If you already have a dental implant and the crown attached to it no longer feels right, our team can help. Over time, an implant crown can wear down, loosen, crack, affect your bite, feel uncomfortable or no longer match your surrounding teeth.
Having trouble with an existing dental implant crown? Call 970-484-4890 to schedule an evaluation.
At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson provide dental implant restorations in Fort Collins, Colorado for patients who need an existing implant evaluated and restored with a new or replacement crown. Our team does not surgically place dental implants. Instead, we focus on the restorative work that completes, repairs or replaces the visible tooth replacement supported by an existing implant.
Our restorative experience also includes dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures and full-mouth rehabilitation. These treatments are not always connected to dental implants. Depending on your needs, they may be recommended as part of a larger plan to restore chewing function, comfort and confidence.
With 30 years of experience restoring implants, more than 1,000 implant and restorative cases completed and hundreds of hours of continuing education in restorative care, our doctors help patients protect their oral health, improve chewing comfort and restore confidence in their smile.
If the crown on your implant feels loose, uncomfortable, worn, damaged or no longer looks natural, we can evaluate the implant area and recommend the next step.
Dental Implant Restorations in Fort Collins, Colorado
A dental implant is the post or fixture in the jawbone. The implant restoration is the visible tooth replacement attached to that implant, most commonly an implant crown for a single missing tooth.
At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, our role is to restore existing dental implants. That may mean replacing an older implant crown, creating a new crown for an implant that is ready to restore or evaluating implant work that no longer feels comfortable or stable.
The goal is to create a restoration that looks natural, feels comfortable and supports your bite, chewing function and long-term oral health.
We Restore Existing Implants; We Do Not Place Them
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson focus on the restorative side of implant care. We do not surgically place dental implants. We restore existing implants with custom implant crowns and related restorative care.
Many patients come to us because an implant crown that once felt comfortable no longer feels right. Others have an older implant crown that is worn, loose, chipped, uncomfortable, difficult to clean or no longer blends with their smile. Our team evaluates the existing implant, crown, bite, gum tissue and surrounding teeth to determine what type of restorative care may be needed.
If your implant crown feels loose, uncomfortable or worn, call 970-484-4890 to schedule an evaluation.
Why Would an Existing Implant Need a New Crown?
Dental implants are designed to provide long-term support, but the crown attached to an implant may need attention over time. Just like natural teeth and traditional dental restorations, implant crowns can experience normal wear, damage or changes in fit.
You may need a new or replacement crown for an existing implant if:
- Your implant crown feels loose
- The crown is chipped, cracked, worn or broken
- Your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable
- You have pain, pressure or discomfort when chewing
- The crown no longer matches your surrounding teeth
- Food is getting trapped around the implant area
- Your gum tissue has changed around the implant
- The crown feels too high or no longer fits your bite
- You want to improve the comfort, stability or appearance of older implant work
A crown that feels loose, painful or uneven should be evaluated promptly. Addressing concerns early can help protect your implant, surrounding teeth, gum tissue and bite.
Restoring Older Implant Work
Older implant work may need attention for many reasons. An implant crown may wear down, loosen, chip, crack or stop fitting comfortably. Changes in your bite, gum tissue or surrounding teeth can also affect how an older implant crown looks and functions.
At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson evaluate older implant work to determine whether the crown, abutment, bite or surrounding tissue needs attention. In some cases, the implant itself may still be healthy and only the crown attached to it needs to be adjusted, repaired when possible or replaced.
Our goal is to help restore comfort, stability, appearance and function while protecting your long-term oral health.
Having trouble with older implant work? Call 970-484-4890 to schedule an evaluation.
Dental Implant Crowns
An implant crown is commonly used when one tooth is missing and an implant is already in place. The crown attaches to the existing dental implant to restore the visible portion of the tooth.
The crown is shaped and shaded to blend with your surrounding teeth. Our team also checks how the crown fits into your bite so it can function comfortably during chewing.
An implant crown may need to be restored or replaced if:
- The crown feels loose
- The crown is chipped, cracked or worn
- The crown no longer matches nearby teeth
- Your bite feels uneven
- You have discomfort when chewing
- Food gets trapped around the crown
- The crown is older and no longer fits properly
Replacing an Old Implant Crown
An old implant crown may need to be replaced if it is worn, chipped, cracked, loose or no longer fits properly. Some patients also choose to replace an older implant crown because it no longer matches nearby teeth or because their bite has changed over time.
