Losing a tooth affects more than your appearance. It changes how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. The good news? The types of dental implants available now offer solutions that work for nearly every situation. At Allison Jung Family Dentistry in Fort Collins, we play an important role in treatment planning, case presentation, and restoring dental implants after placement by a trusted specialist. Dr. Allison Jung and Dr. Brittany Ballard take time to explain your choices clearly, so you can move forward feeling informed and ready.
Understanding the Main Types of Dental Implants
Most conversations about dental implants start with two foundational options: endosteal and subperiosteal implants.
Endosteal implants are the most commonly used. These titanium posts are placed directly into the jawbone by an oral surgeon or periodontist, where they fuse with the bone over time to create a stable foundation. Think of them as artificial tooth roots. They’re ideal if you have healthy bone structure and want a long-lasting solution.
Subperiosteal implants rest on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. These can be helpful if you don’t have enough bone height for traditional implants and bone grafting isn’t the right path for you. While endosteal implants are generally preferred for their strength, both types can restore your ability to chew comfortably and smile without hesitation.
How Many Teeth Are You Replacing?
The types of dental implants you need depend on how many teeth are missing and where they’re located.
- Single tooth replacement: One implant topped with a custom crown blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. No need to alter neighboring teeth like you would with a traditional bridge.
- Multiple teeth in a row: An implant-supported bridge uses two or more implants to hold replacement teeth in place. This approach avoids putting stress on your remaining natural teeth.
- Full arch restoration: For patients missing most or all teeth on the upper or lower jaw, implants can support a full arch of replacement teeth. This creates stability far beyond what traditional options can provide.
Dr. Jung and Dr. Ballard carefully evaluate your situation, collaborate with the placing specialist when needed, and design the final restoration to ensure an ideal fit, function, and aesthetics.
Materials That Make a Difference
Not all implants are created equal. The materials used directly affect how well an implant integrates with bone and how long it lasts.
Titanium has been the gold standard for decades. It’s strong, biocompatible, and has a proven track record of fusing well with bone. Most patients do exceptionally well with titanium implants.
At our Fort Collins office, we use state-of-the-art tools such as advanced imaging and digital scans to plan restorations with precision and coordinate seamlessly with the specialist placing the implant. This technology helps ensure your final crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis is positioned correctly for both comfort and longevity.
What the Implant Process Actually Looks Like
Knowing what to expect makes the process less intimidating. Here’s how your dental implant journey typically unfolds:
Consultation and planning: We start with a thorough exam and take detailed images of your jaw. This helps us understand your bone quality and determine whether you’re a candidate for implants. If appropriate, we coordinate with a trusted surgical specialist for implant placement.
Implant placement: The implant is surgically placed by a specialist. Healing time follows, usually several months, allowing the implant to fuse with your bone in a process called osseointegration.
Abutment and restoration: Once healing is complete, you return to our office where we attach the abutment (if not already placed) and complete your custom crown, bridge, or full-arch restoration. This is where we focus on aesthetics, bite balance, and long-term function.
Each phase is explained before it happens. You’ll know what to expect at every appointment, and our team is available to answer any questions that come up.
Making Your Decision
Choosing between dental implant types doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With clear information, coordinated care, and expert restoration, you can feel confident in your path forward. Whether you’re replacing one tooth or rebuilding your entire smile, the right solution exists for your situation.
At Allison Jung Family Dentistry, we focus on outcomes that last and care that feels personal. If cost is a consideration, ask about our membership plan for additional support with your dental expenses.
Get Started in Fort Collins
Your smile deserves a solution that works. If you’re curious about whether dental implants are right for you, we’ll guide you through the planning process and coordinate your care every step of the way. Reach out to our office in Fort Collins to schedule a consultation. Let’s talk about restoring what’s missing and getting you back to feeling like yourself again.