Understanding Dental Implant Technology

A dental implant consists of three parts working together. The titanium post goes into your jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. An abutment connects to the post and extends through your gums. Finally, a custom crown attaches to the abutment, creating the visible portion that looks and functions like a natural tooth.

The magic happens during a process called osseointegration. Over several months, your jawbone actually fuses with the titanium post, creating a rock-solid foundation. This biological integration makes dental implants incredibly stable and durable—they won’t slip, click, or feel loose like removable dentures sometimes do.

The Dental Implant Process

Initial Evaluation

Dr. Dunkleberger starts with a comprehensive examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. She evaluates your jawbone density, gum health, and overall oral condition. Digital X-rays and scans provide detailed images that help plan the precise placement of your implant.

Some patients need bone grafting before implant placement if their jawbone has deteriorated from long-term tooth loss. This preparatory procedure builds up the bone to provide adequate support for the implant.

Implant Placement

The surgical phase involves placing the titanium post into your jawbone. Dr. Dunkleberger uses a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients report less discomfort than they expected, and any soreness afterward responds well to over-the-counter pain medication.

A temporary restoration may be placed immediately, or you may wait until the implant has fully integrated with the bone. This healing period typically takes three to six months, during which the implant becomes permanently anchored in your jaw.

Final Restoration

Once integration completes, Dr. Dunkleberger attaches the abutment and takes impressions for your custom crown. The permanent crown is crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. When everything is in place, your new tooth looks completely natural and feels as if it has always been there.

Advantages of Choosing Dental Implants

Preserves Jawbone Health

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area starts deteriorating because it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth root. Dental implants solve this problem by stimulating the bone just like natural teeth do. This prevents bone loss and maintains your facial structure over time.

Other tooth replacement options don’t provide this benefit. Bridges and dentures rest on top of the gums without addressing the underlying bone loss, which continues progressing beneath them.

Protects Neighboring Teeth

Traditional bridges require grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to create support structures. This permanently alters those teeth and can weaken them over time. Dental implants stand independently without affecting adjacent teeth, preserving your natural tooth structure.

Superior Function and Comfort

Implants restore your full chewing power. You can bite into apples, eat steak, and enjoy corn on the cob—all the foods that become challenging with dentures. Because the implant integrates with your bone, it feels completely stable with no movement or shifting during eating or speaking.

Many patients forget which tooth is the implant because it feels so natural. There’s no learning curve or adjustment period like with removable appliances.

Long-Term Investment

While dental implants cost more upfront than other replacement options, they often prove more economical over time. Bridges typically last 10-15 years before needing replacement. Dentures require adjustments and eventual replacement as your jaw changes shape. Implants can last decades or even a lifetime with proper care, eliminating the need for ongoing replacements.

Single vs. Multiple Implants

Dr. Dunkleberger places implants to replace one tooth, several teeth, or even an entire arch. For multiple missing teeth, implant-supported bridges offer an excellent solution. Instead of an implant for each tooth, strategically placed implants support a multi-tooth restoration.

Patients missing all their teeth in one or both arches can benefit from implant-supported dentures. Just four to six implants per arch secure a full set of teeth that won’t slip or require messy adhesives. This approach, sometimes called “All-on-4,” transforms smiles and quality of life dramatically.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Maintaining dental implants is straightforward—brush and floss just like your natural teeth. Regular dental checkups allow Dr. Dunkleberger to monitor your implant and surrounding tissues. Good oral hygiene prevents gum disease around the implant, which is essential for long-term success.

Avoid chewing extremely hard objects like ice or using your teeth as tools. While implant crowns are durable, they’re not indestructible. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard protects your investment.

Are You a Candidate?

Most healthy adults with missing teeth qualify for dental implants. Adequate bone density, healthy gums, and commitment to good oral hygiene are the main requirements. Certain medical conditions or medications might affect treatment, which is why Dr. Dunkleberger reviews your complete health history during consultation.

Smokers can receive dental implants, though smoking does increase the risk of complications and implant failure. Quitting or reducing smoking improves success rates significantly.

Reclaim Your Complete Smile

Don’t let missing teeth limit your life another day. Dr. Elizabeth Dunkleberger and the team at Dental Excellence in Littleton provide expert dental implant treatment that restores your smile’s function and beauty. Schedule your consultation today to discover how permanent tooth replacement can transform your confidence and quality of life.