If you have been searching for highly qualified Oral Surgeons near Lafayette (Central/Old Town), look no further than Coal Creek Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center. Conveniently located just blocks from the historic heart of Old Town Lafayette, our state-of-the-art practice is designed to provide comprehensive, patient-centered oral surgical care in a welcoming, comfortable environment.

Our office is situated on West Baseline Road, just a stone’s throw from the vibrant intersection of S Public Road and Baseline. This prime location places us right in the cultural and commercial hub of Lafayette, Colorado, making us easily accessible to residents of Boulder, Broomfield, and the surrounding communities. For those utilizing public transit, the easiest transportation options include the RTD bus system, specifically the JUMP and 225 routes which run along nearby S Public Road. If you are driving, we are quickly reachable via US-287 or South Boulder Road, with ample parking available directly at our Lafayette, CO office location.

Meet Dr. Curtis Hayes

Dr. Curtis Hayes is a board-certified oral surgeon renowned for delivering an exemplary level of care that instills confidence and trust. After completing a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry at the United States Air Force Academy, Dr. Hayes attended the University of Colorado School of Dentistry, graduating magna cum laude in 2003 with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

Following graduation, Dr. Hayes served as a general dentist at Lackland AFB in Texas. Recognizing his deep interest in specialized surgical procedures, he pursued his oral surgery specialization at the prestigious Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio. He subsequently served as the chief of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Ramstein AFB in Germany. During his time there, he provided exceptional surgical care to wounded service members returning from Africa and the Middle East. In recognition of his outstanding service and skill, the US Air Force named Dr. Hayes the US Air Force Dentist of the Year in 2013.

Dr. Hayes is not only a dedicated practitioner but also a skilled educator. He has served twice as the director of oral and maxillofacial surgery for the advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) program and currently volunteers his time as a clinical instructor at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He is deeply committed to community service, having participated as an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America for over twenty years and donated his surgical talents on medical missions to the Peruvian Amazon Basin and South Africa. Most recently, Dr. Hayes became an international bestselling author with his contribution to the book Million Dollar Smile, where he authored the chapter on digital dentistry and imaging technology.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Services

At Coal Creek Oral Surgery, Dr. Hayes and his highly trained team use leading-edge technology and techniques to help you regain your oral health and get back to enjoying life. Ours is a patient-centered practice where we listen, inform, respect, and support you and your unique concerns. We offer a full spectrum of oral surgery services tailored to meet your individual needs.

• Dental Implants: Whether you are missing a single tooth or need a full mouth restoration, we offer top-tier dental implants to restore function and aesthetics to your smile.
• All-on-4® Same-Day Teeth Replacement: For patients seeking immediate results, our All-on-4® options provide a full, fixed arch of teeth in just one day.
• Wisdom Teeth Extractions: We specialize in safe, comfortable wisdom teeth removal for teens and adults to prevent impaction, infection, and crowding.
• General Extractions: If a tooth is damaged beyond repair due to trauma or decay, we perform gentle tooth extractions.
• Bone Grafting: To ensure a solid foundation for future dental implants, Dr. Hayes provides expert bone grafting procedures.

To ensure you have a relaxed and pain-free experience, we provide a variety of sedation options customized to your comfort level.

Pioneers in Opioid Alternatives

As a leader in modern oral surgery, Dr. Hayes and Coal Creek Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center are committed to combatting the opioid crisis by utilizing innovative non-opioid pain management strategies. By employing long-lasting local anesthetics like Exparel, we significantly reduce or completely eliminate the need for narcotic pain medications following surgery. This dedication to patient safety has been highlighted across multiple prominent media outlets:

• Colorado Public Radio: Colorado Dentists And Other Docs Seek Opioid Alternatives As Crisis Worsens
• National Public Radio (WBUR Boston): As Opioid Crisis Worsens, Medical Providers Look For Alternatives
• Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder County dentists take a bite out of opioid prescriptions
• Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder area oral surgeons see success with new non-opioid medication
• USAFA AOG Checkpoints: The Problem With Pain
• Authority PressWire: Dr. Hayes Selected as Author for Upcoming Cosmetic Dentistry Book

Professional Affiliations and Awards

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in Dr. Hayes’s extensive list of professional affiliations and credentials. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS) and a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). He is also an active member of the Colorado Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CSOMS), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Colorado Dental Association (CDA), and the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS). Our practice is proud to display the 5280 Top Dentist Award Badge alongside our Military Logo honoring Dr. Hayes’s service.

Patient-Centered Care and Testimonials

Our team understands that undergoing oral surgery can be a source of anxiety for many. That is why we are dedicated to providing personalized treatment in a welcoming environment. But you do not have to just take our word for it—we encourage you to read our patient testimonials to see how we have successfully helped countless individuals in Lafayette, Boulder, Broomfield, and beyond achieve healthy, confident smiles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does the dental implant process take from start to finish?

The dental implant timeline varies from patient to patient depending on individual healing rates and whether preliminary procedures like bone grafting or tooth extractions are required. Generally, after the implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone, a period of 3 to 6 months is needed for osseointegration—the process where the bone fuses to the implant. Once healed, the final custom crown is attached. While the entire process typically takes a few months, the results are designed to last a lifetime.

2. Is dental implant surgery painful, and what can I expect during recovery?

Most patients are surprised to find that dental implant surgery involves minimal discomfort. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and we offer various sedation options to ensure you are entirely comfortable. During the first few days of recovery, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, and minor discomfort, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or non-opioid medications like Exparel. Ice packs and eating soft foods will also help ease your recovery.

3. How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal, and when can I return to normal activities?

Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction usually takes a few days. Most patients can return to work, school, and normal light activities within 3 to 4 days following the procedure. However, it takes about two weeks for your mouth to fully heal. It is important to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or vigorous activities for at least the first week to prevent dislodging the blood clots that are crucial for the healing process.

4. What can I eat after oral surgery, and what foods should I avoid?

For the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery, stick to a liquid and very soft food diet. Excellent options include applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and lukewarm broths. Avoid using a straw to consume liquids. You should strictly avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, spicy, and very hot foods for at least a week, as these can irritate the surgical site, cause pain, or disrupt the healing tissue.

5. How do I prevent a dry socket after a tooth extraction, and what are the warning signs?

A dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves prematurely. To prevent this, do not use straws, smoke, spit forcefully, or swish liquids vigorously for at least a week after surgery. Eat soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. The primary warning sign of a dry socket is a severe, radiating pain that develops 3 to 4 days after the extraction, often accompanied by a bad taste or odor in the mouth. If you experience these symptoms, contact our office immediately for prompt relief.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you are in Lafayette, Old Town, or the surrounding communities and need expert oral surgical care, we invite you to schedule an appointment request today. Experience the difference that compassionate, technologically advanced, and patient-focused care can make.

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