Monday, January 30, 2012

About Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants, also known as MDI’s, are a miniature titanium dental implant that acts as a tooth root replacement for those patients looking to replace broken, decaying, damaged or missing teeth. Mini dental implants are revolutionary in design because they are significantly thinner than the traditional dental implants, allowing for a higher success rate in patient placement.

The mini dental implant device is a single titanium screw complete with a ball-shaped head (also known as an abutment). The abutment acts as a "snap" that snaps into a socket-like connector. This connector is a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of the dental prosthetic (dentures, crown, bridge, etc.).

The nature of the retaining fixture is unique as it achieves a connection using a rubber o-ring inside the socket connector. The design provides adequate retaining force to hold the dental prosthetics in place so that they may look and act like natural teeth. However, when additional force is applied, the retaining fixtures can be removed, allowing for maintenance or cleaning.

Mini Dental implants are just what their name implies—they are considerably smaller than their traditional counterparts. Most MDI’s are 2 millimeters in diameter as opposed to traditional implants, which are 4-5.75 millimeters.

Mini dental implants have increased in popularity as the procedures have become easier, less invasive and more successful.  Success rates have only grown as patients have continued to undergo treatment.

One of the reasons for continued success with MDI’s is the cost. With any dental procedure, the overall cost is always an important aspect for patient consideration. Those considering mini dental implants will find that they are significantly less expensive when compared to traditional implants. In some cases, they can be as much as 60% cheaper.

Not only do patients find the MDI treatment affordable, but they also take advantage of its speed. In most cases, the treatment can be completed in less than two hours—meaning patients only need a single dental visit to complete their smile. In addition, its minimally invasive nature means patients can undergo treatment without the requirement of downtime. Patients will have full use of their teeth immediately following treatment.

Find out more about mini dental implants today and see if this revolutionary treatment is right for you.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

Dental implants are an ideal solution for those men and women struggling with an imperfect smile due to broken, damaged, decayed or missing teeth. However, when it comes to implantation, not all patients are ideal candidates—this is most often due to a lack of quality and quantity of bone in the jaw. Because of this, more patients are turning to bone grafting for dental implants in order to experience success.

Dental implants require a certain quality and quantity of bone in the jaw for successful implantation. If patients do not have enough bone present in the jaw, the bone can be rebuilt through modern bone grafting techniques. Bone grafts are designed to build up or fill in jawbone defects for dental implant placement.

Four types of bone grafts are generally used, Autografts, Allografts, Xenografts and Alloplastic Grafts:

Autografts: this type of bone graft utilizes bone from your own body. The bone is generally harvested from the mouth or the hip. Autografts are the ideal form of bone grafting for dental implants because it is your own bone and therefore very compatible with your body. This grafting technique usually results in the greatest regeneration of missing jawbone.

Allografts: are bone grafts taken from human donors. Bone obtained in this manor is rigorously tested and thoroughly sterilized. Once placed, your body "converts" the donor bone into your natural bone, thereby rebuilding your jawbone for successful implantation.

Xenografts: are bone grafts harvested from animals. The animal bone, which is most commonly bovine (cow), undergoes a special process to make it both sterile and biocompatible. Xenografts act as bone fillers, which in time your body will replace with natural bone.

Alloplastic Grafts: are bone grafts consisting of man made synthetic materials. The most commonly used man made material that mimics natural bone is calcium phosphate. Depending on how the graft is made, it will be either "resorbable" or "non-resorbable", meaning your body may or may not replace the graft with natural bone.  When the Alloplastic Grafts are not replaced with natural bone, they act as a scaffold upon which natural bone is built—resulting in the creation of enough bone for successful implantation.

Modern bone grafting techniques are ideal for those patients needing bone replacement in order to undergo successful implantation. Should this treatment be recommended by your dentist, you will be given further information on the type, location and amount of graft needed in order to perfect your smile.

