Luda received zygomatic implants, which are placed in the patient’s cheekbones. This enabled us to give her fixed teeth. We fitted her temporary teeth in one day and installed her permanent teeth several months later after her implants had sufficiently healed.
ArtLab Dentistry is one of the few centers in the country that routinely restores zygomatic implants. Dr. Reshad is a speaker for Nobel Biocare and teaches dentists internationally how to restore these failed implants.
Luda’s smile was restored with very specific and stringent techniques perfected at ArtLab. We can give our patients teeth on the same day of implant surgery using the ArtLab4 Dental Implant also referred to as All-On-Four or Teeth in a Day.
John looks years younger, not just because of the way his teeth look, but also because his skin looks years younger after giving up smoking.
We restored his smile with our All-On-4 dental implants treatment. We provided fixed provisional restorations maintained during his treatment, which looked great and functioned beautifully all the way through treatment.
John’s new smile is an outstanding bright, white outcome made from the latest technology zirconia teeth. These are particularly strong teeth made from monolithic zirconia. This type of zirconia has no additional layering of ceramic over the top, making it very strong. In addition, we incorporated some gold-colored framework to support the zirconia.
A dental implant is a threaded titanium screw that is strong enough for a post to be placed inside it. When the screw and post are correctly set, the dentist finishes the tooth with a crown or cap. Many people incorrectly believe that a dental implant makes up the entire replacement tooth; in fact, the implant replaces only the root. The dentist places the crown or cap on top of the replacement tooth.
After the initial appointments, the entire dental implant process takes around 6 to 8 months, unless complex surgery is required. During the first appointment, your Prosthodontist fuses the actual implant with the jawbone. Then, the Prosthodontist covers the implant with gum tissue to allow the implant to heal properly. The Prosthodontist then sends you home following surgery with a temporary bridge or denture (unless performing a bone graft or other complex surgery) so that your teeth appear cosmetically intact, and allows for you to chew food. Around 3 to 5 months later, you return to the Prosthodontist to have the post placed into the implant. Once the post is set, the Prosthodontist fits you to get the correct size crown or cap. Two to six weeks later, you come in for your final fittings. The process is usually completed in just one appointment unless additional visits are required to ensure the correct color, size, and proportions of the new tooth.
The body very rarely rejects a dental implant. The jawbone readily accepts the implant, and the few rejections that do occur are usually the result of rare allergies to the titanium alloy that makes up the implant. Another reason for implant failure comes from the patient’s care after surgery. Without proper oral hygiene, regular teeth eventually fail and fall out. A dental implant is no different. Taking care of your teeth and your implants, prevent gum decay and structure failure in the long run.
Dental implants can last 40 to 50 years if given the proper care. They often last a lifetime for patients that brush regularly, floss, and follow the dental recommendations made at their check-ups. While a dentist cannot guarantee the long-term success of a dental implant, the dentist can provide best practices and suggestions for better care for your teeth. These best practices consider proper hygiene procedures, your genetic history (including diseases that run in your family), and your nutritional habits. Following the recommendations put in place by your prosthodontist ensures your implants have the best chance to last your entire life.
Most patients manage pain by taking over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol and Advil for 2 to 5 days following the surgery. If a patient requires bone grafts or multiple dental implants, more significant post-operative discomfort and pain may occur. Your Prosthodontist will evaluate and prescribe any necessary pain medications to relieve pain and discomfort. Depending on how long the procedure will take, your Prosthodontist will choose what, if any, anesthesia to use.
Most people go back to work a day or two after the surgery, although it depends on your individual experience and the difficulty of the surgery. Some people prefer to take a few days off to completely recover and allow their mouth to rest after the procedure.
The law allows dentists to perform implants, but some choose to refer patients to more experienced prosthodontists. Finding an experienced prosthodontist gives your implant the best opportunity for long-term success.
It is necessary with any surgery to do your research and ask your prosthodontist any questions you need before proceeding with surgery. Ask your prosthodontist to walk you through the dental implant process step-by-step, so you can be sure you fully understand what to expect and not have any unmet expectations. This thorough vetting process prevents any surprises or unexpected problems from emerging after your dental implant surgery.
Dental implants require a significant investment but hold up over time to make the process worth the price. Surgical fees often cost $2,000 to $5,000 for a single tooth, in addition to the expense of the materials for the procedure. However, ignoring the need for an implant costs much more over time. A missing tooth or prolonged use of dentures leads to bone and gum decay, while also exposing more surface area of the surrounding teeth to continuous wear and tear. Eventually, issues such as nerve exposure and bone loss can cause increased discomfort and pain. The corrective procedures done at this point are exponentially more painful and expensive. Dental implants prevent bone loss and allow patients to live a much more comfortable and fulfilling life.
Dental implants require the same care and attention that your natural teeth need. Scheduling regular checkups, proper oral hygiene, and a nutritious diet are the best ways to ensure your dental implants last a lifetime. Flossing every day is also critical to keep your dental implants healthy. Most tooth decay and loss occur because of improper care and lack of flossing which can result in gum decay and disease.
If a patient is missing a tooth or many teeth, a dental implant may be a remedy. Missing teeth often cause some problems, including difficulty chewing or eating.
Also, patients who get dental implants, no longer struggle with gaps caused by missing teeth. It also results in more confidence in their smile and the ability to now enjoy social functions without the fear of being uncomfortable. Dental implants provide patients with a beautiful smile, more confidence, and capacity to resume eating solid foods without discomfort or worry.
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