Longmont, CO Dental Implants
As your Longmont Dental Implant specialist, Dr. Hedrick can restore your mouths function and aesthetics using implants. This amazing device functions as artificial tooth roots and has a shape like a screw. They are placed in bone structure to provide a permanent base for a prosthetic device such as crowns or bridges, or dentures. The implant allows the prosthetic devise to function like natural teeth.
The most common and best type of implant is called an Endosteal implant. This is the only type of dental implant that we use at Longmont Dental Loft.
What are the Parts of a Dental Implant?
Post
The post or “implant” is the screw like device that is integrated with the bone. This is entirely below the gumline.
Abutment
Also known as a connector since it connects the post to the replacement teeth. Often implants need time to become integrated with the bone structure before the prosthetic device such as a crown can be placed. When this is the case, we will only place the post and the abutment will be placed at the same time as the replacement teeth are placed.
Prosthesis
This refers to the replacement teeth that will be attached to the implant. Commonly the prosthesis is a crown, bridge, or denture.
What Materials are Used in an Implant?
Dental implants are manufactured from medical grade titanium. It’s an extremely durable material that resists corrosion. Therefore, they will last a lifetime.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
To be a candidate for a dental implant the following are prerequisites:
- Adequate bone structure (or a candidate for bone grafting)
- Healthy gums
- No medical conditions that would compromise bone health. For example, if you have uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis, you are often not a candidate for dental implants.
Same Day Implants
Also known as immediate implants, these are placed the same time the tooth is extracted. The only time that we wouldn’t do same day implants is if a bone graft is needed. If this is the case, we need to wait about 4-6 months to place the implant after the bone graft is completed. Most of the implants we place at Longmont Dental Loft are same day implants.
Full Arch Implants
When using implants to secure a bridge or denture it’s referred to as a full arch implant. For dentures, we typically advise using implants to secure dentures as opposed to other methods.
Methods to Connect Implants to Dentures
Screw Retained
Also known as screw in denture implants, these are the most secure way to attach dentures. The denture will screw into the implants and therefore never move. Since this is the most secure method, it’s the method we typically recommend at Longmont Dental Loft.
Snap In
As the name implies, with this type of implant the dentures will snap in and out. This method costs less than screw in dentures implants which is the major advantage. However, we typically don’t recommend this method as the screw retained implants have more advantages.
Does Getting a Dental Implant Hurt?
When getting an implant, we use a local anesthetic to allow for a comfortable experience. Of course, if you’re anxious about this procedure we do offer sedation dentistry to help you be relaxed.
Dental Implant Procedure
The process starts with scanning your mouth with an iTero to create a 3D map of your mouth. If necessary, a tooth is then extracted. Unless a dental bone graft is needed, the implant is placed the same day!
The only reason we wouldn’t do a same day implant is if a bone graft is needed. In this case, we will need to wait about 4-6 months until the bone to regenerate.
Technology we use When Placing Dental Implants
CBCT
This is a type of cat scan that is used for 3D images of your mouth.
iTero
The first step is using our iTero scanner to generate a 3D image of your mouth. This will enable to accurately treatment plan your bridge, crown, or dentures.
CEREC
It’s important that the implant is placed in the exact spot in your jawbone that the treatment plan calls for. Dr. Hedrick will upload the 3D scan of your mouth into our CEREC machine to create a guide. The guide will be milled in our CEREC and used to make sure that the implant is in the exact spot it’s supposed to be.
How to Care for Your Dental Implant
Typically, you should care for your implant the same way you would take care of your natural teeth. However, if your implant is attached to a bridge or denture it helps to use a water pick and bridge flosser to get between the gum tissue and the device. Plus there are several types of toothbrushes such as an interdental brush that can help when you have an implant.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
Yes, dental implants are typically covered by insurance at 50%.
Summary of Dental Implants by Dr. Hedrick
“When patients are concerned about the implant procedure hurting, I remind them that having a tooth out is more painful than having an implant placed. Therefore, it’s more painful to not get an implant or delay the procedure.
My approach to implants is called a “crown down” approach. We use our CBCT and CEREC to overlay scans. The CBCT 3D Image will determine exactly where the crown and implant should be placed.
After we know the exact location the implant will be placed, I will create a guide on the CEREC machine. This allows me to place the implant exactly where I need it for the optimal crown design.
This is a very predictable surgery with little pain or discomfort. Normal activities can resume the day after surgery. Regarding pain, most patients will take an over the counter anti-inflammatory for a few days after the procedure.”
Why get Dental Implants at Longmont Dental Loft?
Dr. Hedrick is amazing at placing dental implants. In addition to being highly skilled at placing implants, our Longmont office has all the technology that you need to make your experience top notch. For example, our iTero scanner is extremely accurate, and you won’t have to put up with traditional impression material. Plus, you will have less trips to the dentist as we can do same day implants along with a crown or bridge.
If you’re looking for dental implants in Longmont, we would be honored to help you. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 303-772-6333.