Dental implants are small titanium screws that are inserted into the jaw to replace missing tooth roots. Unlike other forms of tooth replacement, dental implants are secured into bone where they work to preserve jaw structure and create an immovable anchor for your final restoration.

If you are missing one or more teeth, DeWitt Dental Associates can help. Give us a call at 303-321-5656 to schedule your consultation at our Cherry Creek office today.

Comparing Tooth Replacement Options

Because they are secured by bone, dental implants enjoy several benefits over other forms of tooth replacement. Below, these benefits are explored in greater detail.

Dentures (Not “Implant Supported”)

  • Secured by: Adhesives
  • Prevent Jaw Shrinkage: No
  • Must be Periodically Adjusted: Yes
  • Life Expectancy: 1-7 years

Dental Bridge (Not “Implant Supported”)

  • Secured by: Adjacent teeth
  • Prevent Jaw Shrinkage: No
  • Must be Periodically Adjusted: Yes
  • Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

Dental Implants

  • Secured by: Bone
  • Prevent Jaw Shrinkage: Yes
  • Must be Periodically Adjusted: No
  • Life Expectancy: Lifetime
A Dental Implant

Dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support. This helps reduce damage to healthy teeth and works to preserve as much of your natural smile as possible. Dental implants are also better able to prevent adjacent tooth slippage and accelerated tooth loss. Implant supported dentures and bridges serve a similar purpose and can make those restorations stronger, more reliable, and longer-lasting.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Dental implants offer the longest-lasting and most reliable solution for tooth replacement, but they are not the best fit for every smile. If you do not have enough bone density to support an implant, bone grafting may be necessary. If you are not a good bone grafting candidate, a narrower or shorter implant may be an option, though these will not offer the same results as a full implant.

Additional considerations for dental implant candidacy include:

  • Your general health
  • Your oral health
  • Your willingness to follow pre and postoperative directions

Once an implant is placed it can be several months before it is ready to be restored. During this time, taking care of your implant will be essential for its longevity. Failure to properly care for teeth and gums after an implant has been placed may result in implant failure or additional tooth loss.

Of course, it’s impossible to tell if a surgical procedure is right for you without first meeting with a qualified and experienced dentist. Call DeWitt Dental Associates at 303-321-5656 to schedule your dental implants consultation and learn if this procedure is right for you.

Categories: Dental Implants