DENTAL IMPLANTS
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium inserts which are placed in the jaw bone and serve to restore one or more missing teeth. They are also used to more effectively retain dentures, and patients who wear dentures retained by them are very happy with the added security and comfort that they provide.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
When there is a situation where there is a single or multiple missing teeth in the mouth, replacement of that missing space by dental implants offers certain advantages over a bridge and/or a denture. They are:
- They are fixed in the mouth. A tooth made on a dental implant does not have to be removed at night.
- They feel natural.
- They act like artificial root to the tooth structure.
- They help reduce bone loss. When a tooth is missing in the jaw, the bone which was surrounding the missing tooth starts to shrink because of lack of function. Placement of dental implants helps to greatly reduce this loss of bone.
- They are far more comfortable than removable dentures.
- They are as efficient as natural teeth for chewing food.
- They can be maintained the same way as normal teeth, with regular tooth brushing and flossing.
What are dental implants made of?
Dental implants are made of titanium and other alloys. They are manufactured to be exceedingly strong to withstand the force of daily chewing.
Can you replace your front teeth?
Yes, your front teeth can be replaced by dental implants, fixed bridges or removable dentures.
Why can’t I just get a bridge?
A major advantage of implants over conventional bridges is that no adjacent teeth need to be reduced in order to place a dental implant. In a bridge, neighboring teeth need to be shaped down to accommodate a bridge and replace a missing tooth. When implants are used, the neighboring teeth are spared and the missing tooth is effectively restored.
What are the alternatives to dental implants?
A bridge made on teeth adjacent to the missing teeth or a removable denture are alternatives to a dental implant.
How do I know if dental implants are possible for me?
Following a detailed history, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging (X-rays and CT Scans), our team will discuss the possibilities of using dental implants to replace missing teeth in the mouth. Most patients are good candidates for receiving dental implants, however there are a handful of specific conditions where implants are not advised. In the event that there is insufficient bone to place the dental implant, it may be required to enhance the volume of available bone with artificial bone. This artificial bone may be placed simultaneously at the time of implant placement, or may be placed initially, followed by a 3–6-month healing period, after which the implant is placed.
Is there a minimum age for dental implant treatment?
In general, dental implants should be placed only after growth of the patient has stopped, which is around 18 years. This ensures that the implant is in the right place to hold the future tooth after the completion of growth.
How do I know if dental implants are possible for me?
Following a detailed history, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging (X-rays and CT Scans), our team will discuss the possibilities of using dental implants to replace missing teeth in the mouth. Most patients are good candidates for receiving dental implants, however there are a handful of specific conditions where implants are not advised. In the event that there is insufficient bone to place the dental implant, it may be required to enhance the volume of available bone with artificial bone. This artificial bone may be placed simultaneously at the time of implant placement, or may be placed initially, followed by a 3-6 month healing period, after which the implant is placed.
Is there a minimum age for dental implant treatment?
In general, dental implants should be placed only after growth of the patient has stopped, which is around 18 years. This ensures that the implant is in the right place to hold the future tooth after the completion of growth.
What if I need a denture? Can I still have dental implants?
Yes, absolutely. A conventional denture is made of acrylic and sits directly on the gum tissue, or uses the support of existing teeth in the case of a partial denture. With dental implants, attachments can be added to the implant and the denture to provide extra retention for the dentures, reducing the need for the use of dental adhesives and promoting improved chewing ability and patient comfort.
The implant retained denture will still be removable, but only when you want to remove it and will not accidentally come out or move around during chewing food and talking.
CROWNS AND BRIDGES
What is a crown?
A crown is a cap or covering for an existing tooth. Typically, a crown covers the entire tooth and protects the inner tooth structure from damage.
What is a bridge?
A bridge is 3 or more joined crowns. In it’s simplest form, when there is a missing space between teeth, two teeth on either side of the missing space are utilized to make a 3 unit bridge. The missing tooth is replaced by obtaining support from the adjacent teeth on either side of the missing space.
What is the procedure needed to make a crown?
The need for a crown or a bridge is determined at your consultation appointment by our team. Following this, a 30-45 minute appointment is scheduled to prepare the tooth and take the measurement for the crown. A temporary crown is then placed to protect the tooth while the laboratory makes your new crown.
How is the crown or bridge fixed to the tooth?
Latest bonding technology are used to ensure a very reliable, long term fit of the crown. In rare instances, a crown may start to work loose, and can be recemented quite easily in a short procedure.
How long will my crown or bridge last?
Crowns and bridges do not have an expiration date. With proper maintenance, they can last a long time. There are instances of many patients who have had these restorations in their mouths for many years. Typically, a crown or bridge may need to be replaced for the following reasons:
– Cavities under the crown or bridge
– Damage to the crown or bridge, either due to trauma, or biting into something very hard.
– Gum disease, requiring removal of the tooth/teeth holding the crown or bridge.
On average, the average patient has a crown or bridge in the mouth for 7-10 years before they need to be replaced.
What are the different types of materials used in a crown?
There are multiple options available to make the perfect crown. All these materials have their place, and there is no “best” material. The same materials are used to make a bridge as well.
Metal: This is the traditional crown, and is usually silver in color. Gold crowns are also an option in this category. These crowns appear artificial as they do not have any ceramic on them. They have very high strength and are used when there is insufficient space available between the upper and lower teeth to add ceramic to the crown.
Metal-Ceramic: This is perhaps the most commonly used material worldwide. In this type of crown, ceramic is baked over the metal to make the crown look like natural tooth. The
metal is made of cobalt-chromium or platinum-palladium metals. These are great solutions for back teeth because of their strength. More esthetic options exist for front teeth these days, so a metal ceramic crown is not the first choice when it comes to restoring front teeth.
Zirconia: Zirconia crowns are fast rising in popularity these days. Zirconia is actually a “transition metal” in the same family as titanium, but is marketed as “metal free” due to the fact that it is white in color. The white color of zirconia has esthetic advantages, so we recommend this solution for front teeth and back teeth when high strength is desired.
Emax: Emax is a brand of ceramic, and chemically is Lithium Disilicate. These crowns are the most esthetic solution available in dentistry today. They are used extensively in front teeth especially when a perfect match to natural teeth is needed.
DENTURES
Full Dentures
Dentures help to restore a patient’s smile and the ability to chew and speak clearly after some or all teeth are lost. After a tooth loss, your confidence can fade and your appearance can feel transformed. With full dentures, you can get back to your normal life. Offering only the most advanced, removable dentures to best fit you, we can ensure that you get your smile and confidence back. You will walk away with great fitting dentures that look just like real teeth.
Partial Denture
Partial dentures are used if you have several teeth missing that cannot be corrected with a bridge. The denture is removable and designed to fit comfortably and blend in with any remaining teeth.
This type of denture is made from a synthetic material that is supported with a lightweight metal. It mimics your gum tissue and teeth to create a natural looking smile while remaining functional.
The partial denture is important once the teeth have been removed as it preserves the bone and keeps existing teeth from tilting and drifting in toward the gaps.