Dental Implants in Colorado Springs, CO

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Dental implants are quickly becoming the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are the only permanent, fixed solution for missing teeth that give you the full bite force of natural teeth while giving you a beautiful, natural-looking smile that can last a lifetime.

• What are dental implants?
• Why do I need to replace missing teeth?
• What are the options for replacing missing teeth?
• What are the benefits of dental implants?
• Who is a candidate for dental implants?
• What is the process for getting dental implants?
• Why should I choose Pickle Prosthodontics for dental implants?

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants replace missing or damaged teeth that look and feel natural while restoring your ability to eat the foods you love. The implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the missing teeth roots. Over time, the surrounding bone fuses with the implant to provide a stable foundation for a replacement tooth or teeth. Tooth implants can last for decades and, for many patients, last a lifetime.

Why do I need to replace missing teeth?

Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech, and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, be damaged, or be lost. You may also experience headaches or jaw pain. Unfortunately, even a single missing tooth negatively affects your oral health.

You may have difficulty eating or speaking properly. When a tooth is missing due to infection or disease, the problem can spread to adjacent teeth. The remaining teeth may also shift out of alignment to fill the space left by the lost tooth. There are several options for replacing missing teeth, each with its own merits. Dr. Pickle will provide details of each option so you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.

Are You Ready to Smile With Confidence Again?

Contact Pickle Prosthodontics with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!

Call us: 719-599-0670 Request An Appointment

What are the options for replacing missing teeth?

Dental Implants

Dental implants, the most comfortable and permanent solution for missing teeth, offer long-term benefits that instill confidence. They form a strong foundation for replacement teeth, keeping the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. With the potential to last a lifetime, implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.

Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is a set of several replacement teeth resembling crowns connected together. The bridge replaces the visible portion of the missing teeth. The bridge is cemented into position on top of the teeth on either side of the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down before attaching the bridge.

Metal Partial

A removable partial denture is stronger and more durable than a fixed bridge. It is cast in metal and plastic and supported by wire clips attached to teeth adjacent to the empty space. The patient can remove and re-insert the partial denture for cleaning and maintenance.

Denture

Complete dentures are an affordable, popular solution for anyone missing all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape. Dentures may also rub against the gums if not properly fitted, creating sore spots or shifting in the mouth.

What are the benefits of Dental Implants over other methods of replacing missing teeth?

Without the roots of your natural teeth to stimulate the jawbone, the bone literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants stimulates the jawbone, preserving its integrity and helping to support your facial muscles.

Dental implants are also easy to care for; you brush and floss them like natural teeth. With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, your dental implant restorations will continue to look great and function like your natural teeth for decades. And you don’t have to worry about seeds or food debris getting caught, unlike dentures and bridges.

Another benefit of dental implants is the retrievability of the crown or prosthesis because it is screwed into place. Even though dental implant therapy may be a larger investment at first, it is usually very cost-effective in the long term because of the ease of maintenance and repairs and the use of existing implants in future restorations instead of starting from scratch. Implants are made of titanium, so they will never decay or need root canals like natural teeth. Decay and infections in old dental work are the main reasons traditional restorations fail over a lifetime.

Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an excellent solution for anyone in good overall health who wants to replace one or more missing teeth. However, implants are most successful for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Their jawbone has stopped growing.
• They do not smoke or drink excessive alcohol.
• They have sufficient jawbone mass to support the implant and are willing to undergo bone grafting for dental implants.
• They can commit to the process, which can take several months to complete. This commitment includes attending all scheduled appointments, maintaining good oral hygiene, and following any post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Pickle.
• They do not have uncontrolled diabetes, a blood clotting disorder, or an autoimmune disease that could interfere with healing.

Dr. Pickle evaluates each patient’s suitability for dental implants after a thorough oral examination, including X-rays and digital imaging. This evaluation will assess the condition of your teeth and gums, the density of your jawbone, and any potential risk factors that could affect the success of the implant.

What is the process for getting Dental Implants?

Consultation

The first step is a consultation with Dr. Pickle to evaluate your oral health, review the process, and create a personalized treatment plan if you are a candidate for implants. If bone grafting or periodontal treatments are needed, these will be addressed before implant placement.

Implant Placement

Implant placement is an in-office surgery performed by Dr. Pickle. He will numb the area with a local anesthetic and, in most cases, administer IV sedation for your comfort during surgery. Depending on the number of implants placed, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours.

Healing and Fusing of the Implant

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant—the bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.

Restoration

After the area is healed, an abutment (a connector) is placed on the implant, and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on the abutment. In many cases, a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after placing it. If all your teeth are missing, various treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. However, even patients who have been missing teeth for years or coping with poorly fitted dentures can, in many cases, get dental implants with bone grafting or other interventions.

Why Choose Pickle Prosthodontics for Dental Implants in Colorado Springs, CO?

Dr. Pickle is a recognized expert in dental implant placement and bone grafting procedures. He has over 30 years of experience in all forms of dental implant placement, including the innovative iTeeth™ dental implant process, which he developed for patients seeking a simple but effective implant procedure combined with custom-crafted restorations.

As a leader in dental implant techniques, Dr. Pickle regularly presents at seminars and teaches
locally and nationally to dental study clubs, prosthodontics organizations, and the general public. Pickle Prosthodontics has received a Top Dentists designation from Colorado Springs magazine every year since 2004.

To learn more about how dental implants can replace missing teeth, preserve oral health, and restore enjoyment of life, contact our Colorado Springs office at Pickle Prosthodontics office Phone Number 719-599-0670.