Missing teeth affect more than your appearance. They change how you eat, how you speak, and over time, how your jawbone holds its shape. At Sopris Smiles in Englewood, CO, Dr. Golnaz Samimifar provides dental implant restoration for patients who want a permanent, natural-looking solution to tooth loss. Our role covers the full planning process and the final crown restoration, in close coordination with trusted oral surgery partners who handle implant placement.
With over 1,000 hours of continuing education and advanced imaging technology including CBCT scanning and same-day CEREC crowns in Englewood, Dr. Golnaz approaches every implant restoration case with the detail and precision it requires. Whether you are missing one tooth or several, we create a treatment plan built around your bone structure, bite, and long-term oral health. Patients seeking broader aesthetic improvements can also explore our cosmetic dentistry in Englewood to understand all available options.
A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone by an oral surgeon, where it fuses with the bone through a natural process called osseointegration. Once fully integrated, the implant provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture restoration. The result functions and looks like a natural tooth, without relying on adjacent teeth for support.
Implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement because they are the only option that preserves jawbone density long-term. Every other tooth replacement option sits on top of the gum; only an implant replicates the stimulation a natural root provides to the bone beneath it.
Every dental implant restoration has three distinct parts working together. The titanium implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone by an oral surgeon and serves as the artificial root. The abutment is a small connector that attaches to the top of the integrated post and protrudes just above the gum line. The crown is the visible tooth-shaped restoration — at Sopris Smiles, Dr. Golnaz uses CEREC digital technology to design and mill a custom ceramic crown matched precisely to your surrounding teeth in color, shape, and size. Understanding all three components helps you have informed conversations with both our office and the oral surgeon throughout your treatment. According to the American Dental Association, long-term research shows single-tooth implants can achieve a survival rate of approximately 95% over several decades, underscoring their reliability as a permanent tooth replacement solution.
Precise implant outcomes start with detailed pre-surgical imaging. Our advanced CBCT scanner produces three-dimensional images of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding anatomy, giving Dr. Golnaz and our surgical partners a complete picture before placement begins. Digital planning lets us determine the exact position and angle for each implant to optimize both the restoration and long-term stability.
Dental implants offer advantages that no other tooth replacement can match. The benefits below explain why implants remain the most recommended long-term solution for missing teeth.
For patients considering tooth replacement as part of a broader treatment plan, implants can also support a smile makeover or serve as the foundation for a more comprehensive cosmetic dentistry transformation.
Delaying tooth replacement leads to a predictable chain of consequences. Neighboring teeth gradually shift into the empty space, creating misalignment. The opposing tooth above or below the gap may over-erupt into it, causing bite problems. Without a root to stimulate the jawbone, bone tissue begins to resorb, which over time changes your facial contours and makes future implant placement more complicated.
Gaps create areas where food and bacteria accumulate, increasing the risk of gum disease and decay in remaining teeth. Teeth forced to compensate for a missing neighbor face increased bite stress, which can lead to wear, fractures, or further loss. Addressing missing teeth promptly protects the teeth you still have and preserves the bone needed for a successful implant outcome.
The implant post itself is placed by an oral surgeon. At Sopris Smiles, our focus is on the restoration that attaches to the implant once it has integrated. The type of restoration depends on how many teeth are being replaced.
| Restoration Type | Best For | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Single-tooth crown | One missing tooth | One implant supports one CEREC crown designed to match surrounding teeth exactly |
| Implant-supported bridge | Two or more adjacent missing teeth | Two or more implants anchor a fixed bridge without altering neighboring teeth |
| Implant-supported denture | Full arch replacement | Multiple implants stabilize a full-arch prosthesis, eliminating adhesives and slippage |
Not every patient is a candidate for all restoration types. Bone volume, overall oral health, and the number of teeth being replaced all factor into which approach Dr. Golnaz recommends at your consultation.
When comparing your options for a missing tooth, implants, bridges, and dentures each serve different situations. A traditional dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth without surgery, but it requires permanently altering the two healthy teeth on either side to anchor it, and it does not prevent bone loss beneath the gap. Dentures can replace a full arch of missing teeth and are removable, but they sit on top of the gum without stimulating the underlying bone, which leads to gradual bone loss and changes in facial structure over time. A dental implant is the only option that replaces the tooth root itself, preserves bone density, and stands entirely on its own without affecting neighboring teeth. For patients who are good candidates and are planning ahead for the long term, implants are typically the most cost-effective option when you factor in durability and the avoidance of future bone grafting or prosthetic replacements.
The implant process is a coordinated effort between our office and our oral surgery partners. Here is how it unfolds from start to final restoration.
