Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has implants regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours are preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jaw where teeth have been lost. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone encompasses and bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small abutment posts are placed in the implant body (root) that protrude through the gums and are attached to the prosthesis (crown, bridge or removable denture). These posts thus provide stable anchors for the artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. These may be performed with local anesthesia or with some level of oral, inhalation or IV sedation. The implant roots are surgically placed in precise locations within your jaw. They are allowed to heal for 3 - 6 months while the bone grows into the implant contours and bonds to them. If you are wearing an interim prosthesis (partial), you may continue to do so during this healing phase. The implant bodies are mostly invisible during this first healing stage. A radiograph is then taken to determine that proper bone healing has occurred. Dr Perry performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite with the appropriate level of sterility necessary to insure success.
Once the implant has become bonded in the jaw, the second phase begins. Dr. Perry will surgically expose the implants, contour both the gum and bone tissues of the jaw ridge and place a healing abutment. The custom shaped healing abutment preserves the tissue contours adjacent to the planned abutment and crown. At the same appointment, he will make impressions of your mouth which enable the dental lab to complete your custom abutment shaping and porcelain crown. You will need to see your dentist right away for a shade selection to match the crown color with your adjacent teeth. You will not need any other impressions or additional appointments before proceeding with your crown/abutment insertion at phase III. You will heal for 1 - 2 months before Phase III’s crown/abutment insertion. If you are wearing an interim prosthesis (partial), you may continue to do so during this healing phase.
That procedure is normally done at your dentist’s office. Dr. Perry may be present to assist with that insertion. The crown and abutment may be inserted as a single unit. This unique approach avoids the possibility of trapping cement beneath the gum tissue - which can lead to inflammation, infection and bone loss around the implant. The Bicon Integrated Abutment Crowns (IACs) utilize a bonded polyceramic (porcelain) material which is contoured and color matched to your teeth. Thus it is integrated with the abutment post and is placed as a single unit into the implant body (root). A conventional porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown may be used in a similar fashion by cementing the crown to the abutment outside of the mouth and then placing this single unit into the implant body. The crown (either IAC or PFM) is adjusted for interproximal and occlusal fit prior to its being tapped into position in the implant body. A final revision of the bite (occlusion) is then made in the mouth. Your implant reconstruction is now complete!
The procedure(s) for dental implants that are placed for the support/retention of a removable denture are similar to those placed for the support of individual crowns or fixed bridges. The number of implants that are necessary for such support will differ from patient to patient. Dr. Perry will advise you concerning the number and positions for implants so that they will give you the best denture support, function, and longevity. They differ at Phase II in that the removable denture is temporarily adjusted and adapted to the implant abutments with a soft liner for temporary comfort and mild denture retention. After ~ 1 month of healing, your dentist will then proceed with the installation of the retainer caps in your denture base. These can be placed in either the office or at a dental laboratory. He/she will then adjust the retention, the overall fit and the “bite” (occlusion) for proper comfort and function.
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Perry is able to place single stage mini-implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to surgically expose them, but do require a minimum of eight weeks of healing time before a denture is firmly adapted to them. Thus, the retention caps are normally placed 2 months after the implants are placed. Please see the MDI link for more information on Mini Dental Implants by 3M.
In some situations where the implants are close in both shape and size to the tooth that they are replacing, the implants may be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant reconstruction requires a team effort between your oral and maxillofacial surgeon, your restorative dentist, and a qualified dental laboratory technician. Dr. Perry is both trained and board certified in the diagnosis and treatment planning of all types of dental implant reconstructions. Dr. Perry will perform the initial tooth extractions, bone grafting and implant surgery. Your restorative dentist will make and fit the permanent prosthesis. They will also make any interim (temporary) prosthesis needed during the implant healing process. The Certified Dental Laboratory Technician works closely with both your dentist and Dr. Perry to insure that your planned reconstruction satisfies the spacial and functional requirements for your prosthesis (replacement teeth) to work well and to appear natural in your mouth.
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – thus each prosthetic tooth is supported by its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require two or more implants. A complete dental prosthesis (either fixed or removable) can replace all the teeth in either your upper or lower jaw arch. The number of implants varies depending upon the type of complete prosthesis and the size of the patient’s jaw arch. A removable prosthesis (over-denture) can be easily removed from the patient’s mouth; whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanently cemented or is retained by small screws. It is removable only by your dentist.
Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for many years – the chances are that you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.
A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed the concept of oral rehabilitation with titanium implants prior to 1982. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss. Mr. Thomas Driskell of Columbus, OH invented the Bicon Dental Implant in 1985. He too, had earlier experimental designs with aluminum oxide (ceramic) implants as early as 1968. His unique plateau fin design with locking taper abutments has stood the test of time and stands today as a unique design that other manufacturers continue to imitate. He has also designed the world’s first short implants, the Bicon Short Implants that predictably work in most types of bone density found in the jaw ridges. His earliest research and development interest was in the area of bone graft substitutes while working at Battelle Labs and the Ohio State University. He subsequently developed a tricalcium phosphate bone graft product Synthograft which is predictably used to graft implant sites in the jaws. Please see the Bicon.com link for a review of all types of implant restorations and reconstructions.
There are several reasons to choose dental implants over fixed or removable prostheses. Why sacrifice (remove) the structure of healthy adjacent teeth to construct a bridge? Why settle for having to remove a denture or a “partial” at night? Why be uncomfortable and/or embarrassed by a loose fitting denture? Dental implants can avoid each of these common problems.
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history must be reviewed. Comprehensive dental radiographs will reveal the quantity and quality of bone in your jaws and the condition of your other teeth. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, modifications may be recommended such as bone grafting or corrective pre-prosthetic surgery.
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. They do require modest daily care by gently brushing and flossing . It is most important that one avoids cleaning (hygiene) methods that are too aggressive - e.g. - toothpicks, interdental stimulators, water picks, rotary head and sonic toothbrushes. Any of these devices can easily open the gap between the implant and the gum tissue and allow bacteria and food debris to enter, thus causing an infection with resultant bone loss. There is a great risk of causing premature loss of implants by using these devices. Gentle care is the best care.