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CURRENT
TRENDS CLINICAL PRACTICE
Immediate Teeth
on Dental Implants
Usually when dental implants are placed into the bone, it is necessary
for them to heal (osseointegrated) for six to twelve weeks before teeth
can be made to go on top of them. One method of replacing the tooth
or teeth during the healing period is through a removable prosthesis.
Unfortunately, this can cause a disruption of lifestyle for many people.
Over the last seven years, our practice has utilized a technique where
temporary teeth are attached directly to the implants immediately
after the surgery while still allowing the implants to heal in an
undisturbed manner. This technique allows the patient to resume close
to normal activity while providing immediate esthetic and functional
results.
Detailed
Description of Immediate Teeth on Implants
Dental
Implants May Offer Smokers an Advantage
It has been shown in the dental and medical literature
that patients who smoke have greater incidence of periodontal disease,
root decay and an overall reduced healing response. This puts smokers
into the high risk group for developing dental diseases. Previously,
it had been demonstrated that even dental implants had a higher failure
rate in smokers than in than non smokers. However, these studies were
performed utilizing a specific type of implant surface. Over the last
eight to ten years, there has been a great deal of research conducted
on newer implant surfaces. These surfaces have led to higher success
rates and improved healing. Our practice published a landmark study
that showed that smokers healed as well as and with a similar success
rate with regard to implant treatment as non-smokes. These results
are very promising for patients who smoke because now there may be an
alternative therapy that can offer excellent success
Click
to view entire article
Improved
Quality of Life for Denture Wearers
Many patients who wear dentures rely on the use of adhesive materials
to help secure their loose fitting prosthesis. This can cause great difficulty
while chewing certain foods and create embarrassing situations where the
denture loosens during speech. Dental implants can help denture wearers
in two ways: 1) If there is sufficient bone available, enough implants
can be placed to help support a permanent (non-removable) bridge replicating
a natural set of teeth. 2) A more cost effective method is to place two
implants to help retain their existing denture. The implants provide excellent
retention eliminating the need for denture glue. In addition, the cases,
patients who wear full upper dentures can have four implants placed. This
not only allows for excellent retention but can also eliminate the palate
portion of the denture. This greatly reduces the gag reflex and allows
for patients to better taste foods and differentiate between hot and cold.
click to see a detailed description, click to see photo
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