Dental Implants Warren

Will Dental Implants Last a Lifetime?

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The dental implant is an innovative breakthrough in cosmetic and prosthetic dentistry. Many prefer them over complete dentures because they are easy to maintain and last for a lifetime. They are composed of a titanium post, which is supposed to simulate the root, and a pontic that serves as the crown.

Patients who are considering dental implants in Piscataway will be happy to know that our dentists are well-trained in the field of implant dentistry. In order to place an implant, a small slit is made in the gum area to allow the titanium post to enter. Patients will wear a temporary prosthesis while the implant bonds with the jaw bone. After the implant has bonded, the crown is attached. The quality and color of the artificial crown must match the natural dentition of the patient.

Those with systemic disorders will need to consult with their physicians before dental implants can be considered. A patient with periodontal disease can be a candidate for this procedure. The dentist must try and control the bacteria levels in the compromised patient’s mouth, by way of manual cleaning methods and medication, if needed.

The titanium post used to anchor the pontic has excellent osseointegration properties. There is only a slim chance of rejection because it meshes well with the alveolar bone. This simulates the root and will last a lifetime. The crown that is attached to it will last for ten to fifteen years. This is the best long-term solution for cases that exhibit partial to complete loss of teeth.

When considering dental implants, the implant dentist must determine is your alveolar bone is dense enough to handle the prosthetic. You will also need to discuss your medical history. People with systemic disorders may qualify for dental implants if they have their condition controlled by way of medication and frequent visits to their physician.

Get a new lease on life with dental implants. Contact Warren Oral Surgery and schedule your consultation today.




All-on-4 dental implants: Enhance your smile in a single day

Monday, September 19, 2011

dental implants BernardsvilleDental implants are an attractive tooth replacement option for many patients. They are enduring, stable and aesthetically pleasing, so patients often feel that implants are more reliable than other tooth replacement methods.

Advances in dental technology have even made dental implants suitable alternatives to dentures. A number of implants can be used to anchor an arch of artificial teeth while approximating a natural feel and appearance. Dental implants also keep replacement teeth more secure and allow wearers to maintain a varied diet.

However, dental implants do need sufficient jaw bone material to support them in the osseointegration process. After the teeth have been removed or fallen out, though, the jaw bone begins to erode because the teeth’s roots are no longer present to stabilize it. If too much bone has disappeared, the implants may be at increased risk of failure.

As a result, previous patients who wanted to get dental implants in Bernardsville often had to have bone grafts or augmentation procedures in advance of the implant placement. This additional surgery extended the treatment timeline by months, with patients needing to wear uncomfortable temporary fixtures in the interim.

With the All-on-4 technique, a dentist can maximize the available bone to place the implants. Because the bone recedes more slowly toward the front of the jaw, the dentist can place four implants in relatively close proximity, angling the outside implants below the gumline to ensure that there is sufficient room in the bone for them. Additionally, the implants help to stabilize the jaw bone in the long term, preventing further resorption.

The implants used in the All-on-4 procedure can be fitted with the replacement teeth immediately, allowing the patient to leave the dentist’s office with an intact smile. After the implants have healed fully, your dentist can swap out the initial artificial arch with a stronger, more permanent one. However, the initial set of teeth is still fully functional.

If you are looking for a way to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, consult with our implant dentistry team at Warren Oral Surgery to see if dental implants are appropriate for your case.




Is it time to replace my dentures?

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

When patients first get fitted with dentures, they often expect the appliances to last forever. But that’s rarely the case. Not only do denture materials wear down over time, the shape of the bone also changes, altering the dentures’ fit.

Eventually the shape of the bone shifts to such an extent that the dentures are rendered largely useless. Patients who find their dentures frequently slipping out of place often turn to dental implants in Summit for a more permanent solution.

The primary reason for a denture wearer’s change in bone structure is the absence of the teeth’s roots. With nothing to anchor the jaw bone, it begins to erode. Dental implants, which involve a titanium structure that fuses with the bone in addition to an artificial crown, replicate that function in a way that dentures do not.

As a result, there is no jaw bone resporption with dental implants, as the implant takes the place of roots of missing teeth and holds the jaw bone in place.

Dental implants are also an attractive tooth replacement alternative to dentures because they don’t require messy adhesives with bad aftertaste. Artificial arches of teeth held in place by implants do not slip out of place, and patients typically can maintain a normal diet with few, if any, necessary adjustments.

