Say goodbye to the inconvenience and discomfort of traditional dentures with our Locator Fixed Prosthesis.  The Locator Fixed full arch restoration is our newest technology for implant supported full-arch replacements.  By using our own in-house lab and the latest technology, we are able to significantly lower the cost compared to traditional ‘All-on-4’ restorations.

With the help of 4-6 implants, the prosthesis is secured in place, providing a stable and secure base.  This method not only helps reduce bone loss but also ensures long-term oral health. We offer IV sedation and PRF during the procedure to help with a faster recovery, reduce post-operative pain and enhance the integration between implants and bone.

These systems have three parts:

1) The implant: A titanium or ceramic screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This is what permanently attaches to the bone in your jaw.

2) The abutment (locator): A permanent, but removable by our doctors, device that connects the titanium or ceramic implant to your new full-arch prosthesis. 

3) The prosthesis: These are the teeth that you see and use. This innovative solution combines natural beauty and comfort, is built by our in-house lab and has the convenience of implant support.

• Implants are the closest replacement to the look and feel of your natural teeth.
• Implants stimulate bone growth.
• Implants are reliable and have a 95% or higher success rate
• Implants allow you to eat all of the foods that you would with natural teeth
• Implants may also improve appearance, speech, self-esteem, and be life-changing.

Before placing any implants, we will take a full series of CT scans with our 3D CBCT machine. This will allow us to determine the amount of the existing bone, and the location of the nerves, blood vessels, and sinuses. where the nerves, blood vessels, and sinuses are. Since implants are placed into the bone, we need to know what we are working with beforehand!

If there isn’t enough bone available, Dr. Brad will determine the best course of action. He may choose a different implant size or location, or develop a plan for adding bone grafting material to the implant site. Bone grafting material is a biocompatible mineralized, freeze dried bone. This is packed into the site, covered with a membrane to promote proper healing, and left to heal and transform into newly grown bone. The body is amazing! Dr Brad may also have to add bone near the sinus area, creating enough bone for the implant to be placed safely. This process is called a sinus augmentation.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a cutting-edge technology that can greatly enhance the healing process while placing an implant. PRF is created from the patient’s own blood and contains high concentrations of growth factors and white blood cells. During the implant placement procedure, PRF is applied to the pocket to stimulate the healing process and minimize recovery time. This leads better osseointegration (bone-implant adhesion), less inflammation, and reduces the need for antibiotics and pain relievers. If you’re looking for an alternative to conventional medicine that’s both effective and safe, go no further than platelet-rich plasma (PRF). At Apex Dental, we use PRF to provide our patients with the best possible care and results for placing implants.

After the CBCT images are taken, and Dr. Brad has developed a plan, the surgery will begin. The surgery is usually done with IV sedation, which is included in our Locator Fixed protocol.  Your implants are inserted into the jaw during this procedure. Once the surgical implant is placed, there is a healing collar that is placed on top. This allows the body to heal around the implant for 3-4 months without any pressure or forces from normal activities.  Not to worry, you will have immediate dentures placed at the time of the surgery, so you will never go without teeth!

Once the healing is finished, a device called an abutment will screw into the implant. This is what the final prosthesis will be placed on. Dr. Brad and his team will take a final impression of the implant and abutment, and have the final prosthesis finished by our lab. This ensures a perfect fit on top of the implant. Within a few days the prosthetic will be finished and Dr. Brad will place it on the implant.