The Makeup Of Dental Implants

Posted on Jul 10, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Every once in a while, I find it is helpful to explain the components of Dental Implants. Because implant systems come in many different shapes and sizes, understanding the basics can often help an individual determine which is best suited to his or her overall goals.

For example, some people who have worn a denture for years prefer an implant system that has ‘fixed’ teeth attached. This means they will not need to remove the replacement teeth for cleaning.

First, it’s important to understand that a Dental Implant is not the replacement tooth, but a component that serves as the stablizer. The actual implanted portion is positioned into the jaw to serve as a tooth root replacement. This restores a dependable, sturdy foundation that supports teeth that can bite and chew without movement.

In placing the implant portion, an insertion point is made in the gum tissues and the bone underneath where natural tooth roots were once held. Into this, the implant, which is similar to a hollow screw-like cylinder, is placed.

In most cases, the implants are recovered with gum tissue and allowed to bond with surrounding bone for several months. Throughout this period, you can wear your denture or temporary teeth comfortably.

The process of bone growing around the implant is known as ‘osseo-integration.’ During this time, the bone grows around the implant and secures it in place. After several months, the gum tissue is uncovered and a post is secured inside the implant. Onto this post, the final replacement tooth or teeth are attached. These teeth are referred to as crowns or restorations.

One implant can often support a bridge of two or more teeth. Several strategically-placed implants are often used to support a full arch of teeth. For people who have lost a great deal of bone mass, certain implant systems rely on implants that are placed at specific angles to support teeth in minimal bone depth. However, some levels of bone loss need bone rebuilding procedures. These can be performed prior to implant placement and help restore facial appearance as well as overall eating and speaking function.

Because of the wide variety of implant systems, it is important to carefully choose the doctor who will place your implants. A Periodontist has advanced training in the diagnosis and placement of Dental Implants and works closely with other general dentists and dental specialists to help you enjoy a successful outcome.

The type of Dental Implant best suited for your needs can be discussed during a private Consultation. Call (828) 274-9440to arrange a time to discuss the choices that will work best for you.

Dental Implant Vs. Crown-&-Bridge

Posted on Jun 14, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For those who have lost one or several teeth, adults have often gravitated to a crown and bridge combination. However, that option is becoming ‘second fiddle’ to the lifetime tooth replacement solution of Dental Implants.

Dental Implants are made from titanium, which is a material that biologically bonds with living bone. Implants that are properly selected, placed and maintained are designed to last a lifetime. An implant will never get a cavity, need a root canal, or create risk for surrounding natural teeth. Dental Implants are the closest thing to the look, feel and function of natural teeth.

When it comes to choosing a Dental Implant or a Crown-&-Bridge to replace a missing tooth or teeth, the only deterrent seems the price tag. However, when comparing the overall, longterm expense to the initial costs, implants stand out as a far better value.

First, an implant does not rely on neighboring teeth for support, as does a crown-&-bridge combination. A bridge must be attached to adjacent teeth on both sides for support. This is done by crowning otherwise healthy natural teeth that are attached to the bridge. Once a tooth is crowned (or ‘capped’), it will always need a crown.

A Dental Implant does not rely on the support of adjacent teeth. It is anchored by the jaw bone, having the same, sturdy foundation as natural tooth roots once had. And, one implant can often support one, two or more teeth. Since the cost of implant treatment is largely based on the number of implants placed, this keeps treatment costs more manageable .

Another advantage of Dental Implants over Crown-&-Bridge is in the prevention of bone loss. When natural tooth roots are removed from the jaw bone, the bone begins to decline in mass. This process is known as resorption. This can be visible when the area of gum tissue under (or above) the bridge diminishes. Eventually, a smile can reveal a gap between the bridge and the gums.

As the bone declines, the teeth supporting the bridge are at greater risk. On average, the next teeth to be lost are teeth adjacent to areas of missing teeth. Because Dental Implants recreate the presence of tooth roots, they help to halt bone resorption. And, since implants are held by the jaw, they restore comfortable and stable biting and chewing.

We urge patients to look past the initial costs to replace teeth and assess the lasting advantages of Dental Implants. They are actually a much wiser investment, not to mention to many benefits they provide.

If you have considered replacing teeth with Dental Implants, call 828-254-9440 to schedule a consultation.

Losing Teeth Can Lead To Shrinking Jaw Bone

Posted on May 24, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you’ve worn dentures or partials for ten years or more, take a moment to literally see what is going on with your jaw bone.

Remove your denture or partial and look in the mirror. You may notice deep wrinkles around your mouth. The corners of your mouth may turn downward even when you smile. Your mouth may appear to be slightly sunken in, moreso than when you had your natural teeth. You may have jowls on the sides of your face.

These are all telltale signs of bone loss. This occurs beneath the gum tissue because your jaw bone is shrinking. Here is why this occurs.

When a tooth root is removed from the jaw bone, the bone is no longer nourished and stimulated by the root. Thus, a process known as ‘resorption’ begins. Resorption is a term used to describe a shrinking or declining mass of jaw bone.

Bone resorption also leaves adjacent teeth susceptible to the effects of bone loss. As the area of bone declines in height and width, neighboring teeth are at a greater risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth fractures. It is a fact that when a tooth is lost, the one next to the one missing is most likely the next to be lost.

And, it’ not just tooth loss that contributes to a shrinking jaw bone. The pressure on the gums from wearing a denture or partial denture adds to the rate of bone loss. For those who sleep in their dentures, this constant pressure accelerates this rate even more.

