SPECIAL CONSUMER AWARENESS REPORT ON DENTAL IMPLANTS

Boulder’s Demonstrated Dental Leader

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Are you looking for a more attractive smile because you have missing teeth or dentures that don’t fit?

Hi, I’m Dr. Kirk Rathburn and along with my friendly staff we have been providing the very best dental care for years. Our goal is to help everyone in our community be more healthy and confident.

As the top family dentist in the area I spend my days helping people just like you get your “Hollywood” smile.

We can help you transform your smile, improve your dental health and restore your self-confidence.

Because customer satisfaction is my number one goal, I love to receive reviews and comments from patients. They truly help me to know how you feel about my practice concerning things like the office environment, my staff and the treatment you received.

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I feel truly fulfilled when I hear things like: “Great environment”, “�e staff was terrific; friendly and warm”, “�e doctor answered all of my questions and kept me informed through every step of the procedure”.

Recently, a patient spoke to me about his experience with receiving dental implants in our office. He had been embarrassed by his smile for quite some time, and would even try to hide it. He had many missing teeth and his appearance had changed dramatically, giving him that “sunken look.” He had read about dental implants and researched the process thoroughly, and wanted to find a dentist close to him who would be direct in answering questions and explaining the procedure in a way that he could easily understand.

I am proud to say that when I saw him for the first time, he complimented me on my staff, stating that they were extremely friendly and that the office environment had a warm and inviting atmosphere. After a thorough examina-tion, I explained the procedure to him. He expressed to me that he was relieved to find a dentist who was direct and ready to answer questions.

As usual, I followed up with a phone call after each appointment and his treatment went well. Following his treatment, he shared some thoughts with me, stating “I feel like I have had a complete transfor-mation. I am proud of my smile and feel so much better about myself.”

Hearing comments like that inspired me to write this report to share this informa-tion with as many people as possible so that you could be fully informed about this procedure and enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile. I know that it will be most helpful to you and hope that you will choose my office for the placement of dental implants: an excellent, smile-transforming procedure.

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Are you hiding your smile and wondering if there is a way to have the smile you deserve and the confidence that comes with it?

�en dental implants are for you. Dental Implants are now regarded as a proven alternative to replace your missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures.

Implants are most often used in situations such as: Individual Tooth Replacement Front Teeth Replacement Back Teeth Replacement Complete Upper Teeth Replacement Replacement of Dentures

A few advantages of dental implants include:Better quality of life because they look and act like natural teethPrevention of bone loss that typically occurs with missing teethImproved chewing ability, allowing for a more healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetablesRestoring confidence and self-esteem through eliminating the “sunken look” that often accompanies missing teeth because of bone lossEliminating that “clicking” sound and movement of dentures in your mouthBetter overall oral and physical health, lowering risks of heart disease, diabetes and oral cancer and gum diseaseProviding the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted

Root implant is the preferred type used by most dental experts today as well as being the most effective. �e reason for this is two-fold: the implant actually replaces the natural root of the mouth, creating greater stability. �ey are also more similar to the size, shape and strength of your natural teeth. �ey will feel and look more like your natural teeth as well as restore their functionality.

�ere are three primary types of implants: Root implant Plate form implant Subperiosteal style implant

Placement of dental implants will gener-ally require at least two visits to the dentist. �e procedure is typically per-formed under general anesthesia. A thorough examination will be completed to ensure that the teeth and bone are strong enough to receive the implant. It also allows Dr. Rathburn to determine whether there are any prior conditions. If these exist, they will need to be taken care of prior to the placement of the implant.

As mentioned previously, the implant will actually replace the root of the tooth or teeth. It will be surgically inserted, or “buried” into the jaw. Dental implants are made of a titanium material, which is known for its strength and long-lasting properties.

In order to allow the bone to grow around the implant, a healing period of about three to six months will be required. In most situations, Dr. Rath-burn will insert a temporary crown. �is has been found to be effective because it will not compromise or damage the surrounding natural teeth. It also allows for better chewing ability and provides a more pleasing appearance for you.

After proper healing has occurred, Dr. Rathburn will check thoroughly to ensure that the bone growth around the implant has been successful. At this time, a titanium post, (or abutment), will be placed, also with a temporary crown. For the majority of people, the healing period for this part of the procedure will only require approximately four to six weeks.

Following this healing time, a mold of your tooth or teeth that are to be replaced will be taken in order for the custom permanent crown to be created. �e permanent crown for the dental implant will be placed using either cement or screws according to the preference of Dr. Rathburn, which he will likely discuss with you beforehand.

Once the implant procedure is complete, Dr. Rathburn will discuss post implant maintenance with you. Optimal home care is especially critical for dental implant recipients. If gums and teeth are not properly cleaned, harmful bacteria can enter and affect sensitive areas and lead to receding jaws or swollen gums. If the jaw recedes far enough, it will weaken the implant and it may have to be removed.

Regular checkups and cleanings should be scheduled as normal, unless Dr. Rathburn suggests something different. Dental implants that are appropriately cared for can last a lifetime.

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Below are a few questions that are often asked by those considering dental implants:Q: How do I know if I’m a candidate for implants?A: Following a thorough exam, Dr. Rathburn can tell you whether you are a candidate for dental implants. �e most important consideration is the health of the teeth and gums, but the majority of people who are missing one or more teeth are appropriate candidates for the procedure. Sometimes additional proce-dures may be necessary to prepare the teeth for implantation.

Q: Will I experience much pain from the procedure?

A: �e majority of patients experience no pain during the procedure as it done under anesthesia. Some soreness might occur following the procedure, which can generally be taken care of with over-the-counter pain medications. Be assured that Dr. Rathburn will make sure that your discomfort is minimal.

Q: Will I experience much pain from the procedure?

A: �e majority of patients experience no pain during the procedure as it done under anesthesia. Some soreness might occur following the procedure, which can generally be taken care of with over-the-counter pain medications. Be assured that Dr. Rathburn will make sure that your discomfort is minimal.

Q: What is the length of time necessary for the entire treatment?A: Although every patient is unique, the time necessary, including healing periods, can take as long as nine months to be complete.

Q: Will an implant be required for each missing tooth?A: Again, this depends on the situation of each patient. Sometimes it is possible to use only a few implants to replace an entire section of teeth. In other circum-stances, an implant for each tooth may be an advantage, as it would provide additional strength.

Q: How long will a dental implant last?A: Implants can last a lifetime when taken care of appropriately

Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?A. �ere are many benefits associated

�ey are considered a permanent tooth replacement solution when properly cared for Help prevent additional bone lossLook, feel and function like your natural teethProvide a pleasing appearance

As you can see, dental implants are an excellent long-term, viable solution to replacing missing teeth or ill-fitting den-tures. �eir strength and durability can provide a beautiful, healthy smile that will restore self-confidence and provide a more pleasing look.

To take advantage or see if dental implants are right for you, give us a call today to schedule your FREE Rathburn Dental Implant Evaluation at (720) 897-3130.

We can’t wait to get your new smile started.

Sincerely,

�e Rathburn Dental Team