Types of Dental Implants

There are several types of dental implants available to patients looking to replace damaged, decaying or missing teeth, each are designed to help individual patients based on certain criteria. During the implant procedure, your dentist will surgically place the implant or implants directly into the jawbone. Traditional implants required a certain amount of bone quality and quantity for successful implantation, however, through the progression of technology, different types of implants have been developed for those patients that may not have been initial candidates. 

Dental Implant Types

Most implants are made of titanium, an inert metal that has been proven to effectively fuse with living bone, a process known as "Osseointegration". Implants vary based on size and structure, each are designed to aid in successful implantation for patients. The following are the most common forms of dental implantation:

Root Form: "Root Form" implants are similar in shape to the root of a tooth—they are a cylindrical or screw type implant with a surface area designed to uphold a strong attachment to the bone. Root Form implants are the most widely used design and are generally placed where a plentiful width and depth of jawbone is present. In certain instances, if the jawbone is too narrow or short for immediate placement using Root Form implants, your dentist may recommend bone grafting.

Plate Form: When the jawbone is too narrow for Root Form placement and is not a successful candidate for bone grafting, a specially designed implant called the “Plate Form” implant can be placed. The process used to place the implant is identical to Root Form implants, however the Plate Form implant is flat and long—ideally designed to fit into the narrow jawbone.

Subperiosteal: When, due to advanced jawbone reabsorption after bone grafting, there may not be enough bone width or height for either Root Form or Plate Form implants to be successful, a Subperiosteal Implant may be used. This type of implant is custom made and designed to sit on top of the bone, but under the gum line. This type of implant does require a more extensive surgical procedure, however it does allow patients to experience successful implantation.

Knowing which type of dental implant is right for you will require a consultation with your dentist. Find out today dental implantation can help you to restore your smile.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Replacing Missing Teeth with Mini Dental Implants

For broken, decaying and damaged teeth, there are many dental treatments patients can undergo to restore their smile, but when it comes to missing teeth, there’s no better treatment for replacing missing teeth than with mini dental implants. Whether it’s a single tooth, a group of teeth, a full arch of teeth or a full set of teeth, MDI’s are a safe and effective way to achieve a naturally beautiful smile with long-lasting results.

Until recently, patients replacing missing teeth could only rely on bridges (which rely on support from surrounding teeth—ultimately leading to damage and decay down the road) and removable dentures (which are prone to causing embarrassment and discomfort). Mini dental implants offer an innovative solution to the problem of missing teeth. They provide the stability needed to complete everyday tasks such as speaking and eating with ease, all with a smile that looks and feels completely natural.

Replacing missing teeth with mini dental implants is both simple and straightforward. The treatment is performed at your dentist’s office using a local anesthetic. Once administered, your dentist will use a special drill, to drill small holes through the gum line and into the jawbone—this creates space for implant placement. A special wrench-like tool will then be used to tighten or ‘screw’ the implant into the jawbone, providing root-like stability for a dental prosthetic (crown, bridge or dentures).

Once properly placed, only the ball-shaped head, otherwise known as the abutment, will be visible above the gum line. At this time, your dentist will attach a metal housing to your dental prosthetic—this is what attaches the prosthetic to the implant. The metal housing is socket-like in nature and contains an o-ring, which works to effectively ‘snap’ the prosthetic onto the abutment, creating a secure seal.

The result is stable support for a dental prosthetic that looks and feels like a real tooth or teeth. Replacing missing teeth with mini dental implants is safe, quick and provides long-lasting results. Consult with your dentist today and see if this procedure can help you to replace your missing teeth for a naturally beautiful smile that lasts.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Immediate Dental Implants

Replacing broken, damaged, decayed and missing teeth is something that many men and women are currently considering, but oftentimes potential patients hesitate because they feel cost and time will be too involved. With immediate dental implants, patients can have the look and feel of natural teeth with just a single visit to the dentist. Imagine walking into your dentist’s office with missing teeth and walking out with a naturally beautiful smile. It’s possible with mini dental implants.

