Thomas underwent a few procedures to achieve his new smile. This included two Dental Implants and an Implant retained bridge to replace his 4 anterior missing teeth.
Why was Thomas a good candidate for these procedures?
Thomas was the ideal candidate for this
procedure as he was missing multiple front teeth, was in good general and oral
health, and had been wearing a removable prosthesis for years.
How did you develop a plan for treating Thomas's concerns?
The chief complaint was his desire to have
his teeth look and feel just like his own. His current removable denture relied
on support from his adjacent natural teeth, and did not preserve the underlying
jawbone. Dental Implants are able to preserve the underlying bone and improve
comfort, aesthetics, and function without compromising the adjacent teeth.
Was his treatment out of the ordinary?
The treatment is ordinary, but requires a
multidisciplinary approach. Since dental implants are closely connected with
gum tissues and the underlying bone in the mouth, Dr. Levy, our periodontist
was an expert in this area. It was important that we worked together to ensure
the best results.
How long did Thomas transformation take?
The
total transformation took one year.
1) Examination and
evaluation of patients X-rays, oral health and overall health.
2) First
stage surgery with Dr. Levy to place two dental implants into the jawbone
beneath the gum tissue allowing the implant to bond with the bone and
attach to the gums.
3) Second stage surgery with Dr. Levy to expose
the implants once the gum tissues had healed
4) Dr. Lindsay attached an
abutments (post) to the implants and took a digital impression (itero scan)
5)
A fixed bridge with artificial teeth was made by our lab 5-axis to fit the
implant posts
Is there an ideal candidate for these procedures?
The ideal candidate for a
dental implant is someone in good overall health, with healthy gum tissues and
with adequate bone in their jaw to support an implant.
Are there any
at-home steps patients should follow after procedures like these?
It is important to care for your dental
implants like you would your natural teeth. Regular home care with toothbrush
and floss is advised as well as regular dental checkups to ensure the bite is
correct and that the implants are not loose. A nightguard may be recommended
for patients who clench or grind their teeth.
Dentist
Periodontist & Implantology
Connie
Treatment Coordinator at Dentistry on Dundas
