Top Dentists in Thornton CO Provide Affordable & Quality Dental Implants

The Dental Center

Losing a tooth does not seem serious to most of us. Sometimes, dental patients choose extraction over a root canal because they do not realize how important it is to save a tooth.

Patients might not notice much difference in their bite. They may not even be able to see the gap left. However, that hides the damage lurking beneath the surface. The leading cause for concern with a lost tooth goes beyond aesthetics.

In Thornton, CO, the top-rated dentists provide a complete dental implant service at The Dental Center . Their practice offers everything from routine cleanings to dental implants. They help patients receive the affordable, empathetic care that they require. 

Jawbone Deterioration

When a patient loses a tooth, the primary concern for dentists is the weakening of the jawbone. Our bones become stronger when we regularly apply pressure to them. When jogging, for example, that force comes from the impact of our feet on the ground.

In contrast, for the jaw, it is our teeth that supply the pressure points when we chew. Losing a tooth removes the pressure from the missing tooth against the opposing tooth, leaving no resistance. The body interprets this as a sign that it need not reinforce the area.

As a result, the tissue will begin to reabsorb the jawbone’s nutrients, causing it to weaken. This effect can occur rapidly. In twelve months, a person missing a tooth can lose about 25% of their bone mass in the area.

With one tooth lost, the effect is less pronounced. As patients lose other teeth, however, jaw deterioration becomes a severe issue. 

Shifting Teeth

Even one missing tooth can affect the position of the others. The teeth exert pressure on the ones alongside them, and that force keeps all teeth in alignment. After an extraction, the alignment of the teeth will start to shift.

When people leave tooth-sized gaps in their mouths for too long, they may end up with an imperfect smile. Rectifying the shifting means wearing braces. However, getting an implant to prevent the problem in the first place is a far better solution.

Change in Facial Shape

The teeth provide support for the soft tissue of the face. Remove them, and the facial shape will change over time. The more extractions a patient has and the more teeth missing from the lineup, the more pronounced this issue will become.

The Dental Center Doctors

Dental Implants 

Dental implants serve as replacements for missing teeth. They come in three separate sections:

  • Anchor: A titanium screw anchored into the jawbone
  • Abutment: A piece that connects the anchor to the crown
  • Crown: The replacement for the upper section of the tooth

Dr. Smith, Dr. Kelly, or Dr. Olivier typically install implants in two sessions a few months apart. During the first, they place the anchor. The patient undergoes a local or general anesthetic while the dentist drills into the jawbone.

It’s then a waiting game of several months until the bone has entirely knit around the screw. The patient then returns to the dentist for the second surgery.

During this session, the dentist places the abutment and may also place the crown. Healing takes a few days, after which the implant performs like any other tooth.

The patient generally does not notice a difference, and neither will anyone else.

Care of a dental implant is the simple brush-and-floss routine that most people know well.

The Dental Center Team

Meet the Expert Team at The Dental Center Today

Anyone who might need dental implants in Thornton, CO, should schedule a consultation online or by calling to discuss the matter with The Dental Center team. They will schedule an appointment and assess options in terms of budget and needs.

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