Dental Implants Cheaper Than Dentures? Colorado Springs Dentists Explain How! PART 1

In this three-part article series, experienced dentists explain how the once-off cost of dental implants works out to be less expensive than the accrued cost of wearing dentures for many years.

Anyone who has looked into the cost of teeth replacement will know that dental implants lie at the higher end of the cost spectrum, while dentures would seem to be the least expensive. What few Colorado Springs residents could ever imagine is that, in the long term, dentures could very well end up costing patients more… much more, not only financially, but in terms of quality of life too!

In this three-part article series, Colorado Springs dentists will explain to us how dental implants differ from traditional removable dentures in their ability to provide patients with a new set of teeth and just how it is the latter could readily work out to be more expensive than implants in the long run.

Aren’t Dental Implants Ridiculously Expensive?

One of the most damaging misconceptions there are about dental implants is that they are prohibitively expensive and that only the more affluent of patients can afford them. As such, the remaining majority of those who has been diagnosed with a failing or terminal dentition, usually as a result of gum disease, would appear to be doomed to a life of wearing removable dentures, which are the cheaper alternative.

“The truth of the matter is that with a little research and investigation, you’ll find that the cost of implants makes perfect sense and that, given what you’re getting for your dollar, it’s totally worth it. The money you spend on replacing a set of failing, decayed teeth with implants is a very important investment, not only in your oral health and general health, but also in your quality of life. Unfortunately, too many patients discover just how much they’ve short-changed themselves after they’ve had dentures fitted.” explains a Colorado Springs dental implant surgeon.

Is Cost Really the Most Important Consideration?

In addition to the misconception that dental implants are prohibitively expensive, many Colorado Springs residents erroneously prioritize cost over any other consideration and would sooner live with uncomfortable teeth than spend the money on a more sophisticated teeth replacement solution. The combination of these two trends has landed tens of thousands of Americans in a very difficult and expensive situation!

“You cannot possibly understand how miserable your life can become until you’ve lost all of your natural teeth and are forced to live with the daily challenges of wearing dentures,” says one Colorado Springs dentist. “Few patients can, which is why they choose dentures over the far more modern teeth replacement technologies and techniques we offer. They then, unfortunately, live to regret this pivotal decision.”

What we’re going to do in this four-part article series is first examine the principle differences (and cost differences) between dental implants and removable dentures. In doing so, we shall explain how the costs involved in having dentures fitted can end up being quite exorbitant over the years. We shall then do the same for dental implants – exposing the costs involved and how it is they are typically a one-time investment.

By comparing the two it is hoped that more Colorado Springs patients will make the smarter teeth replacement decision, thereby allowing them to (1) save money and (2) maintain an excellent quality of life.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To find out how dental implants - a far more sophisticated teeth replacement solution - can work out to be less expensive than removable dentures, stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Dental Implants: A Cosmetic Dentist in Colorado Springs Addresses Your FAQ, PART 4

This four-part article series provides the answers to the common questions and concerns dental implant patients have about this advanced tooth replacement technology.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part FAQ guide to teeth replacement using dental implants! Previously, in Part 3, an experienced cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs answered questions regarding the length of dental implant treatment involved, as well as whether procedures are as painful as they are unfairly rumored to be (they’re not.)

Now, let’s take a look at some of your final frequently asked questions…

Question: Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Answer: “Most patients who require a tooth, several teeth or even all of their teeth replaced are candidates for dental implants. Advancements in surgical protocols and techniques mean that nearly everyone can be considered for dental implant treatment. There are only a very few exceptional cases where the loss of bone volume in the jaw has been too extensive, or the patient presents with certain illnesses (such as blood clotting disorders, heart disease, respiratory disease or bone diseases) for which implant surgery would be considered ineffective or too dangerous.

“Your dentist will consider your full medical history and deduce from X-rays and other examinations whether you are a candidate for implants,” explains the Colorado Springs dental implant surgeon. “If necessary, he or she will speak directly with your medical doctor to determine if surgery is a safe option for you. As I explained, most people who need new teeth are candidates, even if they have been previously told by other dentists that they are not.”

