Dental Implant Info

The great majority of Harrell Dental Implant Center patients prepare for their treatment well in advance. This is beneficial because it is ideal for patients to have their existing teeth whitened ahead of their implant therapy. Doing so enables Dr. Robert Harrell and his staff to match patients’ new implant crowns to their post-treatment shade of brightness. HDIC offers ZOOM! whitening, which can lighten teeth up to seven shades with a single application.

The process of combining whitening and implants — in that order — is considered a best practice by most reputable implant providers. Below you can see what other dentists have to say about it:

Thoughts On Teeth Whitening: Is This Possible After Getting a Dental Implant?

Dr. H. Ryan Kazemi says:

Yes, you can get teeth whitening after your dental implant and crown have been done already. It does not affect the implant nor the crown. The ideal approach, however, is to do the whitening first and then have the crown made for the implant. That way the dentist can match the color much better to the whitened teeth.

Dr. David E. Azar says:

You can do whitening after having a dental implant, it will not effect the implant as long as it is fully integrated. But keep in mind that if you already have a crown on that implant the porcelain will not get whitened. If the crown is visible it may have to be replaced to match the new lighter color of your teeth. Read more at Osseo News

Pre-planning For a Brighter Smile

With the luxury of time on our side, we can set a plan to whiten your natural teeth first so that your new dental implant can be perfectly matched. This is important whether you are receiving a single dental implant or a dental implant bridge to replace multiple teeth. (If you are getting an All-on-4 appliance for full-mouth restoration, there is obviously no need to worry about matching shades.) Whitening your teeth is ideal since studies reveal that a bright smile can take more than a decade off your appearance. But, if you already have implants, crowns or other cosmetic enhancements, you shouldn’t whiten your smile without your dentist’s approval. Learn more below:

How Fabricated Teeth Respond to Whitening Treatments

For patients who have crowns, veneers, dental implants or bridges, whitening fabricated or modified teeth is something you need to consider before starting a whitening treatment. Why is that? Because many different dental materials such as those used in restorations or cosmetic treatments will not respond to whiteners. In fact, the whitening treatment could actually damage your fabricated teeth. Especially if the restoration is old, leaky, or the tooth around it has started to decay again. You may start to experience sensitivity, burning, or tissue irritation simply from an over-the-counter whitening kit.

Some superficial stains, such as those caused by tobacco or coffee may lift off of your crowns or tooth-colored fillings. But, you should never start a whitening routine without first checking with your dentist and having a thorough exam of your teeth and restorations. You want to be sure that you won’t damage your natural teeth or fabricated teeth during the whitening process. Read more at Dental Implants 123

Create a Comprehensive Plan

Tell Dr. Harrell if you are hoping to have your smile ready for a specific event, such as a wedding, holiday party or speaking engagement. Knowing your target date will help him schedule your treatment. Each client is different in terms of healing and contraindications. Certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking, and taking some medications can affect healing rates and abilities. It is vital to discuss these potential complications and follow all pre- and post-operative instructions for the ultimate results. If you are considering teeth whitening along with your dental implant therapy, we are happy to coordinate your treatment for the optimal outcome.

Harrell Dental Implant Center is the Charlotte area leader for dental implant procedures of all varieties. Book your free consultation with us today to learn more about the benefits of dental implants and ZOOM teeth whitening. Call 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on our website to make your appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.

Did you know that certain medical conditions and congenital factors can lead to some teeth never forming? Well, it’s true — the condition is called hypodontia and it might be more common than you would guess. The good news for anyone facing this challenge today is that modern dentistry provides an excellent way to replace missing teeth — in the form of dental implants.

To get started, read the following to discover more about hypodontia:

Hypodontia is an inherited condition characterized by developmentally missing teeth, without taking the absent third molars into account. In the case where there are six or more missing permanent teeth, the condition is called oligodontia. Anodontia refers to the condition where no teeth are present.

