5745 Erindale Drive, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Oral Surgery Associates

Dental Implants Colorado Springs


All About Dental Implants Video

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence. Our Colorado Springs dental implant patients enjoy that we're close by in order to get new dental implants to replace missing teeth, broken teeth, and help grow their confidence.

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

The dental implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Also, an implant can help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

WHAT TYPES OF PROSTHESIS ARE AVAILABLE?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentistry expert.

Dr. Pennau will perform in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

WHY DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

When you are looking for an implant dentist, Dr. Pennau is the dentistry specialist to choose. Sometimes when getting a single implant or a full mouth implant, you may need tooth or teeth extractions and periodontal gum therapy, or other gum treatments. That's why Dr. Pennau is here to help you with all your oral health and dentistry needs.

THE Dental IMPLANT PROCESS

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. When the dental implant process begins, the custom dental implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the dental implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins and Dr. Pennau will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life from getting an implant.

SURGICAL ADVANCES

Using the most recent advances in dental technology, Dr. Pennau is able to place single-stage dental implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the dental implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical dental procedures.

WHY SELECT DENTAL IMPLANTS OVER MORE TRADITIONAL TYPES OF TEETH RESTORATIONS?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR IMPLANTS?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR A IMPLANT?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.

DO DENTAL IMPLANTS NEED SPECIAL CARE?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep up on your dental hygiene. This means taking the time for good dental hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.

HOW MUCH DO DENTAL IMPLANTS COST?

The dental implants cost can vary depending on the patient. Some may do a single implant whereas some may do multiple dental implants. By getting an implant, you can get your smile back!

ARE DENTURES A BETTER OPTION THAN AN IMPLANT?

There are pros and cons to both options. Dental implants are permanent, whereas dentures can be put in and taken out whenever you want. Price is also a factor in this. An implant will cost more than dentures, but also last longer. Dr. Pennau can accurately decide what works best for you!

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