DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implantology has been around for 30+ years and has proven to be a highly successful way to replace teeth. Research and technology have streamlined the procedure both surgically and restoratively making it a very routine dental procedure.
Dental implants can replace teeth in many different ways:
• Single tooth replacement with a crown
• A multiple tooth fixed bridge
• An entire arch with crowns and bridges
• Underlying attachment and support for a removable or semi-removable denture.
Basically as the stress and support needs increase, so does the number of implants required. We are fortunate to have a large variety of lengths and diameters of implants available so treatment can be very customized, depending on the quality and volume of bone available.
Once the oral surgeon places the implant in the bone, there is normally a 2 – 4 month “healing time” while the implant fixture firmly attached to the bone. This occurs under the gum tissue without any side affects or consequences to the patient. Once the healing time passes Dr. Richter can then attach an abutment to the implant and then a crown to the abutment for completion of the tooth replacement.
In some cases direct placement of teeth on the implants at the time of surgery may be necessary. The primary reason for this is cosmetics and patient comfort. Research supports this treatment, but we are very careful to reduce occlusal forces on the implants for approximately a month.
It is nice to see that some insurance companies, both medical and dental, are supportive of these procedures. While they are still in the minority it appears to be improving. The insurance industry must realize that the use of dental implants is not experimental anymore. It is truly the most comfortable and esthetic way to replace missing teeth.
Dental implants can replace teeth in many different ways:
• Single tooth replacement with a crown
• A multiple tooth fixed bridge
• An entire arch with crowns and bridges
• Underlying attachment and support for a removable or semi-removable denture.
Basically as the stress and support needs increase, so does the number of implants required. We are fortunate to have a large variety of lengths and diameters of implants available so treatment can be very customized, depending on the quality and volume of bone available.
Once the oral surgeon places the implant in the bone, there is normally a 2 – 4 month “healing time” while the implant fixture firmly attached to the bone. This occurs under the gum tissue without any side affects or consequences to the patient. Once the healing time passes Dr. Richter can then attach an abutment to the implant and then a crown to the abutment for completion of the tooth replacement.
In some cases direct placement of teeth on the implants at the time of surgery may be necessary. The primary reason for this is cosmetics and patient comfort. Research supports this treatment, but we are very careful to reduce occlusal forces on the implants for approximately a month.
It is nice to see that some insurance companies, both medical and dental, are supportive of these procedures. While they are still in the minority it appears to be improving. The insurance industry must realize that the use of dental implants is not experimental anymore. It is truly the most comfortable and esthetic way to replace missing teeth.
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