Dental Implants – Denver, CO

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

The first step when it comes to restoring the appearance and function of your smile is to schedule your consultation with us. At this time, we will examine your smile and surrounding facial structures. This will allow us to determine whether or not dental implants are an ideal option for you, as well as where and how the implants should be placed. Some people need to undergo preliminary treatments before they can get dental implants. This includes bone grafting, gum disease treatment, and tooth extractions. Once these treatments are complete, we can move on to planning the rest of your implant treatment. We’d be happy to walk you through the process, including the timeline and cost.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant placement surgery is relatively straightforward. After we numb your mouth with a local anesthetic, a small incision will be made into the gum tissue to access your jawbone. The implants will then be placed at precise locations and angles. Lastly, your gums will be closed up, and protective caps will be placed over the dental implant posts to keep them safe during the healing process.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement

Over the next 3 to 6 months, the fusion process between the implant and jawbone, also known as “osseointegration,” will take place. This way, your implants will have a sturdy foundation so your replacement teeth will be able to stay firmly in place. Once this process has been completed, we can place a metal abutment on top of the implants. This fixture will allow us to connect your restoration to your implant.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

A few weeks after your abutment has been placed, your restoration should be ready to go. You can return to our practice where you will receive your new crown, bridge, or denture (depending on the number of teeth you are having replaced.) At this point, we will make sure that your bite is comfortable, and you will be sent on your way to enjoy all the benefits of your restored smile!

Day-to-Day Benefits

You’ll use your new teeth every day for common tasks like chewing and talking. You’ll therefore enjoy the following benefits on a daily basis if you choose dental implants:

• Improved Confidence: It’s not uncommon for denture wearers to feel self-conscious about their teeth coming loose or slipping at awkward moments. Dental implants don’t move at all, and they feel natural in the mouth, so they can help you feel more confident during your day-to-day activities.
• No Diet Restrictions: With dentures, you generally have to be careful around sticky, hard, or otherwise tough to chew foods. Dental implants don’t require the same level of caution because the chewing power they provide is enough to handle all of your favorite meals, meaning there’s no need to radically change your diet.
• Easy Maintenance: Unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants don’t require much in the way of special maintenance. They only require good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups – in other words, exactly the sort of things you already do to take care of your natural teeth. The fact that maintenance is so simple makes it easier to keep your mouth healthy for life.

Health Benefits

Getting dental implants can make a significant difference for your oral health. Some of the most notable advantages include:

• Improved Nutrition: A varied diet is one that allows for the best nutrition possible. Since dental implants have no dietary restrictions, they make it that much easier to enjoy a nutritious diet.
• Prevents Bone Loss: Dental implants help stimulate the jawbone, which stops the body from removing materials from the area. By stopping bone loss this way, you can maintain a strong jawbone and a younger facial appearance.
• Protects Natural Teeth: Teeth tend to drift into empty space in your mouth, but filling in the gaps with dental implants will prevent this from happening.

Long-Term Benefits

You’ll continue to enjoy the benefits of dental implants for many years to come. Here’s how they can continue to help you even after several decades:

• Longevity: Implants last far longer than other tooth replacements. It’s not unheard of for a dental implant post to last the rest of a patient’s life without ever needing to be replaced.
• High Success Rate: You can count on your dental implants staying right where they are for years to come. The success rate is as high as 95% even 20 years after the initial placement.
• Cost-Effective: Since dental implants don’t have to be replaced as often as traditional restorations, that means you’re less likely to need to pay for new ones.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

The majority of healthy adults can get dental implants without much of an issue. Here are some of the important criteria that we consider when we determine candidacy for dental implants:

• General Health: Placing dental implants requires a minor procedure. You need to be in good enough health to undergo this surgery.
• Oral Health: Cavities and gum disease increase your risk of dental implant failure. If you have existing dental problems, they need to be treated and eliminated before you can get dental implants.
• Jawbone Density: It’s important that you have adequate jawbone density to provide a sturdy foundation for your dental implants.

If you don’t immediately make a good candidate for dental implants, this doesn’t necessarily rule them out for the future. Some patients need to undergo preliminary procedures before they are able to get dental implants. This can include tooth extractions, bone grafting, gum disease treatment, and more! If any of these apply to you, we can help to get them scheduled. After your gums and jawbone look great, we can move on to planning the rest of your dental implant treatment.

Missing One Tooth

Replacing a single tooth is simple. We just need one implant post along with a dental crown. An implant crown is seen as an alternative to a traditional bridge that would require the removal of natural enamel. Implant crowns can be made to perfectly mimic the size, shape, and color of real teeth without making any changes to the rest of your smile.

Missing Multiple Teeth

We need to consider our options carefully when replacing more than one tooth. Using individual implant posts for each one is possible, of course, but in the event that three or more consecutive teeth need to be replaced, getting a bridge supported by a pair of implants is the cheaper, more efficient solution.

