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At Aesthetic Dentistry Associates, our dentists and team are improving lives one smile at a time. If you have been on what seems like a never-ending treadmill of failed dental restorations, root canals, poorly fitting dentures, or painful and/or missing teeth, implant dentistry in Atascocita, Texas, may be the answer.
Dental Implants have evolved as the most versatile solution for so many different dental problems, from replacing a single missing tooth to replacing the entire upper and lower dentition. With the myriad of conditions that can be treated with dental implants, we think it is crucial to provide an overview of what dental implants actually are and what options are available to our patients.
What are Dental Implants?
We describe dental implants as metal posts placed in the jawbone to act as replacement roots and on which crowns can be placed. The full explanation is a little more complex and reveals just how amazing these restorations actually are. These dental implants are highly engineered as a sophisticated dental prosthetic system consisting of three main sections.
First, the implant body is the segment that is attached to the upper or lower jaw area. It is typically made of a high strength, biocompatible titanium alloy. For certain applications, a high strength ceramic called zirconia is used.
Everything about these implant bodies is designed for maximum function and longevity. The shape, depth and angulation of the threads, along with the surface texture, are critical to the initial stabilization and long term osseointegration (this is where the actual bone material is fused onto the implant body). The area right at the top section of this implant body has its own special preparation for optimal interface with the soft tissue to maximize tissue healing and health while minimizing encroachment of bacteria.
The second component is the custom abutment. This section, which attaches to the dental implant body, allows the final functional portion of the restoration to be attached. This is the most diverse portion of the dental implant system and is customized to accept a single crown, work in conjunction with another implant body and a custom abutment that can securely hold the dental implant, support and stabilize a removable denture, or even work with multiple implant bodies and abutments to support a full arch of replacement teeth.
At Aesthetic Dentistry Associates, we respect the complexity in design and engineering of these dental implant systems and only use first tier, first quality Nobel Biocare™. Nobel Biocare is the industry leader in dental implants and is the originator of the All-on-4® full-arch dental implant system. Many providers claim to use this system but instead use second tier and even generic implant manufacturers. We use only authentic Nobel Biocare implants and custom abutment systems in all our restorations.
All-on-4 Implants
The All-on-4 procedure was developed through Nobel Biocare in 1995 to provide an alternative to traditional full-arch dental implant restoration techniques. Prior to the All-on-4 procedure, patients would typically require six to eight dental implants placed per arch, spread out as far as possible, which often involved significant bone grafting in the posterior jaw and maxillary sinuses. This would entail having multiple surgeries and regular follow-up visits that were spread out over a range of six months to a year before the patient would receive their final restoration.
The All-on-4 procedure was developed to allow a full-arch restoration to be secured on four implants in a single visit. The key to this technique is to take advantage of the larger quantity and denser quality of bone material located in the front of the upper as well as lower jaw by placing two implants in the region between the central and lateral incisors and by placing the two rear implants in the region between the first and second premolars at an angle aiming towards the front of the jaws. This unique placement geometry of the rear implants allows longer implants to be placed while avoiding important structures in the upper and lower jaws. A further benefit of the All-on-4 technique allows for strong initial implant stability that, in most cases, will allow for same-day placement of the full-arch restoration.
The introduction of the All-on-4 implant technique has led to many advances in same-day implant placement and restoration. Many offices claim to perform the All-on-4 implant procedure but are actually using different techniques and tier two or generic implant systems. Only genuine Nobel Biocare implants and abutment components will deliver a true All-on-4 restoration.
Are There Other Full-Arch Options for Restorations?
Absolutely! Remember, the All-on-4 technique was designed for patients with limited posterior bone and sufficient anterior bone. Every patient is different, and many patients can benefit from having more than four implants placed to secure their full-arch restoration. Some patients may require bone grafting to even place four implants while others may be able contain six additional implants with no supplemental bone grafting.
At Aesthetic Dentistry Associates, you can expect to have a full diagnostic evaluation, and your treatment options will be presented based on what you and your dentist decide is the right choice for your needs.
Dental Implants: Returning Smiles One Patient at a Time
Our Returning Smiles protocol provides a customized approach to restoring your smile through implant dentistry in as little as one day. If you are one of the over two-thirds of American adults suffering from tooth loss, dental implants may well be your best solution. Tooth loss can be caused by injury, decay or gum disease. Regardless of the reason, it is incredibly important for missing teeth to be replaced as soon as possible to improve daily quality of life, protect oral health and maintain a beautiful smile. Dental implants have become one of the most asked-for tooth replacement options in dentistry today, helping countless patients in returning their smiles.
What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium or ceramic posts that when placed into your upper or lower jaw will fuse to the bone and are used to anchor a variety of dental restorations, from a single tooth to an entire new smile. Implants are comprised of three basic parts: the implant post, an abutment and the restoration.
- Implant posts are small screws made from a biocompatible metal, typically These posts are designed to successfully replace the roots of a missing tooth as they are inserted directly into the jawbone.
- Over time, the bone will bond with the implant, creating the sturdiest possible foundation for a replacement
- The abutment attaches to the implant post once it is placed. Abutments enable a variety of restorations to then attach to the implant, from permanent crowns to complete
- The restoration that will complete your implant system will depend on your individual needs. It might be a single crown, a series of multiple teeth in a fixed bridge or a complete Regardless, it will be designed to integrate perfectly with your natural teeth.
Completing the restoration of your implant system will largely depend on your individual needs. It might be a single crown, a series of multiple teeth in a fixed bridge, a support for a secure but removable complete denture, or even all the upper and lower teeth designed to be permanently secured to the jaw.
Receiving Dental Implants
At Aesthetic Dentistry Associates, our highly trained dentists and team are able to perform each aspect of implant dentistry, from placing the actual implant to designing and placing custom restorations. The whole process begins with a consultation with our dental team. We will identify your goals and needs and outline the best treatment plan for you. To determine if implants are the right path, we will need to take a special three-dimensional X-ray called a CBCT scan to evaluate your bone structure. Using this information, we can plan your procedure.
Receiving dental implants is quick and comfortable. Once they are placed, a period of time (usually a few months) is needed for full healing. During this time, your gums will heal around the implant post and your jawbone will fuse to it in a process known as osseointegration. During this period, you will use a temporary
restoration while the final one is being prepared. Once healing is complete, you are ready to receive your final restoration.
Am I a Candidate for Implants?
Most patients are good candidates for having dental implants when they have sufficient bone structure available to hold the implant. And even if you are not currently suited for implants, oral surgery procedures such as bone grafts can prepare you to receive them. Another consideration is whether you are healthy enough for surgery. Persons with compromised immune systems or certain disorders may be advised to postpone their procedure or pursue another recommended form or treatment. The success of your procedure is of paramount concern.
Getting Started
If you would like to find out more when it comes to replacing failing or missing teeth with dental implants, we invite you to speak with our experienced dentists, Drs. Umansky and Nikmard. Our team can help you have the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Call us at 281-446-4700 today so we can schedule a consultation for you to see how we are returning smiles!