Question: How quickly can I get booked in for my procedure?

Answer: “There is a procedure to follow, so don’t expect to get your new teeth at your first dental appointment! First you will need to set up a consultation with a dental implant surgeon. Then you may require one or more treatment planning sessions, during which he or she will study your case, take X-rays and photos and perform examinations. Then a date for the actual procedure will be set. The great news is, most patients can get their dental implants and their new teeth placed on the same day, meaning you’ll walk out of the dentist’s with a beautiful new set of non-removable teeth,” says the cosmetic dentist.

Question: How long will recovery take?

Answer: “You should plan to stay home from work and just take it easy for a week after your procedure, if you’ve had full mouth reconstruction. If you’ve just had one or two teeth replaced, you can go to work the very next day, provided you’re up for it! Full recovery is a process that takes months, but you won’t really know about it because all the “recovery” will be happening beneath the gum line.

“The gums heal within a few weeks, but it’s in the months following your surgery that the jawbone will healing around and bonding to the implant. You should, however, be right as rain within days of your procedure – just make sure to take your medications as prescribed, stay away from strenuous activity and follow the diet recommended to you by your surgeon,” says the Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist.

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. 

A Colorado Springs Cosmetic Dentist’s Comprehensive Patient Guide to Sedation Dentistry, PART 2

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 second installment of this four-part article series on sedation dentistry and everything patients need to know about this essential branch of dental healthcare. Previously, in Part 1, an experienced Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist explained what sedation is and what the three primary modes for administration are (oral pills, nitrous oxide gas and intravenous) before going on to describe what it actually feels like for patients.

Now, let’s take a look at the many benefits of sedation dentistry…

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

• Anxiety-free Treatment: Sedation dentistry eliminates fear and anxiety, which encourages patients to receive the routine preventative or restorative treatment they need to keep their teeth healthy.

• No More Sweaty Palms and Racing Hearts: It also eliminates many of the physical symptoms associated with fear and anxiety, which includes sweating, trembling, fainting, nausea and panic attacks.

• Pain-free Treatment: You don’t need to be terrified of the dentist to benefit from sedation dentistry.

“Sedation is often administered to patients about to undergo complex and invasive procedures for which it eliminates pain, stress and discomfort,” explains the Colorado Springs dental implant dentist. It’s also good for patients who suffer with extremely sensitive or painful teeth.”

• Single Visit Treatment: Sedation dentistry enables dentists to perform longer and more involved procedures, such as dental implant surgery, in a single appointment instead of breaking it down into shorter phases or stages. With more work being achieved in a single appointment, patients are saved the time, inconvenience and expense of multiple procedures.

• A Good Dental Catch Up: Oftentimes, Colorado Springs dental implant dentists only see patients after many years of abandon, probably because fear and embarrassment has kept them away. Sedation dentistry enables the dentist to provide several years’ worth of treatment in only a few appointments. This isn’t the recommended way to go about receiving professional dental care, but it’s better than total neglect!

• Eliminates Gagging: Sedation can also be prescribed to those patients who have a strong gag reflex and who struggle to keep their lunch down, even when undergoing a straightforward check-up or cleaning.

• Benefits Dentist and Patient: Sedation dentistry is as beneficial to the patient as it is to the dentist. Any decent cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs is wholly concerned about the comfort and wellbeing of their patients and if a patient is seen to be struggling with panic and fear, it’s going to be hard for the dentist to dispense the quality of care they are truly capable of. By sedating the patient, both parties are put at ease and, as such, the dentist can provide the best quality care under much better and more relaxed circumstances. Patients are also calmer and more cooperative under the effects of sedation.

• Safe and Easy: Sedation medications are easily metabolized by the body, so they won’t deliver an unpleasant hangover afterwards. They also take effect really quickly and the dentist can easily control the dosage.

