Dental Implants
Dental Implants You Can Trust
Atwood Advanced Dentistry offers dental implants in Grand Junction, serving patients from around Mesa County and beyond.
Dental implants work much more naturally than dentures. Rather than serving as a removeable tooth substitute, a dental implant is a permanent replacement tooth root (post) that's inserted directly into a patient's jawbone. Once the root has fused into the one, it provides a strong foundation upon which an artificial tooth that looks just like the surrounding regular teeth can be attached.
There are three parts to a dental implant:
- 1. Implant: A small titanium root, or post, that's surgically placed in the jawbone.
- 2. Abutment: The connecting piece between the post and restoration.
- 3. Restoration: A bridge, crown, or denture that fits securely on top of the implant.
As the most common type of implant used today, endosteal implants are surgically inserted directly into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are extremely rare and serve as a better option for patients who do not have enough natural jawbone to support endosteal implants.
Once in place, a dental implant looks, feels, and functions just like a real tooth. Other advantages of dental implants include ease of brushing and flossing, the fact they don't slip around and interfere with speaking and eating like dentures do, and exceptional comfort.
There are also different types of dental implants, including single-tooth dental implants, full mouth dental implants, mini dental implants, and all-on-4 dental implants.
What to Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure
If you are a candidate for a dental implant procedure, you can expect:
1. Using 3D imaging of your mouth, Dr. Atwood will prepare a computer simulation of the treatment, allowing him to identify where the implants will be placed for optimal support.
2. The next step will involve surgery to place the implants and may also include additional procedures like a tooth extraction and bone shaping. At that time, the implants are capped with abutments and temporary teeth are attached until the implants have had a chance to fuse with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration.
3. During a 6-12 week healing process, you will be asked to avoid hard or chewy foods that could cause damage.
4. The temporary teeth will be removed approximately three months after placement once the process of osseointegration is finished. Once the temporaries are removed, permanent replacement teeth will be attached.
5. Although recovery times vary depending on the type and number of implants you received, your recovery should be relatively short with minimal discomfort.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
Although dental implants tend to cost slightly more upfront than other tooth replacement treatments, they are a very affordable alternative for reasons like aesthetics, comfort, durability, longevity, and higher self-esteem.
If you are planning a trip to Mexico to get your implants simply because it could save you a few bucks, you may want to reconsider. In Mexico, many dentists take short courses (as short as one weekend!) and start advertising that they do dental implants. There are no regulations stating dental providers are required to have a minimum level of training or experience. Additionally, those who commit mistakes while placing dental implants in Mexico are not usually sanctioned. Your safety and health is a priority at Atwood Advanced Dentistry.
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of implants needed and the complexity of the case. Dr. Atwood and his team can create a plan that works best for you.