Mini dental implants are an innovative way for patients to replace missing teeth quickly, easily and with long lasting results. Performed right in your dentist’s office, the treatment begins with the administration of a local anesthetic. Your dentist will then drill small holes through the gum line and into the jaw bone—this is where the dental implants will be inserted (the amount of implants needed will vary from patient to patient depending on the amount of teeth being replaced).

The implants are inserted into the jaw using a specialized wrench with effectively ‘screws’ each implant into place, providing security and stability. When the implant is properly placed, only the head, or abutment, of the implant will be visible above the jaw line. The abutment is what is used to attach the dental prosthetic (crown, bridge, dentures) to the implant for stable, secure results.

Depending on the dental prosthetic being used during treatment, some patients may have a temporary prosthetic placed until the implant has time to properly fuse with the jaw bone. In other cases, the permanent dental prosthetic will be placed during the same dental visit.  Either way, patients can walk out of their dentist’s office and can use their new teeth immediately.

Immediate dental implants are great for patients because they involve little to no pain, no downtime and offer immediate results.  For those who currently suffer with an imperfect smile, mini dental implants can offer you the solution you’re looking for without the hassle of several visits to the dentist that can span weeks if not months. Get the smile you’ve always wanted with immediate dental implants. Contact your dentist today to see if this treatment is right for you.

Affordable Dental Implants for Dentures

Do you often experience difficulty when eating the foods you love? Dentures can often cause problems for the men and women that have them, but now there is a better solution. Affordable dental implants for dentures provide patients with the ability to secure their dentures, for a look and feel that is completely natural. Why continue the daily struggle with removable dentures when there is a better solution?

Removable dentures are well known for causing problems for many patients. Loose, ill fitting dentures tend to shift in the mouth, especially while speaking and chewing—often leading to embarrassing situations. Removable dentures require readjustments, meaning more trips to the dentist.  Denture wearers spend a lot of time and money maintaining their smile, but now there is a more efficient way to maintain your smile.

Dental implants are a safe and effective way to get long-term denture stabilization at an affordable cost. The implant procedure is quick and easy and can be performed right in your dentist’s office. Your dentist will start by administering a local anesthetic, after which he or she will use a specialized drill to create holes in the jaw bone for implant insertion. The number of implants needed to stabilize dentures will vary for each patient. Once the holes are created in the jaw bone a specialized wrench will be used to tighten or ‘screw’ the implants in place. Once properly placed, only the implant head or abutment will be visible above the gum line.

Once the implants are placed your dentist will attach metal housings to your removable dentures, one for each implant. The metal housings are socket-like in nature and when attached to the implant head, snap into place, providing proper stabilization. When placed, the dentures will rest comfortably on the gum line, creating the look and feel of natural teeth.
 
For patients currently struggling with ill-fitting dentures, consider this easy, affordable option. Dental implants for dentures give you a naturally beautiful smile without the aggravation or embarrassment of removable dentures. Talk with your dentist today and see if dental implants are right for you.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Replace a single tooth with Mini Dental Implants

For years, dentists have been replacing damaged, decayed and missing teeth with various forms of dental prosthetics, but none achieve stable, long-lasting results like mini dental implants. Dental implants vary from more traditional forms of tooth replacement, because unlike crowns, bridges and dentures, implants can provide patients with the look and feel of naturally growing teeth, without relying on support from surrounding teeth.  In addition, advancements in dental technology now allow for the replacement of even a single tooth with mini dental implants.

Mini dental implants, while similar to their more traditional counterparts, are truly revolutionary because they allow patients to replace a full set of teeth, a group of teeth, or even a single tooth, without causing damage to the surrounding structures in the mouth—and with naturally looking results. In addition, the small stature of the mini implants allows more patient to undergo treatment.

Until now, most patients replaced a single tooth by way of crown or bridge, but now, dental implant technology offers a better solution. Crowns are often used when a patient has a damaged or decayed tooth. A root canal is used to prepare the tooth and the tooth roots for the crown. Similarly, bridges are used to replace a single tooth or a group of teeth, and can be effective, but rely on support from surrounding teeth, which over time, can cause damage.  Patients looking for safe, long-lasting results are now turning to dental implants.

