Dental Implants – Dental Implants Longmont CO
Mini implants offer sizeable benefits for patients with missing teeth and bone loss
At Longmont Dental, we are thrilled that you are reading up on dental implants and that you are considering our team for your oral care. Led by Dr. Kurt W. Knechtel, DMD, we strive to be a true “dental home” for patients and their families from Longmont and throughout the Boulder, Colorado, area.
As it relates to implants, Dr. Knechtel has the advanced training and experience, as well as the onsite technologies, to offer every step of the implants process at our practice. As an genuine “one-stop,” we strive to make each visit as efficient, safe, pleasant, comfortable, and convenient as possible. Since we have so many capabilities “in-house,” there are many treatment offerings within each category of services that patients benefit from; for instance, those individuals who have been told they are not candidates for implants can qualify for the procedure with mini implants.
If you’re considering dental implants,
the next step is a personalized evaluation with Dr. Knechtel and the Longmont Dental team.
We’ll discuss your goals, assess your oral health, and explain your treatment options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
New patients must call (720) 815-4733 to schedule an appointment.
Contact us today to learn whether dental implants can help restore your smile and confidence.
The new(er) implant on the block
Millions of dental patients have replaced their teeth with implants since the 1980s. Over time, new systems, materials, and designs have presented themselves. These innovations represent ways for patients who formerly may have been limited in their treatment options (to conventional bridges and dentures) to enjoy the myriad advantages of replacing teeth built like natural teeth. The mini implant, for instance, is, as its name suggests — a smaller-sized alternative to “standard” implants. Minis are smaller around than traditional implants. They also feature attachments such as a ball and socket, and rubber O-ring. Implants are primarily placed in the jaw and fuse to become a part of the surrounding bone. They are connected to the overlying replacement teeth via such attachments. With everything connected to a solid base in the jaw, the implant functions effectively as a natural tooth root.

Characteristics such as a smaller diameter allow us to confidently recommend and successfully place and retain mini implants for patients who have suffered bone loss. Adequate bone density and height are essentially a “must” for implants patients. The implant should have a solid foundation, which facilitates optimal stabilization of the crowns, bridges, and dentures retained in the mouth.
Dental Implant Videos
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are titanium roots, that are replaced with in the jawbone to resemble a tooth or group of teeth. A screw is inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. A porcelain crown is then attached to the screw to become the new tooth or teeth. They can be used to support dental prosthesis including crowns, dentures, and bridges. Today’s treatments are so natural looking, no one will know you had surgery. There’s approximately a 95% success rate for all implants. With modern advances in dentistry, some implants can be restored immediately with life like all porcelain crowns. For more details ask your dentist.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
A lot of people assume implants aren’t possible for them,
but let’s clear that up. We look at three main things, bone quality, gum health, your general health.
Even if the bone is shrunk, we can regenerate it in many cases using modern techniques like bone grafting or sinus lifts.
Age doesn’t disqualify anyone.
We regularly place implants for patients in their 60s, 70s, and beyond.
If missing teeth affect your confidence, your eating, or your social life, implants are worth exploring.
Book an appointment today and let us give you a clear answer in one visit.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?
Implants aren’t rushed, they’re built to last.
Here’s the usual timeline.
Step 1, planning and 3D scanning to map the perfect placement.
Step 2, the implant is placed and your bone needs a few months to bond with it.
Step 3, we attach the final crown once everything is stable. During that time you still have a tooth in place so you can smile comfortably.
The healing time is what gives implants their strength and longevity.
When done right, this can be the last time you ever worry about that tooth.
Speak with our implant team and we’ll plan the exact timeline for your case.
How Comfortable Is Dental Implant Treatment?
Implants sound intense, but here’s what patients actually report.
You’re fully numb throughout the procedure. Some patients even doze off.
Afterwards, mild swelling and tenderness for a couple of days is normal, and we provide a full plan to keep you comfortable.
Most say discomfort is surprisingly low. We use precise, minimally invasive techniques and 3D imaging to place implants gently.
If fear is stopping you, that’s something we can help with.
Book an appointment today, and we’ll walk you through our full comfort approach.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
This becomes part of your body, so materials really matter.
We use medical-grade titanium implants, the same type of material used in joint replacements.