In persons of European ancestry, the most common missing teeth are the wisdom teeth (25-35%), the permanent upper lateral incisors (2%), the lower second premolars (3%), or the upper second premolar, with a higher prevalence in females than in males. The prevalence of missing primary teeth is found at 0.1-0.9%, with a 1:1 male to female ratio. Excluding the third molars, missing permanent dentition accounts for 3.5-6.5%. Similar trends of missing teeth can be seen in approximately 3-10% of orthodontic patients.

30-50% of people with missing primary teeth will have missing permanent teeth, as well.

In a systematic review in the Journal Of Orthodontics, the overall prevalence of hypodontia was found to be 6.4%, with the highest occurrence in Africa (13.4%). There is an increased risk of hypodontia in females than in males. Learn more from Wikipedia

 

We Have Your Smile Solution

Whether you suffer from hypodontia or have missing teeth due to injury or decay, Harrell Dental Implant Center can offer you everything from a single dental implant to an implant supported bridge to an All-on-4 appliance to correct your smile or, in the case of the latter, create a full-mouth restoration. Let’s take a closer look at each type of implant:

Single implant: A single implant can be used to replace one missing tooth and fill in a gap. The teeth on either side are unaffected. This is the ideal way to permanently fill an open space in your teeth.

Implant bridge: After two titanium posts have been given the chance to set in the jawbone, they provide anchoring points for a dental bridge that replaces multiple teeth.

All-on-4: This is a fantastic implant option that does the work of a denture, but does it so much better. An All-on-4 implant is a full-arch of prosthetic teeth that is secured on four titanium posts affixed into the jawbone. Forget about taking your teeth out at night or even worrying about them coming loose at an inopportune time. An All-on-4 allows patients with full replacement needs to regain the aesthetics and function they had with their own natural teeth.

Book Your Dental Implant Consultation

If you’re ready to have a brilliant new smile, Harrell Dental Implant Center can help. To learn more about dental implants and how they can makeover your mouth, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Robert Harrell. Call 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on our website to make your appointment. During your consultation a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how you will appear when your implants are in place.

The time for your brilliant new smile has arrived — and so has BBQ season. Are you going to forego grilled steak and corn on the cob again this year due to missing or damaged teeth? You don’t have to. Our professional and friendly team at Harrell Dental Implant Center can restore your teeth with a variety of dental implant options. We offer single dental implants to replace a cracked, chipped or broken tooth, dental implant bridges to replace multiple teeth, and All-on-4 appliances to replace entire arches of teeth. Whatever your smile woes, Harrell Dental Implant Center can help.

A key benefit of implants is the fact that they don’t damage your surrounding teeth like other restorative options:

Implants Can Protect Your Surrounding Healthy Teeth

With a dental implant, you really don’t have to worry about the health of the surrounding teeth. This tooth replacement option ensures that adjacent teeth are not affected in any way. The implant allows the dentist to position a bridge or crown on top so the other healthy teeth do not suffer. Read more at Chapnick Dental

Don’t Let Financial Concerns Hold You Back

We understand that cost plays an important part in the decision to get implants. It’s why we are happy to offer financing and payment options that make treatment affordable. When considering the cost, however, be careful that you don’t shortchange your basic oral health in favor of luxuries that really can wait. Investing in your teeth is one of the best things you can do for your general health and self-esteem.

Check out these fascinating stats about dental implants and mouthcare:

This time we will let the numbers speak for themselves:

• An average person spends 5 full days brushing their teeth over their lifetime.
• 500,000 people get dental implants each year in America
• 26% of adults have lost their permanent teeth by the age of 74.
• 69% of people between the ages of 35-40 have lost at least one tooth.
• 15 million people have crowns and bridges around the world.
• The first modern dental implant surgery took place in 1952. It was in the 1980s when dental implant techniques started to evolve.
• Dental implants have a 99.1% success rate backed by more than 50 years of clinical research.
• Traditional dentures last 7-15 years while dental implants last 20 years or even longer.
• There is a 30% failure rate in 5-7 years for teeth sitting next to dentures or bridges.
• 65 million people around the world have gum disease, half of which is connected to smoking. Read more at M Dental Clinic

