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Now there is an alternative for replacing a missing tooth, missing teeth
or help anchor dentures securely. Implantology has been in dentistry for decades but only
in the past 10 years or so has it become much more predictable and successful. There are
now thousands of implants placed each year world wide with tremendous long-term success.
IMPLANT LONGEVITY
Just like your real teeth, implants require very careful cleaning each
and every day. Regular dental hygiene appointments are just as important (if not more so).
It is true that implants can't decay, but they are susceptible to periodontal problems
just like real teeth. Smoking is a factor with implant failure and should be discontinued
for long term success. Other very important factors are the correct placement of your
implant in secure bone and a very correct bite to minimize stresses - these decisions are
made by the doctor directing your care.
There are implants that have been successfully used for over 30 years.
Now, with a better understanding of fundamentals and studies performed, we expect implants
to be 95%+ successful for 30 years and most likely a lifetime.
PLACEMENT TECHNIQUE-
The implant itself is made from titanium. Titanium has a very high
affinity to bone. After a careful medical and dental history is taken and evaluated.
Proper models, x-rays and other diagnostic tools are reviewed and the decision to use an
implant has been made - the actual placement occurs. At the time of the implant placement
(an office procedure, usually under an i.v. sedation) an incision is made and
"core" of bone is easily and carefully removed that corresponds exactly to the
length and diameter of the implant body. The implant is seated, the tissue repositioned
and sutured into place. Most people who undergo this surgery say that the discomfort is
minimal post operative.
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| BONE BEFORE SURGERY |
CORE TAKEN OUT, IMPLANT ABOVE |
Now the implant actually "osseous integrates" (biologically
fuses) to the bone. This process of integration takes usually from 4 to 6 months. During
this time, the implant remains covered over and no forces are placed on it. Dentures may
be worn during t his healing time. After the integration has been allowed to occur, in a
very simple procedure, the implant top is exposed and an extension is placed so that the
gums can heal for a short period of time.
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| EXTENSION (through gums) |
TOOTH REPLACEMENT
The crown (cap) is placed over the implant extension through a series of
very precise impressions and lab procedures. Finally the finished crown is cemented or
screwed into place on the implant.
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| CROWN ON IMPLANT |
DENTURE ANCHORING
You don't need 14 implants to replace all of the lower teeth, just a few
implants correctly placed will support a denture. Most cases require between 2 and 5
implants to provide excellent results. Generally, if you want teeth that are not removed,
it will require that more implants be placed. Because they're more easily cleansed, we
prefer that the implant supported teeth be removable. Another excellent reason for
removable teeth is that they act like a shock absorber for the implants.
Through a series of very precise impressions and lab procedures, a bar
is made to precisely fit over the top of each implant extension. The bar has a shape that
will accommodate plastic snaps to fit over it. These snaps are then transferred to the
inside of the denture base. With the denture snapped into position, all the implants, bar
and snaps a re hidden by the denture acrylic.
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BAR ON IMPLANTS |
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DENTURE OVER BAR and
IMPLANTS
(the bar and snaps are hidden by denture) |
CASE STUDIES
In this first case Christine lost her front tooth due to an unusual
problem with the nerve. Root canal therapy was not possible and it had to be removed.
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Before |
After |
Mark had an unusual accident while teaching high school physics (honest !!). The first
photo is where Mark was the first day when he lost his front two teeth and broke off major
portions of two others. In the middle photos the implants are placed and ready for
cementation of the final crowns. In the last photo porcelain crowns are on the implants
and two crowns on the broken teeth. Quite a nice final result.
Implants are a very exciting part of todays
dentistry. If there is an opportunity for us to share any information or provide a
consultation for possible implant placement, please do not hesitate to call.
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