Dental Implants
If you lose one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, or another cause, there is hope.
Dental implants are changing the way people live!
Why Dental Implants?
- They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
- The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.
- Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
What are Dental Implants?
- The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes.
- The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.
- Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These
posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. - Dental implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
What is the Implant Procedure?
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures:
- First, implants are placed within your jawbone by an oral surgeon. Dr. Miller works closely with several renowned surgeons in the area. Healing time is usually 3 to 4 months and varies from patient to patient.
- Following the surgery, dental implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. If necessary you should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet at this time.
- At the same time, Dr. Miller designs the final bridgework or denture that will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
- After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins and the surgical specialist will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar.
- After two weeks Dr. Miller will take final impressions and will be able to start processing your new teeth. Posts or attachments will be connected to the implants and the individual crowns or denture will be made over those posts.
- The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
- Some patients maybe suitable candidates for implants to be restored immediately after they are placed. This procedure is known as “Teeth in a Day”.
CT Scan Technology
CT (or CAT) scan technology is a new technology offered by our surgical team , which provides in-office state-of-the-art imaging to allow for optimal accuracy when placing your dental implants. The CT scan will expose you to significantly less radiation than a traditional CT scanner, and scans in less than 15 seconds! High-definition three-dimensional images are produced in under a minute, which allows us to place your data directly into our implant-planning software, and begin the process of providing you with new teeth. The role of the prosthodontist is to be the quarterback working with the surgical team to plan the patents optimal treatment outcome.