Missing All Teeth

Are you tired of dentures that are constantly popping, clicking, or even slipping out of place? Implant dentures are supported by an appropriate number of posts and are a more secure and health-conscious alternative to traditional dentures. About 4 to 8 implants can support a denture.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Preliminary treatments like gum disease, tooth extractions, and bone grafting will add to the overall cost of your implants. However, this is a vital step in order to ensure the success of your replacement teeth. Next, you’ll have your implant surgery, which will incur its own cost. Thankfully, we provide implant placement and restoration in-house. This allows you to enjoy simple and compact fees instead of keeping up with costs from your dentist and an oral surgeon.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

The number of implants you need will affect your cost. While a single dental implant will cost less than 4 to 6 for an implant denture, the implant denture will be more cost effective than replacing each tooth individually. Typically, the larger the restoration required, the higher your price is. Dental implants will also vary in size depending on where they are placed in your mouth by our implant dentist in Denver. The size and material (zirconia or titanium) will contribute to the overall cost of your treatment. And, just like cars, there are different brands and models of dental implants that cater to the unique needs of different patients. Contact our office to learn more about the specific materials we use to restore smiles!

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

While dental implants do tend to cost more than traditional options, they can actually help you save money in the long run. Unlike dentures that need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years, dental implants can last for over 30 years or even the rest of your life. This helps you avoid extra dental care and replacements as well as the cost that comes with it. Additionally, dental implants stimulate the jawbone to keep it strong, which helps you maintain any natural teeth you have left. This will also keep you from spending more on additional tooth replacements.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Usually, dental implants in Denver are not covered by dental insurance. However, there are some exceptions. Our friendly team will always do our best to maximize your insurance benefits to help you save. Portions of your treatment may be covered, including preliminary services and a percentage of your final restoration. We are happy to communicate directly with your insurance to make the process as easy as possible.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, there is no need to worry! At Riviera Family Dentistry of Denver, we are committed to making our quality dental services cost-effective. That’s why we have special offers and alternative financing options. We partner with CareCredit and Sunbit financing to offer low-to-no interest payment plans. You can choose a monthly plan that works best for your budget and start right away. We can’t wait to help you achieve a full, healthy, and beautiful set of teeth at a price you can afford!

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

As part of the healing process, a blood clot will form in the area where surgery was performed. Protecting this blood clot should be one of your main focuses during the initial part of your recovery. It’s highly advised that you:

• Swallow your saliva instead of spitting it out.
• Drink beverages directly out of the glass instead of through a straw.
• Stay away from any form of tobacco.
• Keep your fingers and tongue away from where the blood clot is located.

Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

Our team will give you an overview of the side effects that commonly occur after dental implant surgery; that way, you’ll know which symptoms are normal and which warrant a call to our office. Some side effects you’re likely to experience include general discomfort (which can be managed with over-the-counter medication), intermittent bleeding (which can be stopped with gauze), and swelling (which can be kept down with an ice pack or cold compress).

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, you should only eat soft or liquid foods. Pasta, yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and cold soups can all be healthy choices. Ice cream and smoothies can also make for nice treats. (Just be sure to eat your smoothie with a spoon instead of using a straw.) You can start adding more solid foods back into your diet once your mouth has sufficiently recovered.

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

In addition to brushing like you normally would, you should also start rinsing with salt water multiple times a day. You may use mouthwash as well, but make sure it’s free of alcohol first. Your goal should be to keep your mouth as clean as possible to reduce the risk of an oral infection.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached  

The above information covers the recovery process following your dental implant surgery. But what can you expect when you have your final crown, bridge, or denture attached to your implant posts? Fortunately, this step is much simpler; for many patients, the only notable side effect is some slight gum sensitivity. At this point, you should start being able to fully enjoy the advantages of dental implants.

If swelling or bleeding occurs after you receive your replacement teeth, contact our office immediately. Such symptoms aren’t normal and warrant a thorough oral examination.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Your dental implants are made from durable porcelain that can’t develop tooth decay, but that doesn’t mean you can forgo your at-home dental hygiene routine. To prevent your remaining teeth from getting cavities, you should brush twice daily for a full two minutes to remove plaque buildup from their surfaces. Also, be sure to thoroughly floss between them and below your gums to keep periodontal disease at bay.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Dental implants are the only artificial teeth embedded into your jawbone for added stability, which means they have fewer dietary restrictions than alternatives like dental bridges and dentures.

Although this type of restoration allows you to enjoy a wider variety of foods, you still need to be careful about what you eat. Foods that are overly sugary, sticky, hard, or crunchy can potentially harm your teeth and should be avoided or consumed in moderation. Instead, fill up on smile-friendly foods. For instance, dairy has calcium for strong teeth, while citrus fruits are full of vitamin C that supports your gums.

