Dental implants have a high success rate among patients who suffered from missing or damaged teeth. Dr. Joseph Thompson offers them to his patients as a permanent and durable treatment option when teeth replacement is necessary. Thompson Advanced Dentistry offers many implant options and can perform every step of the implant process right from our Greeley, CO dentist office. Dr. Thompson welcomes patients from Evans, CO who suffer from missing teeth and want to learn more about the benefits of dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small post that looks like a screw. It is made out of titanium, a biocompatible material that will fuse well with human bone. The implant will serve as an artificial tooth root to provide stimulation to the jaw bone to prevent bone loss. It will also serve as the anchor for your dental restoration. Dr. Thompson uses dental implants to replace one, multiple, or an entire row of teeth.
Are you missing a single tooth?
One dental implant will be placed to anchor a dental crown
Are you missing multiple consecutive teeth?
At least two implants will be placed to anchor a dental bridge
Are you missing most or all of your teeth?
Dr. Thompson can secure a denture with as little as four dental implants
The Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that will preserve the natural bone. The implants provide stimulation to the jaw bone, just like a natural tooth’s root. This prevents the bone from slowly deteriorating.
Dental implants also allow the patient to chew food with greater force allowing the patient to eat a variety of food. Since the implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone, this creates a very durable and permanent bond to support the replacement teeth.
Dental implants are the better option compared to dentures. Denture wearers often experience discomfort, excessive salivation, or gagging. They also contribute to bone loss, often leaving the patient with that sunken-in look. Dentures only last five to seven years before they need to be readjusted or replaced. They can also create an embarrassing situation when they slip around in the mouth which leads to slurred speech and fear of them falling out.
Dental implants can last a lifetime if cared for properly. They also look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
Dental Implants Process
The dental implant process will take about three to six months and involve several trips to our at our Evens, CO dentist office. If you require pre-treatments, then the processing time will be longer. Dr. Thompson will spend a good amount of time planning your treatment. This involves an evaluation of your entire oral structure. He will incorporate digital technology to ensure the best outcome.
Your next appointment is the surgical placement of the dental implants. Dr. Thompson will insert the implants into your jawbone at the designated location from your treatment plan. For your comfort, we offer IV dental sedation for the surgical part of the implant process.
After your surgery, the implants are left to fuse with the surrounding bone, creating a strong base for your new dental prosthesis. This can take from two to five months. Dr. Thompson will closely monitor your healing during this time.
At your last appointment, after the implants have fused with the jaw bone, Dr. Thompson will attach the final dental prosthesis: a dental crown, a dental bridge, or a denture.