During your evaluation, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will check the existing implant, abutment, crown, gum tissue and bite. In some cases, the implant itself may still be healthy and only the crown needs to be repaired or replaced.
Repairing or Replacing Loose Implant Dental Work
A loose implant crown should not be ignored. The issue may involve the crown, abutment, screw, bite or surrounding gum tissue. In some cases, the crown can be adjusted or repaired. In other cases, replacement may be the better long-term solution.
Signs your implant crown may need attention include:
- A crown that moves
- A clicking feeling around the implant area
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
- A crown that suddenly feels too high
- Food packing around the implant area
- Inflammation, bleeding or tenderness near the implant
Have a loose or damaged implant crown? Call 970-484-4890 to schedule an evaluation.
Beyond Single Implants: Comprehensive Restorative Care
Some patients need more than a single implant crown. If you have multiple missing teeth, older dental work, worn restorations or a more complex bite concern, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson can evaluate your full restorative needs.
This may include dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures, implant restorations or full-mouth rehabilitation. These treatments are planned based on your oral health, bite, comfort, appearance and long-term goals. Not every bridge or denture is attached to an implant, and our team will explain which options make sense for your situation.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is used to restore and protect a damaged, worn or weakened tooth. Crowns may also be used as implant restorations when a single dental implant needs a visible tooth replacement.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson may recommend a crown to:
- Restore a damaged or weakened tooth
- Replace an older crown that no longer fits well
- Improve chewing comfort
- Protect a tooth after restorative treatment
- Restore a single existing dental implant with an implant crown
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges are not always attached to implants. Some bridges are supported by natural teeth, while other cases may involve implants depending on the patient’s oral health and treatment plan.
Our team will evaluate your bite, remaining teeth, existing dental work and long-term goals before recommending the right type of bridge or another restorative option.
Dentures and Partials
Dentures and partial dentures can replace several or all missing teeth. They may be removable and are not always connected to implants.
For some patients, dentures are part of a broader restorative plan to improve chewing function, speech and confidence. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will explain whether dentures, partials, implant treatment with another provider or another restorative option may be appropriate based on your needs.
Full-Mouth Rehabilitation
Full-mouth rehabilitation is a more comprehensive approach for patients with multiple dental concerns. It may involve several types of restorative care, including crowns, bridges, dentures, implant restorations or replacement of older dental work.
Full-mouth rehabilitation requires careful evaluation of your bite, jaw function, gum health, existing teeth, implants and restorative materials. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson have experience with cases ranging from single implant restorations to full-mouth rehabilitation, allowing our team to plan treatment with the bigger picture in mind.
Why the Final Restoration Matters
Whether you need a single implant crown, a traditional crown, a bridge, a denture or a full-mouth rehabilitation plan, the final restoration needs to support more than appearance. It should fit your bite, feel comfortable and help you function with confidence.
A well-planned restoration may help:
- Restore stronger chewing function
- Improve confidence when smiling or speaking
- Replace one missing tooth or several missing teeth
- Support a more balanced bite
- Reduce strain on surrounding teeth
- Improve comfort with everyday eating and speaking
- Create a natural-looking result that blends with your smile
Because restorative dentistry affects both appearance and function, careful planning matters. Our team evaluates your bite, gum health, surrounding teeth, existing implants and long-term restorative needs before recommending the right option.
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
During your visit, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will examine your existing implant, crown, surrounding gum tissue, bite and nearby teeth. If your needs involve more than one tooth or an older restoration, we will evaluate your overall restorative health as well.
Your evaluation may include checking:
- How the implant crown or existing restoration fits
- Whether any crown, bridge, denture or other dental work is loose or damaged
- How your bite comes together
- The health of the gum tissue around the implant or affected teeth
- Whether a restoration can be repaired or should be replaced
- Whether other teeth or restorations are affecting the implant area
After the evaluation, our team will explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Restoring Comfort, Function and Confidence
Missing teeth, worn dental work and older implant crowns can affect more than your smile. They can change the way you chew, place added pressure on remaining teeth and make you feel less confident in everyday conversations.
A new implant crown, traditional crown, bridge, denture or broader restorative plan can help bring back comfort and stability. Whether you need one implant crown or a more comprehensive rehabilitation plan, our team will walk you through your options clearly.
If you are unsure whether your existing implant or dental work needs attention, call 970-484-4890. We can evaluate your situation and help determine the next step.
Why Choose Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry for Implant Restorations and Restorative Dentistry?