In some cases in which patients are switching to implants after wearing dentures for an extensive amount of time, they may have significant bone loss that can affect the viability of implants. Nonetheless, certain techniques can maximize the availability of remaining bone or augment the jaw bone to ensure that implants will still succeed.

An artificial arch of teeth can be held in place using just four implants placed near the front of the jaw, where the bone recedes more slowly. Alternatively, if an implant must be placed in the back of the jaw, the sinus floor can be lifted, with the newly created space filled in with bone graft material, supplementing the amount of bone available to support the implant.

If you have noticed that your dentures no longer fit as well as they did a few years ago, call 908-222-7922 and talk to one of our implant dentists to see if you might be a candidate for this dental technology.




Implant-supported bridge vs. removable partial

Monday, August 29, 2011

dental implants berkeley heightsReplacing missing teeth is no time for compromising, settling, or negotiating. The tooth replacement solution that looks natural and fits comfortably can provide years of satisfaction. Replacement teeth that are also strong and highly functional can also be better for your health.

When evaluating your options for replacing multiple missing teeth, a removable partial denture is typically the fastest and least expensive choice. But before making a hasty decision, speak with your oral surgeon about dental implants in Berkeley Heights. You’ll find that dental implants can be used to create a permanent bridge that can replace multiple missing teeth and restore your lost chewing capacity.

Your oral surgeon can evaluate your particular needs and explain the many ways that a fixed restoration is more predictable than a removable one.

For instance, a removable restoration must rely on metal clasps attached to the natural teeth for stability. The teeth are not anchored to the bone like natural teeth, resulting in the increased possibility of rocking and shifting during eating and speaking. Removable partials mainly consist of false teeth seated in an acrylic base that rest just on top of the gum tissue. Prolonged use of a partial denture often leads to irritation of the gums, unpleasant breath, and possible fungal infection.

A major advantage of the implant-supported bridge is its stability. By being permanently bonded to the jaw bone, this type of bridge will not shift or move as you enjoy your daily life. Dental implants allow a permanent bridge to be placed even where there are no natural teeth. Traditionally, a bridge would be anchored to at least two natural teeth, with a false tooth suspended between them. Where the natural teeth are missing, as in the case of a patient who is missing all of the molar teeth, implants can be used to anchor the bridge and replace your lost chewing surfaces.

Before making your final decision about replacing your missing teeth, consider your long term needs. Think about your level of comfort, your confidence, and your appearance. Then, schedule an appointment with our implant dentistry team at Warren Oral Surgery to discuss dental implants. You owe it to yourself to find out if implants are right for you.




Is a sinus augmentation necessary for dental implants?

Friday, August 19, 2011

Prior to beginning the procedure for dental implants in Martinsville, a consultation is necessary. Your oral surgeon will want to ensure that you are a good candidate for dental implants and identify any potential obstacles or risks that could occur during the process.

A primary key to the success of the implant procedure is the availability and quality of the bone in the area where the implant will be placed. When a tooth has been lost due to periodontal disease, or when the tooth has been missing for many years, natural bone loss may occur. When the location of the missing tooth is in the upper jaw near the sinuses, there may be inadequate bone to support the planned implant.

In these instances, your oral surgeon may recommend modifications to the bone in order to improve your chances for a successful implant. In areas where there is insufficient bone, a bone graft is an effective method of increasing the amount of bone in a given area. In areas where the sinuses are located, a sinus augmentation may also be required.

X-rays are useful in determining the location and size of the sinus. The sinuses are an opening or cavity in the skull just above the upper molars). Because dental implants must be completely surrounded by bone, they cannot be placed in such a manner as to invade the sinus cavity. If your oral surgeon predicts that the implant will enter the sinus cavity, an augmentation will be performed 6-9 months before the actual implant is placed.

By making an incision at the location of the missing tooth, and a small opening in the upper jaw bone, your implant dentist can access the floor or bottom of the sinus. Gently pushing the floor of the cavity higher into the skull, and filling the new space with bone grafting material, the density of the jaw bone can be increased significantly. The area is sutured and allowed to heal, and your implant can be placed in a matter of months.

The sinus augmentation is not necessarily required in all implant cases, but can greatly improve your chances for success when utilized. Call 908-222-7922 and schedule your comprehensive implant consultation today to learn if sinus augmentation is right for you.




