Dental Implants

Dental implants are ideal for those looking to find a long-lasting solution to replace missing teeth. At his practice in Denver, Colorado, Carl F. Lipe DDS, PLLC, and his team of dental professionals understand the importance of having a healthy and complete smile. If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Cost is no longer a barrier to achieving the healthy smile you deserve. For those without insurance, the team offers an affordable CareCredit® plan. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn whether implants are right for you.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that your dental team surgically places into your jawbone to support replacement teeth, such as crowns, dentures, or bridges. Made of durable titanium, implants are biocompatible, meaning they integrate with the natural structures in your body. They serve the same role as your natural roots, stabilizing your teeth. 

Dental implants allow you to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Dental implants are ideal solutions for people with one or several missing teeth. They can even replace all the teeth you have. Good candidates for implants must have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density to support the artificial tooth roots. If you have advanced gum disease, you may need treatment before dental implant surgery.

Bone grafting is an effective procedure to address bone loss in your jaw. If you don’t have enough bone to support implants, the dental professionals at Carl F. Lipe DDS, PLLC, may recommend a bone graft.

What is the dental implant process like?

Restoring your smile and tooth function with dental implants is a multistep process that starts with an initial consultation. The team performs a comprehensive dental exam and teeth cleaning that involves digital X-rays to view your mouth’s underlying structures. 

If you’re a good candidate for dental implants, you return to the office for implant surgery. This procedure usually involves anesthesia, so you may need to coordinate a ride home. 

After making an incision in your gums, the team places the implant. The healing process takes about 6-12 weeks. During this time, your jawbone heals around the implant and secures it in place through a process called osseointegration.

Once the implant fully integrates and your mouth heals, the team places an abutment (anchor) over the top to serve as a connector for your replacement teeth. Connecting your prosthetic teeth to the implants is the final step in the process. They can last for more than 25 years* with routine maintenance.

If you’re interested in dental implants, call Carl F. Lipe DDS, PLLC, or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about how they can improve your smile.

*Individual results may vary