Are There Drawbacks to Dental Implants?

tooth implants Loveland

Dental implants have been called one of the most important steps forward in the history of modern dentistry, and we are proud to make them available to our patients at The Fort Collins Dentist.

Dental implants as we know them today have been around for decades, but they’re one of those things that most people to learn about until they need one. When they do, certain questions crop up pretty consistently:

  • Are dental implant procedures too expensive?
  • Are implants safe?
  • Are they experimental?
  • Is the surgery painful?
  • Does it take a long time to recover?

The answer to all of these is short and sweet: No. Dental implants are an investment in a better quality of life

They might not be cheap. But, when it comes to a permanent addition to your mouth, why would you want it to be? Plus, you gain so much more than a titanium post and porcelain crown or denture.

You regain the ability to chew steak and raw vegetables. You gain self confidence. You preserve the shape of your face. You prevent your teeth from shifting after an extraction. You avoid embarrassing dentures slipping around in your mouth.

Permanent dental implants are a safe, mainstream dental procedure and they are definitely worth it! The cost of not doing anything could be far worse.

In healthy patients who are good candidates for the procedure, implants have a success rate around 98%. If you get a permanent dental implant, it could last the rest of your life!

Something else to note is that dental implant surgery involves very little pain and patients usually recover swiftly.

The procedure doesn’t usually take very long, though it depends on how many implants you’re getting. When it’s finished you may experience:

  • Minimal pain at the implant site
  • Minimal bleeding
  • Swelling and/or bruising of the gums and cheeks

These effects should subside after a few days. Ibuprofen and ice packs usually take care of the pain. Our team will provide you with specific care instructions when you leave the office, in order to ensure your implant’s longevity.

Dental implants from The Fort Collins Dentist restore smiles and change lives! Patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to us for this and other restorative dentistry options, as well as general dentistry. To find out if we are the right practice for you, contact us 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 8271

Implant Dentures: Fixed or Removable?

implant dentures Fort Collins

For anyone who has lost all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures from The Fort Collins Dentist may sound like a dream come true: dentures that are attached to the jaw and surpass traditional dentures in appearance and functionality.

Implant-supported dentures provide numerous advantages over standard dentures. Our team has put together a list of the benefits of this technologically advanced procedure, so you can stay informed:

  • Security and Stability: Implant-supported dentures provide more structure than regular dentures. They stay in place safely and do not slip.
  • Increased Chewing Ability: For patients that have lost their enjoyment for food, implant-supported dentures can refurnish up to 100% of their natural chewing function
  • Comfort: This advanced procedure provides a comfortable tooth structure that feels natural to the patient.
  • Decreased Gum Irritation: Patients who opt for regular dentures often suffer from abrasions like canker sores. Implant-supported dentures don’t slip and are more secure, so patients who choose them often find that they have to deal with less gum irritation.
  • Unimpaired Speaking Ability: While other options tend to make it difficult for the patient to enunciate, these advanced dentures feel and act like natural teeth. This means you can be easily understood while wearing them.
  • Bone Loss Prevention: Implants prevent a “sunken face” look and a loss of bone structure.

Implants require a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure for placement. The condition of your jaw bone affects whether it can support implants and where the posts can be inserted.

Implant-supported dentures from The Fort Collins Dentist are game-changers. Patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to us for these and other restorative dentistry options. Contact us 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 7788

Why is the 4-Step Tooth Implant Timeline Necessary?

why does a tooth implant take several months? Fort Collins

Dental implants from The Fort Collins Dentist are state-of-the-art in tooth replacement. The process for getting one can take two to six months. However, you shouldn’t let that discourage you! Why? Each stage of the procedure is important. The lengthy time period isn’t a drawback; it is indicative of the permanent nature of the implant.

The Dental Implant Timeline

1. Dental Implant Examination and Assessment

A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration – which consists of a crown, denture, partial denture, or bridge.

It all starts with a consultation. We’ll take X-rays and analyze your mouth and examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you don’t have adequate bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting.

