dental implants aspen colorado

What exactly are Dental Implants?

In the past, when you were missing a tooth, your only two dental options were to have a fixed bridge placed or wear a partial denture. Dental implant technology has revolutionized the dental industry. Dental implants are small metal rods made out of titanium. This surgical-grade metal is safely inserted into the gums and bonds with the natural bone in under six months. Once bonded, the implant creates a permanent abutment for restorative work like dental crowns and bridges. Some patients even choose to have implants placed so that their dentures fit more securely. These are known as implant-supported dentures, and they work effectively to prevent denture plates from slipping and falling out.

Why would you need Dental Implants?

The reason you may need or just want dental implants is because you’re completely missing one or more of your teeth. Instead of compromising surrounding teeth, the implant replaces only the tooth that is missing. Once the implant has fully healed, a dental crown will be placed on top using the connector of the implant. You may also want dental implants because you wear dentures and are tired of using adhesives and gels to keep them in place. Implants create a more natural-looking smile whether you’re replacing one tooth or using them as an anchor for a prosthetic.

smile makeover from andrew turchin aspen co

Are There Different Types of Dental Implants?​

Watch Dr. Turchin discuss dental implants and their different types!

dental implants image aspen

Are normal dental implants also suitable for patients who are at increased risk of periodontitis?

Conventional titanium dental implants usually offer a safe treatment option with a 95 percent success rate. However, “normal” dental implants have some problem areas that make them unsuitable for periodontitis and high-risk patients.

What are the problem areas here?

In order to ensure a successful supply of dental implants, the dental implant must grow together with the jawbone. To this end, dental implants have been optimized with regard to their surface structure over the years. Today’s dental implants have a roughened surface. This not only promotes bone growth, but also the connection between the dental implants and the bone.

Since titanium dental implants are contaminated by small amounts of nickel and tin and there is direct contact between the metal surface and the bone cells, diffusion of metal ions cannot be ruled out. For example, there may be an allergic reaction to dental implants.

In order to make the provision of dental implants possible for periodontitis and risk patients, it is necessary that the metal surface of the dental implants is covered with a sufficiently thick titanium oxide layer.

Are there other problems that periodontitis and high-risk patients need to know about dental implant care?

Two other problems with normal dental implants can be mentioned. If you consider the connection piece between the implant part inserted in the bone and the build-up part, which serves as the basis for a tooth crown or prosthesis, there is a great risk that harmful bacteria will penetrate into the interior of the implant and cause inflammation, so-called peri-implantitis. If such an inflammation occurs, the loss of the dental implant is possible.

Dental implants specially designed for periodontitis and high-risk patients are equipped with a “Swiss pocket watch seal”. This prevents the micro movements between the dental implant and the abutment and thus the penetration of inflammatory bacteria.

dental crowns aspen co

What exactly is peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is the, usually irreversible, inflammation of the tissue surrounding the implant. If peri-implantitis is not treated, bone is broken down and ultimately the tooth implant is lost. A lot of patients underestimate the large number of so-called “late implant losses”, which are often due to peri-implantitis.

Of course, there are other factors that can lead to implant loss, including:

  • Wrong prosthetic load
  • General diseases such as B. Diabetes
dental implants aspen co

Lack of aftercare

With the help of special dental implants for periodontitis and high-risk patients, the risk of peri-implantitis can be significantly reduced.

dental implants image aspen

If you are completely missing one or more of your teeth, implants can help with restoring your smile and getting you to feel more confidence in your appearance. In the past, you may have been told that the only two options available to you to replace a missing tooth were fixed bridges and partial dentures. While both of these restorations are still widely used in the dental industry, implants are more common because they restore a tooth permanently without compromising surrounding teeth.

Why Should You Consider Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a permanent, life-long restoration that is specifically meant to enhance your smile. The surgery itself is relatively noninvasive and commonly performed, so you can have implant placement complete in just an hour. The implant, which is made out of a surgical-grade titanium, will fuse with the jaw bone in under six months. Once the implant has fused with the bone, you can benefit from a completely permanent anchor for crowns and other restorations.

How Long Will Implants Last?
Once an implant has completely healed, you can benefit from having it for the rest of your life. Implants are made out of titanium, so they can withstand a lot of force and pressure no matter how much you clench or grind your teeth. What’s not permanent are the restorations that are placed on top of the implant, like a dental crown. These restorations need to be replaced years or decades depending on the materials and proper hygiene practices. The implant itself will stay in place for decades without any special care or attention.

