|
Dental Implants |
|
|
There are many
different ways dental implants can be utilized in the jawbone.
The simplest solution to a single missing tooth, is to place a
single implant to replace a single tooth, as shown in the
illustration on the right. Another option would have been to
prepare the teeth on either side of the space for crowns, and
have the laboratory fabricate a three unit bridge.
This sometimes,
of course, means grinding down two healthy teeth. If something
goes wrong with one of the teeth, what was a one tooth problem,
can turn into a 3 (or more) tooth problem. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Before |
After |
|
|
The patient's bridgework had failed because her dentist had not
adhered to the proper standards of care. We were able to salvage
4 of her natural teeth to help hold a temporary bridge in place
while the implants osseointegrated (bone grows around the
implant and holds it snugly after about 4 months).
It
looks a lot worse than it really is. Because bone has few nerve
endings, the procedure is relatively painless. The end results
allowed our patient to have an upper bridge made, which is
cemented, and does not come out. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Before |
After |
|
|
The case below shows 2 dental implants, placed at acute angles
to the perpendicular in the back of the arch. There are 6
fixtures holding this bar down, 4 small ones in the front, and
two zygomaticus fixtures in the back. The denture has a metal
casting that is machined to be a precise fit with the bar. A
nylon clip in the the front provides extra retention.
Anchored to this bar is a beautifully constructed denture, which
has absolutely no movement when chewing and is removable to
allow for easy cleaning around the implants. The lower arch is
still in temporaries, the upper arch is finished. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Before |
After |
|
|
Due to our years
of experience, we can handle just about anything. The surgeon
who placed these implants did not take into consideration what
the restorative plan would be for this patient. So, we were left
with the challenge of utilizing the implants for retention and
stability of the case, and also needing to get the esthetics
right.
What we got was
three implants, tight together, on a totally different level
than the surrounding three teeth. An outstanding functional and
cosmetic result (now over 10 years without a problem) was
achieved! |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Before |
After |
|
| |
|
|
|
