Missing Several Teeth
Implant Placement Procedures
SEVERAL TEETH MISSING
If you're missing multiple teeth, your dentist will most likely recommend a dental bridge. There are many different kinds of dental bridges available. However, an all-ceramic dental bridge on dental implants is one of the best solutions for beautiful esthetics and optimal function.
A dental bridge on dental implants can prevent:
- The teeth adjacent to the missing teeth from changing position to fill the gap;
- Your jawbone from shrinking, making your face appear prematurely older because the missing teeth's roots are also missing; and,
- An unattractive smile, if the missing teeth show when you smile.
Like a natural root, a dental implant provides the support for a dental bridge, in this case a new all-ceramic dental bridge. An all-ceramic dental bridge on dental implants looks and functions very much like the missing teeth did.
STEP-BY-STEP COURSE OF TREATMENT
Examination Visit:
The first step is to visit your dentist for an examination and to discuss your individual solution options.
The first step to your new teeth is an examination of your current situation by your dentist. Then, you and your dentist can determine which solution works best for you.
During your examination, you may be presented with the option to follow a conventional process or a state-of-the-art guided process to place your dental implants
Under the guided process, your dentist uses a computerized tomography (CT) scan, or a model of your jawbone, to plan your entire dental procedure before it begins. Keyhole surgery is used to place the dental implant. This minimally invasive technique reduces the healing time traditionally experienced in the conventional process, as well as the need for stitches, a significant amount of swelling, and much of the discomfort arising when your dental implants are placed using conventional methods.
Preparation Phase:
The second step is the preparation phase, where your dentist will plan the next steps of the process. Here, your dentist is gaining insight into how your dental implants will be placed.
Conventional Process: Under the conventional process, your dentist will take x-rays to see how your jawbone looks. Often an impression will be taken of your current teeth and jawbone.
Guided Process: Under the guided process, your dentist will map your jawbone or your jaw and teeth will be scanned using computerized tomography (CT) enabling your dentist to plan your entire dental procedure before getting started. From this planning, a guide is created that will help the dentist to place the dental implants into the optimal positions.
At the same time, a laboratory will begin making your final teeth, so they are ready for placement at the same time your dental implants are placed.
Implant Placement Visit:
This is the step where your dentist will place the necessary dental implants in your jaw.
First, the implants are installed. This is normally done in a single session. A temporary bridge may be placed at the same time, making it possible for you to function like normal almost immediately after leaving the dentist.
The implants need to integrate with the jawbone before the permanent bridge is attached. This is normally done 1-2 months after the implant installation. The time will vary, depending on the teeth affected and the esthetical demands.
Conventional Process: Under the conventional process, you'll undergo the following:
- You'll receive local anesthesia
- Your dentist will place your dental implants
- Your dentist may place a temporary dental bridge to your dental implants, so you can eat during the healing process
- At the same time, your dentist may take an impression from which your final dental bridge will be made
Guided Process: Under the keyhole method, you'll undergo the following:
- You'll receive local anesthesia
- Using the surgical guide and keyhole surgery, your dentist will then place your dental implants
- Once your dental implants are placed, your dentist will place your final dental bridge or a temporary dental bridge.
Enjoying Your New Smile!
Multiple visits may be required prior to receiving your final teeth. The new bridge will handle all the pressure that your strong, natural back teeth did. You will have a stable and secure solution that allows you to eat what you want.
Conventional Process: After your dentist has determined that your gums have sufficiently healed, you'll return to have your final dental bridge fitted and cemented. Your dentist will ensure that your bite is correct and you're pleased with the results.
Guided Process: You'll return to your dentist and have your custom-made all-ceramic dental bridge fitted.
