Guided Implant Surgery

Dental Implants in Centennial, CO

At Argyle Dental & Prosthodontics, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive dental implant services to help restore your smile and improve your quality of life. 

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth and are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. 

Below, we explain everything you need to know about dental implants, including single implants, All-on-4®, and All-on-X.

Key Takeaways

• Single Implants: A titanium post and dental crown replace a single missing tooth, providing a natural look and long-term solution.
• All-on-4® Implants: Replace a full arch of teeth with four strategically placed implants, ideal for those with low bone density.
• All-on-X Implants: Flexible approach using four or more implants for individuals with significant bone loss.
• Guided implant surgery uses advanced imaging technology and computer software to create a detailed surgical plan. This method involves using 3D scans and digital models of a patient’s oral anatomy to determine the optimal location, angle, and depth for implant placement before the actual surgery begins.
• Osseointegration (the process of the implants fusing with the jawbone) typically takes 3-6 months. When the implants are stable in the jaw bone, the final permanent restorations are attached.
• Recovery from surgery typically takes two weeks.
• Additional procedures, such as tooth extraction(s) and bone grafting, may be required before implant placement.

Single Dental Implants

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth root for a single tooth. The implant is topped with a dental crown that looks identical to your natural tooth.

Single implants are ideal for patients who are missing one tooth or have a severely damaged tooth that needs to be extracted. They provide a long-term solution for restoring the appearance and function of the affected area.

Parts of an Implant

A single dental implant consists of three main parts:

• Implant – The titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth root.
• Abutment – A connector piece that attaches to the top of the implant and holds the prosthetic tooth in place.
• Crown – The visible portion of the implant, which is custom-made to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color.

Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure is typically performed over the course of several months and involves multiple steps, including:

1. Initial consultation: Dr. Khodakhast will review your medical history and perform a thorough examination, including imaging tests to assess bone structure. Dr. Khodakhast uses guided implant surgery, which allows for more precise and accurate placement of the implant. This approach uses virtual planning software, 3D imaging, and surgical guides to ensure the best possible outcome.
2. Implant placement: Local anesthesia and sedation are used to make the surgery as comfortable as possible. An incision is made in the gum to expose the bone. A specialized drill is then used to create a precise hole in the jawbone where the implant is placed. After the implant is secured in the bone, the gum tissue is stitched back over the implant site. This is followed by a healing period of several months known as osseointegration. During this time, the bone naturally grows and integrates around the implant, creating a stable and strong foundation much like a natural tooth root.
3. Abutment placement: Once osseointegration is confirmed through clinical assessment and imaging, a second minor surgical procedure is performed to place the abutment. The gum is reopened to expose the implant, and the abutment—a connecting piece that will hold the crown—is attached to the titanium post. The gum tissue is then allowed to heal around the abutment, but not over it, ensuring it remains exposed above the gum line. This process may take a few weeks as the surrounding tissue adjusts and heals.
4. Crown placement: After the gums have healed around the abutment, the final stage involves fitting and securing the dental crown. The crown is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of the natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural appearance. Once fabricated, the crown is permanently attached to the abutment.

Dental Implants

Video Transcript

Dental implants are titanium roots, that are replaced with in the jawbone to resemble a tooth or group of teeth. A screw is inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. A porcelain crown is then attached to the screw to become the new tooth or teeth. They can be used to support dental prosthesis including crowns, dentures, and bridges. Today’s treatments are so natural looking, no one will know you had surgery. There’s approximately a 95% success rate for all implants. With modern advances in dentistry, some implants can be restored immediately with life like all porcelain crowns. For more details ask your dentist.

All-on-4® Dental Implants

All-on-4 is a dental implant procedure that allows for the replacement of an entire arch of teeth using only four strategically placed implants. This method maximizes the use of available bone and minimizes the need for bone grafting.

All-on-4 is ideal for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and want a permanent solution that provides the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. They were specifically designed for patients with low bone density in the jaw, making them a viable option for individuals who may not be eligible for traditional implants.

The All-on-4 system consists of three main parts:

• Four titanium implants – These are strategically placed at specific angles in the jaw to maximize stability and support a full arch of teeth.
• Abutments – Connector pieces attached to the top of each implant that secure the fixed bridge in place.
• Fixed bridge – A custom-made prosthesis, typically made of porcelain or acrylic, that serves as the permanent replacement for all missing teeth in an arch.

All-on-4 Procedure 

The All-on-4 procedure is a transformative dental solution that provides patients with a complete set of functional teeth using only four strategically placed implants per arch.  Here’s a detailed breakdown of the procedure:

1. Initial consultation: Dr. Khodakhast will evaluate your oral health, take necessary X-rays, and perform a 3D scan of your jawbone. This assessment helps determine if you are a suitable candidate for the All-on-4 procedure, especially considering your bone density and overall dental needs.
2. Treatment planning: Using the imaging data, a customized treatment plan is developed. If you require additional procedures, such as tooth extraction(s) or bone grafting, this will be included in your treatment plan. Guided surgery techniques are used to ensure the implants are placed in the optimal position, taking into account your bite, functional needs, and aesthetic goals.
3. Implant placement: Local anesthesia and sedation are used to ensure your comfort. Incisions are made in the gums to access the jawbone and strategically place the four titanium implants. The implants are inserted at specific angles to maximize contact with the jawbone and provide better stability, especially for patients with limited bone density.
4. Temporary prosthesis: Immediately following the implant placement, a temporary fixed prosthesis may be attached to the implants. This allows you to leave the office with a full set of teeth, ensuring you can eat, speak, and smile confidently while your implants heal.
5. Healing period: A healing period of approximately six to eight months is necessary for osseointegration, during which the bone grows around the implants, anchoring them securely in place. During this time, regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure everything is healing as expected.
6. Final prosthesis placement: Once your implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, you’ll return to our office for the placement of your custom fixed bridge. This prosthesis is crafted specifically to match the aesthetic and functional requirements of your mouth, ensuring a seamless fit and look that mimics natural teeth.

