19 Alpers Avenue
Newmarket
Auckland
NEW ZEALAND 1001

phone [+64] 09 524 5056
fax [+64] 09 524 5057

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- more on implants

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TREATMENT PROCEDURE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS:

1. the first step of dental implant therapy in our office is a discussion with Bernard followed by a thorough dental examination, including an i-Cat xray scan. This scan checks the condition of the bone tissue and confirms the placement location of the implant. An impression is made of the jaw and the existing teeth, forming an important platform for the treatment.

2. there are two options for placement of the implant, depending on the clinical situation.
In a one-step procedure, the dental implant is placed and then a temporary abutment [base for the crown - see photos below] is attached. In a two-step procedure, the dental implant is inserted and then covered by gum. The abutment is placed at a later date.
In both cases, a temporary tooth [perhaps a partial denture] is placed, followed by a healing period of three months for the lower jaw, and six months for the upper jaw. In some cases the implant can be completed immediately, but this depends on the bone condition

3. in a one-step procedure, the temporary abutment is replaced by a permanent one after the implant has bonded with tooth tissue
The second part of a two-step procedure involves making a small incision to open the gum and place the abutment on the implant

4. when the abutment is in place, a new impression is made. It is then compared to the impression made at the initial examination. Based on this final model, a dental technician carefully crafts the crown, bridge, or prosthesis. Special attention is given to ensuring the right colour and shape so the new teeth look like the patient's natural teeth

ONE TOOTH:

the need to replace a missing tooth can be due to an accident or perhaps the tooth never grew [we call this 'congenitally absent']. However, once the jawbone is fully developed, a dental implant is a long lasting aesthetic solution

the implant is placed in the jawbone. No healthy teeth are affected or damaged. Of course, with a bridge as the replacement option, the adjacent teeth are ground down.

the abutment is attached to the implant. A crown is then placed on the abutment, fitting perfectly to the edge of the gum

the new tooth is now complete, and it is virtually impossible to see the difference between the existing teeth and the new tooth for a natural looking solution

SEVERAL TEETH:

some people lose teeth in the back of the mouth. This is typically caused by gum infection, tooth decay, or a tooth cracking or wearing out.

between two and four implants are installed for an implant bridge. This does not affect the patient's own teeth. As well, the bridge will function for many years, regardless of the condition of the adjacent teeth

abutments are attached to the implants. The next step is to fit the bridge - the new set of porcelain teeth is placed on the abutments

the implant bridge is now in place and can withstand the strong chewing forces that occur in the back of the mouth. In fact, the bridge feels and functions like natural teeth

ALL TEETH:

where all the teeth are lost in one or both jaws, patients can choose a permanently anchored implant bridge or a removable denture that clips on to and is securely held by two or more implants. This type of denture [an 'overdenture'] stays in place more firmly than a traditional denture. But the permanently anchored implant bridge is a more natural looking solution

for a permanently anchored bridge, several implants are installed to form a strong foundation. Because the implants are anchored in the jawbone, they stimulate the bone tissue and minimise bone loss and facial collapse.

an overdenture involves placing two or more implants that will be used as a secure foundation.

in the bridge option, the abutments are attached to the implants and the bridge is fitted in place

for the overdenture option, either ball abutments [like the tow ball on a car] or a small bar between the abutments are used. The denture is clipped on over the connecting devices

the dental implant bridge, or the overdenture, is now in place. It looks and functions like a set of normal teeth. Patients can eat whatever they like and talk and laugh and and go bungey jumping without having to worry about their teeth falling out!