If you are missing a tooth, you are not alone…

An estimated 20 million people in North America suffer the physical and emotional effects of missing teeth. But there is a solution:

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most important innovations in dentistry and are quickly growing into an exciting and popular method of replacing teeth. Traditional bridges and removable dentures don’t seem to compare to durable, natural-feeling dental implants, which are extremely strong and act much like real teeth. Often, dentists send their patients to outside specialists who surgically place the metal posts that will later hold the dental implants. At Designer Smiles, we can place our own implants. We also refer to implant specialists on difficult or complicated cases. We have built a dependable team that assures the highest degree of success possible. Below you will learn more about Designer Smiles’ methods of placing dental implants, and whether you are an ideal candidate for this procedure.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Below you will find some reasons our patients choose dental implants.

Everyone Deserves a Second Chance To Have a Healthy Smile.

Not only are oral health and well-being closely interrelated, but a person’s character can be correlated to their smile.

Dental Implants Restore Function, Health, and Confidence.

Dental implants look, function, and feel like healthy, natural teeth.

Dental Implants Preserve Healthy, Natural Teeth.

Unlike crown and bridge treatment, dental implants do not require the alteration of adjacent natural, healthy teeth. Dental implants also prevent bone loss and the movement of natural, healthy teeth.

Dental Implants Provide Long-Term Cost Benefits.

Due to the wide variety of dental implant treatment options and expanding dental insurance coverage, dental implants are a more realistic treatment option today, than they once were.

Dental Implant Technology Is State-of-the-Art.

Dental implants have been used as a viable treatment option for over 30 years. In fact, during the 1990’s alone, the number of dental implant procedures performed tripled.

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The ANKYLOS® Implant System

Dr. Ann Fishel and Dr. Marcus Haggard have done extensive research in the field of dental implants. After assessing many different implant systems, they chose the ANKYLOS® Implant System for its high-quality aesthetics. Also known to be the ideal structure for implant supported dentures, the ANKYLOS® System works hand-in-hand with SynCone brand dentures to provide superior tooth-replacement services.

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Implants at Designer Smiles

Dr. Haggard and Dr. Fishel have both had extensive training in the placement of dental implants. Having an implant placed is not as scary as it may sound. We begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical and dental history and a full clinical examination of the entire mouth and missing tooth area. The clinical exam should also include specific x-rays.

After assessing the patient, a comprehensive treatment plan can be devised. From that point, implants are surgically placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia. Sedation is available, but not necessary.

The length of the healing time is based on the quality and quantity of bone, as well as the type of implant placed. After adequate healing is allowed to occur, the implant can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture.

With dental implants, you get a perfect fit, and they will look and feel as good as (or better than!) your original teeth.

Four Steps to Implant Placement:

1. Tooth Extraction

If the tooth or teeth are not already missing, the original tooth or teeth and their roots will be removed. Depending on the health and size of the tooth and root, a graft procedure and short healing period may be needed in preparation for the new implant.

2. Implant Placement

Your new dental implant (titanium tooth root) is precisely placed into the implant site. Based on your dental treatment plan, your dental implant may be completely covered by your gums during a healing period, or the implant restoration steps may begin immediately.

3. Abutment and Crown Preparation

When your new dental implant is fully healed (osseointegrated), an abutment and a crown will be created. This step includes soft-tissue contouring (for aesthetics), impressions, and custom fabrication of your new abutment and crown.

4. Crown Placement

After the final crowns, bridge, or dentures are fabricated by a dental laboratory, Dr. Haggard or Dr. Fishel will place the abutment and restoration of choice into your mouth.

Now you’re ready to chew!

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Do You Have a Denture That Just Won’t Fit?

We can fit your existing dentures to new implants that will anchor the denture in your mouth so that you can chew what you want, even a steak. If dentures don't work for you, you may consider dental implants. Unlike dentures, which can be removed, implants are permanently anchored into the jaw itself.

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Contact Designer Smiles Today!

Even if you’re missing teeth, Designer Smiles can place your dental implants so that you can have a full and beautiful smile. Contact Designer Smiles today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Fishel or Dr. Haggard and get your implants placed by the skilled dentists at our practice.

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