Dental Implants
Why Denver Metro OMS for Dental Implant Treatment?
At Denver Metro OMS, we start by getting to know you and your dental implant needs by holding an initial consultation with the surgeon who will be performing your surgery and follow up visits. At this time, we answer all of your dental implant questions, discuss your treatment plan and explain each step of the procedure. We strive to eliminate any apprehension by openly discussing how we will aid in your dental implant treatment. Plus, Doctors Patterson and DiPasquale are board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and have extensive experience in dental implant treatment.
How We Make Dental Implant Treatment Easy
Dental implant care is a team effort between our doctors, who will place the implant, and your general dentist or prosthodontist restoring the implant. It is our job to make this process as easy as possible for our patients, so we will handle all of the coordination between our office and your general dentist. We will communicate exactly what needs to happen to ensure continuation of care to complete your treatment.
We will also help patients obtain insurance information regarding dental implant treatment coverage and we will assist patients with insurance billing.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants can provide patients a solution to missing teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. With dental implants, you can eat virtually everything and maintain a healthy-looking smile.
Dental implants are made of titanium and are designed to replace the root of your missing tooth. They can be restored with a crown or bridge to replace one or multiple teeth, and can also be used as attachments for crowns or dentures.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implant surgery is a minor surgical procedure. In most cases your surgery can be done under local anesthesia alone (“numbing shots”), or if needed, sedation may be used for additional patient comfort. Sedation levels offered at Denver Metro OMS include nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), Valium, and IV sedation (“twilight sedation”). The level of sedation needed varies with each patient, and this will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
Sedation Levels
- Local Anesthesia (Numbing Shots)
- Nitrous Oxide ("Laughing Gas")
- Valium
- IV Sedation ("Twilight Sedation")
Doctors Patterson or DiPasquale will complete your implant surgery and coordinate your restorative treatment with your dentist once you are ready to have the crown, bridge or denture placed on the implant or implants. The dental implant replaces the root of your missing tooth or teeth and your dentist will attach a tooth restoration on top of the implant to complete the treatment.
How Long is Recovery?
For most patients, recovery time is typically 1-2 days and does not interfere significantly with work or social schedules.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Replace missing teeth in the most natural way
- Longer lasting & easier to maintain
- Provide a better fit to an existing, poorly fitting denture
- Allow a denture to be fixed (so it does not have to be removed nightly)
- Easier chewing without movement of a denture
Dental implants replace missing teeth in the most natural way compared to any other method. Dental implants also tend to be longer lasting and easier to maintain due to easier daily hygiene as compared to other methods. Dental implants may also provide a better fit to an existing, poorly fitting denture. Implants allow a denture to be fixed (so it does not have to be removed nightly) and allow for better function (easier chewing without movement of the denture). Dental implants are used in a variety of ways to replace single missing teeth or to replace multiple or full-mouth missing teeth. Come in today for a consultation to discuss your needs.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants is to make an appointment with Doctors Patterson or DiPasquale to discuss your needs. At the time of consultation, an examination will be performed, which will determine the ability to place dental implants. If further care is needed, it will be discussed as well.
Routine Post-Operative Care
Patients are typically seen within one to two weeks after placement of dental implants to check for adequate healing. There will be an additional follow-up visit after a healing period of 2-4 months. We will make sure that the implant has healed as expected prior to sending patients back to see their dentist to complete treatment.
Caring for Dental Implants
Dental implants are relatively easy to care for, requiring the same care as your natural teeth. Oral care after implant surgery consists of normal tooth brushing and flossing as well as regular periodontal care from your dentist or hygienist.
Contact Us Today!
Drs. Patterson and DiPasquale, along with each member of our staff, are committed to providing compassionate care so that you feel at home in our office. We welcome you to ask any questions you have regarding oral surgery and your overall oral health so that you can leave our office with confidence.