Dental implants are composed of 3 parts.  The implant fixture is the part of the implant that replaces the root of the tooth.  This part may be placed by a general dentist, oral surgeon, periodontist or prosthodontist. 

The middle piece is called the abutment.  An abutment is usually peg-shaped rather than anatomic.  This abutment is either screwed into or cemented into the implant fixture and it replaces the clinical crown of the tooth. 

Next, a custom crown must be  fabricated to fit over the abutment and restore the specific height and width of the tooth it is replacing.  This is the part of the implant you will see in the mouth. 

Dr. Hickson can create a treatment plan utilizing implants to replace your missing teeth.  Once she determines the number and location of implants needed, she will refer you to a specialist to place the implant fixture.  Once the fixture has integrated into your alveolar bone (usually 3-4 months), she will finish the restoration with an abutment and crown.  Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants.  If you are interested, click here or please call today for an evaluation.

Try Ultradent's Tres White for only $55 or come in for impressions and shade selection and try Opalescence Custom Whitening for $200.  Mention this website and receive a special offer.

Turns Out You Have Better Things

to do with Your Time

    Technology today is changing our everyday lives. Many people, however, aren’t aware that technology also is impacting dentistry in new and exciting ways. Cutting-edge innovations in dental instruments are requiring less time in the dental chair, causing less discomfort and creating satisfying results.

One breakthrough instrument, called CEREC^®, allows dentists

to quickly restore damaged teeth with natural-colored ceramic fillings and crowns, saving patients time and inconvenience.

What is CEREC^®?

CEREC^® is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration

of Esthetic Ceramics. Translated, it means that a dentist can economically restore damaged teeth in a single appointment using a high-quality ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth.

How does the instrument work?

CEREC^® uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer

Aided Manufacturing) technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling machine in one instrument.  The dentist uses a special camera to take an accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen, where the dentist uses CAD technology to design the restoration.  Then CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, the dentist bonds the new restoration to the surface of the old tooth.  The whole process takes about one hour.

What does this innovation mean for a patient?

A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. Dentists no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been eliminated.  The CEREC^® has

over a decade of clinical research and documentation to support the technology. The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective.

How can I find out if this is an option for me?

Call the office of Dr. Hickson at 541-686-9545.   We will be happy to answer your questions on this new technology.

We strive to make each visit relaxing and enjoyable.  If you are seeing us for a treatment or therapy appointment, you may bring your i-pod or listen to our radio headphones or soothing sounds box.  We offer sunglasses and a variety of pillows so you can lay back in comfort.  Getting chilly?  Ask for a blanket.  Tired of holding your mouth open?  No worries!  We have a comfortable mouth prop so you can rest.  If there is anything you can think of to enhance your comfort, please feel free to bring it along or suggest it to us. 

If you are not entirely satisfied with your smile, there are some simple cosmetic procedures that can be done to improve it.  This is a before and after picture of cosmetic bonding used to idealize the size and shape of undersized teeth.  It is a reversible procedure that does not permanently change the underlying tooth structure.

Cavities are caused by a bacterial infection known in the dental profession as “caries”. This infection is not only treatable, but preventable. CariFree is offered here to help patients find assistance and products for treating and preventing the caries infection.  Learn more at

http://carifree.com/patients/index.html

www.underarmour.com