Immediate Dental Implant Placement

Dental Implants Overview Dental implants are rapidly becoming a routine procedure in today’s dentistry. In many clinical situations, implants are the number one choice of restoration for missing teeth. The most commonly used implants are The Endosseous implants.There are also other kinds of implants  in dentistry, but they are used rarely today.  I will try to describe here procedures and use of endosseous dental implants. Implants in dentistry is a very fast developing field. That is why there are many different manufacturers producing endosseous implants. The will differ in shape and form; their available sizes can slightly differ. The most accepted material for dental implants is either high grade Titanium (Commercial Pure) or Titanium alloy. The titanium alloy implants tend to be stronger than the CP titanium implants. The bone integration shows no difference to the two different types of titanium.

Renova Implant

Endosseous Implants If you look at the implant from the side, it resembles a screw. The outer surface of the implant may have different coatings stimulating bone growth, or it may just have smooth or roughened surface.

Bicon Implants

External and Internal Hex Implants The top part of the dental implant is called Hex. It has a locking mechanism, which may be inside the body of the implant- internal hex implants, or stick as a platform above the body of the implant-external hex implants. Also, if you look at the implant from the top you will see the threaded ‘canal’ in the middle of the hex going down the body of the implant. The future restoration will be seated on the hex and screw tightened to the implant. It is doctor's preference which type of implants to use. I prefer internal hex implants for these reasons: they give a better retention for the future restoration, and they can be placed slightly deeper allowing for more cosmetic restorations.

External Hex Implant Internal Hex Implant

Dental implants come in various thicknesses and length.  Your anatomy and bone levels dictate the size of the implant that can be placed.  The longer, thicker implants usually last the longest.

 It is each doctor’s preferences to decide which type of implant to use. However, their basic principle is the same. Endosseous implants or Root-formed implants are the anchors, which are placed inside the bone of the jaw and substitute the root part of the tooth. You must remember that implant is just a support for future restoration.Endosseous implants can be used:

·       To support single crown for one missing tooth,

·       Two or more implants can be used as a support for fixed bridge restoration and one of best alternatives in restoring missing teeth

·       Implants can be used as a retainer of removable dentures

Integration of live tissue with the implant

How and why implants work?

After dental implant is placed inside the bone, it usually takes about 2 to 6 month for the implant “to heal”. Actually, we are waiting for the implant to bond with the surrounding tissue – a process known asosseointegration. Osseointegration was a term coined by a Swedish Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark in 1952 when he discovered the ability of living tissue to integrate with titanium.Osseointegration has been described as a direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load carrying implant. During his original research, Prof. Brånemark found a way of using pure titanium as an anchoring unit and support for a variety of prosthetic reconstructions. The long-term predictability and success of Dental implants is based on the fact that an active bond between bone and implant is created at the molecular level. The fixture is not only accepted but also incorporated within the bone. 

The implant procedures

There are different techniques that can be used for the surgical placement of the dental implant. It depends on the particular conditions of the case, doctor’s preferences, and dental implant system used. First let's take a look on a classical 2 step implant surgery, which is the most common technique used for dental implant placement. 

Classical 2 step implant surgery   1. When you come for the surgery, you will be given a surgical consent form, describing the procedure and possible complications. It is a good time to address any questions and concerns. After you sign the consent form, you will be anesthetized and surgery will soon begin.

Edentulous area to be restored by implants

2. Doctor will make a cut in you gum along the crest of the bone and push it to the sides to access the bone.

3. Using different sizes of special drills, doctor will drill inside the bone to make a path for an implant. Doctor will start with thin drills, gradually moving to thicker ones. The diameter of last drill will be slight smaller than the diameter of the selected implant. Surgical drills have a canal inside its body to allow constant water irrigation, which is necessary to cool down the bone, preventing it fromoverheating. 4. Implant is screwed inside the bone. Necessary x-rays can be taken during the procedure

X-ray showing surgically placed dental implants

5. A surgical cover screw is inserted into the top if the implant to prevent bone and tissue to grow inside the implant.

6. Gum is placed back and sutures are used.

Doctor will give you all necessary prescriptions and instructions. In 7-10 days, you come back for suture removal and follow up. There will be several other follow-up visits to monitor the healing process until such time that the implant is ready to be restored with a prosthetic.

Stage 2 –Uncovering the implant What happens after dental implant is osseointegrated? After the doctor has concluded that implant integration is complete, the dental implant has to be uncovered: Local anesthesia is administered. A small incision is done in the gum, allowing doctor to unscrew the surgical cover screw. Healing cover placed instead of the surgical screw, projects above the gum preventing it from closing over the implant. Sutures  are placed to hold the gum back in place. One week later doctor will remove stitches, and after few more days of healing implant is ready for restoration.

