Implant Dentistry by Vienna Dentist Dr. Gary Ellenbogen

Implant Dentistry

Dental Implant

Dental implants are becoming more popular in today's dental society for a number of reasons. Implants are utilized to offer patients a foundation for new restorative teeth where natural teeth are missing or have been extracted. The implant offers the patient the opportunity to regain normal function of the tooth without being forced to resort to a bridge or a denture.

Benefits

• The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with the existing bone.
• The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.
• Your new implants are aesthetically pleasing.
• You will no longer have pain during talking or eating.
• The dental implant will prevent progressive bone atrophy.
• Implants have a proven scientific basis.

Procedure

The tooth structure has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gum line. A dental implant acts as the restorative for this section of the tooth. The metal implant acts as an anchor in the jawbone. The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and the dentist places the implant into the jawbone. When this is achieved, the tissue is then sutured closed. There is not often significant discomfort with this procedure. This process can take from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed.

This implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. A removable crown may be utilized during this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance..

The next step in the process is to attach an abutment to the tooth. This is achieved by exposing the top of the implant and placing the abutment. This is the part of the implant that will support the final crown.

Finally, an impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities.

Mini Implant

Mini implants are a very interesting solution for many of my patients. I am often amazed that this is not offered by more dentists in my area.

The "smallest" or "narrowest" regular (conventional) implants are 3 millimeters in diameter. Usually implant manufacturers will make implants that are 3.8 to 4.5 millimeters and these work well. But sometimes when there is insufficient jaw bone or finances are difficult smaller diameter implants are ideal.

Mini implants are 1.8 to 2.5 millimeters in diameter. There are circumstances where several can be placed within an hour and can stabilize an otherwise loose denture.

They are well tolerated, timely, and efficient.

Originally many dentists used mini implants as "temporary" implants while conventional implants integrated with bone. Over the years we noticed that they were doing well on their own. The FDA approved their widespread use for the purpose of denture retention and I have used these for both removable and fixed prosthodontics.