4/30/2020

Dear Patients:

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. We do this to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to each agencies’ recommendations.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. Please be patient with us as we all adapt to this new “normal”.

For example:

· Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.

· We ask that you wear a facemask in the office, if possible, but NO GLOVES.

· We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed.

· You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.

· Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.

· We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice.

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.

Keep Smiling!

Dr. Dowell and Team

Dental Implants

Gaps resulting from lost teeth can cause discomfort and embarrassment. They can also leave you vulnerable to other health issues.

At Dowell Dental Group, our doctors can replace missing teeth by performing all steps of dental implant treatment in-house.

So what makes dental implants a great treatment option?

A Proven Tooth Replacement Solution

Can Last a Lifetime

Dental implants can last decades or even a lifetime. However, you must practice proper oral hygiene and attend regular cleanings and exams a our office to maintain your oral health.

Prevent Jawbone Atrophy

Dental implants act as tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone. This prevents jawbone recession, which can contribute to further tooth loss and a sunken appearance.

Provide Stability

Since dental implants are secured in the jawbone, they provide stability to restorations, which prevents slipping and makes eating and speaking easier.

How do dental implants work?

You do not need to feel embarrassed...

Many Patients Suffer from Tooth Loss

Adults lose an average of 7 teeth by the age of 64

*According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

Certain Factors Can Disqualify You from Dental Implant Treatment

Jawbone Density

If you have suffered jawbone atrophy, you may need bone grafting to restore sufficient jawbone density and support dental implants.

Smoking

Smoking can impair your body's ability to heal. As such, you should abstain from smoking before and throughout treatment.

Health Conditions

Conditions such as periodontal disease and autoimmune disorders should all be addressed prior to dental implant treatment.

Are you hesitant about undergoing surgery?

Sedation Can Help You Feel at Ease

Many patients are apprehensive about the surgical portion of treatment. However, you can rest assured that the team at Dowell Dental Group will help you feel comfortable and at ease throughout your appointment. Before the procedure, we can administer a local anesthetic which will numb the treatment area. Additionally, we can provide oral conscious sedation to ensure your comfort. If you have been prescribed an oral sedative, your doctor will instruct you to take this pill either the night before or 30 minutes to one hour prior to surgery.

oral sedation

What is a Dental Implant?

These small titanium posts are designed to replace tooth roots at the site of a missing tooth. Your doctor will surgically place dental implants in your jawbone, where they will fuse with surrounding tissue. This process creates a strong base upon which a dental crown, bridge, or denture can be affixed.

Who is a Candidate?

During your consultation, our doctors will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and examine the structure of your smile. We may request x-rays and advanced images of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine whether you are eligible for surgery. Patients lacking adequate jawbone tissue may require a preliminary bone graft or sinus lift before proceeding with a dental implant procedure. To qualify for dental implants you must have:

One or more missing teeth
Healthy gums that are free from periodontal disease
Enough jawbone tissue to support an implant

Our office is equipped with a cone-beam computed tomography (CT) scanner, so we can take 3-D images of your smile. This technology enables our team to place your implants with precision, which is vital to their success and your oral health.

Dental implants and implant-supported restorations can also restore your ability to chew comfortably and speak properly, improving your overall quality of life.

Dental implants and implant-supported restorations can help you regain full dental function, as they mimic the tooth from root to crown.

The Phases of Dental Implant Surgery

For our patients' convenience, we can perform all aspects of dental implant surgery in-house, so we can ensure the highest quality care throughout treatment. Dr. Dowell is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and stays up to date on the latest dental techniques. Combining dental expertise and advanced technology, we can perform safe, precise dental implant procedures before placing your custom-made restoration.

Treatment Steps

Dental implants are biocompatible titanium posts that are surgically embedded in the jawbone to replace tooth roots. An implant can retain a number of restorations, including dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. The procedure involves several steps, each of which we can perform at our office for your convenience.

Consultation

Prior to surgery, we will schedule a consultation to evaluate your oral health and smile. Our office is equipped with advanced technology to ensure precise results. We can use our intraoral camera to view detailed images of your teeth and our cone-beam computed tomography (CT) system to take 3-D scans of your smile. These will help your dentist determine if you have sufficient jawbone tissue to support implants. If you are not eligible for treatment, we may recommend a preliminary bone graft procedure to restore candidacy. If you decide to proceed with the implant procedure, our team will design a customized treatment plan to meet your needs.

Placing Dental Implants

To begin, your doctor will create small incisions in the gums and create space for your dental implant. He will then carefully embed the implant post into your jawbone. Next, your doctor may place a healing cap over the implant to ensure optimal results before closing the incision with sutures.

Recovery

Healing can take three to six months. During this recovery period, the implant will fuse with jawbone tissue in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong foundation for your custom restorations.

Abutments and Restorations

Once your implants are fully integrated with your jawbone, you will return to our office for the last stage of surgery. During this procedure, our team will reopen your incisions, remove the healing cap, and attach an abutment to the top of each implant. The abutment is a connector device that will join your implant to your restoration. We will then close the incisions around the abutment. After approximately two more weeks of recovery, you will be ready to receive your custom-made restorations.

For our patients' convenience, we can perform all aspects of dental implant surgery in-house, so we can ensure the highest quality care throughout treatment.

During your next appointment, our team will take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to manufacture your restoration. Once your prosthetic is ready, we can attach it to the abutment, revealing a new, enhanced smile.

Dowell Dental Group

Dowell Dental Group Logo

Our team is dedicated to providing an exceptional dental experience:

Spa-like atmosphere
Cutting-edge technology
Compassionate, personalized care
Financing available

To schedule your consultation, contact us online, call us at (330) 868-5001, reach out to our most convenient location.

We hope you never experience a dental emergency, but if you do, we’re here for you. Dr. Dowell is available around the clock to help in the event of an emergency. Please call our main line for more information.
Dowell Dental Group

Dental Implants