Dentistry gives me the opportunity to not only do what I love, but also to be with people who mean so much to me every day. I enjoy the chance to meet so many fantastic people and be able to build wonderful relationships that have lasted for so many years.
Each day, incredible people give me the chance to be part of their lives and make a difference. Whether its a small impact or one that effects a big change in their health, I am privileged to be able to participate in their life.
I attended Indiana University for my undergraduate education and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry for my Doctorate of Dental Surgery. I attended the University of Iowa Hospitals &Clinics for my residency and training in medically compromised patient care and advanced education in general dentistry.
In the years since completing my formal education, I have continued to keep abreast of the most advanced, clinically sound procedures and technology. I am involved in education for Invisalign, TMJ dysfunction and treatment, implants, sleep apnea, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and endodontics, which allows me to provide the utmost level of care to my patients.
I like to refer to my staff as my Dream Team. They are exceptional in everything they do, whether theyre greeting you when you call or come into the office or helping you back in the rooms. I have had the pleasure of working with each person on this team in some fashion throughout my career, and now we are all under one roof.
I am married to Dr. Eric Van Miller, a local pediatric dentist and a Green Bay native. We have three wonderful children and a dog named Tank. I love to garden, cook, and spend time with family and friends. If Im not in the office or at home, you can probably find me at one of my kids activities.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that acts like a natural one. Its a long-term solution to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental implant replaces the entire tooth, from root to crown, and offers important benefits, like increased stability, durability, and aesthetics.
The root of a dental implant is a small, post-like device made from titanium or titanium zirconium. It is inserted into the jaw bone in place of a missing tooth root, and acts as a support for an artificial tooth crown.
The healing phase lasts between three and 12 weeks, depending on the individual medical situation. During this period, the implant becomes securely attached as the jaw bone grows and bonds with ita process called osseointegration. Once healed, the artificial root acts as a base for an individual crown, multi-tooth bridge, or an entire dental prosthesis.
With conventional crown and bridge treatment, healthy neighboring teeth must be ground down in order to support a bridge. This results in the loss of natural tooth surface. Furthermore, the bridge does not transmit chewing forces to the jaw bone, so bone deterioration may also occur.
Even the best prosthesis will always be a separate part that requires extensive care. By contrast, a dental implant acts as a natural root that merges and integrates with the body to act like a natural tooth.
Implants transmit chewing forces to the jaw bone, helping to maintain your bone and facial structure. This is not the case if teeth are missing, or when a conventional bridge or dentures has been placed. If these forces cease, the bone may slowly recede and the shape of the face may change over time. Dental implants can help prevent this gradual bone deterioration, as they mimic the action of the original root.
Laughing, kissing, singing, and eating like beforeimplants can improve your quality of life. Missing teeth can cause self-consciousness and insecurity, and ill-fitting dentures can cause permanent discomfort. These inconveniences come to a welcome halt with dental implants.
Dental implant therapy is a well-proven, state-of-the-art medical dental technique. For decades, dental implants have been tested and used worldwide by qualified dentists and surgeons. Today, implants offer the possibility to treat almost every indication for missing teeth. According to results of a survey carried out in Germany, 98% of patients indicated their satisfaction level with their dental implants was good or very good.1