Single Implant Crown: Case I

This female patient came with a request to have her crown re-cemented. She had previously received two root canal treatments on the same tooth, and for the third attempt to save the tooth she had an apicoectomy. Finally, her tooth fractured and the crack was extending into the root and the tooth was no longer restorable. Replacing the fractured tooth with a dental implant (BioHorizons in this case) was offered. Patent asked me if i could put some glue inside the tooth and glue the broken segments together and the answer was “No”.

There are three important things to consider before placing a dental implant. “Planning, Planning, Planning”. In cases like this, “esthetics” is the key to define success. In depth knowledge regarding the bone biology and healing is the key to successfully treat this case.

I sequenced the case in three phases, and assured the patient that we would methodically walk through the treatment without rushing to ensure optimal results. Patient education and bringing them on board is also an important factor for a successful treatment.

In my opinion providing dental care is not a “race” to rush through. Knowing when to take slower steps and when to accelerate is what differentiates between “excellent” and “average” outcomes.

Single Implant Crown: Case II

This case demonstrates the missing of the first molar on the lower right side due to failure in root canal treatment. A root form dental implant was secured in the jaw bone and after three months it was restored with a Customized Implant Crown.

Single Implant Crown: Case III

This case presents restoration of a fractured tooth with a dental implant in the aesthetic zone. Implant was placed immediately after extraction and restored with a temporary crown, and finally was restored with a custom made abutment and a final crown.

The importance of using a “custom” made abutment is to achieve superior esthetics and more ideal support for the crown.

The “yellow” color of gold (instead of silver color of a cheaper material) will prevent the dark shadow under the gum (gingiva) and will make it look like a natural tooth. It is that meticulous attention to details that will bring a predictable outcome in our office.

Custom Abutmnt is not a modified (re-shaped) Stock (prefabricated) abutment. The way it is made is that, a digital image is designed and then it is milling machine is used to mill the digital image from a cylindrical block of ally ( usually titanium, or Zirconium).

Two Dental Implants to replace four missing teeth

This patient lost her lower front teeth due to a fairly large infection. The initial phase of treatment consists of eradicating the infection and extraction of the middle teeth and regenerating the large bony defect. After several months of healing, two dental implants were inserted in the jaw bone and patient was given a provisional bridge as an interim restoration. After a healing period, a four unit implant supported bridge was fabricate to replace the four teeth. Pink porcelain was also used to match the shade of the gum to idealize the look. This case demonstrates there is no need to replace each missing tooth with a dental implant.

About the Images

Dental Implants is not just about drilling into the bone and inserting an implant. No surgical implant placement should be started unless there is a definitive restorative plan, which is standard care in our office. Esthetics is a defining element in success of a dental implant and long term success cannot be achieved without in-depth knowledge about biology to achieve those aesthetic results.

Implant Supported Hybrid Prosthesis

This female patient was referred to me for consultation regarding her loose lower front teeth. The patient had a history of gum disease and had lost many of her teeth in the past. Her upper jaw was subsequently restored with multiple implants and porcelain teeth. She was rather unhappy with her partial denture in the lower arch. She was afraid that if she lost the front teeth, she wouldn’t be able to tolerate the partial at all. Her main concern was to have a type of prosthesis that she did not have to remove from her mouth every day. She was extremely shy and sensitive about being seen without her partial denture, even at home by her family members. She also told me, if she was going to have dental implants when she gets older, she might as well enjoy them while she is middle age and can take care of herself better.

I offered her to replace her front teeth with six dental implants. An implant supported hybrid prosthesis was made to connect to six implants in the front of the jaw. A hybrid prosthesis is connected to dental implants by screws and can only be removed by a dentist. Patient was very happy with the outcome and following her up for 5 years, she only had one minor complication in the first year. The complication was when a tooth separated from the prosthesis and it had to be repaired. it was done chair-side and never happened again for 4 years when I was in contact with her.

Replacing an Old Denture with New Implant Supported Over-Denture

This patient was referred to me for fabrication of a new set of dentures. Her existing dentures were not ideal and her complaint was that it was moving too much.  Her general dentist had relined it several times but it was not better. Finally she decided to fina a specialist who can help her and that was why she came to a Prosthodontist.

As the first step, her dentures were re-based to provide adequate stability and improve the quality of her life temporarily, Then she was recommended to get two implants in the lower jaw along with a new set of complete dentures ( One new Denture for the upper jaw and one new over-Denture for the lower jaw). In this case she received two Nobel Biocare dental implants and two attachments to retain the denture. The improvement was like “the difference between day and night”, as the patient stated.

Extraction and Immediate Implant Placement. The State of the Art in Implantology.

Immediate Implant placement right after extraction has its own challenges. It required knowledge, skills and patients cooperation on the one hand and adequate jaw bone on the other hand. Replacing the missing tooth after extraction, can be achieved by different methods, one of which is fabrication of a fake tooth and bonding it to the adjacent teeth. Another option is to use a Flipper or a Partial Denture (a removable appliance) and wear it as an interim replacement. A third option is to wear an invisalign tray where the missing tooth is filled in with tooth colored material that replaces the missing tooth, the drawback is that you cannot ear with it and you need to take it out. The most advanced and most difficult option is to fabricate a Provisional Crown and connect it directly to the implant itself right at the time of implant placement. This option is mainly used for the front teeth and patient should not eat on that side while it is healing.