Dental Implants — Parker, CO

The Dental Implant Process

It’s true that dental implants do take more time to receive compared to other tooth replacement options. When you factor in the benefits that come with them, however, they are more than worth the wait! To learn more about the process, you’re encouraged to give Dr. Allen a call to set up a consultation. You’re welcome to learn about the steps of dental implant treatment ahead of your appointment below! If you have any questions, please let us know during your visit.

Read More

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

During this appointment, Dr. Allen will examine your mouth to determine if you are qualified to receive dental implants. If so, he will discuss your goals, as well as how the entire process will work. Going over the steps, he will provide you with a clear estimate of the cost of dental implants in Parker.

Alternatively, if you need to complete preparatory treatments to be eligible to receive dental implants, he’ll break down exactly what services he recommends beforehand. This may include treatments like decay removal, gum disease therapy, or bone grafting to expand the volume of your jawbone tissue. After these treatments are complete, you can revisit the prospect of replacing teeth with dental implants.

Dental Implant Surgery

The implants will be surgically placed into your jawbone during the first phase. To do this, a small incision is made in your gum tissue so tiny holes can be created in your jawbone. After the implants are attached and the gum tissue is stitched closed, you’ll be sent home to heal over the next 3-6 months. This allows the implant to fuse to the bone and surrounding tissue in a process known as osseointegration. Depending on the severity of your tooth loss, your surgery may be shorter or longer in length.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

The osseointegration phase of your dental implant treatment is one of the most vital because it’s what gives your implant the stability it needs to remain inside your jaw for decades to come. You’ll need to follow our aftercare instructions closely to protect your dental implant during the healing phase.

Eventually, you’ll come back to our office to have the abutment component attached. Although small, this important piece connects the implant to the customized restoration. Whether you need one or six, they’ll be attached to provide lasting stability.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

The final phase of your surgical procedure is to have the custom prosthetic placed on top of the implant. These are created in a lab by technicians who carefully construct and customize your restoration to match the color, size, and shape of your regular teeth. At your final appointment, we’ll attach the restoration to the abutment and implant, then confirm if any modifications are needed. For example, we’ll want to make sure your bite is as even as possible before sending you home.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Because dental implants replace the entire structure of missing teeth, they allow you to enjoy a solution that mimics your natural teeth in almost every way. Once the dental implant process is complete, your new teeth will look and feel so real that you might even forget that you lost teeth in the first place! That’s more than can be said for traditional dentures and dental bridges. Compared to other treatments, there are countless benefits of dental implants in Parker, CO. Here are just a few of the ways they can improve your life. 

Read More

Day-to-Day Benefits

• No slipping – Dentures are notorious for slipping out of place if they don’t fit correctly or if you try to chew certain foods. You won’t need to worry about this if your teeth are secured onto implants; you can count on them staying firmly in place at all times.
• Eat your favorite foods – Since dentures alone don’t provide the chewing strength that dental implants do, they can make it difficult or even impossible to chew sticky or crunchy foods. In contrast, dental implants restore almost all of your original biting and chewing power, letting you enjoy a diet of nutritious, delicious foods.
• Easy cleaning – Rather than having to take out your false teeth and learn a whole new cleaning routine, implant restorations typically remain in your mouth. Therefore, you can brush and floss them like real teeth, making oral hygiene a breeze.

Health Benefits

• Better oral health – Compared to other tooth replacement methods, dental implants are the easiest to keep clean. Because they promote better oral health, they also encourage better overall health.
• Prevent bone loss – After teeth are lost, the jawbone begins to lose support, eventually weakening and resulting in further tooth loss. Just like real tooth roots, dental implants stimulate the jawbone every time you bite or chew to keep it strong.
• No discomfort – Placing a traditional dental bridge requires some of your existing tooth enamel to be removed, which can make those teeth painfully sensitive. Dentures, especially if they don’t fit properly, can rub against the gums and cause sores. Dental implants do not cause either of these problems.