Replacing a single tooth: Single tooth implant Vs. Bridge

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

dental implants SummitPart of the challenge of replacing a missing tooth is finding a solution that is a close imitation of the original tooth. For your comfort, your replacement tooth should be similar to the missing tooth both in size and shape. The tooth replacement should also be stable and durable enough to withstand everyday activities such as eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Ultimately, you want a tooth that looks as attractive as a natural tooth.

As you explore the possibility of dental implants in Summit, you may be pleasantly surprised at how well implants fit the previously discussed criteria. Compared to other available options, implants are widely recognized as the most conservative and durable tooth replacement.

For several decades, the fixed or permanent bridge was as appropriate solution for replacing a lost tooth. Although the bridge does effectively replace the lost chewing surface and prevent the neighboring teeth from shifting or drifting, the limitations and inherent obstacles are hard to ignore. Bridges are anchored to at least one tooth on either side of the missing tooth, requiring that the anchoring teeth be reduced in size. A false tooth is suspended above the gumline and attached to the anchor teeth.

By suspending the false tooth above the gums, eventual bone loss can occur, resulting in a change in the shape of the jawbone in that area. Flossing between the teeth takes some practice, since the floss must be threaded under the bridge for proper food and plaque removal. Essentially, the equivalent of three teeth must be involved in order to replace a single tooth when a bridge is utilized.

By comparison, dental implants are a conservative and durable tooth replacement solution. Since implants are firmly anchored directly to the bone at the site of the missing tooth, there is no impact on the neighboring teeth and less risk for bone loss. The challenge of thorough plaque control is also eliminated. The implants are not attached to any other teeth, allowing for normal flossing and brushing.

There are certainly multiple methods for replacing a single tooth, but, when you desire the highest standard in care, and when you are seeking a solution with a long lifespan, you should contact Warren Oral Surgery at 908-222-7922 and schedule an appointment to discuss dental implants.




Purpose of a bone graft

Thursday, July 28, 2011

It’s no mistake that dental implants are the most widely successful tooth replacement procedure available today. Implants can be utilized to replace any number of missing teeth, and designed to look more natural than any other tooth replacement solution. The fact that the implant becomes physically integrated with the jaw bone explains its amazing strength and durability. By standing alone, independent of the neighboring teeth, the implant is conservative and stable.

Together, these characteristics make the implant and ideal choice for a large majority of patients. Although the implant procedure itself is predictable and increasingly common, it is most successful when preformed on an ideal patient.

When seeking dental implants near Bernardsville, our implant dentists will first evaluate your medical health and then your dental health. Patients who can expect the greatest success are those adults who are healthy enough to undergo surgery.

It is critical that you have a stable foundation in the area that has been designated for your implant. More specifically, your implant dentist will need to determine that there is enough bone structure to support the implant. When the jaw bone has been determined to be deficient due to bone loss, anatomical defect, or trauma, a bone graft can be used to augment the available bone.

Implant dentists utilize special imaging technology to determine if the jaw bone is wide enough and deep enough to adequately support an implant. Where the volume of bone is insufficient, human or synthetic bone can be placed during the initial surgical procedure. With proper healing, the new bone will become integrated with your natural bone.

In some instances, a dental implant can be placed in conjunction with a bone graft. In other cases, a specified healing period may be recommended to allow complete integration of the bone graft prior to placing the implant. In both scenarios, the ultimate goal of bone grafting is to reinforce and reshape the bone in order to provide you with the best possible chance for success as you move forward with the dental implant procedure.

To learn more about dental implants, call our implant dentistry team at 908-222-7922 to schedule a consultation.




How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Monday, July 18, 2011

Basking Ridge Dental ImplantsIn dentistry, there is always more than one way to achieve a desired result. There are many schools of thought and numerous philosophies about techniques, principles, and procedures. One principle that the dental community has firmly agreed upon is the importance of replacing missing teeth. The fact that a large majority of dental professionals believe implants to be the best possible solution for replacing missing teeth is a testament to the success of the procedure.

For the success of your dental implants in Basking Ridge, the first step is a complete evaluation of your medical and dental histories. Once you have been identified as a good candidate for dental implants, your chances for a successful outcome are high. Clinical statistics have shown that the average success rate for implants after five years is more than 98%.

The consistently high success rate and positive feedback of the dental implant procedure is partly due to the unique properties of the implant.