Change Your Smile (And Your Life) Today

Every day we see firsthand how a vibrant, healthy smile is capable of transforming someone’s entire life. Naturally, we love what we do and we want to share our passion for dentistry with you. Contact us to learn more about dental implants and to see if you’re ready for them. If you require some bone grafting ahead of your treatment, we can handle that in our office with ease. This post has all the info you need to know about bone grafting:

The Importance of Bone Structure

Since your dentist has to surgically implant a titanium post into your jawbone, before doing anything, he or she will decide whether your existing bone is strong and healthy enough to support the post. When you loose teeth in the back of the top of your mouth, the bone that supported the teeth starts to deteriorate, while your sinus cavity expands. If this is the case, bone grafting is done to replace the lost bone and create a strong enough bone structure to support the implant.

Bone grafting sounds a lot scarier than it really is. Your doctor will do it right in the office, and you’ll be numbed up so you don’t feel anything. If you have to undergo bone grafting, your MA dentist will probably advise you to stick to a soft diet until the graft fuses to your bone. You don’t want to do anything to endanger the rest of the process. Read more dental implant figures, compliments of Dynamic Dental Inc.

Harrell Dental Implant Center is the Charlotte area leader in implant dentistry, having restored the smiles of countless patients throughout the region. If you have missing or damaged teeth and are seeking a permanent restoration solution, our practice is just what you’re looking for. And don’t forget about our financing and payment solutions to help you secure treatment.

Make an appointment with us today for your free dental consultation. Dr. Robert L. Harrell will assess your needs, answer any questions you might have and show you your best course of treatment. Call 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on this page to schedule your appointment. During your visit a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how you will appear when your implants are in place.

Harrell Dental Implant Center wants your new dental implants to be permanent, look beautiful and feel secure. Your new smile will live up to these goals if you keep up with your regular cleanings at HDIC and give the proper attention to your self-care. Your at-home routine is essential to the longevity of your new teeth. Discover more below:

Daily Cleaning Is Essential For Implant Health

Cleaning implant-supported tooth replacements is just as important as cleaning natural teeth, as both depend on healthy surrounding tissues for support. Bacterial biofilm (plaque) collects on implant crowns just as it does on natural teeth, and must be removed on a daily basis at home. Without daily biofilm removal, infection can develop known as peri-implantitis (“peri” – around; implant “itis” – inflammation), which can result in loss of the attachment [between bone and implant]. Unlike inflammation around teeth, this reaction can be quite catastrophic both in rate and amount, quickly leading to a well- or dish-shaped loss of bone around an affected implant. Bone loss can rapidly progress to loss of the implant. Read more at Dear Doctor

Smoking Can Dramatically Impair Implant Healing

Some clients plan their dental implant therapy well in advance. There are varying reasons for this, but one key motive is to give themselves time to quit smoking. This unhealthy habit is known to be one of the most detrimental practices around when it comes to proper implant healing. Good blood circulation is a vital part of optimum healing — smoking inhibits this process. Discover more about smoking and implants below:

If you’ve just gotten a dental implant, dental researchers advise you not to light up: smoking increases the risk of dental implant failure.

Spanish researchers studied 66 patients who received 165 implants and followed their progress for 5 years. The implant failure rate for smokers was 15.8 percent, compared to just 1.4 percent in nonsmokers.

“People who smoke are at greater risk of infection following surgery and may heal more slowly,” said Dr. Arturo Sanchez Perez, a researcher at the University of Murcia in Spain. “When an implant is placed in a smoker, it is more likely to fail.”

Implants are manufactured devices that are placed surgically in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as anchors for replacement teeth. Implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. Read more at Colgate

Book Your Cleaning Or Consultation At Harrell Dental Implant Center

If it’s time (or past time) to have your dental implant professionally cleaned, call Harrell Dental Implant Center at 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on our website to book your cleaning appointment.

If you currently have missing or damaged teeth and are ready to boost your self-esteem and have the smile you deserve, call HDIC and schedule your free consultation appointment. Discuss the procedure options and get answers to your questions or concerns. We will be happy to show you how dental implants are your best option. Plus, during your consultation a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how you will appear when your implants are in place.