Long-Term Benefits

• Reliable results – Once your implant dentist in Parker, CO has fully restored your new teeth, you can count on them to last for quite some time. In fact, about 95% of people with dental implants are still enjoying them after more than a decade.
• Fewer replacements – While dentures and bridges need to be replaced every five to ten years or so, your dental implants can last a lifetime if you take good care of them.
• Save time and money – Because you won’t have to worry about frequently getting your restoration replaced, you’ll save a great deal of time and money over the years.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Are you missing one or more teeth? No matter what your case is, dental implants can help you enjoy a complete and fully functioning smile once again. During your consultation, Dr. Allen will thoroughly examine your mouth and create a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs. Below, you can learn more about this modern tooth loss solution and who can take advantage of it.

Read More

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Truthfully, almost any healthy adult is a good candidate for dental implants in Parker. It’s one of the main reasons why this solution is so popular! However, there are three things Dr. Allen looks for to consider you eligible for treatment:

• Good Overall Health: Since dental implants require oral surgery, you’ll need to be healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
• Great Oral Health: Existing issues like cavities and gum disease must be addressed before getting dental implants because they can affect the success of the treatment.
• Sufficient Jawbone Density: Your jawbone must be strong enough to support dental implants. Otherwise, you may need to get bone grafting to become a good candidate for this solution.

It’s worth noting that even patients who don’t initially qualify for dental implants may still be able to get them. Undergoing preliminary procedures like tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or bone grafting can help you become a candidate. By incorporating these into your treatment plan, you can get on the right track toward your new smile.

Missing One Tooth

A single missing tooth is replaced using an implant post, an abutment, and a crown. There is no need to alter your adjacent healthy teeth to hold it in place. In fact, it will help support your remaining teeth to stop dental drift.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Two or more consecutive missing teeth are replaced using an implant bridge. An impression of your mouth is used to carefully craft a bridge of prosthetic teeth. It is held in place using an implant post at either end.

Missing All Teeth

You can secure your denture to your jawbone with dental implants. On average, 4 to 6 posts are used to anchor your denture to eliminate slipping and irritation. In some cases, you can even be fitted with a temporary denture the same day as your placement surgery, so you will not need to go without your teeth.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Learn More About All-On-4 Dental Implants

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are various options that will restore your smile. Depending on your individual needs, goals, and financial capacity, those options may be many or very few. Traditional methods, such as crowns and bridges, dentures, or partials, will most likely take less of a toll on your wallet initially; however, their longevity and upkeep can make them a much less cost-effective option. Dr. Rodney Allen and his team know cost is an important factor when it comes to dental work, but the investment you’ll be making in your dental implants in Parker is one that will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Find out how you can recapture your smile and feel confident about your decision to move forward with dental implants by calling us today for a consultation!

Read More

Types of Dental Implants

The type of dental implant you will receive depends on the number of missing teeth you are having replaced. It’s important to remember that the more implants you need, the higher the cost. For example, single tooth implants are the least costly option. In contrast, implant bridges and implant dentures use multiple implants to restore teeth, making them more comprehensive, but more expensive.

What are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

Each stage of your dental implant treatment will incur its own cost. From the planning to the execution, all aspects of the process will be factored in when your dentist in Parker formulates a proper estimate. This includes the initial consultation, the surgery itself, the abutment and restoration, and any preparatory treatments needed to place the implants successfully and confidently. Preparatory treatments can include a tooth extraction, gum therapy, bone graft, or sinus lift.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

When you consider all the different pieces that are factored into the overall price of your treatment, you may be asking, “Is it really worth it?” While you are the only one who can answer that question, allow us to say, “It is most certainly worth the investment.” The money you spend will go further simply because these restorations are designed to last decades if not a lifetime, but that isn’t the only benefit. Others include:

• Greater stability
• Improved appearance and functionality
• Increased confidence
• Low maintenance
• Few restrictions when it comes to foods/beverages
• No chance of decay
• Improved oral health

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Most insurance companies do not cover dental implant placement; however, there are parts of the process that may be covered, such as:

• Any pre-dental implant work (gum disease therapy, bone grafting)
• Initial consultation
• Custom restoration
• Materials used
• Anesthesia/Sedation

As an in-network provider for Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield and Cigna dental insurance, we also offer CareCredit, which is a third-party financier. Through this program, we can offer you low and no-interest financing options when paying for your treatment.