Left dental implant with healing collar Implants with restoration abutments (posts)

Immediate Placement Of implant

(Implant Placement into fresh extracted site)

When the tooth has to be extracted, and the implant is a choice of treatment for substitution of removed tooth, immediate placement of implant into extracted site could be done. There are a lot of advantages to this technique. In aslassical 2 stage technique described above, after the extraction is done, we would wait for about 6 month for the bone to build up, and then proceed with the implant surgery. The immediate placement of implants eliminates this 6 month waitng period, no second surgery required, healing process of implant (osseointegration) runs as natural process(your body buids up the new bone in the extracted site where the implant placed. There are some limitations though, when this procedure can be done (severe infection, cortical bone lose). Your doctor will advise you if the immediate placement of implant is the right procedure for you.

The next implant case presentation describes surgical placement of two implants, one of them is classical two stage technique, another is the extraction and immediate placement of implant.

Implants case presentation 53 years old female presented in the office for exam. Intaraoral and X-ray examination revealed severe decay under the crownsupporting the bridge. The decay was so extensive, that the tooth was unable to be saved. Since the other teeth under the bridge did not require any urgent treatment, it was decided to cut the bridge, leaving anterior crowns intact (teeth # 20,21), extract back tooth (#18), and place teeth implants in the area of missing #19 and extracted # 18. Patient accepted treatment plan and scheduled appointment for surgery. 4.7 mm diameter and 13 mm length internal hex Zimmer implants were planned to be placed. Patient was explained the nature of the surgery and possible complications. All her questions were answered.

X-ray showing Decay under the crown # 18  Intraoral picture of existing bridge

Patient was anesthetized, and the bridge was cut between crown # 20 and pontic 19. Back part of the bridge was removed.

Bridge was cut

Demolished # 18 ( after bridge removal)

 Incision was made along the crest of the bone between demolished # 18 and tooth #20. Periosteal flap reflected using periosteal elevators. The remaining roots of the # 18 carefully extracted with luxators to preserve integrity of the bone.

Periosteal Flap opened

Tooth # 18 is removed

Osteotomy was performed in the area of planned implant sites. Drills of increasing sizes were used. The widest drill 4.4 mm was used to make a 13 mm path for the implant.

Each tooth implants is placed in corresponding sites. Hand ratchet is used to screw the implant (with implant driver) into the place. Control X-ray is taken.

Implant with implant driver placed in the bone

Same picture from a different angle

X-ray showing implants in place

Implant drivers removed and position of each tooth implant was verified.

Implant driver removed

 Surgical cover screw placed into the tooth implant

Gum placed in its place and silk sutures placed to hold the gum. Patient is given instructions and due back in the office in one week for removal of sutures.

Sutures placed

One week later sutures were removed and patient is scheduled in two weeks for the follow up visit.

Sutures removed

One Step Implant Placement Procedure

Depending on the particular situation 1 step surgical implant placement technique may be used. Instead of making a line incision and opening the flap doctor will use the special round knife("tissue puncher")  to cut off a round piece of the gum in the area of projected implant(punch technique). Ostoetomy performed thru this opening, and the implant screwed directly in. Instead of puting the surgical cover, doctor will place righty away the implant healing color, having itexposed above the gum line and preventing the gum from closure.Implant remain exposed and there is no need for the second surgical stage -openning of the implant. This technique is used more and more. Besides the fact that there is no need for second surgery, the postsurgical discomfort and pain much less than in a 2 stage technique procedure.

 

Immediate Load implants

Please come back soon for revolutionary Immediate Load implant restorations

Indications and Contraindications

Generally, any edentulous (toothless) area, having enough bone support can be an indication for restoring missing tooth with implant. A decision has to be made whether it is a good idea based on the patient’s requirements and expectations, and on case-by-case bases. The doctor will consider many things before advising you on one or another treatment options. Even though there is practically no absolute contraindications for placement of implants, there are few factors that can put it in a high risk situation.
 The risk factors are

·       Endocrine disorders, such as uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus, Pituitary and Adrenal insufficiency and Hypothyroidism can cause considerable healing problems.

·       Uncontrolled granulomatous diseases, such as Tuberculosis and Sarcoidosis may also lead to a poor healing response to surgical procedures.

·       Patients with cardiovascular diseases, taking blood thinning drugs and patients with uncontrolled hematological disorders such as Generalized Anemia, Hemophilia (Factor VIII deficiency), Factor IX, X and XII deficiencies and any other acquired coagulation disorders are contraindicated to surgical procedures due to poor hemorrhage control. (In most cases medicine can be stopped for a few days with permission of your medical doctor)

·       Patients with bone diseases, such as Histiocytosis X,  Paget's Disease and Fibrous Dysplasia may not be good candidates for implants, because there is a higher chance for the implant to fail due to poor osseointegration

·       Cigarette smoking

·       Patients receiving radio and chemotherapy should not do implants within 6 month period of therapy

If you have any questions concerning this procedure please contact Dr. Todd Welch at West Tennessee Periodontics and Dental Implants at 731-215-2347.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.

Causes 

Periodontitis occurs when inflammation or infection of the gums (gingivitis) is untreated or treatment is delayed. Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums (gingiva) to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Loss of support causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Periodontitis is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. This disorder is uncommon in childhood but increases during adolescence.

