What A Dental Implant Is, And Isn’t

Posted on Jun 21, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Contrary to most assumptions, a Dental Implant is not a replacement tooth. The ‘restoration,’ or tooth that is supported by an implant consists of a crown, bridge teeth or a full denture. To understand a Dental Implant “system,” it is helpful to know its various components.

Although there are different types of implant systems, all work in in a similar fashion. An implant is a hollow, screw-like cylinder. The process begins by placing the implant in the jaw bone at a strategic point in the jaw bone. Once placed, the implant is covered over with gum tissue. For several months after, the implant goes through a ‘healing’ process. While this typically takes several months, you can wear a denture or temporary so you are never without teeth.

In this stage, the bone grows around the implant in a process known as “osseo-integration.” This secures the implant in the bone, which recreates the foundation of natural tooth roots to give biting and chewing stability. Once healing is complete, a post is secured inside the hollow core of the implant. This post will support your final replacement tooth or teeth.

A successful outcome in any Dental Implant treatment is in the selection and placement process. A Periodontist has specialized training in the diagnosis and placement of all types of implant systems. This means the implant system recommended for you will be the type most suited to your individual needs and goals.

An important aspect of implant success also relies on the assessment of bone mass. When the upper or lower jaw has insufficient bone to support the implant being placed, there is a risk of failure. Again, an implant requires careful selection and placement to be able to support the replacement teeth being attached. In some cases, as few as 4 – 6 implants can support a complete arch of teeth. This decision is best left in the hands of a periodontal specialist.

Severe bone loss can require bone rebuilding procedures prior to implant placement. This can be done by bone grafting or the application of a bone-rebuilding material. In some cases, particular implant systems designed with unique angles can provide support with minimal bone depth with no bone rebuilding necessary.

The best implant system for you can be determined after an examination. During this time, I’ll recommend options best for you and explain the process. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule an appointment. Or, ask to begin with a Consultation.

Best To Replace Single Tooth At Time Of Removal

Posted on Jun 07, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, a single tooth requires removal. This could be due to a fracture that extends below the gum line. Or, this is necessary when a tooth is beyond repair that can be resolved with a crown. Because each tooth helps to keep neighboring teeth in proper position, promptly replacing any lost tooth is a wise decision.

When a single tooth is removed, many adults now choose to replace it with a dental implant at the time of removal. One advantage of this is the prevention of bone loss. By inserting the implant at the same time of tooth removal, you minimize the risk of ‘resorption.’ Resorption occurs when tooth roots are no longer present to provide stimulation to the bone. Without this, the bone begins to shrink, or ‘resorb,’ over time.  It is a fact that the teeth adjacent to areas of bone loss have the greatest risk of being the next to be lost.

Another benefit of same-day implant placement is the preservation of gum contours. When a tooth is lost, the arch of gum tissue and ‘points’ formed by tissues between each tooth begin to flatten within days. When an implant is immediately placed and the replacement tooth attached the same day, the natural contours of gum tissues are preserved.

Appearance is another reason for placing an implant and crown immediately following tooth removal. This means patients avoid the awkward and embarrassing look of a gap in their smile.

Immediate replacement is also beneficial when two or several teeth in a row are missing. Because one implant can often support a bridge of teeth, this saves on treatment cost while also preserving natural gum contours. Additionally, since the position in your upper or lower jaw bone is already to a proper depth and size, placing the implant following removal greatly simplifies the treatment time and procedural requirements.

As a Periodontal Specialist, I work with general dentists and other specialists on a regular basis. Through this team treatment approach, the patient receives a speedy result with an exceptional outcome. To discuss immediate placement implants or any type of dental implant, call (828) 274-9440. We’ll be happy to arrange a consultation appointment so I can explain the process and answer your questions thoroughly.

 

It May Be Obvious That You Wear Dentures

Posted on May 26, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I frequently place dental implants in patients who have been long-time denture wearers. Most want to be able to eat securely again, to chew and enjoy foods they have had to deny themselves because of “rocky dentures.” Some, however, most want their sense of self-esteem and self-confidence back.

My wife and I have a single friend who has recently begun internet dating. She shared an account of a “horrible evening,” one she said she “couldn’t get out of fast enough.” The man was nice looking, but Beverly noticed right away that the man had very thin lips. As they shared an appetizer, she then noticed he frequently tucked his upper lip under his upper teeth and would press his lips together. “I think he wore dentures,” Beverly added.

