Dental Implants Dentist in Colorado Springs Gets Candid About Teeth Implant Technology, PART 2

In this four-part article series, we speak to an experienced Colorado Springs dentist about dental implants, what they are, how they work and what patients can expect from getting them.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series in which we speak to an experienced dental implant dentist in Colorado Springs about the virtues of this cutting-edge teeth replacement technology. Previously, in Part 1, it was explained what dental implants are, how it is they become non-removable once surgically placed and what kind of cases they can be used to treat.

We concluded Part 1 with the revelation that today’s dental implant procedures have become far more cost effective than those of yesteryear. Before we delve deeper into that issue, however, let’s take a look at how dental implants compare with alternative teeth replacement technologies.

Many Colorado Springs residents and those across the country are understandably concerned about cost. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, what options can you provide patients with and which are the cheapest?

Cosmetic Dentist in Colorado Springs: “Understandably, yes. We do offer patients a variety of tooth replacement options, depending upon their specific case. Generally speaking, porcelain bridges are the least costly. We do, however, recommend dental implants to our patients because they typically work out to be more cost effective in the long run. Dental implants don’t usually require any professional maintenance once placed and they are substantially more comfortable. They can also last at least three times longer, while bridges can require replacement after 12 years. So, while dental implants may constitute a greater initial investment, they pay off in the long run.”

What are traditional bridges?

Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentist: “A traditional bridge is really just a device – usually made of porcelain and other composite materials – that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It makes use of the neighboring healthy teeth for support and provides the patient with an aesthetic and functional replacement crown/s.”

Do you find them to be problematic?

Cosmetic Dentist in Colorado Springs: “To be fair, bridges can provide patients with perfectly good outcomes and they do tend to cost less than dental implants, which is why many people opt for them instead. The problem with traditional bridges is that they only replace the crowns of the teeth and not the roots. This can cause the underlying bone to atrophy over time, which results in a drop in the bone level. Infection can then become a problem because food and other debris can become trapped underneath the bridge.

“Many patients also complain about bridges not feeling natural. They are then looking at the need to have their bridge replaced or repaired after 10 or more years, so this is why many dentists simply recommend that patients have problematic teeth replaced with dental implants from the get go.”

Do dental implants prevent this atrophy from happening?

Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentist: “Well you see, what many people don’t know is that the roots of the teeth are essential for channeling the eating forces into the supporting bone tissue. This keeps it stimulated and healthy, much like muscles are kept bulky and healthy through regular exercise. When the roots of the teeth are lost and not replaced, the underlying bone atrophies and wastes away over time, which is why people without teeth have such small, fragile lower jaws. Dental implants replace the roots of the teeth and this helps to maintain jawbone health and bulk. This is one of the most important reasons dental healthcare professionals prefer dental implants to any other teeth replacement solution.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

Stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series to find out more about dental implants and what patients can expect from getting missing and/or irreparably damaged teeth replaced. 

Cosmetic Dentist in Colorado Springs Gets Candid About Dental Implants, PART 1

In this four-part article series, we speak to an experienced Colorado Springs dentist about dental implants, what they are, how they work and what patients can expect from getting them.

Dentalimplants are widely thought to be the most sophisticated technology available for the replacement of missing teeth and, according to the experienced cosmetic dentist we spoke to in Colorado Springs, the proof is in the pudding. Dental implants boast a number of benefits over and above the traditional approaches to replacing teeth and they also last far longer. In order to develop a better appreciation for this “breakthrough” technology, we asked our dentist a number of questions and you shall find his answers to those questions in this article and the next three in the series…

Let’s begin by understanding exactly what dental implants are, doctor.

Colorado Springs Cosmetic Dentist: “Dental implants are the devices specially trained dentists use to replace the roots of teeth that have had to be extracted because they are too decayed or damaged to be restored. These artificial roots look like tiny metal screws and because they are made from titanium metal, the bone in the jaw will actually fuse to them essentially leaving the implant fixed and non-removable. We then attach a customized replacement tooth or set of teeth to the top of the implant.”

So the dental implants themselves are not actually what we see when someone who has had teeth replaced smiles, correct?

Colorado Springs Cosmetic Dentist: “Correct. It is the goal of any dental implant dentist to achieve smile perfection, which means the implant remains hidden beneath the gum line while the artificial replacement tooth is visible and carefully fabricated to match the neighboring teeth in aesthetics.”

Is the process that allows dental implants to become non-removable similar to joint replacement and bone repair using titanium implants?

Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentist: “The process is precisely the same. It’s called osseointegration, which refers to the knitting of the bone tissue to the surface of the implant. Titanium is perhaps the only material in the world that is accepted by the body and not rejected by infection.”

Very interesting! Moving along, can dental implants be used to replace more than one tooth?

Colorado Springs Dentist: “Absolutely! We routinely provide patients with multiple tooth replacement procedures, whether they have lost two, three or more teeth. We can also do full mouth reconstruction on patients who have lost all of their teeth over the years or whose teeth are in such a bad state that they will eventually lose them all (see image above). Essentially, no matter how many teeth you are missing, we can craft a strategic dental implant solution.”

Wouldn’t that work out to be incredibly expensive?

Colorado Springs Dentist: “Actually, no… the introduction of more sophisticated dental implant technology and techniques has rendered oral rehabilitation substantially more affordable. Instead of the hundreds of thousands of dollars one would traditionally spend on getting a full set of non-removable teeth, you’d be looking at tens, which is a small price to pay when you consider that you’re having an essential body part replaced!”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

Stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series to find out more about dental implants and what patients can expect from getting missing and/or irreparably damaged teeth replaced. 

 

A Dentist in Colorado Springs Busts Major Myths About Oral Health, PART 4

Using sound logic and expert advice, this four-part article series dispels some of the most common myths surrounding oral health and dental treatment.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on the most common myths on dental health. Previously, in Part 3, an experienced dentist in Colorado Springs dispelled the following two myths:

Myth # 5: If dental insurance doesn’t cover it, it’s probably not worth considering.

Few dental insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage for advanced dental treatment, such as dental implants. This doesn’t mean dental implants aren’t the most sophisticated solution available for the replacement of missing teeth, though. You shouldn’t allow your dental insurance to dictate your choice of treatment.

Myth # 6: Tooth loss is normal consequence of getting older.

Gum disease causes tooth loss. Not getting older alone. If you care for your teeth properly, you should be able to keep them all until well in your 80’s and 90’s.

Let’s move along and take a look at two final common misconceptions…

Myth # 7: Dental implants are the most painful treatment you can get.

“There is this strange misconception amongst patients that dental implants are excruciatingly painful to have done, and yet nothing could be further from the truth,” says the dentist in Colorado Springs. “First of all, we always perform dental implant surgery using sedation and anesthesia, so patients rarely remember a thing, never mind feel a thing.

“Second of all, the very nature of modern dental implant procedures has changed dramatically over the past two decades what with the introduction of more sophisticated diagnostic technology and placement techniques. Before we even operate on a patient, we know exactly what the problem looks like underneath the gums; we are fully aware of the structure of the jawbone and the proximity of neighboring teeth and we know exactly what to do. So, one or two small incisions and that’s it!

“With procedures that are minimally invasive, Colorado Springs residents are enjoying a much shorter recovery period with hardly any pain at all; certainly nothing that can’t be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.”

Myth # 8: Removable dentures are the standard of care for people who have lost all or most of their teeth.

“Removable dentures may be the traditional teeth replacement technology for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, but they are a far cry from the modern standard of care! Nowadays, we have a suite of dental implant techniques that are capable of giving patients a full set of permanent teeth again, often in as little as one day, with one surgery,” says the Colorado Springs dentist.

“The teeth provided by these techniques feel more natural, function better and look far more beautiful than removable dentures. They don’t shift around; they don’t typically cause acute discomfort while eating and don’t need to be removed after meals for cleaning or at nighttime. Dental implants avoid many of the challenges associated with removable dentures and can promote a much better quality of life for patients!

