Dental Implants

The routine use of dental implants has revolutionized prosthodontics and the way missing teeth are replaced. Dental implants have become the standard of care for the replacement of teeth because dental implants allow a missing tooth (or teeth) to be restored to optimum function and appearance without invading or damaging any other teeth or tissues.

In the past a patient missing a single tooth would often receive a fixed bridge where the teeth on either side of the space are prepared for crowns and a false tooth suspended between them. With today’s technology the patient is ideally treated by a crown supported by a dental implant, avoiding any compromise to the other teeth. Dental implants are the ultimate solution for young people with congenitally missing teeth such as lateral incisors.

Dental implants can also replace multiple missing teeth which are traditionally replaced by a removable partial denture. Occasionally dental implants can act as anchors for a fixed bridge to replace the teeth making the removable partial denture obsolete. In some cases there are too many teeth missing to use a fixed bridge; however, using a dental implant with an attachment that snaps into the removable partial denture will significantly improve its stability and improve the patient’s chewing function.

Perhaps the best known use of dental implants is treating patients without any teeth. Denture wearers often suffer due to loose and “floating” dentures, and dental implants offer many benefits to patients without teeth. Stability of the dentures is improved with the use of even two dental implants with attachments, but greater satisfaction is achieved as the number of dental implants is increased. Depending on the number of dental implants utilized to replace the teeth a denture can be made that clips onto a bar supported by the dental implants or a fixed denture that remains in the mouth can be attached to the dental implants. Dental implants also can help preserve the patient’s jaw bone and retard the shrinking of the jaw that is routinely seen in long-term denture wearers.

Reasons for dental implants:

•Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.

•Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.

•Restore a patient’s confident smile.

•Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.

•Restore or enhance facial tissues.

•Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

•Replace a denture with a completely fixed prosthesis

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires several visits over a few months denpending on several factors including number of missing teeth, amount of jaw bone present, physical health of the patient and type of restoration required.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.

The implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months.

Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to uncover the implant and connect the abutment (connecting post) which will then allow placement of a crown. In certain situations, (immediate implants) the post and anchor may already be attached and placed at the same time.

Once healing of the implant is complete, an impression is made to fabricate the crown on the implant. This is then either cemented or screwed onto the implant with the help of the abutment post. At this time the crown on the implant looks and funtions like a normal tooth.You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant

Fixed Bridge over implants replacing missing teeth.

1: Before the procedure

Single tooth is missing. Xrays, molds are taken to determine what implant needs to be used to replace missing tooth and proximity of maxillary sinus.

2: Installing the implant

The implant is installed. At this stage, if conventional implants are done, a healing abutment or cover screw is placed on and left about 3 to 4 months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken. If immediate loaded implants are done, the temporary crown is loaded onto the implant.

3: Attaching the new crown

The final step is the making and placing the permanent crown on the implant. The new tooth is installed permanently.

You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Usual dental hygiene should be maintained to keep the tooth and gum around the implant clean and healthy.

Implant options for securing dentures:

1.Denture secured with 2 implants and O rings as show in this picture
2.Denture supported on a bar resting on 4 to 5 implants

Fixed Bridge on Implants

Dental implants can be used to convert a denture wearer to having a complete set of teeth that look and feel like natural teeth. People who have had traditional dentures before getting a fixed bridge often describe this as an overwhelming and very positive experience.

1:The first step is to determine to determine how many implants can be placed. A minimum of 6 to 8 implants are needed for the upper arch and 6 implants are needed for the lower arch.

2.The number of implants placed is dependent on bone condition and the implantologist judgement. If conventional implants are done, temporary dentures can be opted to be made or your old dentures may be worn that enable you to eat and function while the implants are left to heal and integrate with the jaw bone.

3.Once the implants are completely healed, impressions are made to fabricate a fixed bridge which is then secured to the implant to give a fixed set of teeth