The All-on-4 procedure restores your smile and improves overall quality of life, allowing you to eat and speak with confidence.

All-on-X Dental Implants

All-on-X refers to a more flexible approach to All-on-4. It involves using four or more implants and is suitable for individuals with significant bone loss that need additional support. This technique can be customized based on the patient’s unique anatomical requirements and allows for multiple implants per arch.

Once the implants are placed, a full arch of prosthetic teeth are attached to the implants, providing patients with a stable and permanent solution.

Who Can Benefit from All-on-X?

Individuals with:

• Severe bone loss requiring extra support
• Complex dental situations needing tailored treatment plans
• Individuals with dentures or missing teeth looking for a more permanent solution

All-on-X Procedure

The All-on-X procedure is similar to the All-on-4 procedure. Here is a detailed explanation of the procedure:

1. Initial consultation: Dr. Khodakhast will evaluate your oral health, take necessary X-rays, and perform a 3D scan of your jawbone. This assessment helps determine if you are a suitable candidate for the All-on-X procedure.
2. Treatment planning: A customized treatment plan is developed using imaging data that takes into account your unique anatomy and dental needs. Additional procedures, such as tooth extractions and bone grafting, may be recommended to prepare for the implant placement.
3. Bone grafting: If you require bone grafting, this will be done prior to implant placement. Bone grafting involves adding bone material to the jawbone to increase its volume and density, providing a strong foundation for the implants. The healing time for a bone graft varies, but it generally takes 3 to 6 months for the bone to grow. Implants are placed when the bone is fully healed.
4. Implant placement: Just like in the All-on-4 procedure, local anesthesia and sedation are administered to ensure your comfort. Incisions are made in the gums to access the jawbone. The implants will be strategically placed to support a full arch of teeth.
5. Temporary prosthesis: A temporary fixed prosthesis may be attached to the implants immediately after placement, allowing you to leave our office with a full set of teeth.
6. Healing period: A healing period of approximately 6 – 8 months is necessary for osseointegration, during which the bone grows around the implants, anchoring them securely in place. During this time, regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure everything is healing as expected.
7. Final prosthesis placement: Once your implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, you’ll return to our office for the placement of your custom fixed bridge. This prosthesis is crafted specifically to match the aesthetic and functional requirements of your mouth, ensuring a seamless fit and look that mimics natural teeth.

All-on-X provides a versatile solution for individuals with complex dental needs or significant bone loss. This procedure offers more flexibility in terms of the number and placement of implants, allowing for a tailored approach to each patient’s unique situation.

What To Expect After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a successful healing process and optimal integration of the implants. It’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, but here are some general guidelines to consider:

1. Managing discomfort: Post-operative discomfort is common and can be managed with prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling during the first 48 hours.
2. Diet: Start with a soft food diet immediately following surgery. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could disturb the surgical site. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as you feel comfortable, usually within a week or two.
3. Oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery. Avoid brushing the implant area for the first 24 hours but maintain regular cleaning of the rest of your mouth.
4. Physical activity: Refrain from strenuous activities to allow your body to recover. Gradually return to your usual routine as you start feeling better.
5. Smoking cessation: If you smoke, it’s important to quit, especially during the healing process. We require that patients stop smoking 8 weeks before surgery and 16–24 weeks after surgery. Smoking can hinder recovery and increase the risk of complications. Seek support or resources to help you quit.
6. Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your dental provider. These visits are crucial for monitoring the healing process and making any needed adjustments.

Recovery from the surgery usually takes about two weeks. However, it typically takes six to eight months for the implant(s) to fully integrate with the bone.

Guided Implant Surgery

Guided implant surgery is a precise approach to dental implant placement that uses advanced imaging technology and computer software to create a detailed surgical plan.

This method involves using 3D scans and digital models of a patient’s oral anatomy to determine the optimal location, angle, and depth for implant placement before the actual surgery begins.

A custom surgical guide is fabricated based on the treatment plan, which fits over the patient’s existing teeth or gums and directs the placement of implants at precise angles and depths.

Benefits of Guided Implant Surgery:

• Increased accuracy: The use of advanced imaging technology allows for precise planning and execution of implant placement, resulting in better outcomes for patients.
• Reduced risk: With guided surgery, there is less room for error during the procedure, reducing potential risks and complications.
• Improved healing time: The detailed surgical plan ensures that the implants are placed in optimal positions, leading to faster healing times and better integration with the jawbone.
• Predictable results: By using computer software to plan the implant placement, clinicians can accurately predict the final outcome and ensure that the prosthetic teeth fit perfectly with the patient’s existing teeth and bite.

Why Choose Argyle Dental & Prosthodontics

We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental care using the latest techniques and technology.  We treat the patient as a whole, taking into consideration their unique dental needs and overall well-being. 

Patient Testimonials

Dental Implants in Centennial, CO

Dr. Ava Khodakhast is a board-certified prosthodontist with extensive experience in dental implant surgery and a passion for helping patients achieve their dream smile. Using guided implant surgery and advanced materials, we can provide you with a permanent solution for missing teeth that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.

Contact us today to schedule your dental implant consultation and see how guided implant surgery can transform your smile and quality of life.

If you are searching for dental implants in Centennial, CO, or dental implants near me, we can help! Our office in Centennial, CO is conveniently located in Arapahoe County, just 5 miles from Douglas County. 

Call (303) 770-2254 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile!

FAQs About Dental Implants