Dental Implants — Littleton, CO

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the new jawbone. Unlike other methods of tooth replacement, implants are able to replace the entire structure of missing teeth from the roots up to the chewing surface. Since they’re made from a biocompatible material, the tiny rods will naturally fuse with the surrounding bone tissue over time. Once that process is complete, we can attach any number of prosthetic teeth on top of the implants.

The Dental Implant Process

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the surgical implant placement procedure and recovery period are. This first phase of treatment is remarkably simple. Dr. Kutis places a small incision in the gum line and positions the dental implant post before attaching an abutment that will connect the implant to the restoration. While the surgical site heals and the implant fuses with the gum tissue and jawbone, a protective covering that promotes healing and tissue regrowth is placed over the top of the implant and abutment.

This procedure is actually more comfortable and less likely to lead to complications than tooth extractions, and we use quality dental implant materials and placement techniques that have a success rate higher than 95%. Depending on the number and location of dental implant posts, patients may need to wait three to six months to have their permanent restoration placed.

Benefits of Dental Implants

As more people realize that dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth, they are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Because they are the only tooth replacement solution that recreates the root of a lost tooth as well as its crown, dental implants can accomplish many things that other options cannot. Here are some of the unique benefits of dental implants in Littleton:

Learn More

Lifestyle Benefits

While traditional dentures and bridges just sit on top of the gums, dental implants rebuild the roots of the teeth. As a result, they will restore almost all of your original biting power. You’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorite foods again, no matter how crunchy or chewy. You can also enjoy hot beverages without worrying about damaging your teeth (unlike traditional dentures, which warp when exposed to heat).

Conventional options may look lifelike, but dental implants are the most natural-looking option. Your replacement teeth are custom-made to resemble the pearly whites you once had. Plus, they’re anchored in your jaw, so they won’t feel loose or slip out of place at embarrassing times.

Health Benefits

Dental implants come with significant oral health benefits. Implant-supported teeth won’t irritate your gums (unlike dentures) or wear down healthy teeth (unlike bridges). Compared to traditional options, dental implants are easier to care for. You can pretty much brush and floss them just like natural teeth. This promotes better dental health, which is directly linked to better overall health.

Speaking of overall health, dental implants in Littleton let you eat a more varied diet, including fresh produce and tough meats, which promotes better overall health. They also stimulate your jawbone to prevent the bone deterioration that would otherwise occur after tooth loss, preserving your facial shape and keeping you looking young.

Dental implants may even prolong your lifespan. According to the Oral Health Foundation, people who had lost five or more teeth by age 65 were more likely to develop cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Fortunately, your risk of these health issues can be minimized by replacing the roots of your teeth with dental implants.

Long-Term Benefits

Although dental implants have a higher upfront cost than bridges and dentures, you’ll soon discover that it’s an investment worth making. Traditional options have to be replaced every five to ten years on average, compounding their initial lower cost. You’ll also have to spend more money on adhesives, cleaning solutions, and other maintenance products. By contrast, dental implants in Ken Caryl can last for 30+ years or even a lifetime with the right care. You’ll end up saving quite a bit of money in the long run!

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Once the implant post is fully fused with the jawbone, patients return to our dental office for a dental restoration. We can replace any number of teeth from a single tooth to a full arch. Implant replacement options include:

• Missing Single Tooth – We place one dental implant post and connect a custom-crafted dental crown to the top. In most cases, we're able to replace two consecutive teeth with a single implant post and two connected crowns.
• Missing Multiple Consecutive Teeth – Patients with three to four missing consecutive teeth may receive a fixed bridge, several connected prosthetic teeth anchored to a dental implant post on both ends.
• Missing Multiple Non-Consecutive Teeth – Partial dentures are crafted to fill any number of gaps in patients’ smiles. The implant variety offers patients a complete smile without damaging the remaining healthy dental structure to provide support.
• Missing All Teeth – Implant dentures restore lost teeth while preserving jawbone density and gum tissue volume, preventing changes to facial shape like wrinkles and sagging that often result from traditional dentures. We typically use four to six implant posts to support a full arch of teeth.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Implant Dentures

Tired of always having to deal with a denture you can never trust to stay in place? Implant dentures provide the look, security, and durability patients with extensive tooth loss need to fully recover their bite and confidence. At Blue Sage Dental, we can upgrade your current denture to work with implants or provide you with a completely new prosthetic. Either way, the result will be a beautiful set of teeth you can always rely on.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Over the past two decades, dental implants have become the most reliable and lifelike tooth replacement option in all of dentistry. Their quality is without question, so for many, the only concern is how much they cost. A quick search on the internet will show you a wide range of numbers, but what many of them leave out is the numerous factors that can influence the overall cost of the procedure.

