What are Dental Implants?

Implants are titanium screws that are composed of 3 main parts- the implant body, the abutment and the crown (figure 1). Implants can be used to replace single teeth (figure 2), multiple teeth such as a fixed bridge (figure 3) and to increase the retention of partial dentures (figure 4) and full dentures (figure 5). The implant body is surgically placed inside the jawbone while the abutment and subsequent crowns/attachment fit above the bone and gums. Implant crowns look natural and feel like natural teeth. They don’t require grinding down the natural teeth in the case of replacing a missing tooth between two teeth.

What is the timeline for dental implants? When will I have a tooth again?

Every situation is different and it varies based on your anatomy:

In some cases, we are able to do an immediate implant, which means we can place an implant on the same day as the tooth extraction. This greatly accelerates the process.

In a more conventional setting, you may need a bone graft after tooth extraction. This requires a period of waiting for the bone graft to heal prior to placing the implant.

After the implant has integrated/fused with your bone, your dentist will start the process of fabricating the crown to be placed onto the implant.

How long do dental implants last?

The longevity of implants varies due to many factors (medical history, smoking status, hygiene, grinding, etc.). Numerous studies have shown that implants, when properly maintained, can last for many years. But there are also many factors that play into the longevity of the implant, such as those mentioned above. The doctors will discuss all of this with you during your consultation and will answer any questions you may have.

What are the alternatives to dental implants?

If you want to replace a single tooth, a tooth born bridge can be done. What this means is that the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are cut down before a multiple unit bridge is fabricated to fit over the top. The biggest disadvantage of this option is the cutting down of natural tooth structure on the adjacent teeth. The protective outer shell covering your teeth (called enamel) is the hardest structure in your body. This irreversible process of removing the enamel is required in order to place a bridge. Many bridges fail because of the recurrent decay underneath the crowns of the adjacent teeth. Dental implants is a way to get your teeth back without having to cut down adjacent teeth.

What are the alternatives to dental implants?

If you want to replace a single tooth, a tooth born bridge can be done. What this means is that the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are cut down before a multiple unit bridge is fabricated to fit over the top. The biggest disadvantage of this option is the cutting down of natural tooth structure on the adjacent teeth. The protective outer shell covering your teeth (called enamel) is the hardest structure in your body. This irreversible process of removing the enamel is required in order to place a bridge. Many bridges fail because of the recurrent decay underneath the crowns of the adjacent teeth. Dental implants is a way to get your teeth back without having to cut down adjacent teeth.

What should I expect on the day of surgery and what is the recovery process?

On the day of surgery, your preferred method of anesthesia (local anesthesia/nitrous oxide gas or intravenous sedation) will be safely administered by one of our highly trained doctors. Detailed pre-op instructions will be provided to you during the initial consultation. We will make sure you are comfortable throughout the procedure, which will take 30 minutes or longer, depending on how many implants are being placed and how complex the case is.

After the surgery, we will be prescribing the appropriate medications to maximize your comfort. You should expect some mild to moderate swelling for the first week and most patients can resume normal activities well within 2 weeks of surgery. It is very important that you maintain proper hygiene during this time and follow our post-operative instructions. All of this will be reviewed with you in detail verbally and in written form on the day of surgery.

All on 4

What is the All-on-4 Dental Procedure?

The All-on-4 dental procedure is a modern solution for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. It offers a full set of new teeth supported by just four dental implants per arch.

How Does it Work?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. With All-on-4, these implants are strategically positioned to maximize support and stability for a full set of teeth.

Advantages:

1. Improved Stability: Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or shift, All-on-4 implants stay firmly in place.

2. Natural Look and Feel: The prosthetic teeth are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing both appearance and function. Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss and maintaining facial structure.

3. Convenience: All-on-4 eliminates the need for removable dentures, making daily oral care and eating easier.

Who is a Candidate?

Patients with multiple missing teeth or those facing complete tooth loss may be good candidates for All-on-4. Additionally, candidates should have sufficient jawbone density to support the implants.

The Procedure:

1. Consultation: Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss treatment options.

2. Implant Placement: During a minor surgical procedure, the implants are placed into the jawbone.

3. Temporary Restoration: A temporary bridge is attached to the implants while the jawbone heals.

4. Final Restoration: Once the jawbone has healed and fused with the implants, a custom-made, permanent bridge is attached.

Sinus Lift

Discover Sinus Lifts: Enhancing Dental Implant Success

Sinus lifts, also known as sinus augmentations, are a vital component of modern dentistry, especially in cases where dental implants are required in the upper jaw. This procedure is meticulously designed to address bone deficiencies in the posterior maxilla, ensuring the stable and successful placement of dental implants.

What is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift involves carefully accessing the sinus cavity above the upper jawbone and gently lifting the sinus membrane. This delicate maneuver creates space for the placement of bone graft material, which serves to augment the bone volume in the area. Over time, this graft material integrates with the existing bone, fortifying the jaw and providing a solid foundation for dental implants.

Why Choose a Sinus Lift?

1. Implant Feasibility: In cases where the upper jaw lacks sufficient bone volume or the sinus cavity encroaches upon the jawbone, traditional dental implant placement may not be feasible. A sinus lift resolves these issues, making dental implants a viable option for patients seeking tooth replacement in the posterior maxilla.

2. Enhanced Success Rates: By augmenting bone volume and ensuring adequate support for dental implants, sinus lifts significantly enhance the success rates of implant procedures in the upper jaw.

3. Improved Aesthetics and Function: Dental implants placed following a sinus lift closely mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth, restoring both aesthetics and oral function for patients.