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Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth is important, and not just because a gap in your smile is unattractive. Your teeth are designed to work together, and when one or more are missing, chewing and eating becomes challenging.

You don’t have to live with the discomfort and embarrassment of missing teeth. At Darryl L. Hatchett, DDS, Family Dentistry, we’re pleased to offer state-of-the-art dental implants, an excellent tooth replacement that can last a lifetime if properly maintained.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is made of two main parts: the titanium implant that works like a replacement for the missing root, and a tooth-colored crown or other type of restoration secured to the implant.

The implant is placed surgically in your jawbone by one of our highly respected local oral surgeons. Over time, the replacement post bonds with surrounding bone and tissue so that it actually becomes part of your jaw. The post of the dental implant forms a strong bond with your jawbone, acting as a replacement root to which new teeth are attached.

Why Are Dental Implants a Good Choice?

The biggest and most obvious benefit dental implants offer is the way in which they can dramatically transform a damaged smile. But implants also provide even more advantages over other types of tooth replacement:

Implants look natural and function like real teeth.
They support the bone in your jaw to prevent it from breaking down.
Implants are very durable and last for years.
Dental implants are stable and help neighboring teeth stay in proper position.
The success rate of dental implants is as high as 98%.

A dental implant also helps eliminate many oral health problems that can occur when a lost tooth isn't replaced. Some of these problems include loss of jaw bone, changes to your dental bite that can lead to chronic clenching and grinding, cracked teeth, and jaw pain.

What Other Uses Do Implants Have?

Since they were first introduced decades ago, other effective uses have been developed for dental implants. With dental implants, Dr. Hatchett can stabilize your dentures and restore the function that was lost along with your natural teeth.

Dentures supported with dental implants re-establish lip support and eliminate the sunken appearance that can occur due to bone and tooth loss. Implant-supported dentures are also removable, making oral hygiene much more efficient.

Traditional dentures rest on top of your gum line and use natural suction and adhesive to secure them in place. Implant-supported overdentures, however, snap into place on top of the implants, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit.

We Support You Throughout Treatment

We know that there's a lot to consider when making the decision to get dental implants. Dr. Hatchett will take the time to explain the process thoroughly and make sure that all your questions are answered. During the entire placement process, we will be there of you with whatever you need to make your dental implant treatment as easy as possible.

If you're interested in learning more about the benefits of dental implants, please give our office a call. A helpful member of our team will work with you to arrange a complimentary consultation at your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why replace a tooth with a dental implant, especially if it can't be seen?

Replacing a tooth for cosmetic reasons has obvious advantages. You’ll be able to smile again with confidence and feel good about the way you look. But the reasons for replacing a tooth aren’t just aesthetic.

All your teeth are designed to work together to help you speak and chew properly. When just one tooth is missing, the remaining teeth have to work harder and absorb more stress than they were ever meant to. Speaking becomes more difficult and a missing tooth can even give your face a sunken appearance, making you look older than you are.

Another problem with tooth loss is that without a root to stimulate the growth of the bone in your jaw, the bone can begin to deteriorate over time. Finally, a missing tooth creates alignment problems as surrounding teeth gradually drift into the empty space.

With all of this in mind, it’s a good idea to consider dental implants to replace a missing tooth, wherever it is in your mouth. Dental implants take the place of the missing root and resolve all the above problems. When the process is finished, you’ll be left with a beautiful, functional, and permanent tooth replacement.

If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and whether they’re right for you, please call Darryl Hatchett, DDS, Family Dentistry.

What's the success rate of dental implants?

Dental implants are very popular, but they’re not new. Implants have actually been around for about 25 years, and in that time, the process and materials have been refined, resulting in a success rate today of 95–98%.

An implant is composed of a small screw-like titanium post that is placed in your jawbone bone of our a top local oral surgeon or endodontist. Both types of specialists have all the necessary training and education to perform your procedure effectively and efficiently. Dental implants are constructed in such a way that, over time, they bond with surrounding bone, preventing deterioration of the jawbone and providing support for your natural teeth.

In the majority of cases, we restore the implant with one of our beautiful customized porcelain crowns. However, another advantages of implants is that they can be used to very effectively stabilize dentures and even bridges. Which type of restoration Dr. Hatchett chooses depends on the current state of your oral health, individual preferences, and budgetary considerations.

Using dental implants, we can:

Replace one or more missing teeth
Provide support for a dental restoration like a bridge or crown
Anchor a full set of dentures or overdentures

While the success rate of dental implants are impressive, they are not the best choice for everyone. If you’d like to learn more about implants and whether or not you’re a good candidate, please contact our Denver dental office to arrange a convenient consultation.

Meet Our Doctor:

Darryl L. Hatchett, DDS

Dr. Darryl Hatchett grew up locally and attended Maiden High School. He received bachelor's degrees in both chemistry and biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UNC School of Dentistry in 1998. Dr. Hatchett is a member of the North Carolina Dental Society and the American Dental Association.

“I became a dentist because I enjoy helping and interacting with others. Nothing makes me happier than seeing patients who are pleased with ...