Dentures & Implants

When you lose a tooth – whether due to injury or deep decay or periodontal (gum) disease – you have two main options for replacing it: a denture or an implant. Dr. Bloss can provide either here in our holistic Montrose office.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear…”

Leo Buscaglia

Dental Implants

Implants are the closest thing we currently have to natural teeth, in terms of look and function. The implant itself is made from either titanium or ceramic (zirconia), both of which are broadly biocompatible and non-reactive. Dr. Bloss works with the oral surgeon, who surgically places it in your jaw, where the missing tooth should be, and then gives it time to heal and integrate with the supporting bone, so it’s stable like a healthy natural tooth root.

Once this osseointegration is complete – the time frame is typically a few months – she then places a porcelain crown on top of the implant, giving it the look of a natural tooth. It feels and functions like a natural tooth, as well!

Implants can also be used to secure partial or full dentures. Multiple implants can even be connected to create an “implant bridge.”

Implants do require some special care, and they may not be right for everyone. If you’ve lost multiple teeth to periodontitis (advanced gum disease) or trauma, the tissues may not be healthy or substantial enough to support implants without a high risk of loss or recurrent infection (peri-implantitis). Others prefer non-surgical solutions.

But for most, implants can be a wonderful option for replacing missing teeth!

Partials/Dentures

Dentures are removable tooth replacements that can be as extensive as full dentures, replacing all the teeth in the mouth, or as simple as a one-tooth “pop-in” partial to replace a single missing tooth.

These prosthetics can be made of plastic or a metal/plastic combination. Some of the newest materials are so flexible and lightweight, you scarcely feel them at all. When fit properly, dentures can be secure, comfortable, and highly functional – and offer an aesthetically ideal smile.

For extra security – and to help maintain good bone in the jaw – implants can be used to fix the denture in place. Dr. Bloss is one of relatively few dentists who fabricates dentures that are screwed down to implants. These units don’t need to be taken in and out daily. Instead, your dentist can remove it periodically for cleaning.

Got any questions?

Please feel free to call our office today at 970-249-2077.
One of our friendly staff will be happy to help you.