Who’s the Ideal Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Image courtesy of Free Digital Photos

The ideal candidate for sedation dentistry is someone who suffers from any of the above-mentioned conditions: anxiety, fear, nervousness, strong gag reflex, painful or sensitive teeth or advanced neglect.

“If you have any kind of anxiety about undergoing dental treatment, whether it’s a routine examination or advanced surgery, sedation can really help you,” explains a cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs. “It can also help you overcome your fear, making it easier for you to seek professional dental care in future, even if you’ve had a bad experience in the past.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To read more about sedation dentistry and what the different modes of administration entail (pills, nitrous oxide gas and IV), stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.

A Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentist’s Comprehensive Patient Guide to Sedation Dentistry, PART 1

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.

No one likes the idea of having dental work done. Now couple that with an all-out fear of the dentist and you’ve got a patient who’s likely to choose living with toothache over going for an appointment. The problem is, left for too long, dental problems can become exponentially worse. Something that could easily have been repaired within the space of an hour could turn into a full mouth reconstruction project and, of course, you’ll be kicking yourself when you see the attached dental bills.

Phobia and anxiety aren’t choices, though. So how can the terribly fearful of Colorado Springs residents overcome the crippling physical manifestations of their fear to receive the routine preventative and restorative dental treatment necessary to maintain excellent oral health and hygiene? Moreover, how can these people find the inner strength to come in for procedures as terrifying as dental surgery? The answer is not to live with your dental problems…

It’s sedation dentistry.

In this four-part article series, a Colorado Springs dental implant dentist will be talking to us about sedation: what it is, how it works and the different methods of sedation available. He’ll explain to us what sedation feels like and what patients can expect from their experience. Armed with the knowledge of this, it is hoped that more Colorado Springs residents will be encouraged to see the dentist again, knowing that sedation can spare them the trauma of fear and anxiety attacks.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the answer Colorado Springs residents who have traditionally struggled with fear and anxiety have been waiting for. Through the administration of special medications that depress the central nervous system – much like alcohol does but without the liver damage and hangover – sedation makes dental treatment completely relaxing, pleasant and carefree.

There are three primary modes for sedation and they are:

1. Oral Conscious Sedation: Patients take one or two tranquillizer pills about an hour prior to their appointment or procedure.

2. Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Also known as “laughing gas,” patients breathe this in through an oxygen mask whilst in the dentist’s chair, which delivers immediate relaxing effects.

3. Intravenous (IV) Sedation: Delivered via an intravenous tube and controlled by the dentist throughout the procedure. IV sedation is especially useful for more complex and invasive procedures, such as dental implant surgery.

We will be taking a closer look at these various sedation methods and what patients can expect from them in a subsequent installment of this series. For now, our cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs answers the following question…

What Does Sedation Feel Like?

“When sedated, you’ll physically feel calm and relaxed and mentally, somewhat detached from reality,” explains the Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist. “You won’t be fully aware of what’s going on and even better, you won’t care. Sedation can, in some respects, be compared with feeling slightly drunk except without any of the unpleasant side effects like nausea. You’ll feel sleepy, deeply relaxed and your thoughts will be “fuzzy” and dream-like. Few people actually remember their appointment once they’ve emerged from the effects of sedation, but what they will remember is that they didn’t experience any pain, anxiety or fear.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more about sedation dentistry and its many incredible benefits, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series. 

 

Dentists in Colorado Springs Explain 10 Smile-Preserving Changes You Could Make Today, PART 3

This four-part article series explains 10 changes anyone can make to their daily routine, lifestyle and habits that can help to extend the life and beautiful appearance of their teeth and gums.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on the changes you could make today to preserve long-term oral health. In our previous post, Part 2, dentists explained the following two changes that Colorado Springs residents should all make to their daily routines and habits:

1. Chew sugar-free gum after meals and when you want to freshen your breath. Try to choose sugar-free gum that contains Xylitol, because this helps to strengthen teeth and neutralize pH levels in your mouth after eating.

