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DENTAL
IMPLANTS
 Dental
implants are metal anchors (usually made out of medical grade Titanium
alloy which is employed universally in orthopedics) that are placed into
the jaw bones, which then allows the dentist to design different teeth
replacements ranging from single crowns to multiple
unit bridges to full denture replacements. The
implants are usually placed by a trained surgeon.
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COMMON
QUESTIONS
How
do I know if I am a candidate?
The restorative dentist along with the implant surgeon usually makes this
determination from a careful clinical exam, accompanied by x-rays. What
they are looking for is not only adequate height but also width of bone to
place the implant, as well as any medical conditions that may affect the
outcome.
Do the implants hurt?
No, because when they are placed the area is anesthetized. Thereafter,
they feel and chew just like real teeth (bone in itself has no nerve
endings).
How long do implants take?
Generally, it takes several months to complete the restoration on
implants. The reason is because bone takes longer to grow and achieve
bonding to implants. Of course, during the waiting period, the patient is
wearing a temporary prosthesis.
Who performs the procedure?
It takes a team of two dentists: one, an implant surgeon, to place the
implants, and the other, a restorative dentist to restore them. Close
teamwork is desirable to achieve the most esthetic result because good
communication as to the correct implant position is so critical to a
successful outcome.
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IMPLANT
CROWNS
 The
implant is an anchor that is placed in the bone of the missing tooth area
to replace the root portion of the tooth. After sufficient time, the bone
bonds to the implant allowing for the placement of a crown.
When there is a missing tooth it is
desirable not to touch the adjacent teeth. This solution is always
preferable because the implant crown does not have to depend on the
adjacent teeth for support as in the traditional bridge. It also allows
for easier hygiene because flossing is possible between all the teeth.
Most importantly, the implant helps maintain the bone and gum tissue,
whereas the missing tooth ridge area under the conventional bridge usually
resorbs away with time leaving an unsightly space between the false tooth
and the gum.
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IMPLANT
BRIDGES
 Implant
bridges area employed when there is a desire to avoid conventional
removable partial dentures/bridges which have unsightly clasps (hooks)
that, over time, also tend to weaken the teeth they are attached to.
Implants, acting as anchors, are placed
and allowed to bond to the jawbone, to which fixed bridges can be
attached. Usually the adjacent teeth are not involved and stay
independent. They can replace anywhere from two missing teeth to an entire
jaw, thereby replacing a removable denture with a fixed bridge.
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IMPLANT
DENTURES
 When
there is a desire to have a more secure denture, implant dentures are
called for. Frequently, due to the advanced resorption of the jaw bone and
gum ridges, dentures are hard to keep in place, especially the lower jaw.
In these cases, implants can serve as
anchors to hold the dentures in place comfortably and securely. More
importantly, the implants will slow down the further resorption of the jaw
bone and gum ridges.
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TEETH IN A DAY PROTOCOL
Recent advances in implant technology have allowed Dr. Yen the ability to provide immediate implant provisional restorations within 24 hours of implant placement in select situations. This exciting protocol has been well-researched and Dr. Yen has been performing this procedure since 2000. It has been extremely well received by all the patients due to its remarkable immediate return to function and lack of post surgical discomfort.
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