IMPLANTS
Implants have completely changed what can be done to restore a dentition in dentistry these days. With advances in surface technology and implant design, certain types of implants are now capable of being placed at the same time a tooth is being extracted, Even if you have had an infection present. Implants have the highest documented success rate of any restoration available. They can replace single teeth, multiple teeth, entire dentitions and even add support and retention to ill fitting dentures. They help maintain bone mass as you age, eliminate the need for destroying adjacent teeth with bridge work, cannot decay and will never need root canals. They look and function just like the original teeth they replace. Only you can determine what quality of life you want to have when it comes to replacing your teeth. Implants have a 98.8% success rate. Bridge work has 85% success rate for 7-10 years and a 50% failure rate after 10 years. A partial denture, or denture, no matter how well its made, will at best restore approximately 1/5th of your biting force, and never feel like your natural teeth. Understand the difference before you decide so that you can make the choice that is best for you.
MINI IMPLANTS
We are constantly asked about mini implants these days, as there is a great deal of advertising being done about them. Before you decide if any type of implant is right for you, you should gather all the information you can about what kind of implant is being used and why! Mini implants, as with any type of implant, have very specific applications. There is no such thing as one size fits all. In fact, it can take 2-3 mini implants just to replace one molar tooth! Each case is different, and a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine which type of implant will provide the best outcome for your situation.
If you’ve considered having mini implants placed, or know someone that is planning on having them placed, get all the information before you make a choice. Understand the difference thoroughly so that you can make the choice that’s right for you…
BONE GRAFTING
Bone Grafting is a technique used to build up bone that has been lost due to infection, trauma, or atrophy in the area where your dental implant will be placed. Bone grafting is only necessary in certain situations and many times may be avoided if your tooth is extracted and the implant placed at the same time. The grafting materials vary and the particular products used are tailored to your specific needs. These products are safe and effective in reconstructing bone defects. If needed, grafting most times is done in conjunction with implant placement, reducing the amount of surgery needed and healing time. If you have been told you do not have enough bone for an implant, get a second opinion. The person that told you may not be familiar with all the latest surgical techniques and materials. Bone can be grown in almost any situation.
SINUS ELEVATION & AUGMENTATION
Loss of upper posterior teeth may result in excessive force being placed on your remaining teeth. Fortunately, the use of dental implants and crowns allow you to replace these missing teeth. However, the position of the sinus in the upper posterior areas may be too low for proper placement of dental implants.
In a severely atrophied sinus a simple procedure allows the sinus floor to be repositioned, creating enough space to properly place an implant. Various grafting materials are used to encourage your bone to grow more quickly into the area, helping to stabilize the dental implant. Your own bone will replace the grafting material as it grows into the area.
Vertical Sinus Elevation as apposed to lateral sinus augmentation is the most commonly used procedure to raise a sinus and create enough room to place a dental implant. This procedure is utilized the most often to allow for implant placement at the same time as the sinus is raised. The procedure gently lifts the sinus floor without invading the sinus cavity. Grafting materials along with implant placement help to support the newly raised sinus as new bone forms. This technique may allow you to have your implant fully restored in as soon as 12-16 weeks as opposed to a lateral sinus elevation.
Lateral Sinus Elevations are only used when there is a bare minimum amount of bone remaining between the roof of the mouth and the sinus cavity. This technique although still simple, requires healing periods of up to 6 months before implant placement can be achieved.
Both procedures are highly predictable and easily done with only local anesthetic. The main difference is the amount of time needed for bone growth and whether the implant(s) can be placed at the time of augmentation or will need to be placed at a later date.
IMPLANT PROBLEMS
If you’ve had mini implants or any type of implant placed that are having problems, contact our office immediately for a free consultation. It is always better to seek treatment as soon as a problem is noticed with an implant to avoid extensive destruction of supporting bone. As an advanced surgical implant facility we are fully versed in not only placement but treatment of implant problems. The sooner the problem is addressed, the easier and more conservative the treatment will be.
