Dental Implants in Golden, CO
Missing a tooth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. It can change the way you chew, make certain foods more difficult to enjoy, and leave you wondering what the best long-term replacement option is.
Dental implants offer a way to replace missing teeth using a foundation designed to function much like a natural tooth root. At Genesee Pines Dental in Golden, Colorado, we help patients understand their tooth replacement options and determine when dental implants make sense for their individual situation.
A Long-Term Option for Replacing Missing Teeth
A dental implant is a specially designed titanium post that is placed into the jawbone where a natural tooth root would normally be.
After placement, the surrounding bone heals around the implant and creates a stable foundation. This healing process generally takes several months. Once the implant is stable and ready to restore, a replacement tooth can be attached above it.
The result is a tooth replacement that does not simply sit on top of the gums. The implant becomes the foundation for the restoration and allows the replacement tooth to function much more like a natural tooth.
What Can Dental Implants Replace?
Dental implants aren’t limited to replacing one missing tooth.
Depending on your needs, implants may be incorporated into several types of tooth replacement.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
When one tooth is missing, an individual implant can support a replacement tooth without requiring the neighboring teeth to support a traditional dental bridge.
Multiple Missing Teeth
Implants can also support a bridge when several teeth are missing. The number and location of implants needed depends on the patient’s mouth, available bone, bite, and treatment plan.
Implant-Supported Removable Teeth
For patients missing many or all of their teeth, implants can provide additional stability for certain removable restorations. These are sometimes described as implant-retained or “snap-in” teeth.
Fixed Full-Arch Teeth
Dental implants can also be used as anchors for fixed full-arch restorations. Rather than being removed by the patient, the restoration is secured to implants placed in the jaw.
There isn’t one tooth replacement that’s right for everyone. Your examination and treatment goals help determine which approach makes the most sense.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is another option for replacing a missing tooth.
With a bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing space are prepared for crowns. Those crowns support an artificial tooth between them.
A dental implant takes a different approach because it replaces the missing tooth using support from the jaw rather than relying on neighboring teeth.
There are situations where a bridge can be an excellent choice and others where an implant may be preferable. Existing dental work, the condition of neighboring teeth, available bone, cost, treatment time, and your overall oral health can all influence that decision.
At Genesee Pines Dental, our goal is to explain the advantages and limitations of each option rather than assume that every missing tooth should be treated the same way.
What Is the Dental Implant Process?
Dental implant treatment usually happens in stages.
First, we evaluate the missing tooth or teeth, surrounding gums, available bone, and the rest of your mouth. Diagnostic imaging may be used when appropriate to better understand the treatment area.
If a damaged tooth is still present, it may first need to be removed.
The implant is then precisely positioned within the jawbone. The goal is to place it at the appropriate depth and angle so it can provide a stable foundation for the future restoration.
The implant is then given time to heal. At Genesee Pines Dental, we generally expect this process to take approximately three to four months, although healing time varies from patient to patient.
Once the implant has healed and its stability has been evaluated, the restorative portion of treatment can begin. The position of the implant is recorded so a replacement tooth can be designed to attach to it.
Do I Need a Bone Graft Before a Dental Implant?
Not everyone needs bone grafting, but having adequate bone is important for supporting an implant.
After a tooth is removed, the bone that previously supported it can change over time. Infection or other dental problems can also affect the amount and quality of bone available.
When appropriate, bone grafting may be performed around the time of an extraction or as part of preparation for future implant treatment. The purpose is to help preserve or build a stronger foundation in the area where the implant will eventually be placed.
An examination and appropriate imaging are necessary to determine whether grafting should be considered in your case.
Dental Implant FAQ
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implant treatment varies considerably because the treatment itself varies from patient to patient.
Replacing a single tooth is different from treating several missing teeth or restoring an entire arch. Extractions, bone grafting, the number of implants, and the type of final restoration can all affect the total cost.
After evaluating your mouth and discussing your goals, we can explain the recommended treatment and associated costs.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Many people who are missing one or more teeth may be candidates for dental implants, but candidacy needs to be evaluated individually.
Important considerations include the amount and quality of available bone, gum health, overall oral health, medical history, and factors that could affect healing.
If there isn’t enough bone to support an implant initially, bone grafting may sometimes make implant treatment possible.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are intended to be a long-term tooth replacement solution, but no dental treatment can be guaranteed to last for a specific number of years.
Their longevity depends on factors including oral hygiene, gum and bone health, bite forces, health conditions, smoking, regular dental care, and how the implant is used.
Just like natural teeth, implant restorations need ongoing home care and professional monitoring.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The implant area is numbed during the procedure. Some soreness, swelling, or discomfort during healing can occur afterward, and the experience varies between patients and procedures.
If dental treatment makes you anxious, tell us. Genesee Pines Dental offers options for managing dental anxiety, including nitrous oxide and oral anxiety medications when appropriate.
How long does a dental implant take?
Dental implants are usually not an instant tooth replacement.
After implant placement, the bone needs time to heal securely around the implant. This commonly takes several months. Additional procedures, including an extraction or bone graft, can affect the overall treatment timeline.
We can give you a better idea of what to expect after evaluating your specific situation.
What are the alternatives to dental implants?
Depending on which teeth are missing and the condition of your mouth, alternatives can include a traditional dental bridge or a removable prosthetic.
In some situations, choosing not to replace a missing tooth may also be an option.
Each approach has advantages and disadvantages. We can compare them with you based on your oral health, goals, treatment time, and budget.
Can implants replace all of my teeth?
Dental implants can be used as part of treatment for patients missing an entire arch of teeth.
Depending on the situation, implants may help retain removable “snap-in” teeth or support a fixed full-arch restoration that is secured to the implants.
Full-arch treatment requires detailed planning, so the appropriate number and placement of implants must be determined individually.
Dental Implant Consultations in Golden, Colorado
If you are missing a tooth—or have a tooth that may no longer be predictable to save—the first decision shouldn’t automatically be “get an implant.”
The first step is understanding your options.
At Genesee Pines Dental, we look at the health of the tooth, surrounding bone and gums, neighboring teeth, your bite, and your long-term goals before recommending treatment. When a dental implant makes sense, we can help you understand the process and what will be involved in restoring your smile.
Genesee Pines Dental is located at 25918 Genesee Trail Road, Suite 210, Golden, CO 80401.
Call 303-526-9155 or schedule an appointment to discuss dental implants and your tooth replacement options.