Implant Prosthodontics

PatientBro_pg5 Implant IllsWhat is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are “screw-like posts” made of titanium and other material that are compatible with the human body. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaws.

How is an Implant Selected?

There are hundreds of companies that make dental implants. However, at New Smile Prosthodontics, the implants are selected based on scientific research that shows the highest success over a long term (at least 10-25 years of research).

 

What Should You as a Patient Need to Know When Thinking of whether You Should Have Dental Implants?

Dr. Paredes recommends to follow a process of narrowing down options:

First Question: Am I looking for removable or fixed prosthesis (dentures vs implants or bridges).

Second Question: When I am finished with my dental treatment, am I going to be happy with the decision I make today, for example having dentures vs implant crowns?

Third Question: What is my budget? Can I pay for the full treatment or can I make monthly payments?

At New Smile Prosthodontics (NSP), we advice our patients that don’t base the decision of what treatment to choose purely on finances.

Dr. Paredes has the knowledge, training and the team to do everything possible to give you the best functional and cosmetic result on the treatment option you choose. However, Dr. Paredes want you, as the patient, to be happy when all the work is completed.

We want you to show off your new smile. At NSP we feel proud of our work. Our patients come first and are our priority. At NSP will take very good care of you.

 

Fixed Implant Prosthesis (The restoration stays fixed in the mouth. People also referred to it as a permanent):

  1. Single Implant with porcelain crowns – Normally the patient is missing one or a few teeth. The bone to hold the implant is present or it is possible to rebuild it with bone grafting.
  2. Multiple implants with porcelain crowns connected (bridged) – The patient is missing at least 3 teeth. A full mouth reconstruction can be achieved  by making several implant supported bridges. It is expected that the bone to hold the implant is present or it is possible to rebuild it with bone grafting.
    1.  Note: When multiple teeth are missing, this option can provide the most esthetic and natural looking results. However, it is the most costly option of treatment.
  3. At least 4 implants with a fixed denture is connected. This denture is a one piece prosthesis that goes from the right to the left side (full arch). The denture is commonly made of acrylic teeth with a metal framework embedded inside for strength or the prosthesis can be made 100% of porcelain. This fixed option works very well for patients who do not have any teeth, or will have all remaining teeth extracted.
    1. This option requires that the patient has had some bone loss. When there is a lot of bone present, it might be required to remove some during the implant placement or prior to it.

 

Removable Implant Prosthesis:

  1. Overdenture: 2-4 Implants where a removable denture attaches (aka: Snap-on Denture). This could be a great option when the patient is missing a significant amount of bone. Also, when the current dentures is causing sores, pain, constantly moving causing difficulty speaking or eating. Financially, it is more affordable option than having a fixed implant prosthesis.
    1. Note: The prosthesis is removed to be cleaned after each meal and at night is kept out of the mouth. The advantage of having dental implants is that these implants provide retention, stability and support of the removable denture making it much easier for patients to wear it.

 

Dental Implant Background:

The placement of the implant is dictated by the position and design of the final prosthesis. Therefore, it is critical to have good communication with Dr. Paredes when deciding what kind of prosthesis you wish to have.

 

When the bone is not sufficient, it might require additional procedures, such as bone regeneration, socket preservation, sinus augmentation, soft tissue graft, among others. On the other hand, some prostheses do not work if you have too much bone. In this case, bone reshaping is done.

 

Implant Prosthodontics is done in 3 phases:

  • Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Phase: Dr. Paredes will an assessment and evaluation of your oral condition and planning for the final prosthesis.
  • Surgical Phase: Placement of the implant will be done surgically. In some cases bone graft and soft tissue grafts are done at the same time. Otherwise, additional procedures have to be done prior to the implant placement to prepare the site for the implant.
  • Restorative Phase: Consist of fabricating the final prosthesis.

 

“Connecting prosthesis to dental implants can greatly improve the comfort of the prosthesis. I’ve met many people who do not know they are good candidates for dental implants. It is a very rewarding feeling when a patient comes back after the implants and prostheses are completed and tell me about being able to smile and eat food that they had not eaten in decades.” Dr. Paredes

 

Call Dr. Paredes’ Office now and schedule an appointment to learn and find out if Implant Supported Prostheses are be a good fit for you.[/vc_column_text][vc_accordion active_tab=”false”][vc_accordion_tab title=”Dental Implants (What Are They?)”][vc_column_text]

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.  Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist – a specialist of the gums and supporting bone.  The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are strong and durable and will last many years.  On occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
  • Restore a patient’s confident smile.
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
  • Restore or enhance facial tissues.
  • Support a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself for up to six months.   Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place.  With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor.  Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete.  After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed.  Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will aid in the life of your new implant.

If you have questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office.