Tooth Loss
When you are missing a tooth, there are basically 4 options.
1. Do nothing. Not a great choice aesthetically, especially if it is a front tooth, but missing a back tooth will also affect your bite and overload the remaining teeth. Then, the other teeth will start drifting into the open space by tipping and erupting. These other teeth will become more susceptable to gum disease and the 'new' bite can cause problems with your jaw joints. It is recommended to replace your missing tooth as soon as possible before the bone shrinks away causing a cosmetic deformity and increasing the liklihood for a bone graft in your future if you want an implant.
2. Removeable denture. A denture can be used to replace the missing tooth. You must remove it each night when you sleep to prevent damage to your remaining teeth. It will prevent the drifting of your teeth and keep your bite stable. It will NOT prevent the loss of bone should you decide to get an implant later. A small amount of tooth structure needs to be permanently removed in most cases to make the removeable denture fit properly in your bite. It is very inexpensive to add another tooth to a removeable denture should you lose another tooth.
3. Fixed denture (bridge). A bridge is the same as a removeable denture except you cannot take it out. You need a floss threader to clean under your bridge. Your bite will be stable and your teeth will not drift. You will still lose bone under the bridge should you decide on an implant later. This can cause a bony defect in the gums which might be a problem cosmetically in the future. The average lifespan of a bridge is approximately 15 years. I have seen a bridge fail after 1 year and also seen one 30 years old. To get a bridge made, the dentist must remove a significant amount of tooth structure from at least 2 remaining teeth (abutments). This event can cause the need for a future root canal or eventual loss of the abutment tooth.
4. Implants. An implant is a stable metal post placed right in your bone that acts as the root of your replacement tooth. No tooth structure is removed from any other teeth in your mouth. You need enough bone to fully house the implant. If you don't have enough bone, a bone graft can be done. It takes approximately 6 months for the implant root to integrate with your natural bone before a final tooth can be placed on the implant. Once an implant has integrated with your bone, a tooth can be placed over top. One can floss between the teeth like a natural tooth. In many cases, the dentist can make an inexpensive removeable denture to wear in the meantime to hold your bite and maintain your aesthetics.
Although success rates of implants on average are fairly high, if you are a smoker, the documented evidence suggests that successful integration is lower. Other medical conditions such as diabetes affects the integration of the implant. Your individual case needs to be carefully assessed so you can make an informed decision prior to your investment. Once an implant 'takes', it will likely last the rest of your life if you are healthy.
Both general dentists and specialists place implants. Dr. Heit will be pleased to refer you to a specialist for your implant if you wish.
3D Imaging (Cone Beam Computerized Tomography/iCAT)
Tooth replacement using implants is a very exciting area in dentistry today with the advent of 3D imaging. Dr. Heit uses 3D imaging to plan the placement of your implant as well as assist in the surgical procedure.
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An impression is taken of your teeth for the lab to fabricate the ideal tooth for your bite
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A 3D scan is done on you, with the bite stent in place, of the surgical area of interest
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The iCAT data is processed and Dr. Heit plans the exact placement of the implant on the computer so the tooth is loaded ideally down the long axis of your bite.
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The lab transfers Dr. Heit's 3D treatment plan into the bite stent which is then used to assist in the fully guided surgery.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide support and stability for these dental appliances.
The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
Dental implants can last many years-even a lifetime, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear. They are the most permanent of the methods for replacing missing teeth.
Reasons for dental implants:
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Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
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Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
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Restore a patient’s confident smile.
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Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
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Restore or enhance facial tissues.
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Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
What does getting dental implants involve?
You are done in 4 appointments:
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The impressions (10 minutes)
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Scan appointment (minutes)
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Surgery (1/2 hr to 2 hrs) depending on the amount of implants and the complexity of your individual case
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After 4-6 months of healing of the artificial root, an impression is taken of the integrated implant. The porcelain teeth are made and securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.
I just wanted to tell everyone about my experience at Scotia Square Dentistry. Two years ago I came to Dr. Heit with a gum that had been damaged as a result of a root canal. My tooth at that point had died and I was dealing with an infected tooth and gum. Dr. Heit removed my tooth and suggested an implant instead of a bridge. I had heard about implants but wasn't aware that Dr. Heit could actually perform the surgery. Dr. Heit did a tremendous job with the surgery and the tooth that I have now looks and feels awesome. I have not been able to eat on the left side of my mouth for more than two years. In fact today I can't even identify the implant unless I make a point of trying to find the tooth.
-Aaron