Dental Implants in Fort Collins, CO
Losing a tooth for any reason can have a dramatic impact on you and your ability to fully enjoy life. Even simple actions like chewing and speaking properly can be a challenge, and you probably feel self-conscious about the apparent gap in your smile.
At Buxton Family Dental, we offer dental implants, a state-of-the-art tooth replacement solution. Dental implants are unique because, unlike other solutions like bridges or dentures, they actually replace your entire tooth, including the root. They are the only permanent tooth replacement method available, and millions of people today are enjoying the benefits of dental implants.
How Dental Implants Work
An implant is composed of three pieces:
- The titanium implant, which resembles a small screw and is implanted in your jaw
- A connector piece called the abutment that attaches to the implant
- A functional dental restoration that connects to the abutment
Titanium is the perfect material for your implant because it is biocompatible, which means it is readily accepted by the body. In the majority of cases, Dr. Kendell Buxton places the implant in your jaw here at our Fort Collins dental office. We will ensure you are numb for the procedure and offer you sedation options if you like. The process is comfortable and usually takes less than an hour.
Restoring Function to Your Smile
After placement, the implant is left to heal and integrate fully with surrounding bone and tissue. This process usually takes several months, and during that time, Dr. Buxton will monitor your progress to make sure the site is healing properly.
After healing is complete, we attach the abutment, which is then connected to a natural-looking restoration that forms the visible, functioning part of the implant. A single implant is used to support a crown or a dental bridge, and multiple implants can be placed to hold a full or partial denture firmly in place.
The final result is a replacement tooth that fits, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth. Your implant is permanent and will never decay, although you do have to protect it by making sure your gums are healthy and free of disease.
Why Tooth Replacement Is Important
If you have lost a tooth far back in your mouth, you may be tempted to let it go. This, however, is not a good plan.
The first problem you'll experience is a change in your function; every single tooth has a specific job to do, and the loss of one puts excess force on other teeth that must now work in a way they weren’t meant to. This can lead to dental wear and damage like broken fillings and fractured teeth. In turn, these problems can lead to problems with your dental bite and your jaw joints.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a tooth root has the vital job of keeping surrounding bone and gums healthy. When the root is lost, bone starts to deteriorate, and once bone is gone, it’s gone for good. An implant solves the problem because the artificial root stimulates healthy growth of the bone and tissues that support your teeth.
Please Call to Schedule a Convenient Consultation
If you are dealing with tooth loss and looking for the healthiest solution available, please call our office to arrange a dental implants consultation with Dr. Buxton. He will be happy to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, offer options, and help you decide if a dental implant is the best choice for you.
