Do you worry about your smile because of a missing tooth? Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, thanks to advances in implant dentistry. We use restorations with materials that look and act like tooth enamel, so the dental implant blends in beautifully with your natural teeth.

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What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants consist of two components: a post that is placed in the jaw bone and a prosthetic tooth at the top. The post of the dental implant is usually made from titanium or a titanium alloy.

Through a process called “osseointegration,” the bone actually fuses with the dental implant over a few months, creating a strong and stable anchor for the tooth.

The prosthetic tooth is attached to the dental implant after a few months of healing time has passed and the new “root” has stabilized. Each replacement dental crown is color-matched to blend in with your natural teeth.

Dental implants restore your ability to eat, bite, and chew again, so you can get back to your normal lifestyle.

Before and after dental implants

The Dental Implant Procedure at Boulder County Smiles

The process of receiving dental implants happens as follows:

Step

01

Consultation

After Dr. Johns or Dr. West evaluates whether you are a candidate for dental implants, we take an impression of both the upper and lower arches of your teeth, which we send to a dental lab for casting.

Step

02

Design

The casts are used by the dental lab to design a tooth and implant that looks and feels great.

Step

03

CBCT Scans

We take a CT scan of your mouth to guide our planning process. Information from the CT scan is uploaded to specialized software that is designed to precisely identify the optimal position for the dental implants.

Step

04

Implant Placement Procedure

Your custom titanium implant is surgically placed while you are under local or general anesthesia. This process is safe and completed by our highly trained dentists.

Step

05

Osseointegration

The implant posts are then able to bond to your jawbone, creating a very secure root for your porcelain dental crown to rest on.

The implant post encourages bone growth, which gives strength and stability to the dental implant. This option helps your replacement look and act like a natural tooth.
After your implant has been replaced and healed we can place your customized restoration. In a few visits to our Lafayette, CO, dental office, you can have a dental implant placed and restored, effectively restoring your natural smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a complete tooth replacement, from root to crown. There are numerous benefits associated with this replacement option, which boasts a 90–98% success rate! Find out more about the benefits that implant dentistry can offer you!

Lasts longer

A dental bridge might last 7–12 years, but a dental implant can last much longer, often for the rest of your life.

Short adjustment period

Dental implants feel more natural than other restorative options.

Feels Natural

Dental implants act like natural teeth thanks to their stability, so you can eat your favorite foods without worry.

Improved bone health

Implant dentistry keeps your jaw from losing bone density, which means your facial appearance stays intact after you lose a tooth.

Easy maintenance

Your dental implant can stay beautiful through normal brushing and flossing.

Seamless

A dental implant doesn’t negatively affect the surrounding teeth, and in fact, prevents surrounding teeth from shifting.

Improved function

Implant dentistry can also secure a removable denture for better function and comfort.

Implant dentistry can restore your stunning smile! We have both Dr. Johns and Dr. West on staff to help replace your missing teeth through this exciting option.

Dental Implant FAQ

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Dr. Gordon West has established himself as a reputable implant dentist among our patients from Longmont, Boulder, and Lafayette, CO. Both Dr. West and Dr. Johns are also known for the compassionate and friendly treatment they give to all our patients.

We don’t take implant dentistry lightly, and we have an excellent reputation for great teeth implant results. If you are looking for a dental implant dentist, we can help you! Look over the criteria for choosing an implant dentist on this page.

Dental implants typically consist of three main components: the implant post (usually made of titanium or a titanium alloy), the abutment (which connects the post to the restoration), and the prosthetic tooth (crown, bridge, or denture). Titanium is used because it is biocompatible and integrates well with bone tissue.

Osseointegration is the process by which the jawbone naturally fuses with the titanium implant post. This creates a stable and secure anchor for the prosthetic tooth. The process typically takes a few months, during which the bone cells grow and attach to the surface of the implant.

Dental implants have a high success rate, ranging from 90–98%. Success depends on factors such as the patient’s oral health, the quality of the bone, and the precision of the implant placement. Proper care and maintenance also play a crucial role in the longevity of the implants.

After the implant post is placed, a healing period of three to six months is usually required. During this time, osseointegration occurs, and the implant becomes securely anchored in the jawbone. Patients may experience minor discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and proper care.

Once the implant post has fully integrated with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the post. This abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the prosthetic tooth. The custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is then securely placed onto the abutment, completing the restoration.

Yes, dental implants can be used for full-mouth restorations. Techniques such as All-on-6 or the All-on-4® treatment concept involve placing four to six implants in strategic locations in the jawbone to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. This provides a stable and secure foundation for a complete set of teeth.

Several factors can influence the success of dental implants, including:

  • Bone density: Sufficient bone volume and quality are essential for implant stability.
  • Oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene practices are crucial to prevent infections and ensure implant longevity.
  • Smoking: Smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure.
  • Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders can affect healing and integration.

In some cases, dental implants can be placed immediately after tooth extraction, known as immediate implant placement. This approach can reduce the overall treatment time and preserve the bone structure. However, not all patients are candidates for this procedure, and it depends on the condition of the extraction site and overall oral health.

Maintaining dental implants involves similar care to natural teeth, including:

  • Brushing: Twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
  • Flossing: Daily, using floss designed for implants or interdental brushes.
  • Regular dental checkups: Routine visits to monitor the health of the implants and surrounding tissues.
  • Avoiding hard foods: To prevent damage to the implants and prosthetic teeth.

During the consultation, the dentist will:

  • Evaluate your oral health: Through a comprehensive examination and possibly X-rays or a CT scan.
  • Discuss your medical history: To identify any conditions that may affect implant success.
  • Create a treatment plan: Tailored to your specific needs, including the number of implants, type of restoration, and estimated timeline.
  • Answer your questions: Address any concerns you may have about the procedure, recovery, and maintenance.

Find Out Whether You’re a Candidate for Dental Implants

To learn more about our dental implants, please give Dr. West or Dr. Johns a call.
We provide expert implant dentistry services at our practice in Lafayette, CO, to patients who come to see us from all across the Boulder County area, including Lafayette, Boulder, and Broomfield, CO.