2. If you have a sweet tooth, eat chocolate instead of hard, sticky or very brittle candy.

We’ve covered half of the tips that could prevent you from needing new teeth earlier in life, so let’s take a look at the remaining five of 10…

Small Changes for Bigger Smiles # 6: If You’re Thirsty, Drink Water

Soda, fruit juice and energy drinks should NOT be viewed as thirst quenchers, say Colorado Springs dentists. They are packed with sugar and highly acidic, so if you find yourself thirsty, grab a cold glass of water. It’s much better for your body and it’s much better for your teeth. These beverages are treats and should be indulged in sparingly if you care to preserve smile health.

Small Changes for Bigger Smiles # 7: Floss Your Teeth!

Flossing removes the food, bacteria and plaque that accumulate between your teeth every day. It is an essential part of keeping your teeth clean and healthy and yet we see very few patients doing it frequently enough. It is then no wonder that the most common location tooth decay sets in is between the teeth.

“If you don’t floss your teeth you are leaving 35% of your tooth surfaces unclean and this can have serious long term consequences for your oral health,” say dental implant dentists. “Floss your teeth every day or else you run the risk of eventually needing new teeth!”

Small Changes for Bigger Smiles # 8: Stop Chewing Ice!

Whether you’re one of those people who, on a hot day, purposefully fish ice out of the freezer so that you can suck on it, or you like to crunch and chew your way through the ice in your soda, you’ve got to give this habit a rest! According to Colorado Springs dental implants surgeons, chewing ice does tremendous damage to the biting surfaces of your dentition and can actually end you up needing new teeth.

“We’ve seen the kind of damage ice can do to teeth and have had to perform several root canals and other restorative procedures to repair hairline cracks, fractures, chips and cracks caused by biting down on ice,” say dental healthcare professionals. “Your teeth are not intended to be able to manage something as hard and brittle as ice, so try to avoid chewing it as far as possible.”

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read more about the small changes you could make today - changes that could keep your smile beautiful and help to prevent you from needing new teeth – stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series.

Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentists Explain 8 Healthy Habits to Protect Your Enamel, PART 3

This four-part article series explains eight changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle to keep your dental enamel healthy, thereby helping to prevent tooth loss in the long run.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on the things we can do to help protect our dental enamel against decay and acid erosion. In Part 1 and 2, our panel of Colorado Springs dental implant surgeons explained the following important tips for keeping our pearly whites in beautiful condition:

Tip # 1: Decrease the amount of sugar in your diet,

Tip # 2: Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods,

Tip # 3: Don’t over-brush your teeth or press down too hard when brushing,

Tip # 4: Get treated for acid reflux, heart-burn and bulimia.

Let’s take a look at the next two important tips for great enamel health…

Healthy Enamel Tip # 5: Be Careful of Chlorinated Pools

You’d never imagine that the cool, delicious embrace of your pool during the hot summer months could damage your teeth or your children’s teeth, but if its chlorine levels aren’t carefully controlled, it very well could!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ran a study that examined the effect of chlorinated pool water on dental health and it found that 15% of those who swam frequently displayed some symptoms of enamel erosion. That’s approximately one in six people. This is compared to the portion of people who don’t swim frequently, of which only 3% displayed signs of erosion.

The message here is crystal clear, say dentists to Colorado Springs residents with pools. Monitor the pH levels of your pool carefully and try to keep your mouth closed when you do go underwater.

Healthy Enamel Tip # 6: Avoid Substances that Cause Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that impedes the normal production of saliva in the mouth and is caused by all sorts of substances: usually those that are bad for you. These substances include tobacco-use, alcohol and a variety of illegal drugs, which is just one of the many reasons you should avoid them.

According to Colorado Springs dental implants dentists, saliva is fundamental for the preservation of good oral health and hygiene because it washes away the sugary food residues that can encourage oral bacteria to grow. It also helps to neutralize the pH levels in your mouth, thereby remineralizing your dental enamel. As such, it’s quite normal for people with xerostomia to suffer from acid erosion and tooth decay.