2. Placement

The next step is to insert the titanium implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or as painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how fast and easy the procedure is. It usually takes one or two hours.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough for post-surgery discomfort. Most people can go back to work right after the surgery.

3. Osseointegration

The key to implant placement is a factor referred to as osseointegration. It’s a fancy word that refers to the rate at which the titanium post fuses with the bone. Since the rate of osseointegration is different for everyone, so will the length of time needed for the process to take effect. In most cases, it takes three to six months for this to happen. Once it does, you’ve got a rock-solid foundation for the implant.,

4. Placing the Final Restoration

The final step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root. The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.

Teeth supported by dental implants from The Fort Collins Dentist are life-changing. No wonder they’re one of our most popular restorative dentistry options! We’ve placed them in patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor, who agree that the wait was absolutely worth the results. We also offer complete general and cosmetic dentistry. Request an appointment 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 8248

Just Like Natural Teeth

porcelain veneers Fort Collins

Is your smile beginning to look a little dull? Has its luster faded over the years? Maybe you’ve got a chipped tooth – or maybe even a couple. You don’t have to live with these imperfections if you don’t want to. At The Fort Collins Dentist, porcelain veneers can mask these and other dental flaws, leaving you with a magnificent smile.

Porcelain veneers are custom-fitted medical-grade porcelain shells that are permanently attached to the surface of the teeth that need correcting. They look just like natural teeth ñ naturally perfect teeth, in fact.

One thing to remember: a thin layer of enamel must be removed from the front of each tooth being covered with a veneer, in order for them to properly adhere. Once they’re cemented in, they are permanent. But once they are placed, you’ll have the best-looking teeth of anyone you know.

To find out more about porcelain veneers, schedule an appointment with The Fort Collins Dentist. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to us for veneers and other cosmetic dentistry. Contact us 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 7206

Tooth Implant Placement: Before, During, After

tooth implants Fort Collins

Dental implants are rapidly becoming the tooth replacement option of choice. Millions of Americans have chosen implants, like those available at The Fort Collins Dentist. Once the decision is made, patients usually want to know what’s involved every step of the way.

Before the Procedure

It begins with a consultation and preliminary exam. We’ll take X-rays of your teeth and jaw to make sure you have enough healthy bone structure. If you don’t, we may recommend bone grafting.

We’ll also inspect your gums for any signs of gum disease. Healthy gums are essential for a successful implant.

During Implant Surgery

After administering anesthesia, a guide hole is drilled into your jaw and a titanium post – which is the actual implant – is screwed in. The process takes about an hour.

Aftercare

Some patients experience minor pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to control it. An icepack can help, too. Most people can resume their usual activities the same day.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we have placed dental implants in people from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor, who also come to us for other restorative dentistry options. Request an appointment 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 8174

Improve Your Smile for Yourself (And Those That Look at You)

long-term tooth replacement solution Fort Collins

Losing one or more of your natural teeth impacts your smile, and your ability to bite and chew. But with dental implants from The Fort Collins Dentist, you can regain your smile and the ability to eat just about anything.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are anchored into your jaw. They are solid foundations for artificial teeth. Because they are physically attached to your jaw, they also prevent the loss of bone that usually accompanies tooth loss.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, a conventional dental bridge or dentures are certainly better than nothing. But because they are not solidly anchored to your jaw, they do not provide full biting and chewing function. This is, of course, a major drawback.

This is what makes dental implants so brilliant. They don’t look any different than natural teeth, and better still, they feel and function the same. Once the implants are in place and the jaw has fully healed, most patients report full chewing power. That means they can enjoy just about any food they choose.

At The Fort Collins Dentist we provide single-tooth dental implants and implant-supported dentures. They look great! People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor trust us with this and other restorative dentistry procedures. Contact us 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 8279

Dental Implants Are Truly Life-Changing

tooth implants Loveland

Patients who are thinking about a dental implant from The Fort Collins Dentist often ask how long they last. An implant is a significant investment, after all. Do they really last a lifetime, like people say? The answer is yes, but an explanation is in order.

