Achieve a Beautiful, Restored Smile
Tooth loss as a result of oral health issues or dental trauma could lead to complications if left untreated. Along with difficulty chewing or speaking, you may become susceptible to jawbone deterioration. You may find it difficult to take pride in your smile after experiencing tooth loss. Thankfully, dental implants can restore your healthy smile and give your confidence a boost.
At the Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Howard and our skilled dental team are proud to offer this natural-looking solution to missing teeth. Implants are durable restorations that can last a lifetime with proper care. Explore our guide to learn more about dental implants and how you can benefit.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically placed in your jawbone to support a dental crown. They can also be used as anchors to support a denture or a full arch of crowns. No matter how many teeth a patient is missing, dental implants may be the ideal solution.
Dr. Howard can customize your restorations to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. With dental implants, you’ll be able to speak, smile, and enjoy the foods you love with ease and confidence again.
Types of Dental Implants
There are a few different ways dental implants can restore your smile. These include:
- Single or Multiple Implants: This treatment is ideal for patients missing one tooth or several teeth in a row.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: If you require dentures, using dental implants as anchors to support the denture results in a significantly more stable and comfortable denture.
- All-on-Four™ or Teeth-in-a-Day™: This procedure involves placing 4-6 implants in the jaw bone to support a complete set of functional and natural-looking teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a host of benefits other restorations can’t match, including:
- Natural Appearance: Because implants are inserted into your jawbone, your crown will sit perfectly in line with your surrounding teeth. Your crown will also match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth for a seamless blend.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Because implants are affixed to your jawbone, you’ll never have to worry about them shifting out of place.
- Restores Smile’s Function: Implants and crowns aren’t purely cosmetic. They’re durable enough to allow you to speak and eat with ease and comfort.
- Stimulates Healthy Jawbone Growth: Implants mimic your tooth’s roots to prevent jawbone deterioration.
Dental Implant Candidacy
While dental implants are a great way to restore your smile’s look and function, they may not be for everyone. To be eligible for dental implants patients must have:
- Good oral health
- Sufficient jawbone density
- Healthy gums
Dental implants have a 98 percent success rate, but undergoing an implant procedure without the necessary qualifications may result in a failed treatment. At your initial consultation, Dr. Howard will determine if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants.
If you lack the qualifications for dental implants, Dr. Howard may also recommend a supplemental procedure to help improve your candidacy. At the Center for Advanced Dentistry, we offer:
- Bone grafts
- Socket grafts
- Ridge augmentation
- Sinus lift augmentation
These procedures can improve your oral health and strengthen your jawbone to increase your chances of successful implant placement. Oftentimes, underlying oral health issues like gum disease may be holding a patient back, so it’s best to seek the necessary treatment before receiving an implant.
The Dental Implant Process
Receiving dental implants is a three-step process that can be completed in two appointments at our Loveland office.
Initial Consultation
You’ll first have a consultation with Dr. Howard, where he’ll determine if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants. He’ll perform a thorough examination of your mouth and review your oral health history to ensure you meet the qualifications. If you have poor gum health or insufficient jawbone density, he may recommend a supplemental procedure.
If you’re cleared for implants, Dr. Howard will create your customized restoration plan using our computer-enhanced treatment planning software. This allows us to evaluate your dental CT scan in three dimensions for bone quality, quantity, and location. It also enables the best possible placement of your dental implants.
Placing Your Implants
Dr. Howard will begin by administering a local anesthetic to ensure your procedure is painless and stress-free. After the numbness has kicked in, he’ll surgically attach the titanium implant fixture into your jaw.
He’ll place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while the implants undergo a process called osseointegration. Over three to six months, the implant will fuse with your jawbone for a secure and stable fit.
Final Fitting
After the surgical site has healed, you’ll return to our Loveland office for your dental crown fitting. Dr. Howard will affix your customized restoration to the implant to permanently replace your missing tooth. He’ll make sure the crown fits properly and make any necessary adjustments. You’ll then be ready to leave our Loveland office with a restored smile!
The process of receiving dental implants is virtually painless. Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Howard will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you won’t feel a thing while he works. You may experience slight discomfort once the numbness fades, but you can manage this pain using a cold compress and over-the-counter pain medications.
Implant fixtures can last a lifetime with proper care, but the dental crown may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. You can ensure your restoration remains strong for years to come by brushing and flossing twice a day along with rinsing between meals. It’s also essential to schedule biannual visits to our Loveland office for routine cleanings and exams. This will help keep your crown and oral health in good condition.
You can care for your implants just as you would your natural teeth. Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss at least once a day, ideally before bed. While crowns are resistant to stains and decay, it’s still important to maintain the health of your natural teeth and gums to avoid oral health issues like cavities or gum disease.
Schedule Your Appointment With Dr. Howard
When you’re ready to restore your smile, dental implants may be the ideal solution. No matter how many teeth you’re missing, the dental professionals at the Center for Advanced Dentistry can create a customized treatment plan for your needs.
To schedule an appointment at our Loveland office, give us a call at (970) 669-3918. You can also fill out a contact form and a team member will get back to you shortly. We look forward to helping you regain a healthy smile!
Free Implant Booklet
For your copy of our Implant Booklet, we can email you a digital version or mail you a hard copy for free! Please submit your email information below and we’ll get in touch with you for your preference.
"*" indicates required fields