Break Bad Habits

If you smoke or chew tobacco, now’s the perfect time to leave this bad habit in the past. Cigarettes, vapes, and other products contain nicotine, which can hurt your oral health. It limits your blood flow and oxygen levels, so your body can’t deliver key nutrients that your teeth and gums need to fight infection. You’re more likely to develop gum disease or experience implant failure as a result, even if you’ve long since recovered from your surgical procedure.  

Protect Your Dental Implants

Dental implants may arguably be the most durable type of tooth replacement, but they’re not invincible. If you participate in high-contact activities like team sports or martial arts, it’s a good idea to get a mouthguard. Your dentist can provide one that’s customized to fit like a glove for optimal protection.

Similarly, those who suffer from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) may want to invest in a nightguard. It can shield your grin from the constant pressure of clenching your teeth together, which can damage your restoration or wear it down prematurely.  

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Brushing and flossing at home can prevent many dental problems, but some areas are hard to see or reach on your own. Our team has the experience and state-of-the-art technology to find and address any concerns before they can progress into real issues. For example, we can spot the early indicators of gum disease and treat it before it can affect your dental implant.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

This depends on the health and lifestyle choices of the patient. To ensure that dental implants last, it’s important to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash each day as well as attend regular cleanings and checkups. It is also a good idea to avoid chewing on things that are particularly hard or sticky. With proper care, dental implants can often last upwards of three decades. This is several times longer than traditional bridges and dentures.

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

The jawbone doesn’t have many nerve endings, and the mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. You are also likely to be sedated which will lower your body’s ability to register pain. Ultimately, you shouldn’t feel any pain during your procedure. However, your mouth may be sore for a few days afterwards. To manage discomfort, take recommended over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers as directed. Cold compresses may also be able to help. If discomfort worsens instead of improving after two or three days, give your dentist a call.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?

You should be able to resume your normal activities the day after your surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first week or so, as this can delay healing. Bleeding should stop after the first couple of days, and swelling should discontinue after three to four days. Take all medication from your dentist as directed. It may take up to six months for your implants to fuse with your jawbone.

Can I Get Dental Implants If I’m Diabetic?

If your diabetes is under control, your odds of dental implant success are generally comparable to those of nondiabetic patients. Uncontrolled diabetes and chronic high blood pressure can slow down the healing process, making it more difficult for your implants to integrate with your jawbone. If you are interested in getting dental implants, talk to your endocrinologist or primary care physician about getting your blood sugar levels under control before moving forward in the dental implant process.

What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?

Dental implants typically have incredibly high success rates but are not completely impervious to harm. Although it’s rare, there are some circumstances that can lead to their failure, such as:

• Failed osseointegration. Once the titanium rods are surgically placed, it takes a few weeks or months for your jaw to produce enough new bone growth to fuse with them. This process might not be fully completed if you don’t have sufficient bone density.
• Peri-implantitis. This form of gum disease typically develops from poor dental hygiene and can weaken your jaw and connective tissues, leaving them unable to support your teeth.
• Chronic teeth grinding can put undue pressure on your restoration, which can harm it.
• Using tobacco products. Chewing tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes all contain nicotine, which restricts your blood flow. Your body is less able to deliver nutrients to your mouth to help it heal and fight infection.
• Other medical conditions. Some preexisting issues like diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and autoimmune disorders impact your ability to recover after surgery.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat with Dental Implants?

Feeling somewhat tender and sensitive for a couple of weeks after your procedure is normal. To avoid exacerbating your discomfort, you should avoid foods that are difficult to chew like raw fruits and veggies or tough meats. Also, try to steer clear of alcoholic, sugary, or overly acidic beverages that attract bacteria that contribute to oral issues. Drinking water supports keeps your mouth clean and supports your immune system, but don’t use a straw because the suction can dislodge the blood clots in your mouth that are crucial for healing.

Once you start feeling up to it, you can add more foods back into your diet. Thankfully, your restoration is so firmly planted that there are very few dietary restrictions to worry about. However, you should be cautious when enjoying anything that’s too hard or sticky that might loosen or dislodge it.

Do Dental Implants Make You Look Younger?

Many patients don’t realize that missing adult teeth can result in a more aged appearance. This is because your jawbone starts to thin without a root in place to stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down. In time, this can alter the shape of your face, causing sunken cheeks, additional wrinkles, and further tooth loss.

Dental implants are the only treatment to prevent this from occurring because the support poles placed into the jawbone function like roots to keep it active and healthy. That means refurbishing your grin this way can actually preserve a more youthful visage.

Do I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?

Dental implants require that your jawbone be thick and strong enough to support them, but if you’ve waited a while to replace your missing tooth, it might already be too weak. In these instances, a bone graft procedure can sometimes be used to bulk it up enough to proceed. This surgery involves transplanting a piece of bone tissue to your jawbone to replenish it. This material can be created synthetically, taken from elsewhere in your body, or sourced from another person or animal.

Before getting dental implants, you must have a consultation to determine whether your jawbone can maintain them. If not, we might recommend this additional procedure, depending on your unique circumstances.