Procedures
Crowns
- Crowns over natural teeth, bridges, implant placement, crowns and bridges over implants, dentures, partial dentures, bone grafts.
Crowns are now crafted as facsimiles of natural teeth and are well beyond any artificial look. All ceramic (porcelain) crowns can be beautifully crafted and inserted to provide comfortable natural chewing, look very natural, and at the same time improve the patient's smile tremendously. Before a crown(s) are fabricated, patients are given the opportunity to brighten their smile by bleaching, either at home or in the office. This further enhances the esthetic result of treatment.
All of the above contribute to a patients quality of life, whether young or old.
Bridges
A bridge is a device used to fill the space where a tooth (teeth) has been lost or removed. A typical bridge consists of a pontic (a replacement tooth (or teeth) that is suspended between two naturally prepared teeth supporting crowns). Once complete, this bridge structure is bonded into the mouth. Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from missing teeth can cause teeth to shift, lead to occlusion (biting) and/or jaw problems and spur periodontal disease. Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.
Implant Placements
- Crowns and bridges over implants
For individuals who wish to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be an effective long-term solution. Implants provide greater structural support and last longer than either bridges or dentures. Implants serve as the artificial root to which new teeth are bonded. They are typically constructed of titanium, a strong and safe material that effectively attaches to bone. The procedure to insert dental implants typically involve three steps: the implant insertion stage, osseointegration (the period of healing for the jawbone), and the attachment of the restoration or new tooth.
Below are views of patients who have the implant placement procedure.
Patient #1
Anterior (front) implants on lateral incisors and subsequent crowns (caps).
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Preop 1988
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Implant abutment after healing
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View after porcelain crowns were permanently placed, 2001
Patient #2
A patient presenting with four missing anterior upper incisors.
Three implants were placed in 1986. At that time bone grafting was no the norm, consequently inadequate bone was on the right side and no implant was placed.
Patient #3
Implant and abutment (after abutment placement) and prior to crown insertion.
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x-ray view of the implant in the site and abutment secured to implant
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Completed crown in place in 1999
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Full view in 1999
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Patient #4
Patient who fell from a 3 story building in 1988, after uncovering six anteriorly placed implants.
After completion of permanently attached implant bridge. Today, bone grafting would totally eliminate pink artificial porcelain in this bridge. This patient was a construction worker and has not been seen during the past ten years.
Patient #5
Patient who had worn complete dentures Upper and Lower, after placement and uncovering of five implants in the Lower jawbone.
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Implants at gum level after healing, ready for attached bridge.
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Upside down view of finished prosthesis, with cast metal frame.
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Patient's fixed or permanent prosthesis in position.
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Full view of smile with upper denture in place against the lower implant fixed bridge.
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Dentures
- Partial dentures and osseous (bone) grafts.
Many types of dentures exist, including complete and partial dentures as well as over dentures.
Complete dentures are used when few of the original teeth remain. The dentist begins by removing any remaining teeth so the dentures can be fitted. He or she then makes a mold of the gums and sends it to a dental lab where customized dentures are constructed. Patients are typically fitted with temporary dentures until the permanent set of dentures have returned from the laboratory.
Partial dentures are prepared in much the same way as a complete set and are utilized when only a few teeth are missing. If the roots of a patient's remaining teeth (the tissue and gums) are strong, the dentist may suggest over dentures. Over dentures fit on top of the remainder of teeth in the mouth. With over dentures, the remaining teeth are resculpted and covered with metal caps to stop future decay. The advantage of over dentures is that they do not have to be relined as frequently as a complete set of dentures because the jawbone and gums recede less. In addition, over dentures create less occlusion (bite) problems than complete dentures.
Restoration · Hygiene Instructions · Esthetic Dentistry
