Implants? Crowns? Veneers? Invisible braces? As dental technology and services have expanded in the Lafayette area, so has the vocabulary. Dentistry has advanced to provide many new solutions that address almost every possible dental issue.
Dr. Gordon West, considered one of the best dentists in Colorado, has know-how with cosmetic and prime restorative procedures.
In the past, if a patient in Lafayette had a missing tooth or a severely damaged tooth, Colorado dentists regularly suggested dental bridges or dentures, because they were the best options at the time. These days, state-of-the art dental implants have proven to be superior to dental bridges for most Boulder patients. They can also replace dentures or anchor dentures for some patients.
A tooth implant provides many important advantages over a dental bridge or dentures:
Longevity – Dental implants are strong and permanent, meaning with proper care they can last ten years or more.
Seamless – Fabricated to have the same shape, size and color of the original tooth, the implant will blend seamlessly with all the other teeth. If the original tooth had aesthetic problems, these can ordinarily be corrected with the implant crown.
Function – A dental implant functions like a natural tooth allowing for normal eating and speaking.
Convenience – Unlike dentures, no adhesives, rinsing, or removal is necessary.
Independent – Like the missing tooth, the dental implant is treated individually. No damaging of adjacent teeth is required, as with dental bridges. This independence allows nearby teeth to remain intact. Cleaning is easier than with most dental bridges which can require the threading of floss under and around the artificial tooth.
Let’s explore the tooth implant treatment plan:
If you are interested in getting a tooth implant, call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 303-665-5335 to schedule a tooth implant consultation. Dr. West practices in the greater Boulder area from Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette. Dr. West will perform an exam, take x-rays and guide with you. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, the process will begin.
Plaster dental impressions of both upper and lower plates will be taken. Dr. West will precisely place the titanium implant, which looks like a dark screw, into the bone of your jaw. Over the next couple of months, the bone and implant will bond together to form a new root for your new tooth.
After the necessary time has passed for bonding of the bone and implant, an extension (called an abutment) is placed on top of the initial implant post. This post extension is then capped with a temporary tooth. Meanwhile, the team of professionals at our lab will design your new, permanent crown.
Dr. West will then put the attractive permanent crown on top of the full post. This tooth will match your other teeth to create a wonderful new smile. You will find that the comfort is the same as your natural teeth, to the point that you may even forget which tooth is the implant. The upkeep is the same, with brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups needed.
If you want to identify if a tooth implant is right for you or desire details about smile redesigns, call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry for more details. We look forward to meeting you!
Contact Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry:
303-665-5335
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1140 W South Boulder Rd, Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026