Dental Implant surgery-a painless procedure to gain teeth

September 21, 2008 by ·

This patient of The Gentle Dentist had lost some teeth because of a failed root canal and a fractured tooth.  Rather than adding more teeth to a failed system she and her husband studied the options and decided to give us a call.  They searched on the internet for options and decided to give Dr. Robert Antolak, The Gentle Dentist,  the opportunity to surgically place dental implants to eventually replace the missing teeth.  She wants to eat normal food without pain or something removable.  The most natural way to replace these missing teeth are with dental implants.  They are small titanium screws that are inserted into the jaw bone.  The bone then grows into the implant and when healed teeth can be screwed into place.  The crowns that are placed can be treated like natural teeth because of the direct attachment to the bone.  The problem with both fixed bridges and partial dentures is that food can accumulate under them.  Dental implant crowns act like natural teeth so food doesn’t build up and you can use the same biting force as if the teeth were natural.

After 1 week there was great healing and in a couple of months she will have crowns to eat on.  This is important so that adjacent teeth don’t move into improper relationships.

The surgical cost of an implant, abutment and porcelain crowns are about $3,000 for the entire procedure.  This may seem like a lot, but the value to be able to have teeth to chew on again is beyond mention.

There are some dental insurances that do cover the placement and restoration of these procedures.

Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home.  His motto is to “relax while we take care of your smile”. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb County, Michigan.

Give us a call at (586)247-3500 or email DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com for more information.

Filed Under: Dental Implants, Dental Insurance, Dental Surgery, Dental Videos, Sedation Dentistry, Tooth replacement Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Implant vs. Fixed bridge tooth replacement

August 22, 2007 by ·

Ask the Dentist                         August 2007                

Tooth Replacement options
During a new patient exam my patient asked what the difference was between a bridge and dental implant to replace a missing tooth. I thought this would be a good question to address considering how implant dentistry is becoming the standard of care.

Both procedures are considered when there are teeth loss.  You can consider either option when you want your missing tooth replaced with something that doesn’t have to be removed..  Let me explain further.

            In general it is best to replace a missing tooth because of the long term problems that develop with a missing tooth.  These are:

  1. Movement of opposing and adjacent teeth to the removed tooth, in other words your teeth will shift as the bone shrinks and spaces will occur between the teeth on either side of the missing space.  This leads to gum problems, food getting caught between the teeth and difficulty chewing food because it gets wedged in the gum.
  2. Bone Loss that develops naturally when teeth are removed.  Bone is living so when it is not stimulated with a tooth or dental implant it starts to shrink.
  3. Your appearance suffers from an unsightly missing tooth.  I have seen patients’   attitude and confidence really suffer due to missing teeth. 
  4. The face becomes “sunken in” giving an older appearance as your teeth shift around and the gaps between your teeth become larger.
A fixed bridge uses the teeth next to the space to act as anchors whereas dental implants depend on the bone to hold and attach the tooth. 

*      if there are previous fillings in the teeth next to the space- If the teeth next to the space have large fillings or dental crowns, then they can be strengthened by crowning, therefore a bridge may be indicated.

*      the size of the space between teeth- If there are more than 3 missing teeth in a row, a fixed bridge may not work effectively because too much stress and force will be placed on the supporting teeth.

*       if the teeth supporting the bridge are stable-If the teeth adjacent to the space are loose, then dental implants may be the best choice so that additional stress doesn’t have to be applied to the teeth.

*       The location of the space in the mouth.  The further back you go back in the mouth, the more stress is placed on the teeth.  If there is adequate bone, dental implants may be indicated to add support to the back teeth.

Dental implants are the most natural and strongest method to replace the missing teeth since they most closely replicate our natural teeth.  Because the implant is placed in bone, the bone is constantly stimulated.  This stimulation prevents the bone from the natural process of shrinking when teeth are removed.

The cost of replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant versus a fixed bridge is about the same.  The investment cost for implant dentistry may be slightly higher, but because of the fact that implants usually last longer than fixed bridges I think they are the better and most cost effective choice.

If you have this situation and are unsure or want a second opinion call us for your free consultation.

 Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home.  His motto is to “relax while we take care of your smile”. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb county Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Dental Implants, General Dentistry, Tooth replacement Tagged With: , , , ,