“Almost all dentists in Colorado Springs have moved away from dentures and if asked, will recommend dental implants over and above this archaic teeth replacement technique. Do not be mistaken in thinking that dentures are the standard approach to patient care, because they really aren’t.”

A Colorado Springs Dentist Busts Major Myths About Oral Health, PART 3

Using sound logic and expert advice, this four-part article series dispels some of the most common myths surrounding oral health and dental treatment.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on the most common myths on dental health. In Part 2, an experienced ColoradoSprings dentist dispelled the following two myths:

Myth # 3: If it’s not broken, why fix it?

First of all, it takes experience and expertise to be the real judge of whether it’s broken or not and secondly, early intervention is far better and far cheaper.

Myth # 4: It’s normal for your gums to bleed when you brush or floss.

Gums that are weakened by infection will tear more easily and bleed. So bleeding gums may be an indicator of gum disease, which is definitely not normal. Alternatively, you may be brushing too hard, so invest in a softer toothbrush and ease up on the pressure.

Let’s move along and take a look at the next two common misconceptions…

Myth # 5: If dental insurance doesn’t cover it, it’s probably not worth considering.

“Medical aid and dental insurance companies are, at the end of the day, businesses. They’re there to make money, so they are not going to offer full coverage for the latest, most sophisticated and cutting-edge dental treatments available,” explains a Colorado Springs oral surgeon. “If they did, they’d go bankrupt in a day. What you will find is that dental insurance offers SOME coverage for advanced dental treatment, while offering substantial coverage for older, more conventional treatments that have been regarded as the standard of care for many years, if not decades.

“Your dentist – or at least a good dentist – will not allow dental insurance to dictate to them what treatment they recommend to you, their patient. Rather, he or she will recommend to you what they see as the best treatment to help your oral health recover optimally. It’s unfortunate that there is often a schism between the best solution and the most affordable solution and this may become a problem, especially if you are looking into teeth replacement,” explains the Colorado Springs dentist.

“Dental implants may offer the best, most functional and long-term treatment available for the replacement of missing teeth, but few dental insurance companies cover them. Instead, they tend to provide funding for bridges or dentures, which are cheaper, but far less advantageous. Shop around for dental insurance and make sure you know what you’re liable to be covered for!”

Myth # 6: Tooth loss is normal consequence of getting older.

“If you’re in good oral and general health, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn't make it to your 80’s and 90’s with all of your original dentition intact,” say Colorado Springs oral surgeons. “Tooth loss is a consequence of poor oral hygiene, gum disease, smoking and illnesses such as cancer and diabetes; it’s not caused by getting older. If you look after yourself and your teeth properly, you should be able to enjoy a beautiful, natural smile for most of your life.”

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read about more major myths that could potentially be disastrous for your oral health, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series.

A Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentist Busts Major Myths About Oral Health, PART 2

Using sound logic and expert advice, this four-part article series dispels some of the most common myths surrounding oral health and dental treatment.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on the most common myths on dental health.

The very biggest obstacle in the path of perfect oral health is almost always ignorance. But, more than just not knowing any better, there are a number of myths that many Colorado Springs residents dangerously believe to be fact. And by adhering to the falsities perpetuated by these myths, these people put themselves at a much higher risk of doing permanent damage to their teeth and gums.

In Part 1, a dentalimplant dentist in Colorado Springs discussed the first two myths:

Myth # 1: Your oral health has little to do with your general health.

Horribly untrue: you eat with your mouth and you breathe through your mouth, so if it’s full of bacteria, you put your body at much greater risk of infection.

Myth # 2: If it doesn’t hurt, I can live with it.

Gum disease, surface cavities and even oral cancer frequently DON’T present with painful symptoms. And you certainly cannot live with those!

Let’s move along and take a look at the next two common misconceptions…

Myth # 3: If it’s not broken, why fix it?

“Unless you painstakingly examine each and every tooth and your gums with a magnified dental mirror, you cannot know whether it’s “broken,” can you? Dental problems rarely tend to announce themselves with much fanfare. Rather, they begin small, at which stage they’re easy and inexpensive to treat, and they develop and worsen over time. By the time you do realize you’ve got a problem that requires professional attention, the necessary treatment will likely be a lot more complex and a lot more expensive,” explains a Colorado Springs family dentist.

