You’re missing a tooth. Maybe it happened recently. Maybe it’s been years. Either way, you’ve probably wondered: “Should I do something about that gap?” The short answer is yes. Missing teeth don’t just affect your smile. Over time, nearby teeth can shift, your jawbone can weaken, and even your bite can change. But we get it. The idea of a dental implant sounds serious. You might be picturing surgery, pain, or a long, complicated process. Let us walk you through what actually happens. Because at Gunbarrel Dental Center, we believe in empowering you with knowledge. When you understand the process, it feels a whole lot less scary.
What Is a Dental Implant, Exactly?
Think of a dental implant as an artificial tooth root. It’s a small, strong titanium post that Dr. Rachel Barone places gently into your jawbone. Over time, that post fuses with your bone. Once healed, we attach a custom-made crown on top that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
Unlike a bridge, an implant doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. Unlike a partial denture, it doesn’t come out at night. It’s as close as you can get to having your original tooth back.
Step 1: Your One-on-One Conversation
Every implant we place starts with a conversation. Dr. Barone sits down with you, listens to your goals, and examines your smile. She’ll take digital x-rays to see your bone level and make sure an implant is the right option for you. If your bone needs a little help, we talk about that too. No surprises.
Step 2: Placing the Implant
Dr. Barone works closely with a trusted oral surgeon who performs the actual implant placement. Why? Because oral surgeons have years of extra training in surgery and bone health. This team approach means you get the best of both worlds: a specialist for the surgical phase, and Dr. Barone for the restorative phase, designing and attaching your beautiful, natural-looking crown.
On the day of placement, you’re comfortable. The oral surgeon numbs the area and gently places the titanium post into your jaw. Most patients tell us the experience felt easier than having a filling.
Dr. Barone stays involved every step of the way, communicating with the surgeon to ensure the implant is positioned perfectly for your future crown. She then handles everything that comes after, which is where her advanced training as a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI) really shines.
Step 3: Healing and Bonding
This is where patience pays off. Over the next few months, the implant fuses with your jawbone. During this time, you can eat, talk, and live normally. Often we give you a temporary tooth so no one even notices a gap.
Step 4: Your New Crown
Once healing is complete, we take a digital impression of the implant. A beautiful, custom crown is created just for you. Dr. Barone attaches it securely, making sure your bite feels perfect and your smile looks natural. That’s it.
Why Choose an Implant Over Other Options?
A bridge usually lasts 7–10 years before needing replacement. A well-cared-for implant can last decades, often a lifetime. More importantly, an implant preserves your jawbone. When a tooth is missing, the bone slowly shrinks. The implant stops that process cold.
You Don’t Have to Live With a Gap
We’ve helped countless Boulder and Gunbarrel neighbors restore their smiles with dental implants. Some had one missing tooth. Others had several. Every single one told us they wished they’d done it sooner.
If you’ve been putting off replacing a missing tooth, give us a call at 720-881-0614. Dr. Barone will walk you through the process, answer every question, and help you decide what’s best for your health and your smile.
A complete smile isn’t just about looks. It’s about feeling confident, eating comfortably, and keeping your mouth healthy for the long run. Let’s get you there.