The process begins at Sopris Smiles with a comprehensive CBCT imaging scan and oral health evaluation. Dr. Golnaz uses the scan data to plan the precise positioning of each implant and collaborates with the surgical team to prepare a detailed placement guide. This planning phase is critical: accurate positioning ensures the final crown restoration fits correctly and the implant functions as intended long-term.
The oral surgeon places the titanium implant according to our surgical guide. The healing period typically spans three to six months, during which the implant fuses with the jawbone through osseointegration. During this time, we provide temporary solutions to maintain your smile and function.
Once the implant has fully integrated, you return to Sopris Smiles for the final restoration. Dr. Golnaz uses our CEREC digital crown technology to design and place a custom ceramic crown matched precisely to your surrounding teeth in color, shape, and bite alignment. The result is a restoration that functions and appears just like a natural tooth.
Most patients experience mild soreness and swelling in the days immediately following implant placement surgery, which is performed by the oral surgeon. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relief as directed by your care team are generally sufficient for comfort. We recommend a soft diet for the first few days and avoiding smoking, which significantly increases the risk of implant failure. Stitches, if placed, typically dissolve or are removed within one to two weeks. As healing progresses, you can return to a normal diet and regular brushing. The full osseointegration period spans roughly three to six months, during which we check in with you to monitor progress. Good home care and attending follow-up appointments are the most important factors in a successful long-term outcome.
Most adults with good general health and sufficient jawbone density are candidates for dental implants. The factors Dr. Golnaz evaluates at your consultation include overall oral health, bone volume at the implant site, gum health, and any systemic conditions that may affect healing. Smokers and patients with uncontrolled diabetes have higher implant failure risk and will need to discuss these factors specifically.
Patients who have experienced significant bone loss after a long period without a tooth may need a bone graft before implant placement to ensure there is adequate structure to support the post. Dr. Golnaz reviews this with you based on your CBCT imaging so there are no surprises. To learn more, read about whether dental implants are worth the investment for your specific situation.
Our investment in CBCT 3D imaging and CEREC digital scanning allows us to plan implant restorations with a level of detail that minimizes complications and produces accurate, well-fitting crowns. Every implant case at Sopris Smiles starts with a complete imaging workup.
We partner exclusively with board-certified oral surgeons for the placement phase. Our detailed surgical guides give the surgeon the exact positioning parameters needed for optimal outcomes. This coordinated model means you receive seamless care from planning through final restoration without being passed between unconnected providers.
Dr. Golnaz takes your full health picture into account when planning any restorative treatment. Oral health does not operate in isolation, and our approach ensures the implant restoration supports both your smile and your long-term well-being. Learn more about what to expect during the implant process, including pain and recovery.
The implant placement surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure itself. Most patients describe the sensation as pressure rather than sharp pain. Afterward, mild soreness and swelling are normal for a few days and are typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief as directed. At Sopris Smiles, we coordinate closely with our oral surgery partners on your pre- and post-operative care so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
The full timeline from consultation to final crown is typically six to twelve months, depending on your individual healing and whether preparatory work such as a bone graft is needed. The osseointegration period alone, during which the implant fuses with the jawbone, takes three to six months. We begin at Sopris Smiles with a CBCT scan and treatment planning, coordinate the placement with our oral surgery partners, and then complete the final crown restoration at our office once integration is confirmed.
The cost of dental implant treatment varies based on the number of implants needed, the type of restoration, and whether any preparatory procedures such as bone grafting are required. At your consultation, Dr. Golnaz reviews your CBCT imaging and develops a full treatment plan with a complete cost breakdown. Our team can help you understand your insurance coverage as it relates to the restoration portion of treatment.
Implant failure most commonly occurs when the implant does not integrate properly with the bone, which can be caused by infection, insufficient bone density, or systemic factors like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking. At Sopris Smiles, we reduce this risk through detailed pre-surgical CBCT planning, close coordination with our oral surgery partners, and thorough follow-up care. If an implant does fail, replacement is often possible after the area heals and any underlying issues are addressed.
Implants are maintained just like natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss once daily, and attend regular hygiene visits at Sopris Smiles. Because the crown is a fixed restoration, there are no special removal or soaking routines. We recommend using an interdental brush or water flosser around the implant to keep the area free of bacteria. Attending your regular dental cleanings is especially important for monitoring the health of the tissue and bone surrounding the implant over time.
We’re conveniently located in Englewood, CO, serving both Englewood and Cherry Hills communities in the charming Marks complex. Our office offers free, dedicated parking in an abundant on-site lot, ensuring a stress-free arrival for every visit. Located just off Hampden Ave (US-285) with quick access to Broadway, Lincoln, I-25, and C-470, we’re perfectly positioned for easy access from all parts of the Denver metro area. Whether you’re driving or taking public transit, getting to your appointment has never been more convenient.