Obviously (to me – being aware of the typical habits of denture-wearing patients to keep dentures in place), the gentleman was trying to push his upper denture into position. The denture was apparently feeling loose as he ate, talked and laughed. Chances are he had absolutely no idea that he was doing this. Too, his denture may have been secure but he has developed a habit of doing this action.

A couple of generations ago, most adults assumed they would lose their teeth in old age and end up in dentures. Today we know better. Keeping natural teeth for a lifetime is a benefit to one’s overall health as well as an asset to our ability to feel confident socially and in close settings with others.

Think about what you may be doing unconsciously while wearing dentures. These actions indicate you are losing the foundation your denture was designed to conform. Without natural tooth roots, the ‘ridge’ that your denture curves around begins to flatten out. This is from bone ‘resorption.’ Unfortunately, the decline in bone mass will only continue. Thus, that denture will never fit well for very long, even after relines.

Dental implants recreate the presence of tooth roots, halting bone resorption. They serve as anchors to securely support teeth that can bite and chew the foods you love. You’ll regain a smile you are confident sharing and laugh without worry.

Regardless of your age, you are too young to live with the challenges caused by dentures. Look into the many options in today’s implant dentistry. You’ll likely find a type that fits your needs and your budget. Call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation.

Too Old For Dental Implants? No, Unless You Smoke!

Posted on Apr 29, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Dental Implants are nothing new, having first ‘formally’ emerged in the 1950’s. Over the past few decades, they have been perfected to provide a dependable tooth replacement system. There are now many types of Dental Implants, designed to accommodate various needs and preferences. While Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime (having up to a 98% success rate), like anything that’s not a natural part of the body, there is a potential for failure.

Dental Implants are highly beneficial, restoring one’s natural ability to bite and chew comfortably. Because they recreate stimulation to the jaw bone like that of natural tooth roots, they also help to halt bone loss. This bone loss can contribute to the loss of neighboring teeth as well as changes in facial appearance. If you’ve seen someone with a mouth that seems collapsed into the face, this ‘granny look’ is a common result of bone loss due to missing tooth roots.

Any age can have a successful outcome with Dental Implants. Extended studies have shown that age is not a factor in implant success, with an equal success rate in younger and older patients. For example, a study of 133 adults over the age of 80 and having no teeth showed that the elderly patients had treatment results comparable to those achieved in younger age groups. The factors that enhance one’s potential to have a successful outcome, at any age, are having healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. Patients must also be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

What is a significant contributor to implant failure is smoking. Studies have shown that smokers have more calculus (tartar) than nonsmokers. Calculus is a cement-like buildup on teeth that is an intense accumulation of oral bacteria. When gum tissues are already battling a bacterial onslaught, their ability to accept Dental Implants and enable successful healing is not good.

In studies, smokers were 3 – 6 times more likely to have gum diseases than nonsmokers. Smoking dries out oral tissues in the mouth and decreases the production of saliva. Likely due to less saliva and constricted blood flow, smokers have less gum bleeding and redness. This can lead to the assumption that they have healthy gums. Smoking also hinders healing in your mouth, making treatment much more difficult.

To illustrate this point, one study found that smokers were twice as likely as nonsmokers to lose teeth in the five years after completing treatment for gum disease. Smokers also don’t respond as well to oral surgery treatments. Dental implants are much more likely to fail in people who smoke, because of poor bone healing.

Researchers who have studies how tobacco smoke affects oral tissues say it appears to interfere with the body’s natural ability to fight disease and promote healing. Apparently, smoking affects the way gum tissue responds to all types of treatment, possibly due to tobacco chemicals that interfere with blood flow to the gums. This slows the healing process and makes treatment results less favorable.

Pipe and cigar smokers and those who use smokeless tobacco are just as likely to have Dental Implant complications than those who smoke cigarettes. According to a study at Temple University, 18% of former cigar or pipe smokers had moderate to severe gum disease, three times the amount found in non-smokers.
Pipe smokers have rates of tooth loss similar to cigarette smokers.

The Surgeon General has good news for those wanting (or trying to) quit smoking. A recent study reported that people who had quit smoking 11 years prior had nearly the same rate of gum disease as those who never smoked.

Can’t quit? Reducing the amount you smoke can also make a difference. One study found that people who smoked over a pack and a half a day were 6 times more likely to develop gum disease than nonsmokers. Those who smoked less than a half pack per day had only 3 times the risk.

While every Dental Implant placed is intended to provide a successful outcome for a lifetime, regardless of one’s age, those who smoke need to accept the risks for failure. The first step is a thorough evaluation of your gums and assessment of bone mass to support Dental Implants. From there, we can help you take the first step towards the ability to eat the foods you love and laugh with confidence! Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment.