Colorado Springs Dental Implants Dentist Gets Candid About Teeth Implants, PART 3

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 third installment of this four-part article series in which we speak to an experienced Colorado Springs family dentist about implants as a comprehensive solution to missing teeth. Previously, in Part 2, the differences between implants and the more traditional approach to replacing teeth – the porcelain bridge – were explored. We also discovered a key benefit of dental implants and that was that they replace the roots of missing teeth, which helps to maintain good jawbone health.

Let’s now take a look at what patients can expect from dental implant surgery!

All right, so we’ve established that dental implants are the preferred treatment choice of many dentists across the country. Now, let’s move on to what the procedures involved in having them placed are. Can you give us a rough idea of what patients might expect?

Colorado Springs dental implant dentist: “Most patients who are only having one or two teeth replaced can have the procedure done in our office in a single dental appointment. Modern dental implant technology and techniques have really made most procedures very quick, predictable and simple. Even full mouth reconstruction can be done within the space of a single day using advanced surgical protocols, such as the All-on-4.”

Does it hurt to have dental implants done?

Colorado Springs family dentist: “We always provide patients with the gentle sedation and local anesthesia necessary to keep them completely relaxed and totally pain-free throughout the procedure. We also send patients home with prescription medications to help manage any post-operative discomfort, although most report that this is only necessary for the first few days.

Would you then say that dental implants have a bit of an unfair reputation for being painful? Because that’s what I’ve always heard.

Colorado Springs dental implant dentist: “You must remember that dental surgery has come a very long way, even over the past decade. Where dentists used to “feel our way in the dark,” we now have powerful diagnostic technology and sophisticated computer imaging software to help guide us. As a result, modern dental implant surgery is meticulously planned, minimally invasive and therefore causes minimal trauma and discomfort. Perhaps the stories you heard were from patients who had dental implants done many years ago and who, as a result, may have experienced a more painful recovery.”

Let’s talk about the success rate of dental implants.

Colorado Springs family dentist: “Ah yes, the success rate of our dental implant procedures are very high. 98% for simple cases involving single tooth replacement and 95% and higher over a period of 10 years for complex cases requiring full mouth reconstruction.”

Do you ever have cases where patients come to you with their dental implants having fallen out of their mouths?

Colorado Springs dental implant dentist: “Patients who experience any kind of post-operative difficulties usually return to our office well before anything quite so dramatic happens! It’s very rare for patients to experience problems, but if they do we insist that they contact us immediately. We also perform standard post-operative examinations after 10 to 14 days, which enables us to identify any existing or potential concerns. So, to answer your question: no. Not yet, at least and hopefully never!”

Stay Tuned for Part 4

Stay tuned for the final 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.