“There are two important messages for Colorado Springs residents to realize: (1) Just because you don’t notice anything wrong with your teeth doesn’t mean there isn’t anything wrong. And (2) dentists are trained to and have the specialized equipment necessary to identify problems in their infancy, or that may be hidden from the human eye. They can then provide early treatment that will prevent you from sustaining permanent damage. This is why routine preventative appointments with your dentist are essential for the maintenance of excellent oral health and hygiene.”

Myth # 4: It’s normal for your gums to bleed when you brush or floss.

“If you got in the shower and started bleeding from your skin where you scrubbed it, would you think it was normal? No! You’d probably jump out the shower and go straight to the doctor’s office. Why are your gums any different?

“The gums tend to bleed when they have been weakened by infection, which means that your oral health is compromised,” warns the Colorado Springs dental implant dentist. “If your gums bleed quite a bit when you brush them, it probably means that you have gingivitis or even periodontitis – gum disease. In addition to being at risk of ultimately losing your teeth, other symptoms of these conditions include really bad breath, so you may want to have that sorted out by going to your dentist before you find yourself losing friends.”

What if I’ve been told I’m in good oral health, but my gums still bleed?

“You may want to switch to a softer toothbrush and ease up on the pressure; hard, vigorous brushing can cause the gums to tear and bleed. Most family dentists recommend using a “soft” or “medium” bristled toothbrush and short, brisk strokes, rather than long, hard scrubs.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To read about more major myths that could potentially be disastrous for your oral health, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.

A Colorado Springs Family Dentist Busts Major Myths About Oral Health, PART 1

Using sound logic and expert advice, this four-part article series dispels some of the most common myths surrounding oral health and dental treatment.

In an effort to purge the dangerous dental myths from the minds of Colorado Springs’ residents, this four-part article series presents to you what an experienced family dentist has to say about the following very common misconceptions. And if there’s one medical professional that’s extremely qualified to talk about the damage that can be potentially done to your teeth through ignorance, it’s a surgeon who routinely repairs this damage!

Let’s get started…

Myth # 1: Your oral health has little to do with your general health.

“Actually, your oral health and general health share a very direct and intimate connection,” says a Colorado Springs dental implant surgeon. “Not only does your body receive its nutrition through the oral cavity, but it’s also the primary airway. People who do not brush and floss regularly will have a lot more oral bacteria in their mouths, which are easily introduced into the rest of the body via swallowing and breathing. So, the unhealthier your mouth is, the greater the risk to your general health.

“This especially becomes a problem if you develop gum disease, which is an aggressive bacterial infection of the gums. It is an accepted fact amongst the medical community that gum disease shares a link with potentially fatal illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and liver and kidney disease. Further links between gum disease and osteoporosis, Rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy complications are supported by research.

“It’s important for Colorado Springs residents to understand that poor oral hygiene leads to gum disease, which is a systemic and inflammatory disease, meaning that it affects all of your body’s major systems and organs. Therefore, to ignore the health of your teeth and gums may come at the cost of your life, and this is no inflammatory statement… if you’ll excuse the pun.”

Myth # 2: If it doesn’t hurt, I can live with it.

“There are many oral ailments – and potentially fatal ones too – that do not necessarily cause pain,” warns the family dentist. “Colorado Springs residents frequently wait until the their problems start causing them discomfort before they seek treatment, which is a very erroneous philosophy to have. For example, you can quite happily live with gum disease for many years before it starts causing symptoms that simply cannot be ignored, by which time the damage may be irreversible.

“Another example: A cavity can go undetected until it becomes so big that the pulp chamber is exposed and infected with bacteria. Only once this has happened – only once it is too late for a straightforward filling – will you likely experience the pain associated with endodontic infection. And then, of course, the treatment solution will probably be root canal therapy and a dental crown, which is far more extensive and expensive than a simple filling. Then there is oral cancer, which can appear as painless sores…”

“The take-home message here is that ignoring an oral problem, or not going for routine dental examinations (whether you feel something is wrong or not) may end up costing you substantially more money to get fixed, if it can be fixed at all,” says a Colorado Springs family dentist. “By neglecting to receive regular professional attention, you risk permanent damage to your teeth and possibly even tooth loss, not to mention the having to pay the associated bills. Prevention is always better than cure!”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read about more major myths that could potentially be disastrous for your oral health, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.

