Dental implants are very common with over 3 million Americans having at least one implant.
At your consultation, your dentist will determine if dental implants are right for you. Your doctor will examine your mouth, take x-rays, and determine if your jaw is strong and healthy enough to support one or more dental implants. You and your dentist can also explore other restorative dentistry options at this time.
After you’ve been approved for treatment, your dentist will create a surgical plan for your dental implant, and schedule your oral surgery appointment. At this appointment, your dentist will create a small opening in your gum tissue, place a dental implant secure in the jaw, then clean the area and suture it shut to encourage proper healing.
Once your implant has been placed, healing will begin. It takes 1-2 weeks to heal completely from surgery, but it will take between 3-6 months for your dental implant to bond permanently with your jaw bone in a process called “osseointegration”.
You’ll come back to our office for a few follow-up appointments as your mouth heals from surgery. During those appointments, your dentist will ensure you’re healing properly, and take impressions of your implant and teeth. These impressions are sent to a lab, where your prosthetic, a dental crown or arch of teeth, will be made.
Once your prosthetic is finished and your mouth has completely healed, you’ll come back for a final appointment at our office. At this appointment, your dentist will permanently bond your restoration to your dental implant, completing the procedure.
Dental implants do not require a lot of special care. To keep your mouth healthy, simply make sure you brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam.
Single-tooth implants are the most frequently-used type of dental implant, and they have two main parts. The dental implant, or post, is a screw-shaped rod of titanium. The restoration for a single implant is usually a dental crown.
For the placement of a single dental implant, the post is permanently placed into your gum and jaw and allowed to heal. During healing, a dental crown is manufactured and will eventually be attached to the post with an “abutment.” This dental crown restores the shape, appearance, and function of your natural tooth. Single-tooth implants are extremely durable and long lasting, and they never move or shift, unlike a partial denture.
Full-arch implants are a good option if you are missing all or most of your natural teeth, and are interested in a more secure, long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures. They use a series of 4-6 dental implants per arch, which are strategically placed across the arch of your mouth.
These dental implants, or posts, function as artificial roots and allow for the attachment of a set of removable implant-supported overdentures or permanent fixed dental bridges to restore your smile. Compared to dentures, full-arch implants look and feel much more natural, and will never shift or move when you eat or speak.
About 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and nearly 40 million Americans have lost all their teeth.
A dental implant is made of two parts: a small, screw-shaped piece of titanium called the post, and the restoration, which is usually a dental crown and abutment. Posts are manufactured in a variety of pre-selected sizes to ensure each patient gets the right implant for their needs. In contrast, the restoration is completely custom-made. After your dentist places your dental implant, they will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab.
There, a technician will create a long-lasting, durable dental implant restoration out of porcelain or another high-quality material. This restoration will be sent back to our office, and it will be attached to your dental implant, completing your implant procedure.
Dental implants typically last up to 30 years or more with proper placement and care. In fact, it’s very common for patients to keep their implants for the rest of their lives.
However, the dental implant restoration, such as a dental crown or set of overdentures, usually will not last this long. Your restoration is exposed to regular wear and tear from chewing, biting, and more, and may need to be replaced a few times over the years.
It is possible for dental implants to become infected. This is known as “peri-implantitis.” However, this is a very rare complication, and it typically only occurs if the implant is not cared for and kept clean after surgery.
You can avoid peri-implantitis by following your dentist’s instructions while recovering, and by brushing and flossing regularly after your implant has healed.
Yes. Bone loss occurs when your jaw bone is no longer stimulated by the natural pressure of chewing and biting. Your tooth transmits this force through the root and into your jaw bone, which keeps your jaw bone healthy.
When you lose a tooth, this process stops, and the jaw bone tends to weaken. Since the post of the dental implant is placed directly into the jaw bone and acts as a tooth root, it restimulates your jaw bone by transmitting the force of chewing and biting once again.
Some types of dental implant systems can be done in one day. The restoration is usually temporary until you have fully healed from your dental implant placement surgery. This solution allows you to speak and eat normally, however, the restoration is temporary.
As your mouth heals, you’ll attend appointments at your doctor’s office where impressions will be taken. These impressions will guide the manufacturing of your restoration. This permanent restoration will be a more durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking prosthetic than your temporaries.
Dental implants, a popular choice for those seeking a permanent solution to missing teeth, often raise concerns about pain during the procedure. It's natural to worry about discomfort, but rest assured, the process is designed with patient comfort in mind. During the dental implant procedure, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, ensuring that you feel minimal to no pain. Some patients might experience pressure or a sense of movement, but these sensations are generally well-tolerated. After the procedure, it’s common to experience some soreness or discomfort, similar to that of a tooth extraction. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and should subside within a few days. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help minimize discomfort and promote healing. At Water Valley Dental, Dr. Daniel Banks and Dr. Jacob Dunham are committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible, using advanced techniques and a gentle approach to care.
Dental implants are renowned for their durability and longevity, often lasting a lifetime with proper care. These implants are made from biocompatible materials, such as titanium, which integrate with the jawbone to form a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth. This process, known as osseointegration, is key to the implant’s longevity. While the implant itself is designed to be permanent, the crown, bridge, or denture attached to it may require replacement or maintenance over time due to normal wear and tear. On average, these prosthetic components can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, or even longer, depending on factors like oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle choices. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily and flossing, are essential to maximize the lifespan of your dental implants. At Water Valley Dental in Windsor, CO, our team provides comprehensive care to ensure your implants remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Safety is a top priority when considering dental implants, and they are widely regarded as a safe and reliable option for tooth replacement. Dental implants have been used successfully for decades, with a high success rate of over 95%. The procedure is considered safe for most healthy adults, and complications are rare when performed by experienced professionals like Dr. Daniel Banks and Dr. Jacob Dunham at Water Valley Dental. Before undergoing the procedure, a thorough evaluation is conducted to assess your overall health, oral health, and bone density to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for implants. This helps to minimize risks and optimize outcomes. Additionally, advancements in dental technology and implant techniques have further enhanced the safety and success of the procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, but these are typically outweighed by the benefits of restored function and aesthetics. Our team at Water Valley Dental is dedicated to providing safe, effective treatments tailored to your individual needs.
One of the key advantages of dental implants is that they are not removable, offering a stable and permanent solution that mimics the function and appearance of natural teeth. Unlike dentures, which can be taken out for cleaning or sleeping, dental implants are fixed securely in place. This permanence provides several benefits, including improved comfort, speech, and the ability to eat your favorite foods without worry. The implant itself is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone to create a strong foundation. The visible part of the implant, such as a crown or bridge, is then attached to this foundation, providing a seamless and natural look. While the prosthetic components can be replaced if needed, the implant remains a steadfast part of your oral structure. At Water Valley Dental, we pride ourselves on offering solutions that enhance your quality of life, ensuring you enjoy the confidence and convenience that come with dental implants.
Dental implants are the only restorative option that preserves and stimulates your natural bone structure.