Restoring an existing implant requires experience, precision and a strong understanding of how your teeth work together. The final crown needs to look natural, feel comfortable and support a healthy bite. The same careful planning matters for bridges, dentures and full-mouth rehabilitation.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson bring advanced general practice residency training and extensive restorative experience to patient care. Our doctors have 30 years of experience restoring implants, have completed more than 1,000 implant and restorative cases and have pursued hundreds of hours of continuing education in restorative care.
This experience allows our team to approach implant restorations and broader restorative treatment in the context of your complete oral health, not just one tooth or one piece of dental work.
Experienced Restorative Dentists in Fort Collins, Colorado
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1997 and completed a year of advanced dental training through a general practice residency at Lakeside VA Hospital in Chicago. He is a member of the American Dental Association®, Academy of General Dentistry, Colorado Dental Association and Larimer County Dental Society.
Dr. Raechel Nelson received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of Dental Medicine and completed a hospital-based general practice residency at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City. She also practiced as the supervising dentist in the Colorado State University health clinic before joining Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry. She is a member of the Larimer County Dental Society, Colorado Dental Association, American Dental Association® and Christian Medical & Dental Associations.
Their combined training and restorative experience help our team care for patients with a wide range of implant restoration and tooth replacement needs, from single implant crowns to more advanced restorative planning.
Caring for Implant Crowns and Restorative Dental Work
Implant crowns, traditional crowns, bridges, dentures and other restorations need consistent care. Good home care and regular dental visits can help protect your implant, gums, surrounding teeth and bite.
To care for your restorative dental work:
- Brush and floss as instructed by our team
- Keep up with routine preventive dental visits
- Let us know if your bite feels uneven
- Schedule an appointment if an implant crown, bridge, denture or other restoration feels loose
- Wear a nightguard if one is recommended to protect your restoration
Routine maintenance helps your dental work continue to look, feel and function its best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Restorations
Can you help if my implant crown feels loose?
Yes. If the crown on your implant feels loose, shifts when you bite or does not feel stable, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson can evaluate the existing implant, crown, abutment, bite and surrounding gum tissue to determine what may be causing the issue.
Can an old implant crown be replaced?
Yes. Older implant crowns may need to be replaced if they are worn, chipped, cracked, loose, uncomfortable or no longer match the surrounding teeth. In many cases, the implant itself may still be healthy, while the crown attached to it needs attention.
Why would an implant crown need to be repaired or replaced?
An implant crown may need care if it feels loose, looks worn, chips, cracks, causes discomfort, traps food or no longer fits your bite properly. Changes in your bite, gum tissue or surrounding teeth can also affect how older implant work functions.
Do you place dental implants?
No. Our team does not surgically place dental implants. We restore existing implants with implant crowns and related restorative care.
Do bridges and dentures always involve implants?
No. Bridges and dentures are separate restorative options and are not always attached to or supported by implants. Some bridges are supported by natural teeth, and many dentures are removable. Our team will explain which restorative option fits your needs.
What types of restorative treatment do you provide?
We provide implant crowns, dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures and full-mouth rehabilitation. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson have experience with cases ranging from single implant restorations to more comprehensive restorative care.
Can you improve the appearance of older implant work?
In many cases, yes. If an implant crown no longer blends with your smile, looks worn or does not match nearby teeth, we can evaluate whether replacing it may improve the appearance and function of your smile.
Is discomfort around an implant normal?
No. Pain, pressure, soreness, swelling, bleeding or discomfort when biting should be evaluated. These symptoms may involve the crown, bite, gum tissue, surrounding area or another concern and should not be ignored.
How do I know if the issue is with the implant or the crown?
The best way to know is to schedule an evaluation. Our team will examine the existing implant, crown, bite, gum tissue and surrounding area to determine whether the issue appears to involve the crown, abutment, bite or another concern.
Can you help with full-mouth rehabilitation?
Yes. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson have experience with restorative cases ranging from single implant crowns to full-mouth rehabilitation. A full-mouth plan may include different types of treatment depending on your oral health, bite and goals.
Schedule a Dental Implant Restoration Evaluation in Fort Collins, Colorado
If your implant crown feels loose, worn, uncomfortable, damaged or no longer looks natural, Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry can help. If your needs involve broader restorative care, our team can also evaluate your teeth, bite and existing dental work.
Call 970-484-4890 today to schedule a dental implant restoration evaluation with Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson in Fort Collins, Colorado.