Prosthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on dental prostheses. Such prostheses are used to rehabilitate mastication (chewing), improve aesthetics, and aid speech. A dental prosthesis may be held in place by connecting to teeth or dental implants, by suction, or by being held passively by surrounding muscles.

Esthetic replacement of front missing teeth

Replacing a single anterior tooth with implants or a fixed partial denture can be difficult, but it results in a fairly predictable esthetic outcome. Even if significant bone and soft tissue were lost with the tooth, in the hands of a skilled team of dentists the result is generally acceptable. The loss of multiple missing anterior teeth, especially if they are adjacent to each other, is a much more difficult esthetic challenge. This difference has to do with the biology of the periodontium and the response of the bone and soft tissues when one tooth is lost as opposed to multiple teeth. The understanding of these differences has progressed dramatically over the last two decades thanks to the research that has been done on the soft tissue and osseous response surrounding tooth removal and the placement of anterior implants.

A fixed implant prosthesis is completely anchored and supported by dental implants. There are different terms used to describe a fixed implant prosthesis, such as fixed complete denture, fixed detachable prosthesis, the hybrid prosthesis, or the All-on-4 prosthesis.

Full mouth Rehabilitation

Full mouth reconstruction, full mouth rehabilitation and full mouth restoration are terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of rebuilding or simultaneously restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

Denture Stabilization

A denture is probably the best solution for those who are missing a large number of teeth. These dentures can be used on both your lower or upper jaw. The denture implant does not use any adhesive and therefore, the patient does not feel any discomfort. If you choose implants for the stabilization of your dentures you will be able to enjoy all of your normal activities as you did prior to losing teeth. Most importantly you will regain your smile.

Since mini dental implants do not require adhesive, the implant can be used safely for those who have sensitive gums. Also, your implanted teeth will be integrated with the gum. This way the dentures will not loosen with time.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

Types of DENTAL Implants

• Endosteal (in the bone): This is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.
• Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. These types of implants are used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. Your dentist and periodontist will work together to make your dreams come true.

What Is A DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE Like?

This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and your periodontist. Your periodontist and dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.

• If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it.
• If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them.
• If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them.
• A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.
• Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come.