Please visit our dental implant information website: DentalImplantClinic.com
What is Implant Dentistry?
Implant dentistry is the area of dentistry that includes the placement and restoration of dental implants. Dental implants are 'screw-like posts' that are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone to support a variety of restorations that replace missing teeth. These restorations include: crowns, bridges, and partial and complete dentures. Restorations may be fixed (patient cannot remove it) or removable.
Implant dentistry also includes bone regenerative procedures. When a tooth is extracted (removed) there will be bone loss in this area over time. Eventually there may be insufficient bone to place an implant. In these cases bone grafting materials can be used to regenerate bone.
Dental implants were introduced over 40 years ago and have a remarkable success rate of approximately
90-95%. Implant-supported restorations are frequently the best treatment option to replace missing teeth and in many cases can dramatically improve the patient's quality of life.
There are 3 phases in implant dentistry:
1) diagnosis and planning phase: assessment of the available bone for implants and planning of the final restoration
2) surgery phase: implant placement and in some cases bone grafting
3) restorative phase: fabrication of the final restoration on the implants
Dental Implants by NDS:
At NDS we provide complete comprehensive implant services. Our services includes bone grafting, surgical implant placement, and all types of implant restorations. As experts in diagnosis and treatment planning, we will provide customized implant solutions to meet your dental needs, and budget.
Although there are hundreds of dental implant systems on the market world-wide, we only surgically place dental implants from reputable implant companies that have shown through their clinical studies to have very good long term success with their implants and restorative components. As Prosthodontists, the implant restorative specialists, we will plan your final restoration prior to implant placement to ensure that the implants are placed in an ideal position in the bone to support your final restoration.
In patients that do not have enough bone for implant placement bone grafting (ie. ridge and sinus augmentation procedures) can be used to encourage the patient's body to grow new bone. Once adequate volume of bone can be achieved implants can then be placed. For patients planning to have a tooth removed, socket preservation grafting can be used to prevent bone loss that typically follows a tooth extraction.
There are various types restorations that can be attached to these implants. At NDS we fabricate all types of implant restorations, and we will educate you on what options are best suited for your dental needs so that you can make an informed decision. Implant restoration are generally divided into fixed and removable options. Fixed options (eg. crowns, bridges) are cement or screw-retained to the implant and cannot be removed by the patient. Removable options (eg. overdentures, partial dentures) use attachments to connect to the implants and can be removed by the patient.
Our services also include the popular concepts 'Smile-in-a-day' ('Teeth-in-day'), 'All-on-4', and 'Guided Implant Surgery'.
Smile-in-a-Day (Teeth-in-a-Day)
Smile-in-a-day refers to a dental procedure where several implants are surgically placed and on the same day a complete fixed restoration is attached to the implants giving the patient a new set of teeth, and therefore a beautiful new smile. The patient is able to eat soon after the procedure. An example of a Smile-in-a-day procedure is 'All-on-4'.
There are two types of patients that benefit from this procedure:
1) Patients who have existing complete dentures.
These patients go from a removable denture to a fixed restoration in one day which allows them to chew and enjoy foods they haven't been able to in years. There is also a confidence that the teeth will not move anymore and cause embarrassing situations.
2) Patients who require the removal of their remaining teeth.
In the past these patients would need to transition through a removable denture prior to getting a fixed restoration. With this technique their teeth will be removed and the same day they will receive a fixed restoration without ever having to wear a removable denture.
The fixed restoration that the patient receives on the day of the implant placement is a transitional restoration that is worn for 4-6 months. After this time a new fixed permanent restoration is made.
All-on-4
All-on-4 is a 'Smile-in-a-day' procedure. It is a technique that originated in Portugal over a decade ago and has now gained popularity in North America. It is indicated when there is insufficient bone in the back of the jaws for implant placement. It is a technique that uses 4 (or 5) dental implants to support a full arch fixed denture to replace all your teeth in a jaw. Two or three implants are placed vertically in the front of the mouth . The two back implants are longer and angled backwards avoiding bone deficient areas in the back of the jaw.
Advantages:
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avoids bone grafting surgery in bone deficient areas in the back of the jaws
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economical:
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only 4 (or 5) implants are used per jaw as opposed to conventional techniques that may use up to 8 implants
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uses plastic or Zirconia teeth as opposed to porcelain teeth
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avoids additional cost of bone grafting surgery
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uses 'Smile-in-a-day' concept
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implant placement and delivery of a transitional (temporary) fixed restoration are done on the same day
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The 'All-on-4' technique is not indicated for everyone. At NDS we will present you with all the treatment options available to address your dental needs.
Guided Implant Surgery
Guided implant surgery is a technique used to precisely plan the placement of the implants as it relates to the available bone and the position of the final restoration using a CT scan and special 3-D software. The entire surgery is pre-planned on the computer. A surgical guide is then fabricated and used during surgery to precisely place the implants according to the computer plan.
Advantages:
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precision implant placement for a more ideal restoration
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reduced post op discomfort as there is less need to reflect the soft tissues
