Dental Implants Restoration in Longmont, CO
Need high-quality dental implants in Longmont? Find out how Dr. Amy Farmer can restore your smile with reliable implant dentistry that looks great.
Teeth that are cracked or missing as a result of decay, disease or injury can affect both your self-esteem and your quality of life. You will likely shy away from smiling, and chewing may become uncomfortable. Crossroads Dental of Longmont’s Dr. Amy Farmer has a way of replacing those missing or damaged teeth with an artificial, yet natural-looking (and -feeling) alternative: dental implants. These artificial implants are implanted either on top of or into the jawbone so that they are sturdy and unnoticeable — they look like the rest of your teeth. They are used not only for their cosmetic benefits, but also to help prevent gum and jaw bone deterioration.
Are You a Suitable Candidate for Dental Implants?
You might be considered a good candidate for dental implants if you:
- Are healthy overall, with no serious medical conditions
- Are missing one or more teeth
- Have teeth that are cracked or chipped
- Have healthy teeth and gums
- Have enough jawbone strength to support the implant
Dental Implant Restoration Process
A dental implant consists of two parts:
- The implant that is surgically embedded into the jawbone by an oral surgeon.
- The replacement tooth or teeth placed on the implant post.
Once the implant has been placed and healed (a process that generally takes three to six months), the patient will have an in-office visit with Dr. Farmer, where she will then place the artificial tooth or teeth using a crown (for a single tooth replacement) or a bridge or fixed implant-supported structure (to replace all teeth on the upper or lower jaw, or both).
Single Tooth or Multiple Teeth Replacement
A single tooth replacement typically involves a crown that is placed on an abutment attached to the implant post. As a replacement for multiple teeth, a bridge may be used and will be fixed into place by two or more implants and crowns that will act as abutments for multiple missing teeth.
Replacing all Teeth
To replace all teeth on the upper or lower jaw, or both, a fixed implant-supported denture can be used. A fixed implant-supported denture is like removable dentures, except that it is fixed in the mouth through a series of dental implants that are placed around the gum line for maximum stability.
Recovering from Surgery
Managing Swelling or Pain
Patients can expect a little bit of swelling and possibly some bruising of the gums and face for the first two to three days after surgery. During this time, they might also have a small amount of bleeding and discomfort around the implant. Prescription pain medication will be provided as necessary to help relieve discomfort.
Diet and Oral Care
Only soft foods should be eaten for the first 10 to 14 days after surgery. Brushing and flossing can resume immediately after surgery, though the patient should pay special attention to be gentle around the implant area. And since smoking can have an adverse effect on the healing process, it is recommended that patients abstain from smoking for at least two weeks following surgery.
Returning to Work
Most patients will be able to return to work and their normal daily routine around the second or third day after surgery.
Dental Implant FAQs
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants in Longmont will vary depending on the number of teeth that are being replaced, the type of implant used, and the quality of the jaw bone. During your consultation, Dr. Amy Farmer will perform an examination and determine the specific cost for your dental implant surgery.
How Long Is The Dental Implant Placement Procedure?
The actual placement of the dental implant can take as little as an hour but is dependent on the number of implants you will be receiving.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?
Not only do dental implants improve the appearance of a person’s smile, they also increase self-confidence, enhance chewing ability and help maintain the jawbone. Dental implants are also a more natural and more permanent alternative to dentures.
Do Dental Implants Last?
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are not susceptible to dental disease such as decay; however, the health of the gums is critical to maintaining long-term implant success. Maintaining good oral care habits as well as regular professional cleanings and check-ups are essential elements for dental implant sustainability and an overall healthy mouth.
Are Dental Implants Removable Like Dentures?
Dental implants are fixed solidly in the bone and are not removable. This allows teeth to be replaced in a manner that is closest to natural teeth.
Can Dental Implants Break?
Dental-grade titanium is made to be fracture-resistant. Therefore, it is rare for the posts or abutments to break. However, ceramic crowns can break. The ceramic material used to fabricate dental crowns is strong, but no more so than a real tooth. So, just as with natural teeth, too much force (using your teeth as tools) can cause the crown to chip or fracture. If this happens, it will need to be replaced.
Ready to Schedule an Appointment?
If you are curious to learn more about your dental implant options, including whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, make an appointment with Dr. Farmer by calling Crossroads Dental of Longmont at (303) 776-1480.