Dental Implant Technology

In the past few decades, dental implants have only been getting better and better. Thanks to new technological advancements in the field of dentistry, replacing your teeth with dental implants has never been safer, easier, and more successful. Dr. Allen strives to stay abreast of the latest dental implant technology in Parker so that your new pearly whites will stand the test of test of time. Continue reading to learn about some of the advanced systems that we use at our practice!

Read More

Antibacterial Coating

Even though the risk of dental implant failure is already incredibly low, we can reduce it even further by coating the implant posts in a potent antimicrobial material. The biggest threat to the success of dental implants in Parker is bacterial infection; when the tissues that support the posts become damaged and weak, they can no longer provide the strong foundation your new teeth need. When the implants are fortified with an antibacterial coating, the chances of infection decrease significantly. This way, your smile has an easier time thriving.

iTero Digital Impression System

When it comes time to place your prosthetic teeth on top of your implants, we’ll have to take impressions of your mouth. Rather than relying on messy “goop” to create these molds, your implant dentist in Parker uses an iTero digital impression system. It only takes a minute or two for Dr. Allen to digitally scan your mouth with a small, handheld device that resembles a pen. The instrument then sends the data to a nearby computer, where it generates a three-dimensional model of your restoration with pristine accuracy. Not only is the impression process more comfortable this way, but it often leads to replacement teeth that look and feel much more natural.

Advanced Dental Implant Procedures

Dental implants are the ideal method for replacing missing teeth, as they’ll preserve both your smile and facial structure for a lifetime. However, for some patients, it’s possible that additional procedures will be necessary before they can be eligible for these restorations. Fortunately, Dr. Allen can provide several advanced treatments that are designed to increase your chances of being a viable candidate for dental implants in Parker. If you need a bone graft or a ridge expansion, our team will do our best to make sure your next tooth replacement procedure is a success! Keep reading or reach out to us if you wish to learn more about these advanced dental implant treatments today.

Read More

Bone Grafting

A bone graft is complex surgical procedure designed to replace missing bone tissue in your body. Although this process can be completed anywhere, it’s especially common to perform it in the parts of your jaw where you’ll receive a dental implant. This involves donating existing bone tissue in your body or bone from some other source. Once we’ve placed the bone onto the jawbone tissue, you’ll need a recovery period of several months to fully heal from the treatment. Afterward, this should result in you having sufficient bone density to properly anchor a dental implant so they can provide an effective and long-lasting support.

During the procedure, a tiny, new piece of bone will be injected into the place your bone will need to heal. The cells within it will start to seal and fuse themselves to the new piece. Over the following few months after your appointment, the bone tissue should develop and increase in mass, becoming large enough to ultimately bond with a dental implant.

Ridge Expansion

Sometimes a person’s jaw might not be wide enough to contain dental implants. If this is the case, then we may recommend that you get a ridge expansion. For this treatment, the bone ridge beneath your gum line will need to be divided into inner and outer portions. We’ll then create space between these sections, filling them with grafting material. In time, the bone tissue will become thicker, wider, and a more fitting foundation to support your dental implants.

Some patients may even have their restorations placed while they undergo a ridge expansion so they can save time. The only way to determine if this can be done is by scheduling a consultation with our team. We’ll assess your situation and inform you of the best ways to increase your chances of successful dental implants.

Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions

Getting dental implants requires a minor surgical procedure, but most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it is. That being said, it will take about a week or two to fully heal afterward. During this recovery period, it’s crucial to take the right precautions to ensure that your implants are successful. Below, you’ll find a basic outline of dental implant post-op instructions in Parker, but we can provide you with even more detailed guidelines at your appointment.

Read More

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

As you recover from dental implant surgery, your top priority should be to ensure that the blood clot forming over the implant site remains undisturbed. If the blood clot is dislodged, it causes dry socket – a condition that is not only painful, but also lengthens the healing process.

