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Dental Implants

CLICK HERE to read how Dr. Miller and his staff have recently drawn national attention in their work with dental implants.

If you lose one or more teeth due to oral health issues, or other causes, there is hope. Dental implants are changing the way people live!

Why Dental Implants?
  • Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function as natural teeth.
  • Patients who have lost teeth can regain the ability to smile confidently, while eating virtually anything, knowing that their teeth appear natural, preserving facial contours. 
What are Dental Implants?
  • Implant(s) 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(s). These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
  • Dental implant(s) also help preserve facial structure, preventing 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, implant(s) are placed within the jawbone by an oral surgeon. Our doctors work closely with several renowned surgeons in the area. Healing time is approximately 3 to 4 months but can vary from patient to patient.
  • Following the surgery, the dental implant(s) beneath the surface of the gums gradually bond with the jawbone. Depending on the patient’s customized treatment plan,  temporary dentures are an option during the healing process. 
  • At the same time, our doctors design the final bridgework or denture that will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
  • After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, phase two begins. A partnering surgical specialist will uncover the implant(s) and attach a small healing collar(s).
  • After two weeks, our doctors take final impressions and start to process the new teeth. Posts or attachments are connected to the implant(s) and the individual crown(s) or denture(s) will be made over the post(s).
  • The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily lives.
  • Some patients may be suitable candidates for implant(s) to be restored immediately after being 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 a prosthodontist is to be the quarterback working with the surgical team to plan the patient’s optimal treatment outcome.