The before and after care choices you make play a key role in creating lasting success for your dental implant procedure. Whether you receive All-on-4 arches, a dental implant bridge or a single dental implant, you can control many of the factors that make a difference in how fast and how thoroughly your implant bonds with the surrounding bone (osseointegration) by choosing the right behaviors.

Let’s start at the beginning of the healing process and discuss some of the short-term symptoms you may experience post surgery:

Healing: Normal healing after placement of dental implants should be as follows: The first two days after surgery are generally the most uncomfortable and there is usually some swelling. On the third day you should be more comfortable and, although still swollen, can usually begin a more substantial diet. The remainder of the post-operative course should be gradual, steady improvement. If you don’t see continued improvement, please call our office.

Discoloration or Bruising: The development of black, blue, green or yellow discoloration is due to bruising beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence that might appear 2-3 days after surgery. Beginning 36 hours after the surgery, moist heat applied to the area may speed up resolution of the discoloration.

Sore Throat: This is not uncommon after oral surgery. The muscles get swollen and this may make swallowing painful. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days.

Stiff Jaw Muscles: This may cause a limitation in opening the mouth wide for a few days after surgery. This is a normal post-operative event that usually resolves during the week after surgery. Stretching these muscles may help to speed up resolution of this problem. Discover more vital healing tips to consider after your dental implants compliments of Oral Facial Surgeon

Pre-Planning Leaves Less Room For Unwelcome Surprises

At Harrell Dental Implant Center, we believe that education is essential. Answering all questions and concerns ahead of time and offering in-depth pre- and post-care instructions ensures that our clients are prepared for success. We are committed to making every aspect of your implant surgery a success. For instance, it can be tempting to celebrate your new smile with a glass of wine, but we want you to know that, for a while, this is not a good idea. Read more cautions below:

Drinking Alcohol

You probably know you should not drink alcohol soon after your oral surgery, because the beverage can thin the blood and cause extensive bleeding around the dental implant. Alcohol can also be dangerous when it is mixed with steroidal pain killers that are commonly prescribed after a dental implant operation.

The Harmful Healing Effects of Alcohol

You may think that it is safe to drink alcohol after the initial implant healing period. This is not wise though, because habitual alcohol use can reduce the amount of white blood cells the body produces. White blood cells are utilized by the body to eliminate bacteria and other foreign intruders from the body. If your body does not produce enough white blood cells, then bacteria may multiply around the gum or bone implant site and an infection may set in.

Alcohol can also stop your body from absorbing enough calcium. This can lead to weak bones and it will also slow down the osseointegration process. Osseointegration occurs when the jaw bone forms new cells around the implant root. These cells adhere to the metal and the implant becomes a permanent part of the jaw. If osseointegration does not occur, then the implant will fail and fall out. This means you should not drink alcohol until your dentist indicates the osseointegration process has completed.

Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking is another thing you absolutely should not do after a dental implant is secured in your mouth. When you smoke, you cause the blood vessels in your body to constrict. This reduces the flow of blood to your gums and your jaw bone, and oxygen and other nutrients cannot reach the tissues. These nutrients are required to help the tissues heal properly.

The act of smoking also releases a great deal of toxins into your body. Carbon monoxide, ammonia, and cyanide are only a few examples of the 4000 chemicals that enter the body when you smoke. Your immune and excretory system work hard to remove these toxins from the body. As your body spends time trying to eliminate the harmful substances, it does not extend energy to help your implant wound heal. Fittesystem describes in detail more habits to consider avoiding during your convalescence.

Creative Soft Foods To Prepare

The list of delicious soft foods you can enjoy after your dental implant surgery is large. We suggest that you do your grocery shopping prior to your procedure so you can relax afterward. Use your blender or food processor to efficiently mash up foods and make them easier to swallow. Here are some of the fresh foods you may want to include on your grocery list:

• Avocado

• Baby Food

• Baked Beans – mashed if necessary

• Baked Apples

• Bananas

• Biscuits – flakey, soft or soaked to become soft

• Broccoli – steamed soft

• Broth

• Butternut Squash – cooked soft

• Carnation Instant Breakfast Drinks

• Carrots – steamed soft

• Casseroles

• Clams and Clam Chowder

Read the rest of this alphabetical list on the Sarasota Dentistry website.

