Dental Implants — Parker, CO

Rebuild a Beautiful Smile

An older couple with dental implants in Parker smiling.

Dental implant-supported prosthetics have transformed the way we restore teeth following tooth loss or severe damage. Unlike traditional solutions that only treat the visible portions of teeth, dental implants allow us to replace the entire structure, including the root. Whether you are missing a single tooth or a full row of teeth, dental implants in Parker, CO offer natural-looking and feeling results. We are happy to help you rebuild your ultimate smile, so give us a call to get started!

Why Choose Rodney L. Allen DDS for Dental Implants?

What Are Dental Implants?

Diagram of a dental implant in Parker being integrated.

When compared to other options for replacing teeth, dentists often recommend dental implants first as they offer a fantastic long-term solution. Dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium and act as the tooth’s root. This ensures your jawbone is continually stimulated and offers the strength and stability needed to hold up the implant and its custom restoration. Once the implant has completely fused with your existing jawbone, you can expect longevity and natural-feeling functionality, no matter what foods you enjoy on a regular basis. If you want a restoration that does not shift out of place, feels comfortable, and is proven to last for decades, dental implants are your best option.

The Dental Implant Process

Implant dentist in Parker speaking with a patient

It’s true that dental implants do take more time to receive compared to other tooth replacement options. When you factor in the benefits that come with them, however, they are more than worth the wait! To learn more about the process, you’re encouraged to give Dr. Allen a call to set up a consultation. You’re welcome to learn about the steps of dental implant treatment ahead of your appointment below! If you have any questions, please let us know during your visit.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Dentist explaining how dental implants work in Parker

During this appointment, Dr. Allen will examine your mouth to determine if you are qualified to receive dental implants. If so, he will discuss your goals, as well as how the entire process will work. Going over the steps, he will provide you with a clear estimate of the cost of dental implants in Parker.

Alternatively, if you need to complete preparatory treatments to be eligible to receive dental implants, he’ll break down exactly what services he recommends beforehand. This may include treatments like decay removal, gum disease therapy, or bone grafting to expand the volume of your jawbone tissue. After these treatments are complete, you can revisit the prospect of replacing teeth with dental implants.

Dental Implant Surgery

Model showing how dental implants in Parker work

The implants will be surgically placed into your jawbone during the first phase. To do this, a small incision is made in your gum tissue so tiny holes can be created in your jawbone. After the implants are attached and the gum tissue is stitched closed, you’ll be sent home to heal over the next 3-6 months. This allows the implant to fuse to the bone and surrounding tissue in a process known as osseointegration. Depending on the severity of your tooth loss, your surgery may be shorter or longer in length.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Diagram of a dental implant’s components

The osseointegration phase of your dental implant treatment is one of the most vital because it’s what gives your implant the stability it needs to remain inside your jaw for decades to come. You’ll need to follow our aftercare instructions closely to protect your dental implant during the healing phase.

Eventually, you’ll come back to our office to have the abutment component attached. Although small, this important piece connects the implant to the customized restoration. Whether you need one or six, they’ll be attached to provide lasting stability.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

Implant dentist in Parker showing a patient’s costs

The final phase of your surgical procedure is to have the custom prosthetic placed on top of the implant. These are created in a lab by technicians who carefully construct and customize your restoration to match the color, size, and shape of your regular teeth. At your final appointment, we’ll attach the restoration to the abutment and implant, then confirm if any modifications are needed. For example, we’ll want to make sure your bite is as even as possible before sending you home.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Woman with dental implants in Parker sitting in a restaurant.

Because dental implants replace the entire structure of missing teeth, they allow you to enjoy a solution that mimics your natural teeth in almost every way. Once the dental implant process is complete, your new teeth will look and feel so real that you might even forget that you lost teeth in the first place! That’s more than can be said for traditional dentures and dental bridges. Compared to other treatments, there are countless benefits of dental implants in Parker, CO. Here are just a few of the ways they can improve your life. 

Day-to-Day Benefits

woman eating a salad

Health Benefits

woman putting toothpaste onto an electric toothbrush

Long-Term Benefits

dental patient admiring his new smile in a mirror

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Implant dentist in Parker explaining dental implants to older woman.