Your bone grows around it because the body accepts it.
Some patients may benefit from zirconia implants, which are metal-free and tooth-colored.
What’s most important is that the implant integrates well and lasts for decades.
Choosing a reputable implant system and a skilled surgeon makes all the difference.
Speak with our clinicians to understand which implant option best suits your health and goals.
Why Do Dental Implants Cost So Much?
Dental implants can seem costly, so let’s break down why in a straightforward way.
When a tooth is replaced with an implant, we are restoring both the root and the part you see when you smile.
That involves three key elements:
1. A surgical procedure using 3D scans for precision and safety.
2. High-quality medical grade materials designed to integrate with your bone.
And three, a custom-made crown crafted to match your existing teeth perfectly.
It isn’t a one-piece solution delivered in a single appointment.
It’s multiple stages, each carried out by highly trained professionals using technology that ensures a stable, long-term result.
When you compare it to options that may need multiple replacements over the years, implants are built for longevity.
The goal is to get this right once and have it last.
Book an appointment today and we’ll provide a clear, personalized breakdown of costs based on your specific needs.
What to Expect During Dental Implant Healing
How Dental Implants Can Restore Your Smile and Confidence?
How 3D Imaging Makes Dental Implants More Precise?
Dental implants aren’t placed by guesswork.
Planning is everything, and that starts with 3D imaging.
At Longmont Dental, every implant begins with a CBCT scan.
This gives us a complete three-dimensional look at your jawbone.
So why does that matter? Well, underneath your gums is a very busy neighborhood.
You have nerves we must avoid.
You have sinuses that need lifting.
Bone varies in thickness and density across the jaw.
Some areas can securely hold an implant, others cannot.
With regular x-rays, we only see height.
We don’t know the width.
We don’t know the quality.
It’s like navigating a city with only a street name and no map.
With 3D imaging, we measure the exact space we have.
We choose the right implant type and size.
We position it precisely at the ideal angle, avoiding anatomical risks.
Predict how strong the result will be long-term.
We also simulate the placement visually before we ever touch your mouth.
So much of the work happens before surgery, when we have the clearest picture.
That means less invasive surgery, shorter appointments, faster healing, better long-term outcomes, and most importantly, predictability.
Implants have fantastic success rates.
3D imaging is a big reason why.
It replaces uncertainty with informed precision.
To see exactly how your bone structure looks and what’s possible for your case,
book an appointment with our office today.
What Happens If a Dental Implant Doesn’t Heal Properly?
It’s normal to wonder what happens if I don’t heal properly or something doesn’t go to plan.
Implants have a very high success rate, especially when the case is properly planned.
We take a detailed 3D scan before treatment to assess the quality and the volume of the bone.
If anything needs improving first, we address it so we’re setting the implant up for success.
Even with all that planning, biology can be unpredictable sometimes.
In the rare case an implant doesn’t integrate the way we want, we remove it, allow the area to heal, and either place a new implant or offer a suitable alternative.
You’re not alone with the problem.
Our responsibility doesn’t end the moment the implant goes in.
We stay with you throughout the healing process and make adjustments if needed.
That’s why choosing an office with experience, proper imaging, and long-term follow-up matters just as much as the implant itself.
Speak with our implant team and we’ll explain exactly how we minimize risk and support success every step of the way.
What Happens to Your Jawbone After You Lose a Tooth?
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Implants sound intense, but here’s what patients actually report.
You’re fully numb throughout the procedure.
Some patients even doze off.
Afterwards, mild swelling and tenderness for a couple of days is normal, and we provide a full plan to keep you comfortable.
Most say discomfort is surprisingly low.
We use precise, minimally invasive techniques and 3D imaging to place implants gently.
If fear is stopping you, that’s something we can help with.
Book an appointment today and we’ll walk you through our full comfort approach.
Why Choose Longmont Dental for Full Mouth Implants?
Can You Finance Dental Implant Treatment?
Do Dental Implants Look and Feel Natural?
Dental Implants vs. Bridges vs. Dentures: Which Is Best?
Let’s compare your three real options if you’re missing a tooth.
Dentures rest on the gums.
That means movement when you chew and gradual changes in fit as the bone shrinks.