Unfortunately, xerostomia isn’t always preventable, as it does come hand-in-hand with certain chronic medications and illnesses. In these cases, you will need to be more conscious about drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum to keep your mouth hydrated as much as possible. There are medications that can be taken to offset dry mouth, but these will need to be recommended and prescribed by a doctor.

Stay Tuned for Part 4

Stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series to learn more about the necessary healthy habits for good dental health, courtesy of the advice of our panel of dentists serving Colorado Springs.

Lost a Tooth? Now What? Colorado Springs Dentists Walk Us Through the Process, PART 4

This four-part article series explains what you should do in the event that you lose one or more of your adult teeth, whether it is the result of an accident or tooth decay.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series in which we speak to a panel of experienced Colorado Springs dentists. In our previous article installment, we delved a little deeper into the exact procedure followed during the replacement of a missing tooth.

Our panel of experts also explained the pain management and sedation techniques typically used by dentists and surgeons. We ended off Part 3 with the revelation that most modern implant procedures can provide patients with implants AND a new tooth on the same day. Let’s get some insight into this before concluding our entire series…

What do you mean by “providing an implant and a new tooth on the same day”? Isn’t a dental implant a replacement tooth?

“To be more precise, a dental implant is more like a replacement tooth root, which means that it assumes the role of a natural tooth root and provides support for a new tooth crown. Most modern dental implant procedures are able to provide patients with both the implant (artificial tooth root) and ceramic dental crown (artificial tooth crown) on the same day, although the crown placed is typically a temporary one. Once the gums and jawbone have healed to the satisfaction of your dentist or surgeon, they will remove the temporary crown and replace it with a stronger and more durable, permanent crown,” explain the Colorado Springs dental implant experts.

I won’t have to leave the dentist with a gap in my teeth after dental implant surgery, will I?

“In most cases, no. You can at least be provided with a removable temporary replacement, which will fill the gap left by the missing tooth.”

What if I need more than one tooth replaced? What if a patient has lost most or even all of their natural teeth? How might treatment for advanced tooth loss differ?

“There are a variety of dental implant techniques that can be done to provide edentulous and near-edentulous patients with new teeth and the good news is that one in particular – the All-on-4 protocol – can almost always achieve this in just one day, with a single surgical procedure,” say Colorado Springs dentists. “You will be required to come in for a consultation with your surgeon and this may be followed up by a couple of treatment planning sessions, during which X-rays and molds or impressions will be made of your mouth.”

“The surgery is done during a separate scheduled appointment, which typically the patient is sedated for. A prosthodontist or dentist then attaches a temporary bridge to the implants – complete set of prosthetic teeth – rather than a single dental crown and you’ll then be free to return home. Recovery is typically slightly longer than it is for single dental implant procedures and you may want to take a few days off from work to allow your body the rest it needs to begin healing properly.”

Once a patient’s implants have healed, what will his or her new teeth be like?

“Dental implants placed by highly qualified and experienced Colorado Springs dentist typically look, feel and function quite similar to natural teeth. So, patients should be able to eat comfortably and manage a much greater diversity of foods; they shouldn't be constantly aware of their replacement tooth or teeth and they should be able to smile with great confidence!”

Lost a Tooth? Now What? Colorado Springs Dental Implants Surgeons Walk Us Through the Process, PART 1

This four-part article series explains what you should do in the event that you lose one or more of your adult teeth, whether it is the result of an accident or tooth decay.

If the statistics of tooth loss released by the American CDC (Centers for Disease Control) are to be believed, then it would seem that we will all have experience with tooth loss at some stage during our lives. And by tooth loss, we don’t mean the kind involving financial transactions with the tooth fairy! Once all of your adult teeth have emerged, you only have one set to last you a lifetime, so it’s a very big deal when one or more fall out or need to be extracted as a result of tooth decay, accidental trauma or gum disease.

