If you currently have a missing tooth and have looked at options to replace it, you have probably heard about implants. Implants are pure titanium fixtures that are embedded into the bone in the space where you are missing the tooth. Over a healing period of four to eight months, the bone will ankylose into the threads of the implant, and the implant will become rigidly anchored into the bone (also known as osseointegration). After a set healing period, the implant is uncovered and an implant-retained crown can be screwed internally into the implant. The fully restored implant looks and acts like a tooth almost like it was never gone.
At Story City Dental we surgically place and restore our own implants. For more complex cases we will refer to a specialist. Sometimes the risks of placing the implant near vital structures within the bone is very high or the implant site may require extensive grafting prior to placement. In the event you were referred for placement, we will still restore it using our CEREC system.
Implants can be placed at the time of extraction (immediate placement), barring an infection or significant loss of bone. Or they can be placed 4-6 months after socket preservation is done (traditional). Story City Dental provides both implant procedures, however, we always try to do immediate placement as it saves four to six months of healing and can preserve the soft tissue profile that used to exist around the natural tooth a bit better.
Implants, when taken care of, are the best long-term solution for replacement of missing teeth and provide similar esthetics and function as the natural tooth it replaces. While there are other procedures that can be done to replace a missing tooth, these options usually involve reducing the size of the teeth next to missing tooth space and placing a bridge between the prepped teeth or taking something in and out of your mouth such as a partial denture. All of which are excellent options.
Implants are not just for missing single teeth. Multiple implants can replace multiple teeth. Patients with complete dentures can have them placed to retain their dentures more securely. In fact, we routinely see patients who have complete dentures and cant stand the dentures because they dont stay in place when they eat, usually with the lower-jaw set (even a well-made set of dentures can still move while eating). Simply adding two implants with attachments to the lower jaw (with corresponding parts within the denture itself) makes a marked difference when eating; the lower denture simply will not be able to move around during eating once locked into the attachments. Other combinations include four to six implants in the upper jaw and four to six implants in the lower jaw just to have fully implant-supported dentures, allowing most of the denture material to be removed from the dentures.
Once you are numbed, we make a small incision to displace the soft tissue at the site were the implant will be placed so that we can create a hole into the bone where the implant will be inserted. This hole is slightly smaller in diameter than the implant itself to allow the implant to be torque into place. Depending on the surgical site bone thickness, sometimes a graft must be placed to thicken the bone around the implant as it heals. If this is not required, then a healing abutment is placed over the implant, creating a tissue profile as the implant heals.
At six months post-op, the healing abutment will be removed and a digital impression scan body is placed within the implant so that a digital image can be made for fabrication of a crown for the implant.
Story City Dental opened in 2017 offering the Story City, Ames, Nevada, Boone and surrounding areas state-of-the-art equipment, flexible scheduling, IV sedation procedures, friendly and knowledgeable staff. You wont be disappointed in your experience. Let us be your familys place for all your dental needs.
We know how stressful going to the dentist can be. Thats why we have Bear, Story City Dentals comfort dog. Bear is an English doodle, which means hes one-half English cream golden retriever and one-half poodleand 100% cuddly and lovable. Bear can stay by your side during your procedure, or hell even hop up on the chair with you.
Based on anecdotal evidence, health-care facilities are more and more interested in using animal-assisted therapy, though its not terribly common in the dental field, putting Story City Dental ahead of dental offices nationwide. According to RHD, the National Magazine for Dental Hygiene Professionals, animal-assisted therapy may be able to reduce anxiety and improve the dental experience for patients. One study has shown that children who said they were stressed when going to the dentist had less distress after using a companion dog, like Bear.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 489 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestElizabeth Larson
a year ago
I struggled to find a new dentist office I liked since relocating to the Ames area. I heard great things and decided to try. Wow! I am so glad I did. They were top notch from beginning to end. My hygienist Taylor was amazing! So gentle and thorough with my cleaning. Dr. C was great and answered all my questions. After they walked me up front, assured me my insurance was good for coverage and out the door I went. All under an hour! Every hesitation and bit of anxiety associated with the dentist is gone. You won't regret going to Story City Dental. Plus, you get to spend time with Bear the office pup. What could be better?!
Jay Larson
a year ago
I had a loose implant fixed twice there, both times the tooth was loose again within hours. They didn't try a third time, but promised a referral to a qualified dentist who could fix the issue. This referral never came, but the bills certainly did. Not only did they charge me for both failed repair attempts, they also charged me for my next appointment which I did not confirm nor attend because I had decided our relationship was over. Definitely more about $$$ than patient care.
Abbi Mapes
a year ago
Truly awesome place!
Jon Duncan
a year ago
Thanks Jo, Taylor, and doctor Chen
Emily Anderson
a year ago
The hygienist was great! She cleaned my teeth without scraping up my gums like most places do. Glad I found a good spot!
Shawn Zimmerman
2 years ago
Highly recommend! We have had all sorts of services here and have been well taken care of each time. Every employee is very polite and professional and we really enjoy going to the dentist. Our whole family will forever be patients of Dr B and Dr Chen! Make sure you get some love from Bear, the therapy dog! He is amazing for kids...and nerves!
Wayne Schope III
2 years ago
This one was just in
Terry Greenfield
2 years ago
Awesome friendly professional dental care! Take care of all my dental needs! Offers everything dental including surgeries! Love "Bear"
Michael Eckers
2 years ago
Great dental facility... staff are welcoming, friendly and professional. All my questions were answered (including those about insurance). Easy to find and get to... all in all a very positive experience!
Diane Eckers
2 years ago
Very pleased with everything about staff and facilities. We've found our dental care.
Jen S
2 years ago
Story City Dental has been a wonderful addition to our family's medical team. My daughters have had to have teeth pulled (under age 12) and Dr. B and Dr. Chen have been wonderful with them. Bear, the therapy dog, is a wonderfully fun addition!
The Amazing Moore!
2 years ago
Dr. Binkowski and Dr. Chen have done amazing dental work for our family. We are so greatful to have them in our community . Both Doctors and the staff have been wonderful in helping our special needs child.
Diane Peterson
2 years ago
Everyone was wonderful and so helpful
Amie Shell
2 years ago
Very professional staff, everyone was very friendly and made my son comfortable with the experience. He has anxiety issues he has to deal with, so this was very important to us. They were very patient and made sure we understood what needs to be done, how it will be done, and made sure we didn't have any questions.
Justin Boliver
2 years ago
Friendly staff and I am always in and out.
Amy Tingle
2 years ago
I had great care there, however there is an emergency line where you can leave a message, I am having the worst toothache of my life, I've called a few times...no call back, I feel like I'm not important anymore...I'm not sure what to do at this point....I'm so exhausted from the pain and crying all day...maybe there is a phone issue...idk
Kim Snyder
2 years ago
You actually cared about me and my self esteem and conscious of no front teeth. Didn't try to tell me ALL my teeth need pulled like aspen dental did. Kudos to staff at your clinic!!
Zelia Araujo
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) It was great (Original) Foi otima
Vern vande brake
2 years ago
This was my first visit after moving here. The transition from my previous provider was seamless and the care I received was up to my expectations from my past experiences. The Dr and Taylor were great and I was pleased my self care was meeting their expectations. It is nice to have their team on your side. Glad I chose them for my dental care!
Elizabeth Goerner
2 years ago
I hadn't been to the dentist in several years, so I was a bit worried about going (there was nothing to worry about). There was no judgment, and everyone is friendly. So thankful they helped with the pain I was experiencing!
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