To prevent dry socket, avoid:

• Drinking through a straw
• Smoking
• Blowing your nose or spitting (instead, dab at your nose with tissues or swallow excess saliva)
• Placing your tongue or fingers near the surgical site

Common Side Effects

After your procedure, it can be hard to tell which side effects are normal and which are cause for concern, particularly if you’ve never had oral surgery before. For the first week or so, your soreness and general discomfort should gradually subside. Make sure to take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as needed. If you notice that your discomfort is intensifying instead of fading, please call an implant dentist in Parker right away.

It’s also common to experience swelling and intermittent bleeding for the first few days. Holding a cold compress to your cheek for ten minutes at a time can curb swelling in addition to pain. For bleeding, place gentle pressure on the gauze pads over the surgical site.

Diet

You’ll want to stick to a soft food diet at first to avoid placing too much pressure on the implant site. We recommend stocking up on the following foods before your surgery:

• Yogurt
• Ice cream
• Pudding
• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta
• Scrambled eggs
• Soup that isn’t very hot

Once your discomfort is gone, you can gradually begin introducing heartier foods into your diet. However, try to avoid chewing directly with the surgical site.

Health & Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene after surgery is essential in helping your dental implants in Parker successfully merge with your jawbone. Starting the day after your procedure, you can brush your teeth as you would normally, but be careful near the implant site. We also highly suggest rinsing your mouth with salt water two or three times a day, preferably after you eat (just don’t spit it out too forcefully). If you have been prescribed a mouthwash, use that. Do NOT use alcoholic mouthwash, as alcohol can interfere with the osseointegration process.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

After your mouth has completely healed, there’s just one step left – having Dr. Allen place your new teeth on top of your implants. You may experience some minor, temporary sensitivity in your gums for a day or two after this appointment, but it’s nothing that can’t be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you notice any swelling or bleeding, let us know right away, as those aren’t normal side effects of getting your restoration placed. Other than that, you’re free to walk out of our office with your newly rebuilt smile!

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

For many patients, dental implants have become the treatment of choice for missing teeth. Thanks to their unique placement inside the jawbone, they’re able to keep your smile complete and healthy for a lifetime. Of course, that’s only the case if you protect them from damage and infection. Dr. Allen wants you to enjoy your newly rebuilt grin for as long as possible, which is why he’s created a list of healthy habits and simple precautions you should follow. If you’d like to learn more about how you can maintain your implants, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Read More

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Dental implants may not be able to get cavities, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene. It’s still just as important to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash. These essential practices can prevent harmful bacteria from attacking your soft oral tissues and keep your smile in tip-top shape.

Eat a Healthy Diet

While you can eat almost any food you want with dental implants, you should still be mindful of your diet. Overindulging in sugary, starchy, or acidic foods can be detrimental to your smile. Instead, you should stick to a diet full of nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products. They’ll help keep your waistline slim and jawbone healthy!

Break Bad Habits

Smoking, using your teeth as tools, chewing on pens or pencils, biting your fingernails, munching on ice cubes – are you guilty of any of these poor habits? They may seem harmless, but they can destroy your enamel and implants. That’s why it’s best to kick these habits to the curb as soon as you can. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask our team. We’ll provide you with the resources, support, and guidance you need to make the feat as easy as possible.

Protect Your Dental Implants

Even though dental implants are strong, they’re not indestructible. If you play sports, you should ask Dr. Allen about a custom-made athletic mouthguard. It’ll protect your teeth from any impact should you sustain a blow to the face. For those who grind their teeth at night, a nightguard is an excellent solution to consider. The oral appliance can keep the enamel safe from the force of chronic teeth grinding.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

One of the best ways to keep your smile intact for a lifetime is by visiting Dr. Allen every six months for a checkup and cleaning. He’ll review your prosthetics, conduct an oral examination, and ensure no problems are developing. If there are, he can address them to help you avoid more costly and timely issues down the line.