Are you missing one or more teeth? No matter what your case is, dental implants can help you enjoy a complete and fully functioning smile once again. During your consultation, Dr. Allen will thoroughly examine your mouth and create a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs. Below, you can learn more about this modern tooth loss solution and who can take advantage of it.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

dental implant consultation in Parker

Truthfully, almost any healthy adult is a good candidate for dental implants in Parker. It’s one of the main reasons why this solution is so popular! However, there are three things Dr. Allen looks for to consider you eligible for treatment:

It’s worth noting that even patients who don’t initially qualify for dental implants may still be able to get them. Undergoing preliminary procedures like tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or bone grafting can help you become a candidate. By incorporating these into your treatment plan, you can get on the right track toward your new smile.

Missing One Tooth

closeup of patient smiling after getting dental implant in Parker

A single missing tooth is replaced using an implant post, an abutment, and a crown. There is no need to alter your adjacent healthy teeth to hold it in place. In fact, it will help support your remaining teeth to stop dental drift.

Missing Multiple Teeth

closeup of implant bridge in Parker

Two or more consecutive missing teeth are replaced using an implant bridge. An impression of your mouth is used to carefully craft a bridge of prosthetic teeth. It is held in place using an implant post at either end.

Missing All Teeth

implant denture in Parker

You can secure your denture to your jawbone with dental implants. On average, 4 to 6 posts are used to anchor your denture to eliminate slipping and irritation. In some cases, you can even be fitted with a temporary denture the same day as your placement surgery, so you will not need to go without your teeth.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Learn More About All-On-4 Dental Implants

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dentist breaking down the cost of dental implants in Parker.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are various options that will restore your smile. Depending on your individual needs, goals, and financial capacity, those options may be many or very few. Traditional methods, such as crowns and bridges, dentures, or partials, will most likely take less of a toll on your wallet initially; however, their longevity and upkeep can make them a much less cost-effective option. Dr. Rodney Allen and his team know cost is an important factor when it comes to dental work, but the investment you’ll be making in your dental implants in Parker is one that will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Find out how you can recapture your smile and feel confident about your decision to move forward with dental implants by calling us today for a consultation!

Types of Dental Implants

Dentist holding model of restorations for dental implants in Parker.

The type of dental implant you will receive depends on the number of missing teeth you are having replaced. It’s important to remember that the more implants you need, the higher the cost. For example, single tooth implants are the least costly option. In contrast, implant bridges and implant dentures use multiple implants to restore teeth, making them more comprehensive, but more expensive.

What are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

Each stage of your dental implant treatment will incur its own cost. From the planning to the execution, all aspects of the process will be factored in when your dentist in Parker formulates a proper estimate. This includes the initial consultation, the surgery itself, the abutment and restoration, and any preparatory treatments needed to place the implants successfully and confidently. Preparatory treatments can include a tooth extraction, gum therapy, bone graft, or sinus lift.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

Model of a tooth nearby a glass bowl of coins.

When you consider all the different pieces that are factored into the overall price of your treatment, you may be asking, “Is it really worth it?” While you are the only one who can answer that question, allow us to say, “It is most certainly worth the investment.” The money you spend will go further simply because these restorations are designed to last decades if not a lifetime, but that isn’t the only benefit. Others include:

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

A man stacking coins next to a model tooth.

Most insurance companies do not cover dental implant placement; however, there are parts of the process that may be covered, such as:

As an in-network provider for Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, and Assurant dental insurance, we also offer CareCredit, which is a third-party financier. Through this program, we can offer you low and no-interest financing options when paying for your treatment.

Dental Implant Technology

implant dentist in Parker showing a patient X-rays of their mouth

In the past few decades, dental implants have only been getting better and better. Thanks to new technological advancements in the field of dentistry, replacing your teeth with dental implants has never been safer, easier, and more successful. Dr. Allen strives to stay abreast of the latest dental implant technology in Parker so that your new pearly whites will stand the test of test of time. Continue reading to learn about some of the advanced systems that we use at our practice!

Antibacterial Coating

dentist with a digital image of a dental implant between their hands

Even though the risk of dental implant failure is already incredibly low, we can reduce it even further by coating the implant posts in a potent antimicrobial material. The biggest threat to the success of dental implants in Parker is bacterial infection; when the tissues that support the posts become damaged and weak, they can no longer provide the strong foundation your new teeth need. When the implants are fortified with an antibacterial coating, the chances of infection decrease significantly. This way, your smile has an easier time thriving.

iTero Digital Impression System

dental impression on a computer monitor

When it comes time to place your prosthetic teeth on top of your implants, we’ll have to take impressions of your mouth. Rather than relying on messy “goop” to create these molds, your implant dentist in Parker uses an iTero digital impression system. It only takes a minute or two for Dr. Allen to digitally scan your mouth with a small, handheld device that resembles a pen. The instrument then sends the data to a nearby computer, where it generates a three-dimensional model of your restoration with pristine accuracy. Not only is the impression process more comfortable this way, but it often leads to replacement teeth that look and feel much more natural.