If you are ready to have the smile you deserve, call Harrell Dental Implant Center and schedule your free consultation appointment to discuss the procedure options and get answers to your questions or concerns. We will be happy to show you how dental implants are your best option.

Call 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on the website to make your appointment. During your consultation a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how you will appear when your implants are in place.

Understanding the process of dental implant surgery can drastically reduce your healing time and facilitate a smooth recovery. Harrell Dental Implant Center is Charlotte’s top choice for dental implants. Trust your smile with the team that offers years of experience restoring damaged or missing teeth with implants. Is 2018 the year for your fabulous new smile? Read more to see if you’re a candidate:

Why it’s done
Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won’t slip, make noise or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials can’t decay like your own teeth that support regular bridgework can.

In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are willing to commit several months to the process

Discover more reasons if dental implant oral surgery is the right choice for you at Colgate

Knowledge Is Power

Dr. Robert Harrell and his experienced dental team rely on state-of-the-art technology to optimize dental implant placement for a seamless procedure. The ability to have concise surgical guides and streamlined equipment ensures optimum patient comfort during all aspects of the procedure. You will receive complete pre and post operative care instructions to understand every aspect of your new smile journey. Learn how to care for your new dental implants below:

Caring for my dental implant(s)

Because dental implants are placed in the jawbone, artificial replacement teeth attached to implants look and act much like natural teeth. Like natural teeth, implants need to be kept clean using a toothbrush and floss. Your dentist will show you the proper cleaning procedure for implants. Regular dental checkups are important so your dentist can make sure that your bite is right and that your implants are not loose.

What else should I know?

• Several visits to your dentist or dental specialist may be needed until the process is done.
• Checkups will be scheduled during the following year so your dentist can be sure your implants are working properly.
• You will need to take very good care of your implants.
• Implants can cost more than other kinds of replacement teeth and might not be covered by your dental plan. But in most cases this is a one-time cost, unlike other kinds of tooth replacement procedures.
• Although rare, possible complications due to dental implants include bleeding, infection, numbness or injury to nearby muscles or the sinus cavity. In some cases, the implant may not be successful because it didn’t bond to the bone. The CDA-ADC is full of excellent considerations to ensure your ultimate healing and wellbeing.

Preparation Is Key For Your Ultimate Dental Implant Success

We look forward to helping you achieve your smile goals. Regardless, if you are seeking a single dental implant, an implant bridge, All-On-Four complete arches or denture stabilization, Harrell Dental Implant Center in Charlotte, NC is who you want to facilitate your oral surgery with. Take these tips from fellow dentists to heart and prepare as much as you can ahead of time to maximize your comfort and convalescence:

Stock Up Your Kitchen.Rather than asking someone to bring you food or settling for hard foods that could potentially slow the healing process, visit the grocery store the night before your procedure. If you are slightly swollen or sore after surgery, having soft foods available to eat will help you avoid complications with the surgical sites. If your procedure requires sedation, you will be unable to drive after your surgery, so you need to plan ahead. Stock up on your favorite soft foods (e.g., applesauce, soups, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, nutritional drinks, etc.). Planning ahead will keep you stress-free, and you won’t have to resort to hard foods or go hungry. Those should not even be options.

Be Mindful of Scheduling.We understand that people have responsibilities, but you also need to give yourself enough time to recover properly so that you don’t extend your recovery time. If you try to resume your normal, everyday activities too soon, you are putting yourself at risk for complications. The majority of our procedures are outpatient and do not require long-term recovery periods, but you still shouldn’t rush your recovery. Consider picking a surgery date around a holiday or a long weekend — figure out the best time for you to relax and recover without stress. We are happy to accommodate your needs, so consider your schedule and find a time that works best.

