Losing a tooth raises about a million questions, doesn’t it? Will people notice the gap? Can you still eat your favorite foods? What replacement options exist, and how do you know which one makes sense for your situation? Tooth replacement in Durango has evolved dramatically over recent years, and Dr. Nathan Robison at West Dental Implants & Prosthetics specializes in helping patients confidently navigate these decisions.
Understanding dental implants—how they work, what to expect, and whether they’re right for you—shouldn’t require a medical degree. Let’s tackle patients’ most common questions about replacing missing teeth with implants.
What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
Think of dental implants as artificial tooth roots. These small titanium posts get surgically placed into your jawbone where your natural tooth root used to be. Over several months, the implant fuses with your bone through a process called osseointegration. Once this integration completes, the implant provides a stable foundation for a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like the real thing.
Unlike bridges that rely on neighboring teeth for support, or dentures that rest on your gums, dental implants stand independently. This independence means Dr. Robison doesn’t need to modify your healthy adjacent teeth to replace a missing one.
How Long Do Dental Implants Actually Last?
This question comes up constantly, and for good reason—you’re investing significantly in your oral health. Dental implants can last decades with proper care and regular monitoring, often for life. The titanium post rarely fails once it’s successfully integrated with your jawbone.
The crown attached to the implant might eventually need replacement due to normal wear, typically after 10-15 years or longer. But the implant itself remains stable and functional. Compare this to traditional bridges, which usually need replacement every 5-10 years, and the long-term value becomes clear.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
People worry about pain more than almost anything else. Here’s the truth: Dr. Robison performs implant placement under local anesthesia so you won’t feel the procedure. Most patients report that getting an implant feels less uncomfortable than having a tooth extracted.
Afterward, you’ll experience some soreness and swelling—totally normal when your body is healing from oral surgery. Over-the-counter pain medication typically manages this discomfort well. Most people return to their normal routines within a day or two, though you’ll want to stick with softer foods while the surgical site heals.
How Long Does the Entire Process Take?
The timeline for tooth replacement in Durango varies based on your specific situation, but most patients complete the process over several months. After Dr. Robison places your implant, it needs roughly 3-6 months to fuse with your jawbone. This healing period isn’t optional—it creates the stability that makes implants successful.
During this integration phase, you might wear a temporary restoration never to have teeth. Once the implant has fully integrated, Dr. Robison takes impressions and creates your custom crown. The journey from initial surgery to final crown typically spans 4-7 months.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
Most people make good candidates for implants, but certain factors affect success rates. You need adequate bone density to support the implant—if your jawbone has deteriorated significantly from missing teeth, you might need bone grafting first. During your consultation, Dr. Robison evaluates your bone structure to determine whether additional procedures would improve your outcome.
Certain health conditions require special consideration. Uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, or heavy smoking can complicate healing and reduce success rates. Dr. Robison reviews your complete medical history to assess whether implants represent the best option for your circumstances.
What’s the Success Rate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants boast success rates exceeding 95% in most cases. This remarkable statistic reflects decades of research, refined surgical techniques, and improvements in implant design. Single tooth replacement through implants has become one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry.
Success depends partly on factors you control—following post-operative instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments. Your overall health, bone quality, and the skill of your surgeon also play crucial roles. Dr. Robison’s specialized training in implant dentistry and prosthetics positions his patients for optimal outcomes.
How Do You Care for Dental Implants?
Here’s some refreshing news: caring for implants doesn’t require elaborate routines or special equipment. You brush and floss them just like natural teeth. The crown attached to your implant can still develop plaque buildup, so consistent home care matters tremendously.
Implant maintenance does require regular professional monitoring. Dr. Robison checks your implant during periodic examinations to ensure the surrounding tissue remains healthy and the implant stays stable. These check-ups catch potential issues early, before they become serious problems.
While implants themselves can’t get cavities, the tissues surrounding them can become infected if you don’t maintain proper hygiene. This condition, called peri-implantitis, can compromise your implant if left untreated. Regular monitoring and good home care prevent this complication.
What’s the Difference Between the Implant and the Crown?
People sometimes confuse these components, but they serve different purposes. The implant is the titanium post that Dr. Robison surgically places in your jawbone—it replaces your tooth root. The crown is the visible tooth-colored restoration that attaches to the implant—it replaces the visible part of your tooth.
Between these two components sits an abutment, a small connector piece. Together, these three parts create a complete tooth replacement. Implant restoration refers to designing and attaching the final crown to your healed implant.
Why Choose Implants Over Other Replacement Options?
Bridges and dentures certainly have their place, but implants offer distinct advantages for tooth replacement in Durango. They preserve your jawbone by providing the stimulation that bone tissue needs to maintain density. Bridges and dentures don’t offer this benefit, so the bone gradually deteriorates beneath them.
Implants also don’t affect your adjacent teeth. Traditional bridges require grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchors. Why compromise perfectly good teeth to replace a missing one when you don’t have to?
Key Advantages of Dental Implants
- Prevent bone loss in your jaw
- Don’t require altering neighboring teeth
- Provide superior stability for eating and speaking
- Look and feel completely natural
- Offer exceptional long-term durability
What Does Tooth Replacement Cost?
The investment in dental implants varies based on complexity. A straightforward single tooth replacement differs significantly in cost from cases requiring bone grafting or other preparatory procedures. Dr. Robison provides transparent pricing specific to your treatment plan during your consultation.
While implants typically cost more upfront than bridges or dentures, consider the long-term picture. Implants rarely need replacement, while bridges require renewal every decade or so. Over your lifetime, implants often prove more economical despite the higher initial cost.
West Dental Implants & Prosthetics offers new patient specials that make starting your implant journey more accessible. Dr. Robison also discusses payment options during your consultation to help you move forward with treatment that fits your budget.
Tooth Replacement in Durango
You don’t have to live with the frustration and self-consciousness of missing teeth. Tooth replacement through dental implants restores function and confidence, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without hesitation.
Dr. Nathan Robison’s specialized expertise in implant dentistry and prosthetics ensures you receive care from someone who does this work daily. He understands the nuances that distinguish between good and exceptional results.
Ready to explore whether dental implants are a good option for your situation? Contact West Dental Implants & Prosthetics today to schedule your consultation. Let’s answer your remaining questions and create a personalized plan to restore your complete, confident smile.