  • Made from specially prepared, surgical grade titanium, the implants become integrated with jaw bone. This permanent bond provides the stability necessary for long term success.
  • Since implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, they are not impacted by the health of the surrounding teeth.
  • Implants stand alone and can be easily accessed for through brushing and flossing.
  • Implants can be designed to look and feel like a natural tooth

In addition to the initial examination and the actual surgical placement of the implant, the success rate is largely dependent on patient compliance. By following the post-operative instructions provided by your implant dentist, you can protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your implant.

You will be instructed to avoid smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Good homecare habits such as regular brushing and flossing are also important. The same bacteria that contribute to periodontal disease can also be damaging to your implant. By preventing plaque and food particles from accumulating around your implant as well your natural teeth, you can enjoy an overall improvement in your periodontal health.

It’s important to remember that each implant case is unique.  Partnering with your implant dentist to plan your case is the best way to achieve a successful outcome.




Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for Dental Implants

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Dental implants have become the clear choice for replacing single or multiple missing teeth. Although the procedure is extremely technical, when performed by an experienced oral surgeon, the results are typically very predictable. As you begin to explore your options with dental implants in Summit, you can be confident that our oral surgeons have the expertise to permanently restore your smile.

The dental implant procedure is an amazing combination of science and cosmetics. After extensively reviewing your medical history, your oral surgeon will implant a surgical grade titanium post into your jaw bone. Using state of the art imaging technology, the oral surgeon can evaluate the anatomical curvatures of your bone in order to identify the exact location for your implant.

When the jaw bone is not dense enough to support an implant, your oral surgeon may suggest a bone grafting procedure to improve stability.

During the planning and placement of your implant, the oral surgeon will pay particular attention to the esthetic aspects of the procedure. How will the implant be angled to align with the neighboring teeth? How is the jaw bone shaped near the implant? Does the gum tissue look healthy and natural around the implant? These aspects are just as important as the clinical success of the implant. You deserve a tooth replacement solution that is both strong and beautiful.

By trusting our oral surgeons to restore your smile, you have access to a specialist who possesses a wealth of knowledge. In addition to completing four years of dental school, oral surgeons receive specialized education and hospital residencies in cardiology, internal medicine, plastic surgery, and anesthesia. With the ability to combine dental procedures with surgical expertise, an oral surgeon is the most likely specialist to deliver superior implant dentistry.

Maybe you have been curious about the ways that dental implants can improve your smile. Perhaps you have questions about how to proceed with your choice to replace your missing teeth. If so, then call our dental implant team at 908-222-7922 to schedule a consultation today.




How long is a dental implant procedure?

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

dental implants ManvilleThe decision to pursue dental implants includes an in-depth discussion with your implant dentist and thorough planning. The placement of the actual implant is a delicate balance of science and oral surgery. The restoration that attaches to the implant is a blend of artistry and function.

By comprehensively reviewing your medical history and main concerns with your implant dentist, you can plan your implant procedure from start to finish. Appropriate prior planning can insure that your implant procedure is smooth and predictable, yielding the best possible results.

In general, an implant procedure consists of three phases over the course of approximately 6 months. In the first phase, the jaw bone is evaluated to ensure that there is enough available bone to support the implant. The implant is then placed into the jaw bone and covered with gum tissue. With the implant securely in place, it will remain undisturbed for three to six months. During this time, the jaw bone will become fused to the implant, creating a permanent bond.

After the initial healing process, the patient will return to the dental office, where the implant will be uncovered and evaluated. When the implant dentist has determined that the bone has sufficiently integrated with the implant, a connecting abutment is attached to the implant above the gum line. This abutment will serve as an anchor between the implant and the ultimate crown, bridge, or denture. Again, the area surrounding the implant and abutment will be allowed to heal for a specified period of time. For the best esthetic result, the gum tissue will need to heal firmly and tightly around the implant post.

Finally, once the dentist and the patient are satisfied with the results of the initial phases, the implant can be restored or completed with a custom designed tooth replacement. The artificial replacement will be designed to blend perfectly with your natural teeth.

It is important to remember that, in most cases, the dental implant procedure is not an overnight process. The individual dental appointments are relatively simple and conservative, but the appropriate healing times must be respected to the success of the final product.

To begin your discussion about dental implants near Manville, arrange an appointment today with one of our experienced implant dentists.