Consultation. The first step is an examination and consultation. This usually involves x-rays and may include taking impressions for models of your teeth. If you have already lost a significant amount of bone, additional x-rays taken at another facility that specializes in this type of x-ray may also be recommended.
During the examination, we will be evaluating the area(s) of your mouth where teeth are missing, including the amount of bone available to support the placement of implants. We will also be evaluating the type of replacement teeth that will best meet your needs. A review of your health history will indicate whether there are any medical conditions that could prevent you from being a candidate for implant treatment.
Dental Implant Placement Procedure. The dental implants are placed in the bone using a gentle surgical technique. Depending upon the type of implant, it may or may not need to be placed completely under the gum tissue.
Following the implant placement procedure, the implants are left undisturbed for a period of 2-4 months so that the bone can grow around the implants to form a strong biological bond to them. During this bone "remodeling" phase, you will have some type of temporary replacement teeth, so that you never have to be without teeth during treatment.
Abutment Attachment Procedure. Following the appropriate bone remodeling period, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to each dental implant. The permanent replacement teeth will eventually be attached to the abutments.
Fabrication of Replacement Teeth. A series of appointments with your restorative dentist will be needed to take impressions of your teeth and the implant abutments; place temporary replacement teeth; select the appropriate shade for your replacement teeth and try them for proper fit. In between these appointments, the laboratory technician will fabricate your replacement teeth and the underlying structures that will be attached to the implants.
The following diagrams illustrate the stages of dental implant treatment for anterior tooth replacement.
Replacing a Single Missing Tooth
When a single tooth is missing, the two most common treatment options are the traditional tooth supported bridge and an implant supported crown. When a traditional bridge is used to replace a missing tooth, the adjacent teeth are cut down to pegs in order to fit the cemented bridge in place.
This method of tooth replacement can be very esthetic and functional for a period of time. However, a tooth supported bridge does not replace the bone that previously surrounded the root. Since there is no longer a root to hold the bone in place, the bone deteriorates, or melts away.
-
It looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth
-
It is much more esthetic long term
-
It does not decay
-
There is no need to grind down the adjacent natural teeth
-
The bone is preserved, preventing a visible bony defect
-
It is more hygienic (easier to clean) than a tooth supported bridge
|
 |
Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth
When more than one tooth is missing, there are three common treatment options: the traditional tooth supported bridge, a removable partial denture and an implant supported bridge. In this situation the benefits of implant supported teeth are even more obvious.
A removable prosthesis, such as a partial denture, actually accelerates the bone absorption process, resulting in more rapid bone deterioration. In addition, the clasps which hold the partial denture in place put extreme pressure on the natural teeth they hook onto, loosening them and in many cases, eventually leading to the loss of those teeth. Most patients with partial dentures state that they are uncomfortable and that they rarely wear them.
-
They look feel and function like natural teeth
-
They are much more comfortable and stable than partial dentures
-
Natural biting and chewing capacity is restored
-
They virtually stop the bone absorption process (deterioration)
-
The integrity of the facial structures is maintained
-
Adjacent natural teeth are not compromised (ground down to pegs or loosened)
|
 |
Replacing all teeth with Dental Implants:
In the past, people missing all of their teeth had no option but dentures. This prosthesis has numerous disadvantages, such as:
-
Dentures are uncomfortable and often painful
-
Dentures do not look natural, especially when eating
-
As the bone continues to melt away, the dentures become loose, and can fall out when laughing, sneezing, or coughing without the use of adhesives
-
People without their teeth and supporting bone visibly age much faster
-
Wearing dentures usually undermines a person's self confidence (they have missing body parts and do not feel complete or natural)
-
People with dentures cannot eat certain foods, such as steak, corn on the cob and apples
-
People with dentures generally have bad breath
|
 |
|
