Dental Implants

The gold standard for tooth/teeth replacement in modern dentistry is with the use of dental implants. Dental implants come in many different types uniquely suited to meet your individualized needs. Our specialized dental implant training allows us to digitally plan and place your dental implants with the use of 3D imaging to ensure precise placement to mimic your natural teeth. Dental implants are produced using biocompatible materials that fuse with the surrounding bone, and provide support for the placement of an artificial tooth that will increase chewing capacity, while also increasing smile esthetics.

Many options exist when placing dental implants and Dr. Shelby is a certified Implantologist with over 400 hours of advanced training in in the placement of dental implants. Visit us today for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Single Tooth Replacement

A traditional tooth-supported bridge (3-unit bridge)
An implant-supported crown

What is the difference between a dental bridge and an implant? Which treatment option is right for me? These are the most commonly asked questions when it comes to replacing a lost tooth. In the past, a bridge was the only choice – until the advent and long-term predictability of implants became an essential part of dental treatment.

A fixed dental bridge requires the adjacent teeth to be “prepped” or reduced in order to create room for the material of the restoration. This is not an issue if the neighboring teeth have very large fillings that need to be replaced and will require crowns in the future. However, if they are perfectly healthy teeth, it would be a shame to compromise them in any way.

On the other hand, when placing and restoring a dental implant, the adjacent teeth are not harmed at all. We will only be replacing the individual tooth that is missing for a result that is stronger and more permanent. In terms of maintenance, you will treat an implant crown the same way you would a natural tooth with proper brushing and flossing. This is in contrast to a bridge, which involves connecting several crowns together, can be a hygiene burden.

An implanted-supported crown is far superior to a traditional tooth-supported dental bridge because:

Your adjacent natural teeth are preserved – not destroyed
A dental implant looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth
Dental implants are designed to remain aesthetically pleasing for a lifetime
The bone is upheld, preventing a visible defect
Daily oral hygiene is easier to maintain
Implants do not decay, and you won’t need a root canal

We will need to assess the implant site to determine the bone quality and quantity prior to any treatment. Depending on your jaw health, there may be a need for additional bone grafting procedures to augment the site in preparation for a dental implant. There will also be a comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out any contraindications for surgery. One of the most common misconceptions is that age is a factor. However, studies have shown dental implants to be successful in patients well into their 80s and even 90s!

Every surgical procedure carries risks, and your dentist will make sure you understand the possible complications and side-effects before you agree to the treatment. For dental implants, this may include infections or injuries of the mouth during treatment and possible sinus problems for implants placed in the upper jaw. Risks will be lower if you use a qualified and experienced dentist.

If you decide to get an implant, a titanium implant will be surgically placed beneath your gums and into the area of your jawbone that your tooth root once occupied. You’ll probably experience some discomfort and swelling around the implant sites, which can be managed using medication or by applying pressure to stop the bleeding. Implants are left in place to integrate with the bone for a period of 3-6 months. After that time, you’ll return to your implant specialist to verify successful integration and then be referred back to your general dentist to be fitted for a crown.

Your implant-supported crown will require minimal care outside of routine brushing and cleaning. However, your periodontist will advise you to take time to clean the area between your gums and crown. Be sure to continue to attend periodic (at least yearly) examination and dental cleaning appointments.

Straumann
Astra Tech
Nobel
Nobel Pearl (Zirconium)

Immediate Implants

Immediate implant placement has become a successful method for replacing missing teeth. Traditionally, after extraction of a failing tooth or teeth, clinicians waited four to six months before implant placement to allow complete mineralization of bone in the extraction sites. This approach prolongs treatment and increases the time a patient must go without a tooth or teeth.

With an increased understanding of biological and biomechanical processes in recent decades, immediate implant placement has become a predictable procedure to reduce treatment times and eliminate the need for a second, and possibly third surgical procedure. In addition to these advantages, immediate implant placement and provisionalization (placing a temporary crown) provide esthetic, functional and psychological benefits. This procedure has the potential to immediately transform the patient’s quality of life.

Immediate implant placement is case selective, meaning an adequate bone height, good soft tissue volume and adequate prosthetic space must be necessary. Not all extraction sites are suitable candidates for immediate implant placement. At your initial visit, a CBCT (3D x-ray) will be necessary to evaluate these parameters. Your periodontist will cover all of your options for tooth replacement to make sure you are able to make an informed decision on your treatment options.

Implants to Replace Multiple Teeth

If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.

Dental implants provide several advantages over other teeth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported bridges replace teeth without support from adjacent natural teeth. Other common treatments for the loss of several teeth, such as fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, are dependent on support from adjacent teeth.

In addition, because implant-supported bridges will replace some of your tooth roots, your bone is better preserved. With a fixed bridge or removable partial denture, the bone that previously surrounded the tooth root may begin to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.

