Our Services

• Introduction
• Veneers
• Dental Implants
• Whitening
• Tooth-Colored Restorations
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Complete Denture

Dental implants are a standard of care for tooth replacement. They represent the most significant improvement in dental care since the introduction of fluoride in drinking water. If teeth are lost, missing or unable to be saved by restorative procedures, implant replacement may be the best treatment option. Missing teeth can adversely impact a person’s function and overall appearance. These tooth replacements can be virtually indiscernible from natural teeth and can dramatically enhance the ease, ability and enjoyment of eating. Implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are lost. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth (partially edentulous patients), or all missing teeth (completely edentulous patients).

Conventional tooth replacement involves reduction of tooth structure of adjacent teeth to support a fixed bridge. With implant therapy, healthy teeth do not need to be reduced or compromised. Patients missing several or even all of their teeth can avoid inevitable partial or complete dentures. Research has demonstrated the long-term value of implant therapy relative to conventional modes of treatment. Dr. Priest’s own published results report success rates of 95% for well over 10 years.

Dental implants are tooth root substitutes made of titanium that are placed into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth or teeth. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the dental implants which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for crown restorations.

Dr. Priest practices a team approach to implant treatment. During the initial consultation, Dr. Priest discusses functional and esthetic possibilities and the patient’s expectations. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Priest constructs the restorations for the implants. However, the implant placement is performed by a periodontist or an oral surgeon. If you do not have a relationship with an implant surgeon, Dr. Priest will recommend one with whom he has developed a long-standing collaborative relationship. However, it is ultimately your decision as to who will place the implant. The surgical procedure usually requires only a local anesthetic and most patients can return to their normal routine the following day. You will need to have a consultation with your implant surgeon to receive specific information about the implant surgical procedure.

Dr. Priest will provide the patient with a temporary prosthesis that is usually seated immediately following implant placement. This restoration is usually worn for about two to four months (or longer with grafted sites) until the jawbone attaches to the implants, a process known as osseointegration. Then, Dr. Priest makes the necessary impressions and provides detailed instructions to the dental laboratory technicians regarding form and color requirements. During the final appointment, you and Dr. Priest will verify the fit and appearance before the final implant restoration is permanently secured in place.

Benefits of dental implants:

• Natural appearance
• Eliminates removable appliances
• Dependable and secure
• Significant chewing improvement
• Long term solution
• Reduced maintenance