Have Something to Do While You Recover.After acquiring your favorite soft foods to eat after your procedure, you’ll want to plan some enjoyable, restful activities to do while you recover. Have some interesting books on hand, movies you want to see, puzzles you never finished, and games to play to keep you occupied and entertained! Do your best to keep yourself busy and avoid putting stress on your body. Planning restful activities will help your recovery time seem shorter and deter any temptation to do activities that may slow down your healing process. These are great tips from Billings Oral Surgery that we full heartedly agree with!

Regardless of how many teeth you need to fix or replace, nothing beats the durability and function that dental implants can provide. Book a free consultation at Harrell Dental Implant Center and discover which implant options will best address your needs. Call 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on this page to make your appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.

It is interesting to note that many clients who undergo dental implant therapy are unaware that it is necessary to undergo regular dental checkups. If you have received dental implants, be sure to book your regular hygiene cleanings to stay proactive against gum disease. Plaque bacteria still needs to be professionally removed even after dental implant therapy.

If properly maintained, dental implants are a reliable, long-term solution for your mouth. But it is important to actively maintain dental implants, much as you would teeth, in order to ensure their longevity. This may seem obvious, but it is easy to assume that because dental implants are not real teeth, they do not require the same degree of care.

However, conscientious oral hygiene is vital for ensuring the full benefits of your dental implants. Such hygiene and regular dental visits are especially important during the first year of your dental implants.

Teeth Brushing: You should brush at least twice a day, which will prevent the growth of bacteria and protect your teeth from tooth decay and other oral diseases.

If you do not have an electric (or sonic) toothbrush, you should seriously consider acquiring one. Electric toothbrushes have been proven to clean teeth better, as well as be more efficient. Electric toothbrushes also do a better job at cleaning the harder-to-reach places in your mouth.

Moreover, the vibrations of electric toothbrushes may also be beneficial to your dental implants.  Chewing stimulates the jawbone, helping it maintain its density, and the vibrations of an electric toothbrush are similar to chewing.

Flossing: Even an electric toothbrush is no substitution for flossing. It is essential that you use dental floss or a water flosser regularly to remove plaque and food debris trapped between the teeth and implants. Flossing is equally vital for curbing harmful bacteria, tooth decay, and gum disease. Courtesy of Dr. Farole

Flossing Is Necessary For Maintaining Your Dental Implants

Harrell Dental Implant Center reminds clients is essential to maintain a daily brushing and flossing routine once your dental implants have completely healed. Keep your mouth healthy and fresh for a lifetime of happy, vibrant smiles. Here are some great tips:

Looking After Your New Teeth

By far the most important thing needed for a satisfactory, long term outcome is careful adherence to dental hygiene and regular visits. It is now more important than ever to see that you clean your implant-retained teeth properly.

This is vital around the area of the abutment(s). You will be given instructions on how to care for your dental implants, but it will require motivation and commitment on your part.

If you are in the position of having to have dental reconstruction because you didn’t look after your teeth then this is a second chance. Dental hygiene and regular visits are now more important than ever.

Floss

In narrow areas, where the interdental brush is hard to use, floss is recommended. Clean the sides of your implant-supported tooth and abutment posts by passing floss (thick floss, Super floss) back and forth between the implant tooth and the neighbouring teeth, or through the spaces next to the abutment posts. See more at Norton Implants

Maintain Your Dental Checkups Every 6 Months

Dr. Robert Harrell and everyone at Harrell Dental Implant Center wants to help you enjoy the best oral health possible. Comprehensive dental checkups are vital to ensuring your dental implants are secure and problem free. Annual oral cancer screenings are part of your dental care. Missing out on oral hygiene appointments can lead to gum disease and avoidable, uncomfortable issues. Discover more aftercare tips here:

It is important that your dental implants are checked by your dentist regularly just like natural teeth.  We recommend that a dentist checks your implants after 6 months and at least once a year thereafter to ensure they are maintained and are healthy. In addition to your regular dental checks we would like to offer you some oral health advice you can implement yourself at home.