A dental implant is not a replacement tooth, but the titanium post that is inserted into the jaw. Titanium is well-suited for implants, and cases of rejection by the body are rare. A big factor in how long the implant lasts comes down to how well you take care of it.

Dental implants are life-changing! With regular checkups and proper care at home, a dental implant can last a lifetime. When you get your implant we will have specific instructions for daily care. For most patients, we recommend brushing and flossing twice a day.

Dental implants like those from The Fort Collins Dentist are the tooth replacement solution of choice. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to our office for general and family dentistry. Please schedule an appointment with us 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 8546

Are Dentures the Only Answer for Extensive Tooth Loss?

total mouth reconstruction Fort CollinsDental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement, to the point where conventional dentures are no longer the only solution to extensive tooth loss. Implant-supported dentures from The Fort Collins Dentist are the go-to answer.

Implant-supported dentures may sound too good to be true, but they really do look and function like natural teeth.

Dental implants are typically made of titanium, which is fully compatible with human bone. This is one of the great things about them: they completely fuse with the bone and become a part of the body. Cases of rejection are rare.

The implants act as replacement tooth roots. One implant can support one artificial tooth, and several can support a bridge or full dental arch.

The process takes about six months, start-to-finish. Once healing is complete the implant is a solid support. It usually takes four implants per dental arch.

At The Fort Collins Dentist implant-supported dentures have transformed many lives. Patients throughout Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor are enjoying the benefits. They also come to our practice for complete cosmetic dentistry. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment 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 8230

Gap-Tooth Smiles Aren’t Quite As Adorable Anymore

dental implant cost Timnath

Have you lost one or more of your teeth? It’s a lot different than when you lost your baby teeth way back in the day. Unfortunately, adult teeth won’t grow back (and a gap-toothed smile doesn’t look as adorable as it did when you were a kid.) But don’t despair! If you’ve lost one or more teeth, dental implants from The Fort Collins Dentist can restore your smile.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed in your jaw. It is made of titanium, a lightweight metal that is ideally suited to implant dentistry (titanium is used in joint replacements, too).

One of the remarkable things about titanium is its ability to fuse with bone. Once this happens, we’ve got a rock-solid base on which to restore your missing tooth.

Dental implants can support a single artificial tooth, as well as bridgework and even full dentures. It’s no wonder that they have been hailed as one of the great advances in the history of modern dentistry.

A missing tooth can cause you all sorts of problems: it makes it difficult to speak clearly, and to eat. It can also be embarrassing to have that gap in your smile. But dental implants from The Fort Collins Dentist not only restore your smile; they look and function like natural teeth. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to us for complete general and family dentistry services. Schedule an appointment with us 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 6945

Think It’s Not Necessary To Replace Missing Back Teeth?

dental implants Fort Collins

Sometimes when people lose a back tooth they wonder whether they should bother doing anything about it. After all, the gap doesn’t show when they smile and there are other teeth to do the chewing. Why not leave it be and save some money? Actually, there are several very good reasons to replace a back tooth with a dental implant from The Fort Collins Dentist.

  1. The adjacent tooth (or teeth) may start shifting. If a tooth tilts, moves, or rotates, it can impact the bite. The unopposed tooth can also move, though it generally moves outward from the bone (over-eruption). Teeth that are displaced can become more vulnerable to gum disease, decay, or TMJ pain.
  2. The underlying bone will begin to atrophy. Without the tooth root, the jaw bone shrinks. This changes the dimensions of the face and gives it a sunk-in look due to a decline in supporting bone. The vertical shortening progresses and becomes more pronounced as you get older.
  3. There will be additional stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions. This can bring about excessive wear, fracture, or pain.

If you have a missing back tooth and want to learn about dental implants, please call The Fort Collins Dentist. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to us for implants and for comprehensive general and family dentistry services. Schedule an appointment 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 7768