Dental Implants with Dentures, the Overdenture

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants have become an increasingly popular method to replace one or more missing teeth.  With an average time span of three to six months after the implant has solidified and osseointegrated into the jawbone, the implant abutment and dental crown are then placed to complete the implant restoration, helping the patient achieve optimal esthetics, chewing, and speech.

IMPLANT SUPPORTED OVER-DENTURE

Complete full dentures often rely on the existing bone ridge and gingiva for retention (ie. to ensure the denture does not fall out and stays in properly).  Denture adhesives can help to ensure the denture stays in, but must be used periodically throughout the day.  Dental implants can also be used in certain denture case to help make sure the denture stays in place.  Also known as implant over-dentures, multiple single implants are placed on top of the ridge.  The dentures then "snap" in place on top of the implants, firmly holding the denture in place.  The result is increased fit and retention, without the need for denture adhesives.

How can Dental Implants Help Hold the Denture in Place?

• There is sufficiently thin bone ridge, denture adhesive does not help and the denture still "wobbles" and moves around.
• The patient does want the constant need to apply adhesive to the denture and wants a more permanent solution.
• Due to extreme muscle and bone atrophy, there is near nonexistent bone structure and ridge to support a denture in place.
• One does not have the physical ability or dexterity to apply denture adhesive, and would like a easier and more convenient method to hold the denture in place

Benefits of A More Secured Denture

• Increased ability to chew
• Eliminates need for denture adhesive
• Increased self confidence
• No need to worry the denture falling out

If you have any questions on how dental implants can help support and retain a complete denture, please contact you family dentist.

From you gentle family dentist in Bellevue,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600

Dental Implants of Multiple Teeth

Multiple Dental Implants

DENTAL IMPLANTS

A dental implant, which is also known as an endosseous implant or dental fixture, is a type of dental treatment to replace a single missing tooth.  There are however, times when it may be necessary to replace more than one missing teeth, and multiple dental implants may be a viable treatment solution.

WHEN ARE MULTIPLE DENTAL IMPLANTS INDICATED

There are times when more than one dental implant may be considered:

1. There is an existing dental bridge that has failed due to extensive tooth decay or root fracture, and the teeth supporting the bridge needs tooth extraction.  Multiple dental implants may be used to replace the teeth supporting the bridge.
2. There are multiple missing front teeth, and a long span fixed dental bridge is not desirable as part of conservative dentistry and to prevent over treatment, or when a  partial denture or flipper is not a desired option.
3. There are more than one missing consecutive posterior / back teeth in a row, and one wants to gain back chewing function of their back teeth.
4. One is missing all of their teeth, and as part of a comprehensive dental reconstructive program, multiple dental implants may be used to restore the patients smile, form, and give back proper chewing and occlusion.  Such cases may be done by the prosthodontists, dentists who specializes in full mouth rehabilitation scenarios.
5. One has a denture that is loose, and is not able to be supported well by adhesive or denture relines.  By placing several dental implants, the implant will help anchor the denture in place.
6. There is severe periodontal disease (gum and bone disease) and more than one teeth have to be extracted due to advanced bone loss and/or gum infection.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR MULTIPLE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

You, your dentist, and dental surgeon will discuss together if more than one dental implants are suitable for you.  Factors that need to be considered include medical history, bone width, age, existing conditions and habits that may delay healing (ie. smoking presence, diabetes), conditions that may prolong bleeding (ie. blood disorder), and finances.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding multiple dental implants, the steps and costs involved, please consult with your family dentist.
 
From your gentle family dentist in Bellevue,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600

Dental Implants Single Tooth

Dentistry today is vastly different due to increases in oral health research and technology, and dental implants is one of the leading services dentists are able to provide today for their patients.  Implants are many times a viable option as to afford a long term replacement and viable solution to missing teeth.

Today, let's go over the single tooth dental implant, which is also known as an endosseous implant or dental fixture.

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

A dental implant is a component that is surgically placed within the jaw bone, which in turn supports a prosthesis (ie. dental porcelain crown, bridge, or denture).  Via a biological process called ooseointegration, the implant fixture (typically made from titanium), forms an intimate bond to the bone.  At this point the dental surgeon would also determine if a bone graft is required.  If there is insufficient bone structure to hold the implant firmly in place, additional bone may need to be be added to the implant site via a bone graft.  If the implant area is in an area of esthetic importance (ie. front tooth with an exposed smile line) the dentist may elected to add additional gingival tissue to improve the appearance of the implant fixture via a soft tissue graft.

After the implant is placed, the implant fixture is given time to heal and integrate with the bone, usually for 3-6 months.  Once the implant osseointegrates with the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant which contains and hold the dental prosthetic (ie. crown, bridge, or denture).  The dental prosthetic may then be attached to the abutment and implant via cement or screw..

WHEN IS A SINGLE TOOTH IMPLANT INDICATED?

There are situations when a single implant may be desirable:

1. Accidental trauma to a single tooth, while the teeth adjacent to the affected area are normal and healthy.  An example would the loss of a front tooth due to an accident.
2. A tooth has cracked from heavy occlusal trauma (bruxism and nighttime grinding) and is not saveable with a root canal and/or dental crown.
3. A tooth that has such severe decay it is no longer restorable with a root canal and crown.
4. A tooth with an existing filling or crown that has such deep and severe decay it is not longer saveable with a new restoration.
5. A tooth that has luxated (tooth fell out of its socket) from a sports or playground accident, or physical altercation. 
6. A tooth has cracked and sustained a fracture after a root canal from normal chewing, and the tooth is no longer saveable and requires tooth extraction.
7. A tooth that has severe localized periodontal disease with aggressive bone loss.  With such periodontal involvement and bone loss, the tooth may be mobile and have poor bone support and susceptible to infection.
8. One particular area of the jaw has an inherent missing tooth.  For example, some people are genetically born with a single missing adult tooth, and this may cause difficulty chewing, self awareness in their smile, or food-induced gum trauma and irritation.

AM I CANDIDATE FOR A SINGLE TOOTH IMPLANT? 

The dentist and surgeon would determine if you are a viable candidate for a single tooth dental implant.  A successful implant would require healthy jaw bone and gingiva.  Oral hygiene, diabetes, smoking, a compromised immune system, and heavy uncontrolled bruxism/grinding are important factors to take into consideration of the implant's success.  Age may be a factor; one may want to wait until the age of 20 as that is when the jaw bone has completed its full maturation growth cycle. 

COST OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

What does a dental implant cost?  The costs of the implant from start to finish will vary widely and dependent on many factors. These factors include: type of material used, state where the service is performed, the type of insurance coverage, if a bone graft is required, the type of abutment used, and the type of crown that is placed.  The dentist's front office would be able to give you an estimate of the costs associated with the dental implant. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding dental implants, the steps involved, and the costs involved, please consult with your family dentist.
 
From your gentle family dentist in Bellevue,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600