It is important that your dental implants are checked by your dentist regularly just like natural teeth.  We recommend that a dentist checks your implants after 6 months and at least once a year thereafter to ensure they are maintained and are healthy. In addition to your regular dental checks we would like to offer you some oral health advice you can implement yourself at home. See more at Acorn Dental

In Charlotte, Dr. Harrell at Harrell Dental Implant Center is the local leader for dental implant procedures of all varieties. Call 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on the website to make your appointment. During your consultation a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how you will appear when your implants are in place.

Harrell Dental Implant Center believes in providing our clients with the best technology available. Advanced tools allow us to obtain a clear picture of your teeth and gums and plan for the optimal implant therapy to give you a healthy and brilliant smile. Some of our favorite tools of the trade for providing outstanding dental implant treatment include:

• Cerec Omnicam
• Sirona Cone Beam CT Scanner
• Sicat Digital Implant Guides
• nSequence Digitally Guided Protocol for All-on-4
• Dexis Digital Intraoral X-ray
• SIROLaser
• Periostat Implant Testing Tool
• Sidexis Implant Planning Software

Sirona Cone Beam CT Scanner

Imagine being able to experience lower doses of radiation while obtaining up to 500 images in a single scan. The Sironal Cone Beam CT Scanner has revolutionized dentistry and made dental implants much easier to plan and place from start to finish.

DIGITAL DENTAL IMAGING FROM SIRONA

Today’s patients demand the most advanced dental care. This is why 3D visualization and treatment plan acceptance go hand-in-hand: to guide your patients to a better understanding of your diagnoses, increasing both their trust and treatment plan acceptance. Our line of 3D products allows more precision, efficient workflow, safety and confidence. Whether you are a specialist or a practice-based dentist, the Sirona 3D family offers a solution to meet your unique needs. See more at Sirona 3D

CEREC Omnicam Showcases Intraoral Features With Ease

This tiny wand offers a wealth of knowledge and unsurpassed imagery. Harrell Dental Implant Center uses this special tool to gather 3D images in order to build same-day crowns and complete the planning process for surgical guides for dental implant surgery. Here’s more:

CEREC Omnicam’s revolutionary design features a completely new, ergonomic handpiece and special optics to guarantee un-surpassed intraoral access. New ColorStreaming allows continuous capture of the oral cavity as well as displaying the 3D data in full color – an industry first. Operator convenience has been greatly improved by making the system completely powder-free while retaining Sirona’s high standards for precision.

CEREC Omnicam perfectly balances all requirements for a chairside CAD/CAM camera with operator convenience while introducing another Sirona first – full color. Other new features and benefits:

• Records 2D and 3D data, the first intraoral camera to do so
• Captures half-arch and full-arch impressions with industry-leading speed
• Anti-shake features automatically eliminate substandard images
• Provides a uniform field of illumination for increased precision

Designed for Access

Slim, rounded camera tube allows easy rotation of the camera in the intraoral space. The tiny camera tip guarantees the best lens positioning anywhere in the mouth.

Color Streaming for Confidence

As the camera moves over teeth, a photorealistic image is displayed in full-color with crisp clarity and impeccable detail delivering a new level of clinical confidence. See more at Sirona

Let Us Help You Find Your Smile Again

Make an appointment with us today for your free dental implant consultation. Dr. Harrell will assess your needs, answer any questions you might have and show you your best course of treatment. Call 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on the website to schedule your appointment. During your visit a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how you will appear when your implants are in place.

Learn more about the advanced technology at Harrell Dental Implant Center in the following video:

Harrell Dental Implant Center, the Charlotte, NC implant leader, wants your dental implant experience to be smooth from start to finish. So, remember that the follow-up healing period is vital to your overall success. This study of how pre- and post-operative nutrition can affect your smile is worth reading:

Low intakes of vitamin C and low serum vitamin C are associated with greater clinical attachment loss in adults. Moreover, a high intake of vitamin C, at a level that meets or is in excess of the current dietary recommended intakes for vitamin C in North America, is associated with a decrease in periodontal disease progression. A few studies have reported the effects of other dietary components or foods with potential antioxidant activity such as β-carotene, Lycopene, and green tea and its extract. In a prospective study, those consuming the greatest amounts of β-carotene in their diet were associated with a 27% reduction in the risk of periodontal disease progression. Reductions in bleeding, gingival indices and plaque indices were recorded in healthy patients showing signs of gingivitis after taking 8 mg of Lycopene daily for two weeks compared to those who took the placebo. Green tea demonstrated similarly positive results. There was an inverse relationship between green tea intake and probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing. This may have been due to the inhibition of periodontal pathogenic growth and production of virulence factors by green tea polyphenols as shown by in vitro studies. Chewing on eight pieces of candy with green tea extract daily resulted in improved sulcus bleeding and proximal plaque indices from week one to week three, while these values worsened for those who received placebo. See more at NCBI

Avoid Hot Liquids After Oral Surgery

While it is essential to stay well hydrated, Dr. Robert Harrell and the caring crew at HDIC remind clients not to have any hot beverages post op. Room temperature water is the absolute best and you can eventually enjoy some tasty natural fruit juices rich in vitamins. Read more:

Drink approximately 8 cups of fluid per day. Start drinking nutritious fluids such as juices, milk and milkshakes as soon as you are able to. Drink water too. Avoid using a straw, drink normally out of a glass. Avoid hot liquids like coffee and tea–let them cool first before drinking. Hot fluids increase the flow of blood and your wound can start to bleed again.

Consume more dark green and orange vegetables, and more servings of vegetables than fruits. Suggested foods include applesauce stewed or canned fruit or smoothies. Try soups, containing lower levels of sodium, made with lots of veggies. This should be well cooked or pureed, but not served very hot. Sweet potatoes, mashed vegetables such as carrots, turnip or other root vegetables are both filling and nutritious. Broccoli cooked until soft and served with melted cheese adds variety and allows you to incorporate a serving from the milk and alternatives group.

Avoid alcohol and tobacco as much as possible during the healing period of two weeks as both are known to delay the healing process. You may wish to take a multivitamin supplement as it may promote healing. See more at Oral Health Group

Boosting Your Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C fights infection, aids in collagen and tissue formation and tastes delicious! There are a multitude of foods and beverages full of this fantastic antioxidant. Some clients prepare for their dental implant surgery and begin supplementation a few weeks or months prior to their appointment. Vitamin C is water-soluble so your body will flush out excess amounts as opposed to storing it. Brightly colored fruits and veggies are a delicious choice and there are many yummy chewable vitamin C vitamins on the market you may wish to explore before surgery. Always check with your family doctor prior to starting any new supplement routine. Review these excellent nutritional factors from knowyourteeth.com:

Getting plenty of vitamin C is one way oral surgery patients can ensure timely recovery. Patients who neglect nutrition might be tacking extra days onto their recovery time, reports the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Deficiencies of vitamin C have been shown to significantly slow the healing process. AGD spokesperson Ludi Leibson, DDS, says he sometimes gives oral surgery patients high doses of vitamin C and multi-vitamin supplements before surgery.

A patient’s diet is crucial because adequate and appropriate vitamins, minerals, fats and protein are essential for the growth and regeneration of normal tissues.

“You’re going to delay the healing process and increase the possibility of infection if you’re not getting the proper nutrients,” says Dr. Leibson.

Nutrients function individually as well as cooperatively in the healing process. The energy needed for tissue maintenance and repair is supplied by carbohydrates, fat and protein. Along with vitamin C, vitamins A, E, B, K and D are all integral to the healing process and a speedier recovery time. For example, vitamin A significantly contributes to healing by reducing the inflammatory period of tissue repair. See more at Know Your Teeth

No other form of tooth replacement will give you back the look and function of your missing teeth like dental implants. They restore your smile, give you stability for chewing and speaking and keep your jawbone healthy. If you have one or more missing teeth or no teeth at all, dental implants are the answer you have been waiting for. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Harrell at Harrell Dental Implant Center.

Call 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on the website to make your appointment. During your consultation a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how you will appear when your implants are in place.