Bridges are fixed and stable, but they require us to reshape the teeth next door,
which isn’t ideal if those teeth are healthy.
Implants stand independently.
They protect your bite, preserve bone, and give the closest thing to a natural tooth.
So when stability, comfort, and long-term function matter most, implants usually comes out on top.
Speak with our implant team to discover which option best fits your mouth, lifestyle, and goals.
What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery?
Here’s what you can expect in the first few days after treatment.
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal for about 48 to 72 hours.
Most people return to work the next day.
We provide clear aftercare instructions including which foods to choose and how to keep everything clean.
Our job isn’t just to place the implant, it’s to support you fully through the healing process.
Speak with our implant team and we’ll guide you through every stage of treatment.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
Implants are often described as expensive.
Let’s look at what that really means compared to the other alternatives.
When you lose a tooth, you have three main choices.
You can do nothing, you can do a removable denture, a fixed bridge, or a dental implant.
Now let’s look at the long game.
Option one, do nothing.
Short term, it’s free. Long term, bone loss, shifting teeth, bite problems, and eventually other treatments become more expensive.
So option two, a removable denture.
Up front, cheaper, but here’s what matters. It rests on the gums, it can move when you speak or eat, bone continues to shrink underneath, it usually needs replacing every three to five years,
and up that cost over 10 to 15 years. Suddenly, the cheap solution isn’t so cheap.
Option three, a dental bridge. Up front, moderate investment, but we have to reshape the two neighboring teeth.
If one of those teeth fails later, the whole bridge fails.
Doesn’t stop bone loss, so again, future risk equals future cost.
Now option four, dental implant. Up front, higher cost, but no impact on the surrounding teeth.
Helps maintain bone for the last decades, functions close to the natural teeth, and it’s the most predictable long-term outcome.
So while the investment is higher initially, implant patients tend to spend less over the course of their life because they’re not repeatedly replacing treatment.
And then there’s quality of life.
Eating what you like, speaking clearly, smiling with confidence, not worrying about things coming loose.
Those aren’t luxury benefits, those are everyday essentials.
If you’re comparing your options, book an appointment with our office today.
We’ll review the long-term pros and cons of each and build a personalized plan that makes sense for your goals and budget.
Why Choose Longmont Dental for Dental Implants?
At Longmont Dental, we help people regain what they’ve lost by providing lasting solutions for missing teeth.
It’s not just dental treatment, it’s restoring normal life again.
My name is Dr. Wyatt Knechtel at Longmont Dental here in Longmont.
We perform dental implant procedures every day and we’re trusted by patients who want the most natural, stable option to replace a missing tooth.
Many people who come to us have tried temporary fixes or have been living with a gap for years.
They’re tired of avoiding certain foods, hiding their smile or feeling self-conscious when they laugh.
They’ve spent money on solutions that don’t last or that don’t feel like a real tooth.
Our goal is simple, give you a tooth that feels like it was never missing, a strong foundation, a natural look and long-term peace of mind.
At Longmont Dental, every implant is planned using 3D imaging, custom designed to fit perfectly into your smile and placed by a skilled clinical team dedicated to precision at every step.
Everything from the surgery to the creation of your new tooth is handled here under one roof.
We invest in advanced technology and continuing education so every patient receives the highest standard of care.
This is about more than filling a gap.
It’s about smiling comfortably again, eating confidently again and feeling like yourself again.
We look forward to welcoming you to Longmont Dental and helping you take the first step to a confident, complete smile.
Tap the link below and schedule a consultation today to find out if a dental implant is right for you.
More on candidates for minis
The longer patients go without teeth, the worse the process of bone loss becomes. Mini implants are also appropriate for patients who are either not good candidates for surgical procedures or who prefer to undergo a more conservative approach to tooth replacement. All it generally takes for Dr. Knechtel to place mini implants is a single appointment and localized anesthesia. Courtesy of this approach, patients can enjoy their new teeth the same day the implant is placed precisely! Other techniques require that bone be taken from one part of the body and “grafted” to the implant site. The bone would have to be built up before the implant is placed. However, bone loss can be so significant that a full-sized implant is not appropriate anyway. Plus, it can take several months for the implant in the augmented jawbone to integrate fully into the surrounding tissue. With mini implants, there is no such wait. There is also minor alteration of natural tissues at the treatment site.
