Diane's Dental Makeover

Diane underwent several months of dental treatment to achieve her new smile. This included periodontal therapy, dental implants to support an anterior implant bridge and additional crowns on her upper teeth.

before

after

1. Why was Diane a good candidate for these procedures?

This patient presented with an advanced chronic Periodontal infection which required many steps in order to achieve healthy tissues and improve her overall health.

The fundamental basis of implant treatment is to make sure that the overall condition of the patients mouth is absolutely healthy. Otherwise, we can compromise the health and longevity of implant and prosthetic treatment. After treating the Periodontal disease and achieving a stable and healthy condition of the patients gums,then we proceeded with planning for the replacement and rehabilitation of the missing teeth.

2. How did you develop a plan for treating Diane's concerns?

The front teeth required removal as they were too compromised to keep them and treat them periodontally. The patient knew this from the outset and she also knew that the ultimate replacement will be done with an implant supported fixed prosthesis.

Once her teeth were extracted in the upper front, a bone graft was placed in order to maintain and regenerate her jaw bone which would provide an adequate anatomical area to place two implants. We allowed a period of 6 months of healing from the time of tooth extraction, bone grafting and implant placement.

A cone beam CT scan was done at the 6 month period and a virtual implant surgery was done in order to make a custom surgical guide. This guide was used during surgery I. Order to place the implants in he exact position required for this particular case.

 

3. Was her treatment out of the ordinary?

Her treatment consisted of first bringing back health to her gums and teeth, making sure that a stable periodontal condition was present in order to continue with her implant treatment plan. It's a very detailed plank which requires many steps in order to prepare the mouth for dental implant surgery.

4. How long did Diane's transformation take?

The treatment time was 16 months (?) I don't have marks notes so not sure when re placed the final bridge.

5. Is there an ideal candidate for these procedures?

The ideal candidate is always one which is healthy, complies with all appointments and instructions, and of course protects the final prosthesis with wearing a night guard and keeping all maintenance dental visits.

 Dr. Mark Librach Dentist

 

         

 Dr. Dana Levy - Periodontist & Implant Dentistry

 



Jonathan Mursic                                                        Connie

 5 Axis Lab                                                                Treatment Coordinator

 

 

Harry's Dental Makeover

Harry underwent a few procedures to achieve his new smile. This included crown lengthening of upper anteriors, new fillings and crowns on upper teeth.

Why was the patient a good candidate for the procedure?

This patient was a good candidate for the procedure because the anterior teeth that were involved, were constantly chipping and cracking for many years.

It was a long time goal to prevent and protect these teeth from further damage.

The restoration of crowns or caps were indicated.

The patint also followed a good oral hygiene regiment and was eager and compliant with respect to treatment.

 

 

Was his treatment ordinary?

Crowning vulnerable teeth is a typical practice in dentistry.

How long did the patient's transformation take?

There were a few preliminary procedures that were necessary prior to the actual placement of the crowns that involved a few extra appointments. The actually crowns took two appointments, two weeks apart, to complete.

What steps do these procedures involve?

Good oral hygiene must be a priority before any major restorations are placed. Tooth decay must also be eliminated with no symptoms present. One of the involved teeth required some gum reshaping and and root canal therapy in order to accept a crown.Subsequently, the crowns were prepared at one visit, and the crowns were permanently placed two weeks later.

Are there any homesteps patients should follow after procedures like this?

Continuous good oral hygiene is essential to maintain teeth and especially crowns

This includes regular checkups to the dentist.

A night guard is also recommended for certain procedures such as Harry's.

This is a guard that is worn during the night to protect the new crowns and prevent wear on the opposing teeth.

Dr. Michelle Lanys

Dentist

Dr. Dana Levy                                                             Connie

Periodontist                                                                  Treatment Coordinator

Jonathan Mursic RDT

5 Axis Lab



Dentistry on Dundas 

Barbara's Dental Makeover!

 

Barbara underwent several procedures to achieve her new smile. This included root canal therapy, surgical crown lengthening of upper anteriors and full crown and bridgework on upper teeth.

 



 

After

Before

 

 

What was her chief concern about her teeth?

