DENTAL IMPLANTS

A dental implant is a small metal fixture designed to thread into the bone of the jaw so that a prosthetic tooth can be attached at the top. They are made from bio-compatible medical grade titanium.

Dr. Rogers prepares a small hole in the bone to receive the implant. After three to six months, the bone fuses to the implant, allowing a permanent prosthetic tooth to be attached.

How do implants function?

Through a remarkable process called osseointegration, the implant and your bone fuse and become 'one.' Once the implant is firmly anchored to the jawbone, it has the same stability as a natural tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implants | Read Some Testimonies...

Some of the primary benefits enjoyed by patients who have chosen dental implants include:

• 

  A permanent solution to tooth loss;

• Helps prevent boss loss and at the same time, preserve facial structure;

• No decay, no root canals, no toothache;

• You can eat what you want, not what you can;

• Cleaned just like your natural teeth;

• Renewed self confidence and improved quality of life.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implants can also be used to hold dentures in place, or to replace dentures with individual teeth.  There are two primary types of implants for this purpose:

Fixed Bridge

With this type of treatment, new teeth look and feel just like your natural ones, and other people will find it virtually impossible to tell the difference.  The teeth are securely fastened and removable only by your Dentist.

Overdentures

This type of treatment is securely fixed on top of two to four implants.  Although these dentures are removable for cleaning and oral hygiene, they are quite different from conventional dentures, since they are securely retained in the mouth and function much more like natural teeth.

Dental Implants FAQ

Dental Implants - What Are They?

A dental implant is a man-made replacement for the root of a tooth that is surgically implanted in the jawbone. If you are missing a single tooth, all of your teeth, or are facing loosing the rest of your teeth, Dental Implants are the best choice available. They truly are Dentistry's Modern Miracle!

How Do They Work?

As the body heals for approximately two to six months after surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration. After the healing phase is complete, the implants are used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth.

Can Anyone Have Dental Implants?

In most cases, YES!!

Am I A Candidate For A Dental Implant?

Dr. Rogers will do a complete and thorough evaluation of your existing conditions which include an oral cancer check,and evaluation of the existing teeth, bone and gums.  Digital photos are taken of your mouth, and study models of your jaw.  All of this information is presented to you along with treatment recommendations at a subsequent complimentary consultation appointment.

How Successful Are They?

Dental Implants have a success rate of approximately 98%. When choosing where to have treatment, the skill and experience of the dentist is also very important to the overall success rate.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Connected with the surrounding bone in your jaw. the implants have a long-term potential when properly cared for. They can last a lifetime.

Do I Have To Go Without My Teeth During Treatment?

In most cases, NO!! During treatment, most patients will have temporary teeth to wear during the heal stage. Sometimes temporaries are not needed, and there are instances where temporaries should not be worn for a few days after surgery. Dr. Rogers will completely discuss this with you during the consultation so that you know what to expect for temporaries.

We will do all that we can to make sure that you do not go without your teeth!

How Long Does The Treatment Take?

The office procedure to place a dental implant usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half for one implant, and approximately two or three hours for multiple implants.

Is The Procedure Painful?

With modern anesthesia, there is very little pain experienced during Implant replacement.  Most patients say that they had little or no pain, and that they needed pain medications for only a day or two.  Placing an Implant is not invasive, as when the original tooth was extracted.  Most patients feel that the benefits of Dental Implants far outweigh any discomfort they experienced.

What Are Some Of The Specific Advantages of Dental Implants?

Most importantly, DENTAL IMPLANTS WILL PRESERVE BONE! When there is a missing tooth (or teeth), that area continues to loose bone. That is why you might notice a sunken area, especially in your lower jaw if you have missing teeth, and if you wear a conventional denture. Dental Implants are the only method of tooth replacement that can preserve bone!

Dental Implants are self-supporting, as opposed to bridges that are supported by the neighboring teeth.  When a bridge is placed, the natural teeth on each side of the missing tooth are compromised because the natural tooth structure is reduced to a small "peg" (called an abutment) in order to attach the bridge.  The abutment teeth become weakened and but still have to continue to do their original job, and also do the job of the missing tooth (or teeth).

And finally, because a Dental Implant can be a life-long solution to missing teeth, Implant treatment is usually the most cost effective choice in the long run when you consider the long-term benefits such as preservation of the jaw bone, better function, restoration of your original smile, and less time in the dental chair.

What Is An Implant-Supported Denture?

Many who wear dentures know that keeping them in place is often difficult, especially with lower dentures. Dental Implants can stabilize existing dentures, putting an end to dentures that slip out-of-place, or move while you are eating or speaking.  Implant-Retained Dentures are anchored in place, feeling and action more like your natural teeth.

An Implant-Supported Denture is a type of denture that is supported by and attached to Implants, while a regular denture rests on the gums.

An Implant-Supported Denture attached to Implants fits firmly, while the regular denture tends to fit less firmly in the mouth.  Also, a regular denture will need to be constantly 'relined' as the jaw bone continues to deteriorate.

What Can An Implant-Supported Denture Do For Me?

• Stops the bone deterioration process.
• Eliminates the constant use of those messy dental adhesives.
• Improves digestion.
• Eliminates the embarrassment caused by the instability of removeable false teeth.
• Improves your appearance by eliminating the sunken denture look,including the lines and wrinkles around your mouth and nose.
• Eliminates pain when chewing caused by food that is caught lunder your dentures or sore irritated gumes.
• Allows you to eat and chew foods you have been avoiding such as steak, fresh whole apples, nuts and even salad.
• Improves your ability to speak with confidence and control.
• Improves your sense of taste.
• Makes you look younger by having fixed, secure teeth, which are associated with youth.

Am I Too Old For Dental Implants?

Absolutely Not!! The main determining factor is your health.  We  have successfully placed Dental Implants in people in their seventies and eighties.  Implants are more likely need at this time in one's life because they have lost more teeth, and have lost more supporting bone. Taking the best care of yourself means you are able to enjoy your family, friends and spouse with complete confidence when you laugh, smile, cough and eat.

Do I Have to Take Much Time Off Work?

Most of our patients take the day of surgery off, and the following day or two for recovery. Again, dental implants are not as invasive as when one had their teeth extracted.

Will My Dental Insurance Pay For Implants?

Finally, Dental Insurance carriers are realizing the importance and long term value of Implants.  Your dental plan may cover a portion of Dental Implants, and even an Implant-Supported Denture.  Our front office staff will assist you in obtaining these benefits if they are available.

I'm Ready!!! Where Do I Start?

Give us a call (719) 528-6450, to schedule a NO CHARGE personal one-on-one consultation with Dr. Rogers. Please feel free to bring your spouse and/or a friend to this appointment.

This private consultations includes a complimentary complete oral examination and full x-rays, which are needed to determine if you are a candidate for implants. At this time, Dr. Rogers and his staff will discuss the treatment options, schedule an appointment to get started, and work out a payment plan that best suits your needs. Then, just leave the rest to us and start. . . . Falling In Love With Your Smile Again!!