For people who opt to replace a tooth (or teeth) with a crown-&-bridge, they can also expect bone loss. Over time, this can be detected through a gap that appears between the bridge and gums. In a smile, this gap may be visible.

As a periodontal specialist, the most common complaint I hear from those who wear dentures or partials is having discomfort while eating. Many long-time denture and partial wearers experience sore spots on tender gum tissues. This occurs because their appliances move when chewing.

This movement is the result of the declined bone mass that supports the denture. This gum-covered ‘ridge’ where teeth were once held flattens as the jaw bone declines in height and mass. Because a denture or partial is made to contour to this ridge, it begins to slip as the bone shrinks. This is when people tend to use denture adhesives and pastes more frequently.

To avoid discomfort when eating, denture wearers may adjust their diets to consist of soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. In many cases, these diets lack the nutritional benefits of fiber, vitamins and protein necessary for a healthy body. Due to fear of embarrassing slips, people also begin to avoid social gatherings where food is the centerpiece.

It stands to reason that there is a need to replace more than the presence of teeth. This is why so many dentists and dental specialists now recommend Dental Implants. Over the years, they have proven to be a successful alternative to dentures and partial dentures.

There are many advantages to Dental Implants. From a health standpoint, I see their ability to halt bone loss as a leading benefit. Dental implants are placed in the jaw bone, recreating the stimulation of tooth roots. This helps to preserve the strength of the jaw bone while restoring biting strength and chewing stability.

I also like that Dental Implants are self-supporting since they use the jaw bone for support. They do not rely on having otherwise-healthy, natural teeth crowned for the mere purpose of supporting replacement teeth (as in crown-&-bridge combinations).

From a value perspective, Dental Implants are an excellent investment. With proper selection, placement and care, they are designed to last your lifetime. And, it’s an investment you’ll enjoy every day as you comfortably eat foods you love, smile and laugh without worry, and wake up with a smile!

There is much to know as to why keeping your natural teeth is so important. However, when tooth loss does occur, you can protect your health and well-being by replacing them with Dental Implants. With Dental Implants, you are able to avoid the long-term repercussions of bone loss.

Ask about Dental Implants to restore a natural look and feel while you protect surrounding teeth and bone structure. As a Periodontist with advanced training in the diagnosis and placement of all types of implant systems, I can recommend options that will work best for your individual situation.

Call 828-274-9440 to learn more or ask for a consultation appointment to personally discuss your needs and preferences. If you’ve already experienced a great deal of bone loss, I’ll explain methods to rebuild your bone to a healthy level, often with no grafting needed.

Different Implant Designs For Different Needs

Posted on May 22, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a dental specialist with advanced skills in the diagnosis and placement of Dental Implants, I enjoy staying on top of the latest techniques, technology and materials. Over the years, I have been especially excited to provide our patients with the advancements that make implant dentistry such an ideal option in tooth replacement.

Today’s implant dentistry is successful, safe, dependable and often immediate. As the doctor who places the implants, having a role in restoring a patient’s ability to bite, chew, speak and laugh has been a major highlight in a rewarding career.

One of the reasons for the high success rate of Dental Implants is in the design of different systems. For decades, Implant designs have been fine-tuned so various systems are able to accommodate specific challenges and preferences. In addition to being more affordable than ever, implant systems are now available for nearly every situation, including:

Implants Supporting Non-Removable Teeth – For some, removable teeth attached to implants were too similar to the denture they had (and detested). Even though these removable replacement teeth are firmly secured to the implants, most individuals want teeth that do not come out. However, some of the more affordable systems have been those that support removable teeth. Now, an implant system known as All-On

-4 is able to support non-removable teeth using just 4 strategically-placed implants. By positioning the implanted portions at unique angles, the biting and chewing forces are distributed evenly among fewer implants. Another advantage of this system is its ability to be placed in minimal bone. Long-time denture wearers are often challenged because of severe bone loss. Having insufficient bone mass to support Implants has prevented some people from having implants or required bone rebuilding procedures prior to implant placement. The All-On-4 implant system is able to overcome this obstacle.

Traditional Dental Implants – Still today, the ‘gold standard’ for most implant treatment requires several stages. Placement of the implants is performed first. For several months after, the bone goes through a process  known as ‘osseo-integration.’ This takes place over a 3-6 month period and secures the implant in the upper or lower jaw bone, similar to natural tooth roots. Once secured, the implant sites are uncovered and a post is positioned inside to which the replacement teeth are secured. During osseointegration, however, patients are able to comfortably wear their denture or partial.

Fast-Track Dental Implants – As the design of implant systems have advanced with the involvement of computerized technology, implant placement and teeth attachment can often be completed in less time than that required by traditional implants. Having the ability to pre-select ideal placement positions prior means that, in some cases, immediate attachment of teeth can occur. While this option isn’t appropriate for everyone, certain patients are, indeed, excellent candidates. This is why it is important to have an experienced and highly-trained doctor coordinate your diagnosis and placement. When your individual needs are carefully assessed, a successful outcome has greater potential with the foundation of a proper diagnosis and implant selection.

Dental Implants are the closest thing to the natural teeth you once had. They are also designed to last a lifetime, making them an excellent investment. The type of implant system best suited to your needs will be discussed after an examination and review of Panorex (jaw-to-jaw) imaging.

Let’s discuss the implant system that is best for your needs and goals during a private consultation appointment. We’ll also discuss comfort options, including Oral and I.V. Sedation. Call 828-274-9440.