Discover what our patients have to say
Patient Testimonial: A Natural-Feeling Dental Implant Experience
My name is Don Miller.
I’ve been coming to Longmont Dental for two years.
I had two molars replaced and I learned a lot in the process.
It was a little bit of a formidable approach.
They did a 3D scan to start with and they measured very carefully to see what needed to be removed and what needed to be replaced.
Dr. Wyatt showed me how he designed the new tooth to go into the space that was left.
The results were, for me, pretty amazing.
I don’t notice that I have replaced molars and I’ve been very satisfied with this experience.
I was very happy to have come here.
For the work, I would recommend this team to any patient in the future.
Patient Testimonial: A Comfortable Dental Implant Experience
My name is Ruby Hammond.
I’ve been coming here for 24 years and I’ve had two implants.
They were so good, I don’t even remember which ones they are.
The first time, it was kind of scary.
By my second one, I knew exactly what to expect.
They explained everything.
They did the 3D scan.
He showed me exactly where the stem was going to be.
It was a lot easier.
I knew I understand more about what was going to happen.
They do a great job and they’re all so loving and caring and kind and thoughtful.
They’re like my second family.
I would highly recommend them to everybody I know.
Everybody I know.
Dental Implants FAQs
Do dental implants look natural?
Yes. One of the most compelling benefits of dental implants is their lifelike appearance. Your dentist customizes your crown to match the exact shape, size, and color of the surrounding teeth. Your dental crown integrates so seamlessly that no one will realize it’s a prosthetic tooth. Speak, smile, and laugh without feeling self-conscious about your teeth.
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
Dental implant surgery takes 1-2 hours per tooth, but the entire procedure takes several months. That is because once your implants are surgically placed, they need time to heal and integrate with the jawbone. In some cases, your dentist can attach a temporary tooth on the same day to maintain functionality during the healing phase.
Does the dental implant procedure hurt?
Not at Longmont Dental. Your implant dentist uses effective local anesthetics to keep the surgical site fully numb during your treatment. You may experience some pressure but not pain. Implant surgery involves making a small incision in the gums and bone. That said, you may experience post-operative swelling, soreness, and bruising, but these are easy to manage with pain medications and home remedies.
Can I qualify for dental implants if I have bone loss?
Yes! Jawbone deterioration because of prolonged tooth loss, trauma, or gum disease doesn’t mean you are entirely ineligible for dental implants. You can become a candidate with adjunct procedures such as bone grafting. This surgical procedure rebuilds your jawbone, creating a solid foundation to support your implant(s).
Can dental implants fail?
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, but failure can occur in rare cases. Possible causes of implant failure include failed integration, implant infection (peri-implantitis), and implant rejection. Other possible causes include smoking, teeth grinding, and poor oral hygiene. Following post-op care and working with an experienced dentist helps minimize the risk of failure as much as possible.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to last many years, even a lifetime, with proper maintenance. The crown part may need to be replaced every 10-15 years, but the implant itself lasts many decades. To get the most out of your dental implants, practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. It’s also important to avoid smoking, teeth grinding, or using your teeth as tools to protect your investment.
How much are dental implants in Longmont, CO?
Good question! Cost is an important factor when considering implant treatment. The reality is that we cannot accurately determine the cost of implants without a consultation. That’s because the cost of implants varies depending on factors such as the number of teeth involved, your oral health, and the need for additional procedures like extractions and bone grafting. We’ll share a cost breakdown during consultation and also share ways to make your dental care more affordable.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage varies by plan. Our team will help verify the benefits of your insurance plan. As a courtesy, we’ll also file claims on your behalf to make your process smoother.
What are the alternatives to dental implants?
If dental implants are not an option for some reason, we’ll discuss alternatives, including dentures and bridges. No matter how many teeth you have lost, there is always a solution.
Where can I get high-quality dental implants in Longmont, CO?
Tooth loss is not something you should learn to live with. Rebuild your smile with high-quality dental implants at Longmont Dental. Our dentists combine advanced technology with clinical expertise to deliver start-to-finish implant services in one location. Dial (720) 815-4733 and schedule your consultation today!






