Welcome to Apple Grove Dental! Our experienced team of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and patient coordinators provides the highest quality of dental care in Colorado Springs, CO. Our practice offers a wide range of dental services including dental implants. We strive to ensure that all of our patients have a comfortable and pleasant experience. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule an appointment (719) 259-1592
Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. If you’re considering dental implants, this guide will provide all the information you need to know about this versatile tooth replacement option.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an excellent option to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Titanium implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and are allowed to heal and integrate with your bone. A dental implant acts as an anchor and provides a strong foundation for replacement teeth, which are made to match your natural teeth. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full row of teeth.
How are Dental Implants placed?
A consultation with your dentist is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. You may need a bone graft if you do not have adequate bone for placement. When your bone is fully healed and ready for an implant, you will be scheduled for an hour-long appointment. Local anesthetic will be used to ensure comfort during the implant procedure. Your dentist will perform surgery to access and prepare your bone for the implant. A titanium implant is then installed into the bone and the gums are sutured around the implant to allow proper healing. Healing takes 4-6 months after the surgery. Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure successful implant healing.
How is the final tooth restored after an implant is placed?
When your implant has fully healed and is determined to be stable, your dentist will perform a digital scan of the implant and send it to the lab to create a custom dental prosthesis. When the dental prosthesis is ready, it is installed onto the implant. After checking for proper fit and esthetics, you will have a wonderful replacement for your missing tooth!
If you are interested in restoring missing teeth with implants, contact Apple Grove Dental to schedule a consultation. Call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule an appointment (719) 259-1592.
Key Takeaways
Durability: Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.
Natural Look and Feel: Implants look and feel like natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth.
Bone Health: Implants help preserve the jawbone and prevent bone loss that can occur with missing teeth.
Functionality: Implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Process: The implant process typically involves multiple steps, including the initial consultation, implant placement surgery, healing period, and placement of the artificial tooth or teeth.
FAQ
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most people who are in good general health and have enough bone in their jaw to support an implant are candidates for dental implants. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation to determine if implants are right for you. The use of tobacco products or poor oral health greatly reduce the success of implants.
How long does the implant process take?
The implant process can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the case. It can generally take 4-6 months from start to finish when placed into healthy bone. If you had a recent extraction of a tooth, the bone needs about 6 months to heal before placing an implant.
Are dental implants painful?
The implant surgery is typically done under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. Some discomfort and swelling may occur after the surgery, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How do I care for dental implants?
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. A water flosser is also recommended for better ease of care. Avoiding tobacco products and maintaining good oral hygiene is key to the long-term success of your implants.
Dental implants can transform your smile and improve your quality of life. By understanding the benefits and process of getting dental implants, you can make an informed decision about your dental health. If you are interested in implants or want to improve your smile, schedule an appointment with our Apple Grove Dental team! Call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule an appointment (719) 259-1592
