DENTAL
IMPLANTS BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS
Dental implant therapy is rapidly becoming the most ideal
and conservative method of "permanently" replacing
one or more missing teeth. This remarkable advancement in
dental treatment will significantly enhance the quality of
life by restoring health, function and appearance. |
WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
 A
dental implant is a biocompatible screw-like titanium "fixture"
that is surgically placed into the jawbone. After healing is complete
and the implant is anchored in the bone, an implant post or abutment
and permanent tooth can be attached in a variety of designs.
HISTORY
The scientifically-based method of implant therapy
was first developed over 30 years ago in Sweden. A Swedish orthopedic
surgeon and researcher, Dr. Per Ingvar Branemark, observed that
a titanium implant could naturally and predictably bond with bone.
This phenomenon was termed "OSSEOINTEGRATION". Since the
original implant was placed three decades ago, several hundred thousand
patients have enjoyed the benefits of successful "permanent"
tooth replacement with dental implants.
EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT PLAN
During the examination process, the overall condition
of the mouth will be evaluated. Information is gathered regarding
the health of the gums, quality and quantity of underlying bone,
position of teeth, occlusion and cosmetic desires. Routine x-rays
will be necessary to help visualize the teeth and jawbone. In many
cases, more sophisticated imaging such as a CAT SCAN will be required
to precisely determine bone contours and the position of vital anatomical
structures. Impressions and study casts of the teeth and gums contribute
to the careful analysis process.
Once all of the information is recorded,
the periodontist, dentist and lab technician will determine which
type of dental implant restoration best suits the patients needs.
Some examples of "fixed" and "removable" treatment
options can be seen below:
REPLACEMENT OF A SINGLE
TOOTH
REPLACEMENT OF A SEVERAL TEETH
"FIXED" REPLACEMENT
OF A LOWER OR UPPER ARCH
"REMOVABLE" REPLACEMENT OF A LOWER OR UPPER ARCH
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS DURING IMPLANT TREATMENT
STEP 1: IMPLANT
PLACEMENT
Using regular
dental anesthetic, the surgeon lifts the gum tissue away and
performs a precise and gentle technique to place the dental
implant fixture into the jawbone. The gum is repositioned
and sutured. Most patients experience no major discomfort
after the procedure. |
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STEP
2: OSSEOINTEGRATION PERIOD
The dental implant fixture will be left undisturbed
in the jawbone for a period of four to six months. During
this time, the bone attaches to the implant and OSSEOINTEGRATION
takes place. Depending on the case type, a temporary removable
denture may be worn to preserve cosmetics, as shown at right.
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| STEP
3: ABUTMENT CONNECTION Once osseointegration
of the implant is complete, the surgeon exposes the top of
the implant and attaches a post or abutment. This abutment
passes through the gum and ultimately supports the new tooth.
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STEP
4: FINAL PROSTHETIC RESTORATION
Your dentist will take an impression of the
implant and will work with the lab technician to make the
new implant-supported tooth, as per the original treatment
plan. The final prosthetic tooth can be screwed to place or
cemented. The new tooth is firmly anchored into the bone and
gums, and will look and feel just like a natural tooth. |
This information was adapted from the Nobel Biocare
brochure "Dental Implants, Bringing Quality Back to Life"
TREATMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH
IMPLANT THERAPY
RESTORATION OF THE BONY RIDGE
PRIOR TO IMPLANT PLACEMENT
RESTORATION OF THE BONY
RIDGE AT
THE SAME TIME AS IMPLANT PLACEMENT
This information was adapted from the
Guidor USA brochure "Information on Guided Tissue Regeneration"
and the W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc. brochure, "Regeneration
of Bone: Helping The Body Heal Itself".
Implant Dentistry Boston Dental
Implant Dentist
Copyright © 2002 TMJ-Dentist-Boston.com
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