Barbara's previous bridgework was failing. One of the teeth that supported her bridge were breaking down and needed adjunctive gum surgery to make them candidates for support for the new prosthesis. Her case presented some challenges as she had also lost some posterior support. She would require restoration of her bite to complete her treatment. Ideally implants would be the best option but she opted at this time for partial dentures until implants could be considered.

Why are implants the better option in many cases?

implants are now the treatment of choice in most cases when it comes to the replacement of lost teeth. Although they are biologically different from teeth, they act like teeth in many ways. Aesthetically they are usually the best way to mimic what nature originally gave us. They can stand alone as individual teeth, something a bridge or partial denture can't.  Implants do not affect the adjacent teeth, unlike other alternatives that rely on adjacent teeth for fixation or support. However, implants do come at a higher cost but that is only in the short term. Over the long haul, properly integrated and maintained implants can be a bargain when you consider the costs associated with maintaining and replacing the other alternatives. 

 

 

Before

 

 

After

 

What further treatment will Barbara need as she moves forward?

Post treatment care is always the key to a successful restoration. maintenance at home as well as frequent visits to the dentist for examination and cleaning of the restoration and all of her teeth will help ensure many years of smiles.  in addition, the sooner implants are placed in the posterior dentition the better.  for it's the posterior teeth that protect the anterior teeth and the smile.

Treatment was possible through a team effort!

 

Dr. Mark Librach

Dentist



Dr. Jon Rapp                                                           Dr. Dana Levy

Endodontist                                                               Periodontist



Jonathan Mursic                                                        Connie

5 Axis Lab                                                                 Treatment
                                                                                  Coordinator                                                  

To view other dental makeover click on the following:
Laurie's Dental Makeover
Carol's Dental Makeover
Martine's Dental Makeover
To learn more about implant click the following:
Dental Implants
 

Dental Implant Marketing: Truth vs Fallacy

We are all inundated every day with advertising and product placements for virtually everything that surrounds us. This includes as well marketing in the dental field which is directed to the public.
One of the treatment option we suggest, as Periodontists, are dental implants for replacing missing teeth. Today they are the best treatment option for single or multiple missing teeth.

From the moment that my patient is contemplating the possibility of replacing his/her missing tooth or teeth with implants, it is a very complex and well thought out process which includes: a thorough oral examination, digital X-rays, providing a comprehensive oral and periodontal exam, discussion of function (chewing and speech), discussion of aesthetics, and of course discussion of alternate treatment options. Within this framework I have to listen to the patient's desires and what are the long term goals and objectives when it comes to oral rehabilitation. Implant treatment carries as well a significant commitment on behalf of the patient, as long term maintenance is imperative for success.

Having said all of this, patients can be very confused by the myriad of treatment plans they receive when they are " shopping" for a general dentist, periodontist or surgeon that will deliver the implants and the prosthetic treatment that they are ultimately looking for. As part of our patient's education, I always stress the importance of comparing apples to apples, making sure that they are given the absolute best treatment care as well as making sure that all the preliminary steps have been taken in order to achieve maximum success and beautiful results.

I would like to direct you to this excellent blog post (see below) which shows how implant treatment plans can vary and how deceiving it can be if we don't really know what is being offered. Cost variation is extreme and can be misleading and it reinforces the fact that not every treatment plan is equal and / or as comprehensive as the next one.

As long as our patients understand how dedicated we are and the time commitment which we invest is crucial in obtaining optimal results, then I feel that we have given the best service to our patients.

Please take a moment to read an excellent blog from an Oral Surgeon in the US click here for link.

Dr. Dana Levy

Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Twenty years in practice!

As I enter my 20th year of practice as a Periodontist, its incredible to see how technological advances have improved the way we practice and also the great outcomes we achieve. Having said this, the way we communicate with our patients individually and the dental community as a whole has opened up a world of possibilities to educate ourselves and also our patients with important issues that really matter and affect us as individuals. Through Social Media, be it Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, the world is literally at our fingers, thus, we are further exposed to the possibility of "reaching out" and become a strong voice for our profession. This will mark my first entry as a "blogger" , as a Periodontist who wants the rest of you, out there, to learn a bit more about interesting health issues which affect us all and are an important part of maintaining our overall health.

To read more about Dr. Dana Levy Click Here