf specialize in advanced dental implant care, a cutting-edge solution designed to protect your smile and preserve your jawbone.

Dental implants mimic the structure of natural teeth, including the root, ensuring that your jawbone remains stimulated and healthy. Here’s how this restorative option could save your smile and protect your long-term oral health.

How Missing Teeth Lead to Bone Loss

Your teeth don’t just help you chew and smile confidently; they also play a critical role in keeping your jawbone healthy and strong. Deep within your gums, your natural tooth roots provide constant stimulation to the jawbone, which is necessary to maintain its density and structure.

When a tooth is lost, that vital stimulation disappears. Over time, the jawbone begins to shrink, or resorb, due to a lack of activity. This gradual bone loss can lead to changes in your facial structure, causing a sunken appearance around the mouth and cheeks. Additionally, jawbone deterioration can affect how your other teeth function, further compromising your oral health. Without intervention, the cascading effects of missing teeth can significantly impact your quality of life.

Why Dental Implants Are the Number-One Solution

Dental implants represent the gold standard in tooth replacement, thanks to their ability to closely replicate the function and structure of natural teeth. Once placed into the jawbone, the titanium implant post integrates with the bone in a process called osseointegration, providing a stable and long-lasting foundation.

Unlike other replacement options, such as traditional dentures or bridges, implants restore the vital stimulation that prevents bone loss and maintains the integrity of your jawbone. They also help preserve your facial structure, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, and support overall oral health. Whether you are missing one tooth or several, implants provide a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solution tailored to meet your needs.

Single vs. Multiple Tooth Replacement Options

Dental implants are a versatile solution that can address various levels of tooth loss. For a single missing tooth, an individual implant with a lifelike crown offers a natural and seamless replacement. If multiple teeth are missing in a row, implant-supported bridges can provide a cohesive and stable restoration. For patients experiencing significant tooth loss, full arch solutions such as implant-supported dentures offer comprehensive coverage, restoring both form and function while preventing further bone deterioration.

Each approach is specifically designed to ensure optimal performance and protect your oral health for the long term.

The Fort Collins Dental Implant Process

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we make the dental implant process seamless by providing complete care in one convenient location. Dr. Lesko and Dr. Riesgraf use advanced technology, including 3D cone beam imaging and surgical guides, to ensure precision and success during implant placement.

For patients who need additional jawbone support, our practice also offers bone grafting and sinus lifts to restore bone volume and create an ideal foundation for implants. From initial placement to final restoration, our expert team is by your side every step of the way, ensuring your smile is in the best hands.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most healthy adults qualify for dental implants. Even if you’ve experienced bone loss due to missing teeth, pre-treatment options like bone grafts can restore lost volume and stimulate new bone growth. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Lesko or Dr. Riesgraf at The Fort Collins Dentist is the best way to determine whether implants are the right choice for you.

During your consultation, we’ll assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and tailor a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. No matter your situation, we believe everyone deserves a strong, healthy smile.

Protect Your Smile and Your Jawbone in Fort Collins

Dental implants are so much more than a cosmetic fix. They offer a long-term solution that supports your overall oral health, preserves your jawbone, and gives you back the confidence to smile again. If you’re ready to restore your smile, don’t wait. Delaying treatment could lead to further bone loss and compromise your oral health.

Residents of Fort Collins can schedule a consultation with Dr. Lesko or Dr. Riesgraf today to take the first step toward transforming their smile and protecting their jawbone. Contact us at The Fort Collins Dentist to learn more and get started. Your future smile will thank you.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

A Fresh Start After Losing a Tooth

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Categories: Dental crowns, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

A graphic image of a permanent tooth replacement. Do you have an extracted tooth?

If the tooth had been aching, it may have been a relief. Unless, of course, it was in the front of your mouth and now the gaping hole shows every time you smile. Ignoring it is extremely difficult because your tongue can’t leave the gap alone.

I’m Missing a Tooth. Now What?

