Dental Implants, Laguna Beach
What are implants?
Dental implants are titanium cylinders that are permanently placed into the jaw and essentially act as the root of a tooth. They are coated with a material that causes bone to grow and integrate to the implant. Once the bone has completely integrated and the implant is secure, an abutment is screwed into the implant thereby providing a post to place an artificial tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or the complete arch.
Implants can replace a missing tooth without having to replace the tooth with a bridge which involves drilling on adjacent natural teeth. Implants can replace a partial or complete denture which can restore a patient's confidence and smile.
Dr. Boling's Procedures
Dr. Boling first performs a complete dental examination to determine if the patient is a candidate for dental implants. Once they are determined suitable for the procedure, a 3D scan is taken of the bone which clearly shows the amount and density of the bone which will aid the oral surgeon in determining the exact placement of the implant. If there is not enough bone to place the implant in the desired location, a bone graft may be necessary to increase the thickness of bone.
The oral surgeon will then expose the bone in the area where the implant is to be placed. A special drill is used and the implant placed in the prepared space. It is critical that the implant is placed parallel with the long axis of the adjacent teeth or other implants. For aesthetic procedures, it is important that the surgeon places the implant exactly where Dr. Boling indicates and not in a position that would compromise the final restoration.
Once placed the tissue is sutured over the implant and the bone begins to “integrate” to the implant, a process that takes approximately 4-6 months. After complete integration, the implant is exposed and an “abutment” is screwed into the implant. An impression is then taken of the abutment(s) and a temporary crown or bridge is placed. The laboratory then fabricates a crown or bridge which will be cemented on the abutment(s).
Contradictions
Some of the contradictions for dental implants are: heart disease, diabetes, radiation treatment, immunological diseases, etc. Implants should not be placed in children or young adults before the jaw bones have stopped growing, generally 17-18 years of age. In addition, poor oral hygiene, excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco, are contraindications.
