Fort Collins Dental Implants

Dr. Mick McDill is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.


Q.  What are dental implants?

A. Dental implants replace missing teeth, which may have been missing since birth or lost due to gum disease, infection, trauma, or decay. The dental implant is a small titanium post that serves as the root of a missing tooth. A new tooth (crown) is then attached to the top of that post, creating a polished look. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Q.  What are the benefits of dental implants?

A. Dental implants are strong, stable, durable and very natural-looking – the next best thing to your teeth. Because of these benefits, dental implants can be a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework, both of which have drawbacks. Fixed bridges can damage healthy teeth and on average need to be replaced every 10 years. Dentures can slip, make embarrassing clicking noises, and contribute to bone loss. With dentures, you chew only 10 percent as well as with natural teeth. Dental implants avoid all these problems and restore 90 percent – or almost all – of your chewing efficiency. With your new dental implants, you can once again enjoy the comfort and confidence that accompany a beautiful smile.

Q.  How long does an implant last?

A. When placed by a periodontist and properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Q.  What are implants made of?

A. The dental implant is a small titanium post that serves as the root of a missing tooth. A porcelain crown or cap is then attached to the top of that post, creating a polished look. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Q.  Who is a candidate for implants?

A. Most people in good overall health are candidates for dental implants. People with certain medical or physical factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or insufficient bone, for example, should talk to their dentist to find out whether implants are recommended.

Q.  How are dental implants placed?

A. An incision is made in the gum, and the implant is surgically placed by your dentist in the jawbone. After a period of healing, the dentist will then complete the restoration by attaching a functional and natural-looking tooth to the implant post.

Q.  How long does it take?

A. The time frame for completing a dental implant depends on many factors. With the traditional method, the shortest time frame for a complete implant (including surgeries and placing the permanent crown) is about six months. However, the process can last up to a year or more, particularly if bone first needs to be built up.

Q.  How to contact Dr. McDill  if we have further questions?

A. Dr. McDill can be contacted at (970) 484-5297 or via the Alpine Dental Health website at http://www.alpinedentalhealth.com.