What we want to know is what happens now? What’s the step-by-step process for New Jersey residents whose smile has taken a gappy turn for the worse? To answer this pressing question, we spoke to some experienced Colorado Springs dental implants surgeons. This four-part article series presents what they had to say on the matter.

What are the most common reasons Colorado Springs residents come to your practices to have a tooth or several teeth replaced?

“I think most dentists will agree that the greatest cause behind tooth loss is tooth decay. Bad oral hygiene, not seeing the dentist frequently enough for professional preventative care, tooth grinding, smoking, unhealthy eating, excessive drinking and drug abuse can all lead to a greater risk of tooth decay, which, if left untreated, can cause tooth loss,” explain the dental implant surgeons.

“Many of these habits and addictions can also lead to a greater risk of gum disease, which is yet another major health concern in the Colorado Springs and one that ultimately leads to tooth loss and even complete edentulism in the absence of timely treatment. Edentulism is the state of not having any natural teeth left at all.”

What about tooth loss resulting from car accidents, for example? Does that bring a lot of patients to your offices?

“We typically find more people losing teeth from accidental injury sustained in playing sports, especially hockey and competitive combat sports. Sure, many Colorado Springs residents have lost or had teeth badly damaged in car and motorbike accidents, but also from skating, biking and other modes of getting from A to B,” explain the dental implant surgeons. “Our advice for sports players is to always wear a mouth guard.”

So, say I lose a tooth or my dentist extracts it because it simply cannot be saved. What happens now? What should I do?

“Colorado Springs dentists will discuss your tooth replacement options with you before they extract the problematic tooth. While there are several technologies available, dental implants are considered the best because they look, feel and function more like natural teeth than the alternatives and they tend to last longer too. If you decide to go with dental implants, your dentist may refer you to a oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or elsewhere depending on what’s most convenient for you.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To find out more about the journey involved in getting teeth replaced with dental implants, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.

Dental Implants Vs. Bridges and Dentures

This article explains the difference between bridges, dentures, and dental implants to help you make the best decision for your smile.

Your Smile

Whether we like it or not, we live in a world that is focused on appearance. Everyone judges other people based solely on appearance when they first meet them. This first impression affects our ability to attract a romantic partner, obtain a job position or promotion, be a leader in our field, and be seen in a positive light by the people we meet and interact with each day. While you may think that the things that stand out most about a person’s appearance are their hairstyle, clothing, physique, shoes, or designer accessories, the first thing people notice when meeting someone is their smile. If you have stained, chipped, crooked, or missing teeth, your amazing designer jeans and toned abs will go virtually unnoticed. Likewise, a beautiful smile will make up for being seen in muddy shoes or wet hair, for instance. Your smile can really be your best asset in helping you to succeed in the world. However, if your teeth are in a bad condition, it can destroy your self-confidence as well as your career and social life.

Is something holding you back when you try to pose for family photos, “selfies” to post onto your social media accounts, or when you greet people? It’s becoming increasingly common for people to feel unhappy about their smile because we all know how important it is to have flawless, white teeth. If you drink tea, coffee, or soda, or if you’ve ever used antibiotics and other medications that can stain the teeth, your smile is not going to be white without a little help from your cosmetic dentist. It’s also the case that some people are genetically predisposed to having discolored teeth. Illness and injury can also cause discoloration. It’s not all about just having bad dental hygiene, even though discolored teeth often look “dirty.”

With a great smile, you can enhance your self-confidence, your appearance, and your ability to attract other people to you and cause them to want to learn more about you and your talents. When you get help from a cosmetic dentist, the results can be dramatic. Not only will your teeth look better, but your entire life will begin to improve simply because people judge you based on the appearance of your teeth.

Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants

Before the advancement of cosmetic and restorative dentistry technology in recent decades, when people lost one or more teeth, basically their only options were dentures and bridges. These prosthetic teeth can solve a problem temporarily, but over the long term they aren’t a very good solution. They have to be taken out for cleaning, and you can’t floss between bridges. Plaque can build up around them and cause you to have problems with the surrounding teeth. Additionally, the missing teeth can over time cause osteoporosis in your jawbone and gum recession. This has cosmetic concerns in itself that are even more troubling than the missing teeth because it affects the overall bone structure of the face.

