Dental Implants in Denver, CO

Do I Need Dentures or a Dental Implant in Denver?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, patients usually get dentures or a dental implant in Denver. Both solutions offer many advantages and drawbacks, and choosing between them depends on factors like oral health, personal preference, and budget.

Making the Right Choice for Your Oral Health

Understanding Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace several missing teeth or an entire arch of teeth. They are usually made of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal, and they rest on the gums.

Full dentures replace all teeth and partial ones fill in for some teeth. Your dentist will advise you on one or the other depending on your specific needs.

Advantages of Getting Dentures

• Dentures are generally more cost-effective than dental implants, making them a popular choice for individuals on a limited budget.
• The procedure for getting dentures is non-invasive, as it only involves taking impressions of your mouth to create a custom-fit appliance.
• Dentures can be easily adjusted, repaired, and replaced.

Considerations for Dentures

• While dentures have improved over the years, they don't provide the same stability and comfort as dental implants. Some individuals experience issues with dentures slipping, which causes discomfort and difficulty eating and speaking.
• Dentures require regular cleaning and proper maintenance to prevent bacteria buildup, bad breath, and oral infections. You must remove them and clean them daily to maintain oral hygiene.

Understanding Dental Implants

A dental implant is a lasting tooth replacement option that involves the surgical placement of titanium posts into the jawbone. These posts act as artificial tooth roots, onto which custom-made dental crowns or bridges are securely attached. Dental implants offer a durable, natural-looking, and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

Advantages of Getting a Dental Implant

• Dental implants are designed to mimic the structure of a natural tooth and provide excellent stability and functionality. They offer a more comfortable and secure fit than dentures, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
• Implants stimulate your jawbone, preventing bone loss caused by missing teeth. This process maintains the integrity of your facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance that happens with prolonged tooth loss.
• With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime, which makes them an economical option in the long run.

Considerations for Dental Implants

• Placing dental implants involves a surgical procedure and a week-long healing period before the prosthetic teeth can be attached. Therefore, the overall treatment timeline is longer compared to dentures.
• Dental implants are usually more expensive upfront compared to dentures. However, considering their durability and longevity, they offer a better return on investment in the long term.

Do You Need to Get a Dental Implant in Denver?

When deciding between dentures and dental implants, you need to book a consultation with a qualified dentist or prosthodontist. They will evaluate your oral health, discuss your preferences, and help you determine the best solution. Contact us today to book a visit and find out which option works for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once it fuses with the jawbone, it supports a natural-looking crown, bridge or denture. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or a full arch.

The Dental Implant Process and Timeline

• Consultation and imaging: we examine your mouth, take X-rays, and plan your treatment.
• Bone grafting, if needed: when the jawbone is thin, a bone graft builds it up first, which can add a few months.
• Implant placement: the implant post is placed in the jaw under local anesthetic.
• Healing: over about 3 to 6 months, the implant fuses with the bone.
• Final restoration: an abutment and a custom crown, bridge or implant denture are attached.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Good candidates have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support an implant. Smoking and untreated gum disease can affect healing, so we'll review your health history first. If you've lost bone, grafting can often make implants possible.

Dental Implant Cost in Denver

The cost of dental implants depends on how many teeth you're replacing, whether you need bone grafting, and the type of restoration placed on top. We'll give you a detailed treatment plan and estimate at your consultation, and our financing options can help spread the cost.

Dental Implant FAQs

How long does the process take?

Most implant treatment takes 3-6 months, mainly to let the implant fuse with the jawbone. Cases that need bone grafting take longer.

Are dental implants painful?

The procedure is done under local anesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during it. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is normal and usually managed with over-the-counter medication.

Am I a candidate for implants?

Good candidates have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the implant. If bone is thin, a bone graft can often make implants possible.

How long do implants last?

The implant post can last a lifetime with good care. The crown on top typically lasts 10-15 years before it may need replacing.