Advanced Dental Implant Procedures

patient speaking to dentist about dental implants in Parker

Dental implants are the ideal method for replacing missing teeth, as they’ll preserve both your smile and facial structure for a lifetime. However, for some patients, it’s possible that additional procedures will be necessary before they can be eligible for these restorations. Fortunately, Dr. Allen can provide several advanced treatments that are designed to increase your chances of being a viable candidate for dental implants in Parker. If you need a bone graft or a ridge expansion, our team will do our best to make sure your next tooth replacement procedure is a success! Keep reading or reach out to us if you wish to learn more about these advanced dental implant treatments today.

Bone Grafting

illustration of bone grafting for dental implants in Parker

A bone graft is complex surgical procedure designed to replace missing bone tissue in your body. Although this process can be completed anywhere, it’s especially common to perform it in the parts of your jaw where you’ll receive a dental implant. This involves donating existing bone tissue in your body or bone from some other source. Once we’ve placed the bone onto the jawbone tissue, you’ll need a recovery period of several months to fully heal from the treatment. Afterward, this should result in you having sufficient bone density to properly anchor a dental implant so they can provide an effective and long-lasting support.

During the procedure, a tiny, new piece of bone will be injected into the place your bone will need to heal. The cells within it will start to seal and fuse themselves to the new piece. Over the following few months after your appointment, the bone tissue should develop and increase in mass, becoming large enough to ultimately bond with a dental implant.

Ridge Expansion

illustration of a ridge expansion for dental implants in Parker

Sometimes a person’s jaw might not be wide enough to contain dental implants. If this is the case, then we may recommend that you get a ridge expansion. For this treatment, the bone ridge beneath your gum line will need to be divided into inner and outer portions. We’ll then create space between these sections, filling them with grafting material. In time, the bone tissue will become thicker, wider, and a more fitting foundation to support your dental implants.

Some patients may even have their restorations placed while they undergo a ridge expansion so they can save time. The only way to determine if this can be done is by scheduling a consultation with our team. We’ll assess your situation and inform you of the best ways to increase your chances of successful dental implants.

Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions

dentist telling a patient about dental implant post-op instructions in Parker

Getting dental implants requires a minor surgical procedure, but most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it is. That being said, it will take about a week or two to fully heal afterward. During this recovery period, it’s crucial to take the right precautions to ensure that your implants are successful. Below, you’ll find a basic outline of dental implant post-op instructions in Parker, but we can provide you with even more detailed guidelines at your appointment.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

man lying down and holding a cold compress to his cheek

As you recover from dental implant surgery, your top priority should be to ensure that the blood clot forming over the implant site remains undisturbed. If the blood clot is dislodged, it causes dry socket – a condition that is not only painful, but also lengthens the healing process.

To prevent dry socket, avoid:

Common Side Effects

woman taking a pain medication pill with a glass of water

After your procedure, it can be hard to tell which side effects are normal and which are cause for concern, particularly if you’ve never had oral surgery before. For the first week or so, your soreness and general discomfort should gradually subside. Make sure to take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as needed. If you notice that your discomfort is intensifying instead of fading, please call an implant dentist in Parker right away.

It’s also common to experience swelling and intermittent bleeding for the first few days. Holding a cold compress to your cheek for ten minutes at a time can curb swelling in addition to pain. For bleeding, place gentle pressure on the gauze pads over the surgical site.

Diet

woman standing in her kitchen eating yogurt

You’ll want to stick to a soft food diet at first to avoid placing too much pressure on the implant site. We recommend stocking up on the following foods before your surgery:

Once your discomfort is gone, you can gradually begin introducing heartier foods into your diet. However, try to avoid chewing directly with the surgical site.

Health & Oral Hygiene

man brushing his teeth in front of a mirror

Good oral hygiene after surgery is essential in helping your dental implants in Parker successfully merge with your jawbone. Starting the day after your procedure, you can brush your teeth as you would normally, but be careful near the implant site. We also highly suggest rinsing your mouth with salt water two or three times a day, preferably after you eat (just don’t spit it out too forcefully). If you have been prescribed a mouthwash, use that. Do NOT use alcoholic mouthwash, as alcohol can interfere with the osseointegration process.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

man beaming at his new dental implants in Parker

After your mouth has completely healed, there’s just one step left – having Dr. Allen place your new teeth on top of your implants. You may experience some minor, temporary sensitivity in your gums for a day or two after this appointment, but it’s nothing that can’t be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you notice any swelling or bleeding, let us know right away, as those aren’t normal side effects of getting your restoration placed. Other than that, you’re free to walk out of our office with your newly rebuilt smile!