Therefore, most people agree that dental implants in Colorado Springs are much more preferable to bridges. There are only a few cases in which dentures in Colorado Springs might be a better alternative to implants. Dentures can be more economical in the short-term. Some individuals may decide to try dentures for a couple of years while they make financial preparations for dental implants. In other cases, medical reasons may cause a person to not be able to undergo surgery. Usually, these medical reasons are only temporary, but they may opt to try dentures until they are in a state of health that allows dental surgery.

Another benefit to choosing dental implants in Colorado Springs is that they are a permanent solution. They won’t need to be replaced like dentures and bridges. They protect the jawbone from osteoporosis and the gumline from receding, so the facial bones won’t become deformed over time. Implants will not come loose, wobble, or click.

What are the advantages of immediate load dental implants?

This article describes the pros and cons to immediate load dental implants.

Do you have dentures or dental bridges? Are you seeking a more permanent alternative? Or are you missing one or more of your teeth and still researching the many options you have for your dental care? This article discusses the pros and cons of dental implants -- specifically instant dental implants or immediate load dental implants in Colorado Springs.

One of the drawbacks to receiving dental implants is that sometimes it can take weeks to months to have the prosthetic tooth placed into the abutment that stems from the titanium rod inserted into the jawbone. This is a major inconvenience for most people, simply because it’s not aesthetically pleasing to have a metal stub in the mouth that is visible when the person smiles. Particularly if you are missing one of your front teeth, it can be embarrassing to even have to wait a few days before the ceramic crown is placed.

With immediate load dental implants in Colorado Springs, the ceramic crown is placed immediately after the surgical procedure. Thus, they are often called “instant” implants. You may ask your dentist about the Sargon Immediate Tooth Replacement System, which is the name of the company that has pioneered the immediate load dental implant procedure. Now when you receive dental implants, the entire procedure can be done in one day. You can be back to work the next day.

The traditional way of getting dental implants involved a waiting period in which the ceramics were made off-site by a ceramicist, and then shipped to the cosmetic dentist for placement. Sometimes the waiting period is only a few days. In other cases, the waiting period could be up to six months. If you’re missing a tooth in the front of your mouth, this presents a very embarrassing issue even if the waiting period is only for a few days. No one will forget seeing you talk, smile, or laugh with a metal knob shining through in place of a real tooth! This not only looks like some sort of Halloween costume, but it some cases it can prevent career advancement, ruin a family photo, or making dating a hopeless pursuit.

Thankfully, there is no need to be self-conscious anymore about missing teeth, clicking dentures, or the cosmetic flaws of having a bare implant abutment in your mouth. With the advanced design of instant dental implants, no one will ever know that your dental implant is a fake tooth. In fact, the ceramic crown will look and feel just like a natural tooth. It will resist staining and discoloration, so there will be no need to replace it every few years like dentures need to be replaced.

There are a growing number of savvy implant dentists in Colorado Springs who are choosing to offer immediate load dental implants to their patients. It is really the next generation in implant and restorative dentistry. In our fast-paced world, no one wants (or needs) to wait weeks to months on a dental procedure to be finalized. Many outpatient surgical procedures are performed in one day, so why can’t dental procedures all be performed in one day? We have the technology now to do implants in one day, so why wait? You don’t want to miss out on life simply because you can’t smile because you’re waiting on an outdated procedure to proceed.

Dental implants can protect the health of your jaw and gum tissue, as well. The sooner you have the procedure done, the better protected you are from the damage that occurs when you have missing teeth. When you wear dentures, the jaw and gums are not protected from bone loss and recession. When the gums recede, your face will start to sink in like the typical “aging” cartoon character. You can prevent this from happening with dental implants.