Dental Implants: The Key to Your New Smile

A patient getting his teeth cleaned before getting a dental implant in Parker, CO

Dental Implants: The Key to Your New Smile

A missing tooth creates a gap in your smile and may cause issues with speaking or eating, especially if you’re missing multiple teeth. Fortunately, dental implants offer a reliable solution to restore your smile. Learn about implant surgery and whether this tooth replacement option is right for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They serve as sturdy foundations for dental crowns, effectively replacing your missing teeth.

The benefits of dental implants include:

Natural appearance: Implants look and feel like your own teeth. Your dentist ensures the right size, shape, and color to blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Improved functionality: The strong titanium root means you can chew with renewed confidence, allowing you to eat your favorite foods again.
Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last up to 30 years, making them a cost-effective, long-term solution.
Preserved jawbone health: Implants stimulate jawbone growth, preventing bone loss that often accompanies missing teeth. This ensures your face retains a natural, more youthful appearance.

The Implant Procedure

Getting dental implants is a multi-step process that takes a few months to complete. Here’s what to expect:

Initial consultation: Your dentist evaluates your oral health and discusses the best tooth replacement options.
Implant placement: During implant surgery, the dentist inserts the implant into the jawbone. This procedure is typically done under general anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure comfort.
Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, creating a sturdy base for the prosthetic tooth.
Abutment and crown placement: Once integration is complete, which typically takes two to six months, an abutment is attached to the implant. Then, a custom-made crown is secured to the abutment, completing your smile restoration.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most people with good oral and general health are suitable candidates for dental implants. Adequate jawbone density is ideal to support the implant. If bone loss has occurred, a procedure called bone grafting may need to take place first. Discuss your medical history and any medications with your dentist to ensure eligibility and promote the best outcome.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Getting dental implants is an investment of time and resources, so take good care of them to ensure they last. Here’s how to benefit from your dental implants for years to come:

Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss daily to keep the implant and surrounding gums healthy.
Schedule regular check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams to monitor the implant’s condition.
Live a healthy lifestyle: Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol consumption, as these can affect implant success.

Achieve Your Signature Smile Today

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, turn to Signature Smiles Dentistry. Our knowledgeable dentist can help you decide if this is the best smile restoration option for you. Patients rave about our compassionate care and comfortable office, making us the best source for dental implants in Parker, CO. Schedule a consultation to discover how dental implants can restore your smile and confidence.