Once the tooth has been taken out, you have many important decisions to make.

  • Do I want a dental bridge?
  • Is a dental bridge a permanent solution?
  • Do I want to damage two healthy teeth to anchor the bridge?
  • Should I decide on a partial denture?
  • What about bone loss?

A Better Restoration

What if you could have a fresh start? What if you could have a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement that would restore your smile and retain the healthy bone and gum tissue around the tooth root? If you select a dental implant from the Fort Collins Dentist, you can.

A tooth implant is a permanent replacement for all parts of the tooth. It is comprised of three parts: the titanium post, the abutment, and the restoration.

Titanium Post

—inserted directly into the jaw bone
—quite strong
—titanium is unique in that it bonds with living bone tissue (also used in knee and hip replacement surgery)

Abutment

—can be fabricated of gold, porcelain, or titanium
—permanently attached to the post (it will not slip and slide like dentures)

The Restoration (Crown)

—usually made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM)
—made to match the color of surrounding teeth
—will look as good or better than the tooth it replaced

A dental implant is not an experimental treatment. The cutting-edge materials and techniques have been tested and refined for several decades.

Additionally, it has been carried out by Fort Collins dentists for over thirty years.

Do you want to take care of a gap in your smile? Let’s talk! Schedule a consultation with our team today and we’ll work together toward creating your perfect smile.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 3066

Tooth Restoration: Dental Implants And Dental Bridges

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry

Fort Collins Dental Implants and Dental Bridges.Tooth replacement has been a highly requested dental service at the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry. When my patients inquire about tooth restoration, I typically tell them about fixed (or traditional) dental bridges and tooth implants.

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth. The false tooth—called a pontic—is fused to porcelain crowns on both sides of the missing tooth.

Tooth Implants Replace the Root and Crown

Dental implants are also popular and can often be a more effective choice. A dental implant incorporates a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a solid foundation for the replacement tooth.

After it has bonded with the bone (it usually takes three to six months), a smaller post is attached. This post extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth (crown) is then affixed. The entire process takes several months but consistently yields extraordinary results.

Preserving Facial Contour

Both of these restoration options preserve or restore facial contour and allow you to talk and eat normally. Tooth replacements prevent adjoining teeth from gradually shifting and can help correct bite problems, as well.

Tooth implants and dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Many individuals have been treated successfully with these tooth restoration procedures.

Call the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry to schedule a tooth restoration consultation by calling our offices today.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 371

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry Performs Emergency Root Canals

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry, Root Canals

Colorado Dentist Calms Root Canal Fears.At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we perform emergency root canals. Though this procedure strikes fear into the hearts of many individuals, they should be more afraid of not having a root canal.

What is a root canal?

When a tooth becomes badly infected or decayed, our qualified dental team can fix it.

First, we clean the inside of the tooth by removing the bacteria, soft tissue (called pulp), decayed nerve tissue, and any debris that may be causing the tooth infection from the inside of the tooth.

The dentist will then seal the tooth to prevent further cavities and finish by applying a crown or filling. This is the process and purpose of a root canal. The process can be completed, typically, in one or two visits. In many cases, a root canal procedure is a better option than removing the infected tooth since it allows the patient to keep their natural tooth.

Are all teeth at risk?

Teeth that are more prone to requiring a root canal are cracked or chipped, have received repeated dental procedures, have been damaged by trauma to the face, or are suffering from deep tooth decay. Wearing a mouth guard can help prevent damage sustained to teeth and practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as daily flossing and brushing, coupled with regular dental visits, can reduce the possibility of needing a root canal.

Though a root canal can be intimidating or scary, educating yourself and talking to your dentist can relieve much of your anxiety. Root canals are often not painful, and for many individuals, the pain of the infection experienced beforehand is worse than any pain that might be experienced during the procedure.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often do not produce symptoms, it is critical to have regular dental examinations. Your dentist can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 421

3 Smart Smile Solutions

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Dental veneers, General dentistry, Restorative dentistry, Smile design

Get a smile makeover in Fort Collins.

