Dental Implants
Lakewood, CO
Dental Implants provided by Our Dentists in Lakewood, CO at Northstar Dental
You may lose a tooth to decay, physical injury, or gum disease. Whatever the case, failure to replace missing teeth can cause numerous oral issues. The adjacent teeth can cave in as they try to fill the void. The underlying jawbone can also deteriorate since it no longer receives adequate stimuli. As a result, you might have difficulty chewing or speaking. Sometimes, missing teeth can lead to bacterial infections and escalate to gum disease. You can avoid all of these problems through dental restoration services. Our dentists at Northstar Dental can help restore your missing teeth with dental implants. Visit us for quality dental implants in Lakewood, CO.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are cylinder titanium posts that support dental crowns for replacing one lost tooth or multiple missing teeth. These artificial tooth roots provide a permanent solution for missing teeth. Our dentist will surgically insert an implant into your jawbone before placing a crown on top to cover the post. The implants naturally fuse with the surrounding jawbone over several weeks before our dentist mounts replacement teeth or dental crowns onto them.
The main types of implants include endosteal and subperiosteal implants. The difference between the two is their position on the jawbone. Endosteal implants go directly into the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants fit onto the jawline. Endosteal implants are for patients with healthy jawbones, while subperiosteal implants are for candidates with inadequate bone density.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The benefits of dental implants are almost endless. These dental restorations provide a permanent solution for missing teeth. They help restore your oral functions, including your ability to chew and communicate. Besides, they enhance your smile and facial appearance since they look and feel like natural teeth.
Implant systems have transformed restorative dentistry in several ways. Dentists no longer have to reshape the surrounding teeth before inserting implants. This aspect helps preserve the health of the adjacent teeth and gums. They also minimize jawbone deterioration, reducing the need for bone grafting and augmentation.
Most importantly, dental implants improve overall oral health. You can brush and floss as usual without issues. The dental crowns mounted onto the implants are stain-resistant, maintaining your dazzling smile.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are ideal for anyone with missing teeth. They can replace one lost tooth or multiple missing teeth permanently. If you have dentures or bridges, you can upgrade to dental implants to harness the benefits of these artificial tooth replacements.
However, you require healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to undergo a dental implant procedure. Implant systems require dense and rigid bones to support the artificial roots. The implant posts fuse with the jawbone like natural teeth, creating a stable foundation for placing dental crowns. Patients with inadequate jawbone density must undergo grafting and bone augmentation before treatment.
Full arch dental implants might be an option for those patients with insufficient jaw bone density. Your dentist will help you sort through the options that might be right for you.
The Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant procedure requires multiple visits to attain the desired outcomes. We usually perform this tooth replacement treatment in stages.
During your first visit, we will conduct a thorough dental assessment to determine your unique oral needs. As protocol, we will ask about your health and evaluate your medical records to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. We will then schedule your first implant treatment.
Our specialist will administer local anesthesia to numb the gums before proceeding with treatment. The first stage involves extracting the damaged tooth and preparing the jawbone for implants. If you have a missing tooth, we will prepare the socket instead. This step entails measuring the jawbone volume and density and removing the remaining roots and decayed tissue.
The next step involves incising your gums to prepare the site for dental implants. Our oral surgeon will incise your gum to expose the jawbone. We will then use specialized tools to form an opening in the jaw. Thereafter, we will insert the dental implant and pre-schedule your next visit.
The dental implants require several weeks or months to fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration. Once complete, we will place the abutment on the implants in readiness for the prosthetic teeth. You can choose between removable or fixed dental crowns for your new artificial teeth. Whatever your preferences, your new teeth design will rely on the impressions that we obtain from you. After placing the crowns, we will prescribe antibiotics and pain medications to help with your recovery.
Dental Implant Aftercare
Proper dental implant aftercare can help expedite recovery. It should begin immediately after surgery. Refrain from intense activities for a few weeks so as not to interfere with clotting. Eat soft meals like yogurt and pureed foods, and avoid hot drinks.
Consider gargling warm saltwater to fight bacteria and treat inflammation with ice packs or pain medications. Avoid probing the implant site with your tongue to manage discomfort. While maintaining good oral hygiene is still essential, avoid brushing the implant site right away.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
We usually receive lots of questions about tooth replacement options. The following section answers the most frequently asked questions about dental implants in Lakewood, CO.
What are dental implants made of?
Dental implants typically consist of titanium or zirconium oxide materials. Other options include gold alloy, ceramic, and cobalt-based alloys. The appropriate material depends on your preferences and unique oral needs.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are permanent. They can last a lifetime, depending on how you care for them. However, some patients might require replacements for the dental crown portion after eight to 10 years.
Are dental implants painful?
A dental implant procedure is painless. We administer various aesthetics and sedation to make you calm and comfortable. However, you might experience slight swelling and discomfort for a few days after the procedure.
Can I eat normally with dental implants?
Once your dental implants heal, you can resume your regular diet. Dental implants restore your oral functions, including your ability to bite and chew.
About Dental Implants at Northstar Dental
Dental implants are ideal for replacing missing teeth and fixing oral imperfections. Our dentist at can help restore your missing teeth and smile with dental implants. Call us at for quality dental implants in Lakewood, CO.