The mini dental implant treatment is administered right in your dentist’s office using local anesthetic. Your dentist will use a specialized drill to create a small hole in the jaw bone for implant placement. A specialized wrench is then used to tighten or ‘screw’ the implant in place, providing stability for the dental prosthetic. Once placed, only the implant head, or abutment, will be visible above the gum line.

At this time, your dentist will attach a metal housing to the bottom of the dental prosthetic (crown, bridge, dentures). The metal housing is socket-like in nature and fits over the ball-shaped implant head. Once the metal housing is placed, your dentist will ‘snap’ the housing onto the implant head, giving the dental prosthetic the look and feel of naturally growing teeth. The stability provided by the dental implant affords patients long-lasting results.

The Dental Implant Treatment

Dental Implants are artificial tooth replacements that are commonly used to counter tooth loss.  Dental implants can provide natural looking artificial teeth that feel completely secure and blend in with your smile. There are many reasons that one might lose a tooth.  Tooth decay, root canal failure, gum disease, trauma to the mouth, excessive wear and tear and congenital defects are all potential causes of tooth loss.  Many individuals become self conscious when losing a tooth; it can cause some to stop smiling and talking.  Dental Implants are a logical, durable way to counteract tooth loss.

While implants are a great way to fill in gaps caused by tooth loss, they are not something that will work for everyone.  Patients must be in good health, they must have healthy gums, there must be adequate bone to support the Dental Implant and they must be committed to scrupulous oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.  For anyone who is considering getting implants, undergo a full evaluation by your dentist to ensure you are a proper candidate for the procedure.

If you are a good Dental Implant candidate, the procedure will begin with the placing of the implant or anchor (this is the root that stabilizes the dental prosthetic placed on the implant).  Surgery for anchor placement can take several hours and once completed, it can take up to six months for the bone to grow around the anchor to hold it firmly in place.  Once the anchor is firmly in place, the next step is to place the artificial tooth or teeth.  Dental implants are safe and effective for placing crowns and bridges and can also be used to stabilize upper and lower dentures.

Depending on a number of different factors, Dental Implant surgery can be done either in a dental office or in a hospital. The severity of each individual case will decide whether a local or general anesthetic may be used. After the initial surgery, pain medications and, when necessary, antibiotics are prescribed.  Once the treatment is complete, patients will be rewarded with a stable, long lasting solution for tooth loss.  Dental Implants are stronger and more durable than other restoration options, so patients can feel confident they’ve chosen a solution that will last.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Permanent Dentures with Dental Implants

When it comes to dental procedures, the term ‘permanent’ is used a lot, and permanent dentures are no exception. It is important for patients to know that no dental procedure will ever offer permanent results, however treatments performed by reputable, certified dentists can provide long lasting results. If you are searching for permanent dentures with dental implants, know that while no dentist can guarantee permanent results, patients have experienced years of success with this innovative treatment.

Many men and women struggle on a daily basis with removable dentures. In theory, dentures are a fantastic way for patients with damaged, decaying, or missing teeth to achieve a naturally beautiful smile. In reality however, removable dentures do cause daily irritation for men and women—loose fitting dentures often shift while speaking and eating, making everyday tasks difficult and embarrassing. An effective, long-lasting solution for denture wearers can be found in dental implants.

Unlike adhesives, dental implants provide the stability denture wearers need to speak and chew with ease. The dental implant procedure involves the placement of implants within the jawbone, which when attached to the dentures, hold them in place for a functional, naturally beautiful smile.

The procedure begins with the administration of a local anesthetic. After which your dentist will utilize a specialized drill that creates small holes in the jawbone (several implants will be needed to stabilize both the upper and lower denture). The implants are then placed in these holes—they are ‘screwed’ into place using a specialized wrench. When properly placed, only the head, or abutment, of the implant will be visible above the gum line.