In today’s message from the Fort Collins Dentist, we will concentrate on three innovative procedures used in smile redesigns.

1. Tooth Implants
Tooth implants are transforming the face of dentistry. For most patients, a dental implant is the proper solution for a missing tooth. A dental implant is a metal (usually titanium) rod implanted into the bone to replace the missing root of a tooth that has been extracted. The crown and supporting structure are securely attached to the post.

When the final crown is attached, the dental implant is indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Dental implants have many vital advantages over dental bridges. If you are missing teeth, schedule a consultation with Doctor Lesko to learn more.

2. Invisible Braces
Invisible braces allow you to straighten your teeth discreetly because it is nearly impossible to see them while they are being worn. There are a couple of different types of invisible braces including Damon Braces and Invisalign clear aligners.

3. White Fillings
If you had decay in the past, you may have old amalgam fillings. White fillings match your surrounding teeth, significantly upgrading your smile without crowns.

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry has been providing trusted dental care since 2016. We look forward to meeting you. Call us today at 970-221-5115.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 7297

Not All Smile Makeovers Are Created Equal

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental crowns, Dental Implants, Dental veneers, Restorative dentistry, Smile design

Fort Collins smile makeovers with porcelain veneers and more.

Hello Fort Collins! Welcome to the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry dental blog. Let’s talk about smile transformations. Some Fort Collins patients wonder if the term is synonymous with general cosmetic dentistry.

Is the placement of four porcelain dental veneers considered a smile makeover? Well, yes and no. If your smile is attractive and healthy except for some chips in your upper front teeth, veneer placement may remedy a few cosmetic problems and result in a stunning smile.

Generally, however, a complete smile redesign combines several carefully chosen cosmetic dentistry procedures performed at the same time for a complete smile renewal. In other words, the sum is greater than the parts.

For example, one treatment plan could include crown restorations, veneers for teeth that are misshapen but otherwise healthy, tooth-colored filling replacement for old amalgam fillings, and teeth whitening for the crowning touch.

I am doctor Allison Lesko. I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry in Fort Collins, Colorado since 2016. Performing successful smile makeovers makes my profession extremely fulfilling. Patients who plan to receive a smile makeover should take their time choosing a dentist to perform it. I invite you to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your needs and wishes. During the consultation, I can tell you about my extensive experience and show you before and after pictures of satisfied patients.

When I design a custom smile makeover, I study several elements in addition to the teeth. After all, the teeth are just one component of the patient’s face. The gumline, lips, mouth, facial shape, facial structure, coloring, and patient’s age affect the scope of the design. This comprehensive approach to a smile makeover achieves incredible results and sets our practice apart.

If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dental smile makeovers, call us today at 970-221-5115.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 6779

Rather Have A Root Canal?

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Oral Health, Root Canals

Fort Collins Endodontics and Root Canal Therapy.

Would you rather have a root canal?

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘I’d rather have a root canal’ to describe something painful or unpleasant? At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we perform root canal (endodontic) therapy routinely for our patients, and many report minimal discomfort.

Root canal procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. For many root canal patients, the procedure is no more stressful than getting a filling.

If root canal therapy is necessary to preserve a tooth, we provide the most advanced endodontic treatment in Colorado.

How do you know if you need a root canal? You should communicate with your dental professional immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. However, for some endodontic patients, there are no symptoms. That is why it is vital to visit your dentist regularly for a thorough dental examination and dental cleaning.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 373

Are Dental Implants Experimental?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental crowns, Dental health, Dental Implants

Dental implants in Fort Collins, CO.

No. Tooth implants have been placed in millions of men and women. Some studies have revealed a success rate as high as 98%. Here at the Fort Collins Dentist, we believe dental implants can make a big difference for our patients.