The Procedure and What to Expect
During the procedure, the doctor will create a small incision into the gums to place the implant. The implant may be secured using a retainer, which is meant to keep the appliance in place. The implant will fuse with the bone in about six months and can then be used as an abutment for crowns or dentures. Our doctors are dedicated to providing you with a high-quality implant that enhances your natural smile.

If you are interested in dental implants and what they can do for your smile, call our office so we can schedule your consultation.

dental implants aspen co

Implants are one of the most popular dental restoration procedures done in our office. Implants give patients that beautiful white smile they desire. At Family Dental Care we offer a few different implant procedures to our patients. Each patient’s needs are unique, and our goal is to help our patients choose the best option that fits their needs.

Traditional Dental Implants:

Andrew Turchin, DMD offers traditional dental implants. This type of implant takes multiple appointments, and is used for patients that have broken, cracked, or missing teeth. Traditionally implants have two steps in the process. The first step is to place the implant in the jawbone. Once the implants have been placed, there is a healing period that has to take place so the implants can fuse to the jawbone. We also evaluate our patients to ensure they have enough bone present to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to give patients additional bone, and provide the support that is required. This is an additional step that is added to the process if needed.

The healing process takes a few months to complete and this varies per patient. Once the healing process is complete, an abutment or connector is used, and this is placed on top of the implant. We then affix a crown securely on the implant. The crowns are custom made to match each patient’s size, shape, and color of their natural teeth. Temporary crowns may be used while we wait for the permanent crown to be installed.

Implants give patients a strong and reliable tooth restoration option. They are built to last upwards of 15 years or a lifetime. We recommend good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to keep your implants looking and feeling healthy. On average, implants take between four and six months to fully heal, and this varies for each patient.

If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants, contact us today to schedule your appointment.

dental implants aspen co

Mini dental implants are similar to traditional dental implants. Typically mini dental implants are used for smaller spaces, or patients that have naturally smaller teeth. Mini implants are smaller compared to traditional implants, and are usually a less expensive option for patients.

With mini dental implants the anchor and abutment are made of one piece and protrude out of the gums. The crown is then secured on top, and this provides a secure base for the crown or dentures used.

Mini dental implants is a faster procedure compared to traditional implants. The recovery for patients is minimal, and in most cases patients can return to their normal routine immediately after the procedure.

Benefits of mini dental implants:

  • Bone grafting is usually not needed with mini dental implants. This is one less stop in the process, and helps with cost.
  • The mini dental implant procedure is less involved compared to traditional dental implants.
  • The screws with mini dental implants are smaller and so are the crowns used. As a result, they usually cost less compared to traditional implants.

Mini implants are durable and reliable and give patients a beautiful smile. If you are interested in finding out if mini dental implants are right for you, contact us today to schedule your appointment.

dental implants aspen colorado

For patients who are completely missing one or more of their teeth, dental implants can restore your smile and enhance your confidence. Implants are surgically placed underneath the gum line and into the bone of your jaw. In less than six months, the titanium implant fuses with the bone and creates a reliably secure anchor for restorations. The implant is designed to last a lifetime and with proper care, will never need to be repaired or replaced. It is important to give the implant adequate time to heal so that it can securely stay in place.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
A dental implant does not require compromising surrounding teeth just to fill in an area where a tooth is missing. While fixed dental bridges are still a great option for many patients, they require filing down and reshaping surrounding teeth. Partial dentures can help with replacing missing teeth, but they are removable and may not be for everyone. Dental implants are a lifelong restoration that helps to replace missing dentition without the need to touch other teeth.

Who is a Good Candidate for the Procedure?
Dental implants need to be surgically inserted beneath the gum line and into the bone. If you have poor bone density or have an auto immune disease that can affect your body’s ability to heal, implants may not be the best option for you. Before surgery, we will do an examination and take a series of x-rays to determine if implants are right for you. Most healthy adults who want implants can have them placed. With proper care, your implant will heal in less than six months.

How to Have an Implant Placed
To have an implant placed, you’ll first need to come in to have a consultation with our doctors. The procedure itself involves surgically placing a titanium implant underneath the gums and into the bone. Small holes present in the implant fuse with the bone over the course of several months. Once the implant has fully healed and is securely in place, we can fit you with a dental crown to restore fullness to your smile.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants or want to schedule an appointment to have one placed, we’re here to take your call and get you in for a consultation.