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

woman smiling after getting dental implants in Parker

For many patients, dental implants have become the treatment of choice for missing teeth. Thanks to their unique placement inside the jawbone, they’re able to keep your smile complete and healthy for a lifetime. Of course, that’s only the case if you protect them from damage and infection. Dr. Allen wants you to enjoy your newly rebuilt grin for as long as possible, which is why he’s created a list of healthy habits and simple precautions you should follow. If you’d like to learn more about how you can maintain your implants, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

woman flossing in bathroom mirror

Dental implants may not be able to get cavities, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene. It’s still just as important to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash. These essential practices can prevent harmful bacteria from attacking your soft oral tissues and keep your smile in tip-top shape.

Eat a Healthy Diet

couple shopping for healthy food

While you can eat almost any food you want with dental implants, you should still be mindful of your diet. Overindulging in sugary, starchy, or acidic foods can be detrimental to your smile. Instead, you should stick to a diet full of nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products. They’ll help keep your waistline slim and jawbone healthy!

Break Bad Habits

closeup of woman biting fingernails

Smoking, using your teeth as tools, chewing on pens or pencils, biting your fingernails, munching on ice cubes – are you guilty of any of these poor habits? They may seem harmless, but they can destroy your enamel and implants. That’s why it’s best to kick these habits to the curb as soon as you can. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask our team. We’ll provide you with the resources, support, and guidance you need to make the feat as easy as possible.

Protect Your Dental Implants

person holding mouthguard

Even though dental implants are strong, they’re not indestructible. If you play sports, you should ask Dr. Allen about a custom-made athletic mouthguard. It’ll protect your teeth from any impact should you sustain a blow to the face. For those who grind their teeth at night, a nightguard is an excellent solution to consider. The oral appliance can keep the enamel safe from the force of chronic teeth grinding.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

man smiling during dental checkup in Parker

One of the best ways to keep your smile intact for a lifetime is by visiting Dr. Allen every six months for a checkup and cleaning. He’ll review your prosthetics, conduct an oral examination, and ensure no problems are developing. If there are, he can address them to help you avoid more costly and timely issues down the line.

Dental Implant FAQs

A woman covering her mouth with her finger.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are truly in a class of their own. However, because they’re such a huge investment in the future of your smile, you naturally want to be as well-informed about them as possible before undergoing treatment. That’s why, for your convenience, we have gathered our most frequently asked questions about dental implants and answered them below. If you have a dental implant question that you don’t see answered on this page, just give us a call and ask!

Does it hurt to get dental implants?

You might think that getting a titanium post surgically inserted into your jawbone would hurt significantly, but in actuality, most patients report very little discomfort during their procedure. In fact, many prefer implant placement to having their tooth extracted. It should be noted that, as with any oral surgery, you can expect some swelling and soreness for a few days after receiving your implants. This can be managed by taking your prescribed pain medications and/or applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth.

How long does it take to heal from dental implants?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, like how many implants you’re receiving and if any preliminary procedures, like a bone graft or sinus lift, are needed beforehand. Either of those procedures may add a few months to your overall treatment time, but it will be worth it to ensure that your implants will ultimately be successful. After your implants are placed, it can take anywhere from three to eight months for the implants to fully fuse with your jawbone and create a stable foundation for your new teeth. Dr. Allen can lay out a more personalized timeline for you at your implant consultation.

Why do I need a bone graft first?

Many patients require a bone graft before implants can be placed. This is because when you’ve been suffering through tooth loss, your jawbone gradually deteriorates due to no longer being stimulated by the roots of your teeth. As a result, you don’t have adequate bone tissue to support the implants. By grafting artificial bone material onto your existing jawbone, we can ensure that your implants will have a strong enough foundation to stand the test of time.

What can cause my dental implants to fail?

Infections within your bone or soft tissue can increase the likelihood that your body will reject the implants, which is why we carefully examine your oral health before placing them. Any infections, like gum disease, must first be addressed. If you currently smoke or chew tobacco, we highly recommend that you quit before receiving implants. Tobacco use severely hinders the oral healing process that is crucial to the success of your implants, and it also increases your risk of gum disease. Other conditions, such as those that compromise your immune system, must be discussed before placing your implants, as they could decrease the chances of success. We’ll go over all of your health conditions at your consultation to determine the chance that your implant procedure will be successful.

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