Dental Implants
A+ A- A Main ContentDental implants are a long term and aesthetically appealing solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. Because your other teeth are unaffected by implants, they are often a better solution than other alternatives like bridges.
Speak with our periodontist, Dr. Angie Lee, in Fort Collins, CO about the process of dental implants. This process may be performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to gently place the implant or “root” part within the mouth. A small incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implant(s) is placed, the gums are allowed to heal and in some cases are sutured.
After the implant is in place, you will be allowed between 3-6 months to heal. A temporary tooth (teeth) is installed so that you can eat and speak normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your smile. As you heal over the next 3-6 months, your jawbone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration.
After the implant has healed, it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. Once this is placed, an impression of the abutment is taken and is used to create your permanent restoration. Once the restoration is completed, you can return to the office to attach the restoration permanently. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant, it will feel just like one of your own teeth.
Dental Implants After Tooth Loss
Dental implants are a permanent and aesthetically appealing solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. Because your other teeth are unaffected by implants, they are often a better solution than other alternatives like bridges or dentures.
Speak with Dr. Angie Lee in Fort Collins, CO about the process of dental implants. This process may be performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to gently place the implant or “root” part within the mouth. A small incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implant(s) is placed, the gums are allowed to heal, and in some cases, are sutured.
Questions & Answers
A dental implant is a permanent new root for a missing tooth. A titanium cylinder is placed into the jawbone. After the implant heals into the bone an abutment and crown are then placed on the implant to provide a permanent, new tooth.
Dentures are a removable set of teeth or partial set of teeth that need to be removed from time to time and cared for in a special manner. Dentures often feel bulky and take time to get used to. Bridges are made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap or missing tooth. These two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth. The false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants. Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth that can be cared for just like natural teeth.
Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth. They are a permanent addition to your smile. The implant procedure is very successful and affordable.
Dr. Angie Lee can perform the implant procedures in-office. Often referring doctors will contact Dr. Angie Lee if the procedure is too complex for the general dentist to perform.
The price of your dental implants will vary based on individual needs, how many implants you are having placed, amount of insurance coverage, and more. Schedule a consultation with us to determine a price for your implants and a financing plan if necessary.
We provide sedation dentistry and/or a local anesthetic so that you do not feel any tooth or jaw pain. If you have anxiety or fear, you should discuss sedation options with Dr. Angie Lee.
When cared for properly, implants should last a lifetime. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to the success of your implant.