Plaque and tartar accumulate at the base of the teeth. Inflammation causes a pocket to develop between the gums and the teeth, which fills with plaque and tartar. Soft tissue swelling traps the plaque in the pocket. Continued inflammation eventually causes destruction of the tissues and bone surrounding the tooth. Because plaque contains bacteria, infection is likely and a tooth abscess may also develop, which increases the rate of bone destruction.

Symptoms 

• Breath odor
• Gums that appear bright red or red-purple
• Gums that appear shiny
• Gums that bleed easily (blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the teeth)
• Gums that are tender when touched but are painless otherwise
• Loose teeth
• Swollen gums

Note: Early symptoms resemble gingivitis.

Exams and Tests 

Examination of the mouth and teeth by the dentist shows soft, swollen, red-purple gums. Deposits of plaque and calculus may be visible at the base of the teeth, with enlarged pockets in the gums. The gums are usually painless or mildly tender, unless a tooth abscess is also present. Teeth may be loose and gums may be receded.

Dental x-rays reveal the loss of supporting bone and may also show the presence of plaque deposits under the gums.

Treatment 

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, eliminate pockets if present, and address any underlying causes. Rough surfaces of teeth or dental appliances should be repaired. General illness or other conditions should be treated.

It is important to have the teeth cleaned thoroughly. This may involve use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth (scaling). Meticulous home oral hygiene is necessary after professional tooth cleaning to limit further destruction. The dentist or hygienist will demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques. It is often recommended that patients with periodontitis have professional tooth cleaning more frequently than twice a year.

Surgery may be necessary. Deep pockets in the gums may need to be opened and cleaned. Loose teeth may need to be supported. Your dentist may need to remove a tooth or teeth so that the problem doesn't get worse and spread to nearby teeth.

Outlook (Prognosis) 

Some people find the removal of dental plaque from inflamed gums to be uncomfortable. Bleeding and tenderness of the gums should go away within 1 or 2 weeks of treatment. (Healthy gums are pink and firm in appearance.)

You need to follow careful oral hygiene for your entire life or the disorder may return.

Possible Complications 

• Infection or abscess of the soft tissue (facial cellulitis)
• Infection of the jaw bones (osteomyelitis)
• Return of periodontitis
• Tooth abscess
• Tooth loss
• Tooth flaring or shifting
• Trench mouth

If you have any questions, pleased call Dr. Todd Welch at West Tennessee Periodontics and Dental Implants at 731-215-2347.

What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis (gum inflammation) usually precedes periodontitis (gum disease). However, it is important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.

In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, causes the gums to become inflamed (red and swollen) and often easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.

Toxins or poisons -- produced by the bacteria in plaque as well as the body's "good" enzymes involved in fighting infections -- start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. When this happens, teeth are no longer anchored in place, they become loose and tooth loss occurs. Gum disease, in fact, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr.Todd Welch with West Tennessee Periodontics and Dental Implants at 731-215-2347.

Green Tea for Healthy Gums

Go Green for Healthy Teeth and Gums

A study suggests that antioxidants in green tea may help reduce periodontal disease.

CHICAGO—March 5, 2009—With origins dating back over 4,000 years, green tea has long been a popular beverage in Asian culture, and is increasingly gaining popularity in the United States. And while ancient Chinese and Japanese medicine believed green tea consumption could cure disease and heal wounds, recent scientific studies are beginning to establish the potential health benefits of drinking green tea, especially in weight loss, heart health, and cancer prevention. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of the American Academy ofPeriodontology (AAP), uncovered yet another benefit of green tea consumption. Researchers found that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums. The study analyzed the periodontal health of 940 men, and found that those who regularly drank green tea had superior periodontal health than subjects that consumed less green tea.

“It has been long speculated that green tea possesses a host of health benefits,” said study author Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. “And since many of us enjoy green tea on a regular basis, my colleagues and I were eager to investigate the impact of green tea consumption on periodontal health, especially considering the escalating emphasis on the connection between periodontal health and overall health.”

Male participants aged 49 through 59 were examined on three indicators of periodontal disease: periodontal pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) of gum tissue, and bleeding on probing (BOP) of the gum tissue. Researchers observed that for every one cup of green tea consumed per day, there was a decrease in all three indicators, therefore signifying a lower instance of periodontal disease in those subjects who regularly drank green tea.

Green tea’s ability to help reduce symptoms of periodontal disease may be due to the presence of the antioxidant catechin. Previous research has demonstrated antioxidants’ ability to reduce inflammation in the body, and the indicators of periodontal disease measured in this study, PD, CAL and BOP, suggest the existence of an inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria in the mouth. By interfering with the body’s inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria, green tea may actually help promote periodontal health, and ward off further disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, and has been associated with the progression of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

“Periodontists believe that maintaining healthy gums is absolutely critical to maintaining a healthy body,” says Dr. David Cochran, DDS, PhD, President of the AAP and Chair of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. “That is why it is so important to find simple ways to boost periodontal health, such as regularly drinking green tea—something already known to possess certain health-related benefits.”

If you have any questions please contact Dr. Todd Welch at West Tennessee Periodontics and Dental Implants at 731-215-2347