Dental Implants
Dental implants 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. The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jaw bone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by either Dr. Vinson and/or Dr. Harris. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Vinson and Dr. Harris are able to place single to multiple implants, depending on patient’s dental necessity. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures. Our providers utilize Straumann Implants which are recognized by the dental profession as the number one provider of premium dental implants worldwide.
Dr. Vinson and Dr. Harris perform the implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone augmentation, if necessary. The final prosthesis is generally made in office by both doctors.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors made from titanium, which act as a tooth root substitute. Digital images are then taken with our state of the art camera system, to help fabricate a surgical guide for precise implantation. The implant is then surgically placed into the jaw bone using the guide and a small post is then screwed onto the implant and left for three to six months to allow osseointegration. It is very important while healing from the implant surgery to eat on the opposite side and to keep adjacent teeth clean from debris.
After the dental implant has bonded to the jaw bone, the second phase begins. Dr. Vinson and/or Dr. Harris will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Using our camera system, we then image the implant for fabricating the implant crown. The third phase is to deliver the implant crown/prosthesis usually taking less than an hour appointment generally without having to be numbed. The entire procedure usually takes three to six months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