In general, replacing a single tooth with a dental implant can cost about $1,000-$3,000, but even these numbers aren’t firm because every dental patient’s tooth replacement experience is completely different. On this page, we are going to discuss the numerous things that can have a direct influence on the cost of dental implants in our Littleton, CO dental office, so you can have a better idea of what to expect.

Learn More

The Number of Dental Implants

The cost of your dental implants will include both the procedure to place them as well as the materials used in the implants themselves, but by far, the biggest factor that will affect the cost is how many teeth you want to be replaced. Restoring a single tooth with an implant will cost much less than restoring an entire arch of teeth, so this is something to consider if you are thinking about getting dental implants.

Your Jawbone Health

Before placing your implants, Dr. Susan Kutis will perform a thorough exam that looks at your oral and overall health, but she’ll also be looking at the height and thickness of your jawbone. Why? For dental implants to be successfully placed, a patient needs an adequate amount of healthy jawbone to support the post(s).

If a patient has a thin or brittle jawbone due to bone degeneration (which is very common after tooth loss), then they may need to undergo a bone graft to thicken it before implants can be safely placed. This additional procedure, while completely necessary, will definitely influence the overall cost of getting dental implants.

The Need for an Outside Specialist

To complete the minor surgery needed to place dental implants, many dental offices have to refer patients to an outside specialist, which tends to be quite expensive. At Blue Sage Dental, we’re proud to say that Dr. Kutis can perform the entire implant procedure from start to finish, so by simply choosing to rebuild your smile with us, you’ll easily save quite a bit of money compared to most other dental offices.

Your Medical & Dental Insurance Coverage

For a long time, dental implants were not covered by dental insurance because they were considered an elective procedure, but that is starting to slowly change. Some plans now cover all or part of the procedure, and it really depends on the specific details of your plan. Our dental office is happy to file claims for a long list of dental insurance plans, and we are even an in-network provider for Delta Dental Premier. Be sure to look over your plan and talk to your provider to see what kind of coverage you have.

The Big Picture

While dental implants do tend to cost more upfront than other treatments like bridges and dentures, they actually turn out to be the better financial decision over time due to their longevity. Bridges and dentures typically need to be replaced every 7-10 years, while dental implants have been shown to last for 30 or more, often making them a one-time cost for patients. This, in addition to their greater security and more natural appearance, is why all of our patients who have gotten dental implants are very glad that they did.

In the end, the best way to determine how much your dental implants will cost is to simply schedule a consultation with us. At this appointment, Dr. Kutis will examine your mouth and go over all of your tooth replacement options, and should you decide to go with implants, she and our team can then discuss your financial options to make sure your new smile is completely affordable.

Dental Implant FAQs

You can enjoy a permanent solution to treat your tooth loss when choosing dental implants in Littleton; however, Dr. Kutis understands you have several questions before you are ready to commit to the procedure. She has the answers you need to make the best decision for your smile.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

If traditional tooth replacement options did not give you the results you wanted, you may be a candidate for dental implants. Besides a visual examination, you will need an X-ray and a CT scan to allow Dr. Kutis to see your oral structures in their entirety, including your jawbone.

The long-term success of dental implants relies on your jawbone properly healing to the posts. As a result, your bones must be healthy and able to support them. Your medical and lifestyle history are discussed to ensure there are not any issues that may prevent proper healing. Generally, if you have good oral and overall health, you are a candidate for dental implants.

Will Dental Implants Feel Natural?

Dental implants closely mimic the function of your natural teeth. Your jawbone fuses to the implant posts through a process called osseointegration. This provides unmatched stability for your restoration when compared to any other dental prosthetic. In fact, you will regain as much as 70% of your natural biting force. You can enjoy your favorite foods without ever needing to worry about slipping or irritation again.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?

It is no secret dental implants cost more than conventional treatments, but they are more affordable long-term. They should never need to be replaced with the right aftercare to save you money down the road. Dental implants can also lower your overall dental expenses. The implant posts preserve your jawbone’s density to give any remaining natural teeth the support they need to stay in place. Stopping dental drift reduces your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and additional tooth loss to prevent the need for costly treatment in the future.

How Much Will I Pay for Dental Implants?

There is no set amount you can expect to pay for dental implants because the cost is determined by your treatment plan. As a result, what a friend or neighbor paid for their treatment will not be the same for you. Several factors influence their cost, such as the number of teeth you are replacing.

Dr. Kutis takes the time to explain the costs associated with each step of your treatment and discusses your payment options, like using your dental insurance. Our dental office will maximize the value of your policy to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We explain your payment options to cover any remaining balance to keep your new smile affordable.

Still Have Questions?

Your dentist in Littleton takes the time to address your concerns to help you feel confident in your decision to replace your missing teeth. Contact our dental office today to schedule your consultation.