Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement of teeth, which look, feel and function like natural teeth.
Patients who
have lost teeth regain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence
knowing that teeth appear natural and facial contours will be preserved. Implants are
titanium and look like screws or cylinders, which are placed into your jaw.
Over the next two to six months, the implants and bone are allowed to bond together to form anchors. During this healing time, a temporary replacement can be worn to satisfy your cosmetic needs. Often, a second surgical step is necessary to uncover the implants and attach extensions. These small metal posts, called abutments, complete the foundation on which your new teeth will be placed.
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| Courtesy of Dr. David Carrier | |
Dr. Ezis and Dr. Blume have extensive training in implantology. We can evaluate your particular needs and concerns to determine if you are a favorable candidate for dental implants. It will be important for you to work as a team with your dentist to reach your expectations and treatment goals.
Ridge Augmentation or Modification
A key to implant success is the amount and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. This defect may have been caused by periodontal disease, wearing dentures, developmental defects, injury or trauma. Not only does this deformity cause problems in placing the implant, it can also cause an unattractive indentation in the jawline near the missing teeth that may be difficult to clean and maintain.
To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Dr. Ezis and Dr. Blume can tell you about your options for graft materials, which can help to regenerate lost bone and tissue. Finally, the incision is closed and healing is allowed to take place.
Depending on your individual needs, the bone usually will be allowed to develop for about four to six months before implants can be placed. In some cases, the implant can be placed at the same time the ridge is modified. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come. Ridge modifications can enhance your restorative success both esthetically and functionally.
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Socket Preservation
The goal of periodontal therapy is to save existing teeth and to replace missing teeth. During the course of treatment we may identify hopeless teeth and other teeth requiring removal. Removing teeth (extracting) may be necessary because of pain, infection, or bone loss caused by periodontal disease, and/or to facilitate restorative treatment.
The bone that holds the tooth in place (the socket) is often damaged by disease and/or infection resulting in a jaw deformity when the tooth is extracted. These jaw deformities can create major problems in performing restorative dentistry, whether your treatment plan involves dental implants, fixed bridges, removable dentures, or reshaping your gumline for a more pleasing smile. Jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired by a procedure called socket preservation. Socket preservation can greatly improve your smile's appearance and increase your chances for successful dental implants and other restorations for years to come.
Several techniques can be used to preserve the bone and minimize bone loss adjacent to the socket. In one common technique, the tooth is removed and the socket and any associated deformity are then filled with bone or bone substitute and may be covered with a bio-compatible barrier and/or treated with tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage your body's natural ability to repair itself by regenerating lost bone and tissue.
Finally, the gum is closed and healing is allowed to take place. Depending on your individual needs, the bone usually will be allowed to develop for about four to six months before your implant placement or restorative treatment can be completed. However, in some cases, temporary or provisional restorative care can be provided at the same time the tooth is extracted and the socket is preserved to maximize esthetics, comfort and function.
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Sinus Augmentation or Sinus Lift
A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants, due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. If you've lost bone in that area due to reasons such as periodontal disease or tooth loss, you may be left without enough bone to place implants.
Sinus augmentation, or sinus lift, can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants. Several techniques can be used to raise the sinus and allow for new bone to form.
In one common technique, an incision is made to expose the bone, then a small circle is cut into the bone. This bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity, much like a trap door, and the space underneath is filled with bone graft material. Finally, the incision is closed and healing is allowed to take place. Depending on your individual needs, the bone will usually be allowed to develop for about four to six months before implants can be placed. After the implants are placed, an additional healing period is required. In some cases, the implant can be placed at the same time the sinus is augmented.
Sinus augmentation has been shown to greatly increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come. Many patients experience minimal discomfort during this procedure. Dr. Ezis and Dr. Blume can explain other techniques and benefits to manage the sinus.
