What Are Dental Implants?
Computer-Guided Dental Implants
A Computer-guided implant is an implant that is placed with the use of a dental implant surgical guide. This allows the procedure to be completed without the use of a large “flap” of tissue being elevated (gums cut & lifted off the bone).
The use of a computer-guided dental implant process with a dental implant surgical guide results in:
- more precision
- less invasive
- less risk of infection
- less pain
- less swelling
- virtually no bleeding or bruising
- virtually no “downtime” (away from your work or play).
The surgical guide is fabricated using a 3DCone Beam CT image and computerized “virtual” planning.
Types of Dental Implants
Single-Tooth
A single implant is, in simplest terms, the replacement of one tooth with an artificial tooth which consists of an implant (artificial root), an abutment (connecting portion), and a crown (a portion of the tooth above the gum line). The procedure or type of surgery used to place a single implant could be conventional, computer-guided, or immediate.
All-on-4 Full Arch Computer-Guided Dental Implant Treatment
The All-on-4® treatment concept is a cost-efficient solution that provides patients with a fixed full-arch prosthesis on the day of surgery.
Characteristics include:
- Full-arch rehabilitation with only four implants
- Two straight anterior implants and two implants tilted up to 45º in the posterior
- Immediate Function (fixed provisional bridge)
- For patients meeting the criteria for immediate loading of implants“Graftless” procedure of grafting into areas such as the sinuses is avoided by tilting the posterior implants to allow the placement of longer implants and utilizing available bone.
All-on-6 Full Arch Computer-Guided Dental Implant Treatment
The “All-on-6” procedure is designed as a permanent solution for the complete replacement of failing or missing teeth in the upper and/or lower jaws. This procedure uses 6 (or more) implants instead of similar procedures utilizing only 4 implants (“All-on-4”).
In our experience, there are many patients for whom a bridge by 6 (or more) implants is better suited and has a better long-term prognosis than a bridge that is supported by 4 implants. For example, patients with a heavier bite or who want to chew tougher foods, who have a larger jaw (greater distance between implants), or who have a clenching or grinding habits usually require additional implants and a stronger final restoration.
In cases like this, we will often recommend an “All-on-6” solution and a sturdier final bridge (Zirconia instead of the typical Acrylic)
Implant-Supported Dentures
A less involved option involves the placement of two implants that are used to secure a complete denture. While it increases the stability of the denture greatly, the denture is still largely supported by the gums, and therefore not all foods can be eaten comfortably.
During your personalized consultation, we will review each option that is applicable to your situation and help you to choose the option that is best for you!