A metal housing will then be attached to the dentures, one for each implant. This is how the dentures are attached to the implants. The metal housing effectively ‘snaps’ onto the implant abutment, holding the implant in place. When the procedure is complete, the dentures will rest comfortably on the gum line, creating the look and feel of natural teeth.

Permanent dentures with dental implants are simply not possible, but when performed correctly, this treatment can provide stable, long lasting results that patients can enjoy for years.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions Part 4

The last in our series of dental implant questions asked and answered:

What is bone grafting and why is it associated with dental implants?

Successful placement of implants depends on a sufficient quantity and quality of bone in the jaw and not all patients have the requisite amount of bone needed for successful implantation. At first, dentists believed that in areas where there was insufficient bone, it was impossible to place dental implants.

With great advancements in medical and dental technology however, procedures have been developed to increase the amount of bone available in the jaw by use of bone belonging to the patient (endogenous bone), by use of a range of artificial substitutes, or by a substitute of both.

Most grafting techniques are simple and can be performed at the same time as implant placement. For some patients who have a significant lack of bone, more complex procedure may be required in order to create enough bone volume for successful implantation. In these cases, grafting procedures may need to occur as far as six months in advance of implantation.

What materials are available to replace bone?

In many cases, the patients’ own bone is used. Bone is often taken from areas close to the implant site, or from the chin or the back of the lower jaw. In severe cases, bone may need to be taken from outside the mouth.

In other cases, artificial bone substitutes are used—more are being developed day by day.  One of the most commonly used substitutes is a material derived from cow bone. It is processed in order to remove all organic materials before use.

Purely man made substitutes are also used in some cases, but most of these materials are in the early stages of development, therefore can be unpredictable when it comes to implant success.

Regardless of the type of material used, the grafting is used as a means to provide scaffolding in the treated area, which your body works to dissolve and replace with new bone.

Is dental implantation expensive?

The treatment ranges in invasiveness, and depending on the type of implant, costs can become fairly large. However, dental implants are well known for being safe, long-lasting solutions for broken, damaged, decaying and missing teeth. The quality of life of any patient’s oral health dramatically improves after implantation. People across the globe have benefited greatly from this procedure and it only continues to grow in popularity.

Still have unanswered questions? Find a certified, reputable dental implant dentist in your area and see if this treatment is right for you.

Dental Implants for Dentures

As many denture wearers are aware, removable dentures are a daily struggle, but dental implants for dentures are a simple and effective solution. Physical discomfort, bad breath, and even embarrassment due to unexpected movement while chewing and speaking often plague those with partial or full removable dentures, but the use of dental implants to stabilize loose or poorly fitting dentures easily solves many of these common struggles.

The Denture Stabilization Procedure

The dental implant treatment is an affordable, minimally invasive procedure that provides stability for removable dentures giving patients the peace of mind they need to feel confident about their smile.

The dental implant system consists of three main parts: 

-          The implant. Rooted into the jawbone through procedure that can be performed right in your dentist’s office, the titanium alloy implant acts as an anchor which stabilizes the denture. A full arch of dentures requires several implants for proper stabilization.
-          The metal housing. A metal housing will be attached to the base of the denture (one will be attached to coincide with each dental implant) and is what connects the denture to the implant.
-          The rubber O-ring. Residing inside of the metal housing, the o-ring seals and locks the two pieces in place.

The treatment, performed by your dentist, begins with a local anesthetic. A specialized drill is then used to create spaces or holes in the bone of the jaw for each dental implant. A specialized wrench is then used to secure or ‘screw’ the implant in place. Once placed, only the ball-shaped head of the implant, where the prosthetic is attached, will be visible above the gum line. At this point, the metal housing, complete with O-ring will ‘snap’ the dentures firmly in place so that they rest comfortably on the gum line.

Patients who have undergone the dental implant treatment know that even the strongest denture adhesives pale in comparison to the stabilization achieved through dental implantation. Dental implants for dentures simply provide a better solution for common denture problems.