A Colorado Springs Oral Surgeon’s Comprehensive Guide to Sedation Dentistry, PART 4

This four-part article series provides an in-depth overview of sedation dentistry, what it is, how it works, the benefits it offers and what patients can expect from its different methods of administration.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on sedation dentistry and what patients need and want to know about this very beneficial branch of dental healthcare. Previously, in Part 3, an experienced oral surgeon in Colorado Springs began describing the different methods for the administration of sedation medications. We looked into oral conscious sedation, which involves taking one or two small pills about an hour prior to dental treatment; and we looked at inhalation sedation, which involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide gas and oxygen whilst in the dentist’s chair. Both achieve the same wonderful, anxiety-free results.

Now, let’s look at the final of the three primary modes of sedation administration…

The Primary Modes of Sedation, Continued

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation

For intravenous (IV) sedation, as the name suggests, the calming medications are administered directly into the bloodstream, via an intravenous drip. The effects are similar to the other two methods and will make a patient feel completely calm, relaxed and as though they are in a dream-like state. They are unlikely to remember much about their procedure, although they will be able to respond to the dentist’s questions during treatment.

“The procedure with IV sedation starts out the same as the other methods in that we will sit you down and explain to you in detail what you can expect before you undergo treatment,” says a Colorado Springs dental implant dentist. “We’ll rub a little anesthetic gel on your hand to make sure that you don’t feel any pain when we insert the needle. Once everything is ready and you’re happy to proceed, we’ll gently inject the sedative drug into the IV drip and you’ll notice an increasing sense of sleepiness and relaxation. We’ll do this gradually so that the onset of sedation doesn't alarm you.

“And when you’re at the desired level of sedation, we’ll begin your treatment. All the while we will be closely monitoring your vitals and the administration of the medications. Once the procedure has been completed, we’ll cease feeding the sedative into the IV tube and you’ll be allowed to recover in your own time. You will probably feel sleepy for quite some time after treatment, so don’t expect to get in your car and drive off home!”

Some Important Facts to Know About Sedation Dentistry

Image courtesy of Free Digital Photos

Not all Colorado Springs implant dentists are qualified to offer their patients sedation, which means that they will be required to call in a specialist to do it for them. It’s often best to find a dental implant surgeon who also has the necessary training and qualifications to offer sedation, because it’s quicker, easier and eliminates having to foot the bill for the specialist’s services.

You will need to plan accordingly if you are going to be sedated for your dental procedure or treatment. You must arrange transportation from the dental office, because you won’t be fit to drive and you should take the rest of the day off from work. Don’t plan any strenuous activities either: rather have a good rest and wake up the following morning completely recovered.

“In addition to avoiding exercise or any strenuous activities, stay away from alcohol and don’t eat a heavy meal straight after treatment,” advises the Colorado Springs dental implant dentist. “Have a rest first and then enjoy a light meal. You may experience the odd dizzy spell after (especially) IV sedation, so try to limit your activity and lie down if you do feel faint.”

Are There Any Patients Who Aren’t Considered Candidates for Sedation?

Unfortunately, yes, and they are:

• Patients who have a history of allergic reaction to sedation medications.
• Patients who are pregnant.
• Patients with glaucoma or any kind of kidney or lung problem.
• Patients with blood pressure or heart problems.

“Always notify your dentist of any medications or of any allergies you may have to medication, no matter how unrelated you think it may be,” urge oral surgeons in Colorado Springs. “We don’t care if you’ve been taking aspirin for a headache: tell us about it. Being on medication or having an illness that might keep you from receiving sedation doesn't mean you can’t receive treatment. We may be able to find a creative way around the problem by seeking the advice of your doctor, so don’t despair.”