Dental implants have been perfected and tested

If you don’t follow the dental industry, you may not be aware that tooth implants have been used since the 1960s. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million Americans have received implants.

The dental implant market is estimated to reach $5 billion by 2022.

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) is the first professional organization in the world dedicated to the advancement of implant dentistry. As part of its commitment to top quality patient care, research, education and excellence, the AAID created a program to credential professionals in implant dentistry.

When do you think the American Academy of Implant Dentistry was established?

  1. 1974
  2. 1998
  3. 1951

The answer is 1951. Surprised?

Dental implants have been studied since the 1970s

On the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website, you can read an analysis of tooth implants from the 1970s. Complete with images of old-school film X-rays.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that serves as a durable substitute for the root of a missing tooth. Modern teeth implants are very versatile in restorative dentistry. They can anchor a replacement tooth, a set of replacement teeth (dentures), or a dental bridge.

In case you are unfamiliar with dental implants, first let’s explore what they are.

A permanent dental implant is a permanent replacement tooth root. It is anchored into the jaw and eventually integrates with the jawbone. This provides a durable, sturdy base for a porcelain crown or denture.

What are the benefits of tooth implants?

Implants:

  • Are durable and unmovable
  • Blend perfectly with your natural teeth
  • Help you speak and eat normally
  • Prevent bone loss that can develop when a tooth is extracted
  • Prevent the dilemmas connected to dentures

Dental implant success rates

Now let’s address success rates.

Have you heard that dental implants have a high failure rate? This is simply not true. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, our success rate for tooth implants is nearly 100%.

If properly cared for, an implant can last the rest of your life.

 

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 8258

Get The Royal Treatment At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental crowns, Dental Implants

cosmetic dentistry Fort Collins

In need of a crown? At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we can provide the exceptional experience you deserve with the dental care needed. Get discolored teeth brightened and chipped teeth fixed. Receive one important procedure or a full smile transformation. Your wish is our command.

Doctor Allison Lesko has been serving noble lords and ladies with the royal treatment since 2016. We crown patients with beautiful restorations and empower them with the confidence of a regal smile fit for a king.

Call us at: 970-221-5115. We are located in Fort Collins and also serve Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor.

Many individuals believe that cosmetic dentistry refers to care designed solely to enhance the looks of your smile as opposed to procedures such as fillings that fix a structural issue. However, there is much overlap. For example, the use of white fillings takes care of the cavities and makes your smile more beautiful. Other procedures used in cosmetic and general dentistry are veneers, inlays/onlays, braces, teeth whitening, soft-tissue grafts, crown lengthening, tooth implants, and dental bonding.

We want you to experience the transformation that comes from cosmetic dental care carried out by a true artist. Whether you need veneers, crowns, or whitening, we have an imperial seat ready for you to choose from.

Let us fulfill your every whim:

We look forward to making your acquaintance, your Highness.

none–DDS

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 6130

A Wise Investment That Pays Off Every Day

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, General dentistry

porcelain veneers cost Loveland

You may not sport a sparkling 3-carat diamond on your finger or zip around town in a shiny Ferrari, but you can flash a celebrity-caliber smile. (And we think it is a much better investment than extravagant jewelry or a pricey car.) Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in you. And it pays off every single day.

When you ask a dentist about cosmetic dentistry, you’ll get reliable advice because your Fort Collins dentist has transformed hundreds of smiles and knows what is involved with each particular procedure. If you live in the Fort Collins area and have questions about cosmetic dentistry, please give me a call. My name is Allison Lesko. I provide premium dental services with a personal touch.

Schedule a consultation today by calling 970-221-5115. You can look at before and after pictures of some of our valued patients and hear about their smile makeover success stories. We can discuss the cost of cosmetic dentistry and create a customized treatment plan.

In addition to cosmetic dentistry, The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry can help you with a host of dental services including cosmetic dentistry and dental implants.

Our compassionate team is ready to serve you at our warm and inviting Fort Collins office.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

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