In the long term, implants are esthetic, functional and comfortable. Gums and bone can recede around a fixed bridge or removable partial denture, leaving a visible defect. Resorbed bone beneath bridges or removable partial dentures can lead to a collapsed, unattractive smile. The cement holding bridges in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay teeth that anchor the bridge. In addition, removable partial dentures can move around in the mouth and reduce your ability to eat certain foods

First, implants, which looks like screws or cylinders, are placed into your jaw. Over the next two to six months, the implants and the bone are allowed to bond together to form anchors. During this time, a temporary teeth replacement option can be worn over the implant sites.

Often, a second step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implants and attach extensions. These temporary healing caps complete the foundation on which your new teeth will be placed. Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.

There are some implant systems (one-stage) that do not require this second step. These systems use an implant which already has the extension piece attached. Your periodontist will advise you on which system is best for you.

Finally, replacement teeth, or bridges, will be created for you by your dentist and attached to small metal posts, called abutments. After a short time, you will experience restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak.

Every case is different, and some of these steps can be combined when conditions permit. Your dental professional will work with you to determine the best treatment plan (perio.org).

Implants to Replace All Teeth

If you need to replace all of your upper or lower teeth or all the teeth in your mouth, full arch dental implants could be an option. Unlike removable dentures, implants are secured in the jaw as a long-term replacement for missing teeth.

While traditional dental implants can replace a single tooth or several teeth in a row, full arch implants use a fixed bridge to replace an entire row of missing teeth. Depending on the individual, this may involve placing 4 or 6 implants to support all the teeth in each arch.

Dr. Shelby will explain the steps of the procedure, so you know what to expect. Unlike traditional implant treatments that can take many months to complete, full arch implants can sometimes be completed in two or three visits.

First, your periodontist will take x-rays to assess the condition of your jaw and plan the location of the implants. If you have any teeth remaining in the arch, these will need to be extracted and your mouth needs time to heal before tooth implants can be placed.

The dental implant procedure is carried out using local anesthesia. You can ask your dentist about other sedation options they offer if you need help to feel calm.

Your dentist will then surgically place the implants in your jaw. Full arch implants usually involve placing two implants towards the front of the mouth and two towards the back, but more implants may be needed depending on your situation.

After your mouth has been cleaned and disinfected, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth that will be used to create your custom dental bridge. These artificial teeth are designed to look as natural as possible.

Once your custom bridge has been manufactured, it will be placed over the top of the implants and secured in place. You can then leave the dental clinic with your new natural-looking smile.

Before the availability of dental implants, replacing your teeth meant removable full dentures. With the use of dental implants, your next set of full replacement teeth have the opportunity to be permanently fixed in your mouth like natural teeth. The placement of multiple strategically positioned implants around the jaw form the foundations for a full set of beautiful fixed teeth. So what are your options for full arch implant supported teeth replacement….

For dental implants with dental bridges – the dental implants act as new tooth roots with a fixed dental bridge over these dental implants. With this dental implant teeth option – it is similar for the patient to having a new set of teeth, only this time on implant posts. (copied)

Main benefits of a full arch implant bridge:

Fixed, stable & secure solution
Long-lasting solution (often lifelong)
No more loose dentures, especially in the lower jaw (mandible)
Improved quality of life
Increased esthetics
Closest feeling to natural teeth

An implant-supported overdenture is a full denture that is supported by a variable number of dental implants. Especially in lower jaws or highly atrophied bone in the upper jaws, full dentures that only rest on the gums, where no supporting teeth are left, tend to fit less firmly and come loose easily.

Implant supported overdentures are provided with special attachments that retain them on implants providing more stability and therefore a more carefree life with dentures.

Benefits of Implant retained Dentures

Implant retained overdentures provide you with more stability in comparison to conventional dentures
Allows you to eat nearly all kind of food and avoids uncomfortable situations while speaking
Upper jaw overdentures no longer have to cover the palate of your mouth

Dental implant overdentures are the financially economic alternative in comparison to full fixed bridges (copied)

Bar Retained

The normally placed implants are connected by a thin metal bar that follows the curve of your jaw. A minimum of two (up to five implants) have to be inserted in your jawbone – the more implants the better the resulting stability of your denture. Various other attachments can be fitted into the bar to heighten denture stability.

Ball Retained

The inserted implants are fitted with ball shaped or similar attachments that fit into the counterpart in the overdenture.

All-on-4 Concept

The All-on-4 dental implant treatment is a revolutionary cost-effective technique that enables us to replace all your teeth with just 4 implants. It has been developed for patients who lack sufficient bone volume and are not willing to undergo a cost and time-consuming bone grafting procedure prior to implant placement.

The All-on-4 makes maximum use of your bone in the anterior jaw and by tilting the two posterior implants at a 45° angle an immediate function prosthesis can be provided on the same day – also known as ‘teeth in a day’. (copied)

The all on 4 bridge/denture replaces not only your teeth (like in a fixed implant bridge in patients with an abundant bone situation) but also your missing jawbone and gums (the pink part of the bridge).