Dr. Andrew G. Ericksen, DDS grew up near Holladay, UT and attended the local high school, Olympus High. He graduated with honors from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Studies. He went on to attend Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, NE. Since receiving his DDS, Dr. Ericksen has worked at Holladay Dental Studio.

Dr. Ericksen is the only Associate Fellow with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry in Salt Lake Valley and has been a member since 2010. In 2011, he completed the Whitecap Institute’s Guided Implant Residency and advanced implant courses on sinus lifts and tissue grafting. He has also completed certificates with the Global Institute for Dental Education in sinus grafting, A to Z implant dentistry, aesthetic implant therapy, advanced implant therapy, and implants for edentulous patients. Dr. Ericksen is dedicated to his education, completing around 50 to 60 hours of continuing education courses each year.

In addition to his excellence in implant dentistry, Dr. Ericksen has extensive experience in endodontic treatment, crown and bridge restorations, composite restorations, extractions, Invisalign, and orthodontics. With his ability to complete a wide variety of procedures we are able to provide all of our patients care without having to refer them to another specialist.

Dr. Ericksen finds joy in solving complicated problems for his patients. He and his wife, Liz, live in Holladay with their three daughters, Gwen, Kate, and Emma. When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Ericksen loves to hike, ski, play basketball, and follow local sports.

Dental Implants :

Dental implants are a way to permanently replace your missing teeth. Dental implants consist of three parts: the implant, the abutment, and the replacement tooth.

The implant – This is the part that is placed permanently into your mouth. We do this by surgically placing the implant into your gum. Over time, the titanium implant fuses to your jawbone. The implant acts as a tooth root, creating a secure, permanent space to hold a replacement tooth.

The abutment connects the implant socket to the replacement tooth. The abutment is screwed to the implant post and then is screwed or cemented to the replacement tooth. This piece holds everything together and is how the tooth is secured in your mouth.

The replacement tooth is a prosthetic crown that is used in place of your natural tooth. They are usually made out of ceramic porcelain, which is a material that looks and feels just like your natural tooth – it is custom-designed to match the size and color of the surrounding teeth! Implants also can be used to support bridges or dentures.

Benefits of Implants :

Dental implants have many great benefits that aren’t well-known to those looking into tooth-replacement solutions. Implants can:

  • Improve your oral health. Did you know that the loss of a tooth can contribute to continued jawbone deterioration? With nothing to sit in the bone socket, the bone continues to decay. This also endangers surrounding teeth. A missing tooth can also leave room for infection.
    Dental implants can also improve your oral health because they are easier to clean. This decreases the risk of gum disease and helps to protect your entire oral health.
  • Allow you to enjoy your food. Dental implants provide almost 100 percent of the chewing ability of your natural teeth. This means you can eat anything you want – a steak, a juicy, crisp apple … anything. You also don’t have to worry about nasty-tasting denture adhesive. Say yes to eating good, quality food again.
  • Improve your confidence. With a mouth full of healthy, beautiful teeth, how can you not feel confident? Because implants are custom-designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth, you won’t have to worry about their appearance or function. Just practice good hygiene habits, and your implants will serve you well for years to come.
  • Improve your quality of life. Because implants improve your oral health, let you eat whatever you want, and encourage confidence, they will also help to improve your overall quality of life. We know that living without teeth, or having to deal with dentures on a daily basis, can be frustrating, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you. Implants might be the solution to your problems.

Implant-Supported Dentures :

Implant-supported dentures are removable dentures that are anchored in your mouth by dental implants. The implants are surgically placed in your gums, allowing the dentures to be secured into place on top. Check out our page on dental implants for more information on the implant placement process.

Once the implant is placed, there are two excellent options for implant-supported dentures:

  • Bar-retained dentures – With this option, a small metal bar is attached to the implants, allowing the removable portion of the denture to be clipped or otherwise attached easily. The denture fits over the entire implant system and is held in place by these attachments.
  • Ball-retained dentures – Like bar-retained dentures, ball-retained dentures work with implants to secure the removable denture. Unlike bar-retained dentures, this type uses studs or ball-shaped attachments that sit in the implants. The removable portion of the denture is equipped with sockets that fit over the studs. The stud and socket combination securely anchors the denture into your mouth.

Implant-supported dentures are the most secure form of dentures we offer. While still removable, they are attached firmly to permanent parts of your mouth (the implants). This helps to prevent the accidental dislocation of your prosthetic teeth.

If you are not eligible for implants or would prefer to discuss other options – you’re in luck! We offer many different types of dentures and will work to find the best solution to fit your needs.

Other Options :

While implant-supported dentures are a great option for many patients, sometimes other options are necessary:

  • Traditional full dentures – This type of denture is what you think of when you think of dentures. These dentures fit securely over your gums and are removable for easy cleaning.
  • Partial dentures – These work similarly to full dentures, except that they replace only a few teeth instead of the entire set.
  • Valplast – These are a type of flexible partial dentures that move with your mouth. These are often a more comfortable, natural-feeling option.
  • Metal dentures – Durable and smaller, metal dentures offer a stronger, less obtrusive solution. Metal dentures also tend to fit more snugly, lending security and comfort to the wearer.

Regardless of your circumstance, we can help you find the right denture solution that is right for you.

Q What is the best type of implant for my mouth?

The best type of implant for your mouth entirely depends on your current oral health and other factors specific to you. For many people, traditional implants work great. In other cases, mini implants or implant-supported dentures might be a better option. It all just depends on your specific circumstance.

The only way to know which option is best is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ericksen. During your consultation, Dr. Ericksen will complete a thorough examination and take X-rays of your mouth. After that, he will work with you to determine the best type of implant for your mouth. To schedule a consultation, call 801-618-0635 or fill out our online form.

Q What is the best tooth replacement option?

As you may have read, we have LOTS of different options for tooth replacement here at Holladay Dental Studio. Our selection for tooth replacement includes bridges, dentures, dental implants, implant-supported dentures, and more!

The only way to truly know which option is best for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ericksen. An examination and X-rays will help Dr. Ericksen help you determine which option is best for you.

Q What is TMJ?

TMJ syndrome is defined as the inflammation of the muscles, joint, or other structures that make up and surround the temporomandibular joints, or jaw joint. TMJ syndrome can be caused by any number of things, including injury, dislocation, arthritis, or other misalignment. Symptoms of TMJ syndrome include:

Pain or difficulty moving your jaw (i.e., when opening and closing your mouth)
Headaches or migraines
Chronic neck pain
Chronic back pain, especially in the upper back
Clicking or popping of the jaw joint
At Holladay Dental Studio, we offer many TMJ treatment options. Visit our treatment page to read about how we can help alleviate your pain.

Q What is the In-House Discount Plan?

This plan is intended for patients without insurance coverage. Our In-House Membership Discount Plan offers significant overall cost savings, open enrollment (you can purchase the plan at any time!), the ability to take advantage of your plan immediately, no pre-existing condition limitations, and no additional start-up fees! This program offers many of the benefits of insurance coverage without the hassle of dealing with the companies.

Yearly Membership Fee – $199/year
As a New Patient, enroll today for just $149 for your first year!*

Our In House Discount Plan includes:

2 comprehensive dental exams
2 basic cleanings
2 sets of X-rays
20% off all additional dental treatments
Visit our Holladay, UT location today to enroll in the program.

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