What’s the Best Way to Replace a Tooth?

While both dentures and implants will fill the gaps left by missing teeth, there are other important considerations to be aware of when making a choice for dental repairs:

• biocompatibility
• durability
• comfort
• cost

The expense associated with implants

The higher cost of dental implants can be the biggest obstacle for many patients to overcome when it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth. Despite their aesthetic and greater functional superiority the initial price of dental implants can cause many people to lean towards more conventional and less expensive options like bridges or dentures.

Success in the short term

Second to cost, another attractive aspect to dental bridges or dentures is the quick turnaround time since they can be ready and fitted at about 2 weeks, while dental implants take longer to become fully integrated into the mouth and jaw before they reach their peak performance level

However, there are a few additional costs associated with dentures and bridges which can include:

• restoring decayed teeth surrounding bridges
• treating gum disease caused by improperly fitted dentures and difficult to reach pockets created by bridges
• maintaining, repairing and replacing partial or fully removable dentures

The real cost of short sightedness

The actual physical structure of a jaw without teeth will initially shrink quite rapidly most particularly during the first six months — and more slowly over time for the remainder of the patient’s life. Consequently, when a denture is made to fit a person’s jaw it will need to be remade and refitted as the jawbone shrinks.

The teeth in a denture appliance eventually wear down and become less effective at chewing food. Worn denture teeth naturally cause a person to bite and chew with more force, pushing the denture into the jawbone, causing the bone to shrink at an even faster rate. Jawbone deterioration and loss is the major problem with removable dentures, a problem that also works to increase the speed of a person’s aging process. Grinding of the teeth will decrease the life of a denture also.

When a dental bridge is used to replace missing teeth, the supporting or adjacent teeth have to be ground down in order to make room for the support post of the bridge. Once the adjacent teeth have been altered in this way they become susceptible to damage and tooth decay. It is quite difficult for patients to properly clean the areas around and under dental bridges, which causes an accumulation of dental plaque and an increased susceptibility of tooth decay and gum disease. As in the case of dentures, the jawbone in the area where teeth are missing will shrink, weaken and deteriorate over time, which can cause the surrounding teeth to become loose, change position and even fracture in some cases. This mobility of the teeth will then create a situation where the structural integrity of the bridge is at risk.

The best long term solution

The average long term success rate of dental implant surgery in a healthy patient with good bone structure is over 95 percent. This figure can change to between 85 and 90 percent in patients who require bone grafting to increase density and to ensure that the implant will anchor well. For smokers, the failure rate of dental implants is about two times higher compared to non-smokers. Experienced implant dentists have success rate records as high as 99 percent for patients with healthy jawbone and gums. One of the most appealing aspects of a dental implant is that it works just like a natural tooth, without requiring any special care and without causing any damage to adjacent teeth. The only requirement to ensure the long life of a dental implant is for the patient to continue to maintain good dental health and proper daily oral hygiene – exactly as they would for natural teeth.

Lasting results

Once a dental implant has been placed and has properly integrated into the bone (a process called osseointegration) that implant can be expected to last for a lifetime, whereas dental bridges require replacement every ten years on average (due to bridge failure or adjacent teeth failure). Dentures also need to be replaced or modified about every five to ten years due to improper fit and bone loss. Therefore, although the initial expense for dentures and bridges may be relatively low, over time that cost will rise as repairs and replacements are needed, and as oral treatments are required due to gum disease and repair or loss of surrounding teeth. General health will also be affected as ill-fitting dentures do not allow for proper and efficient chewing.

Dental implants provide a much better aesthetic and functional results compared to alternative dental restorations. They help to ensure that a patient will be able to maintain their usual eating habits, keep a natural appearance and speak and chew without the embarrassment often caused by removable dentures.

Biocompatible Zirconium Oxide Ceramic Dental Implants

In the world of medicine, zirconium oxide is being used more consistently as the material of choice for bone related reconstruction, particularly hip prosthesis. This growing trend has led to substantial clinical reports which confirm the high biocompatibility and quality of zirconium oxide, making it an attractive component for use as dental implants. Not only does Zirconium Oxide overcome most of the pitfalls of other dental implant products (such as Titanium), but patients now have a choice of a material that is esthetic, strong, pure, corrosion-free, biocompatible and capable of being used for all dental implant and appliance applications.

Why biocompatibility is so important

The immune system will typically respond to non-compatible dental materials as if they were infections or ‘invaders’ by initiating a cascade of reactions geared toward eliminating that ‘invader’. A good analogy to this would be how your body reacts to a cold or flu by elevating levels of lymphocytes and activating the immune system, a reaction that eventually rids the body of the cold or flu. The difference is that with dental toxicity the source of the problem is permanently imbedded in the mouth, and therefore there is no way for the ‘infection’ to be eliminated by the immune system.

Using only quality biocompatible materials that are proven to have very low adverse allergic reactions and present no negative responses from the immune system is highly important for the health of our patients. It is also the reason that biological, natural and holistic dental practices strive to use only materials that are as neutral as possible. Zirconium is a very strong, inert material with very low allergic potential and therefore a higher biocompatibility than other materials used as dental implants.

What non-compatibility looks like

Considering that every person’s body and physiology is unique, some individuals will be more compatible than others with certain types of materials used in dental treatments and procedures. But ultimately, a biocompatible material will not cause:

• allergic reaction
• irritation
• inflammation
• foreign body response (rejection)
• cancer and other autoimmune disorders

An all-ceramic dental crown over an all-ceramic dental implant looks and functions very much like the missing tooth did. Ceramic implants provide metal-free tooth replacement solutions, eliminating concerns of allergies and biocompatibility issues thereby lessening concerns for damage to the immune system. Zirconium Oxide provides safe, holistic results that are comfortable, natural in appearance and biocompatible:

• Zirconia implant is the holistic dental implant for absolute metal-free dentistry
• The white color of Zirconium far surpasses the metallic appearance of Titanium
• Ceramic implants and crowns retain less plaque and calculus than Titanium and therefore promote healthier gums and mouth

Our objective is to make as many biocompatible options available to our patients as possible and it is important to us to achieve the highest level of biocompatibility, particularly in cases where patients have compromised immune systems. Whenever considering a dental restoration we strongly suggest that extensive biocompatibility and metal allergy testing be done beforehand to ensure the best results.

For the second year in a row, we had a very successful and fulfilling day. We had over 150 visitors stop by our booth and we were able to share and enlighten  the public on the virtues of replacing missing teeth or stabilizing loose dentures and partials without using metal dental implants. Miles of Smiles Implant Dentistry is one of the few practices in the world that offers top-to-bottom metal free teeth replacement solutions. The  implants we use are made with a bioceramic called zirconia or zirconium dioxide. Zirconia is the ceramic phase of zirconium and it is not only biocompatible but also biologic. Unlike metal implants (titanium), zirconia implants are not susceptible to corrosion, will not break down and does not allow low level electrical activity in the mouth.

What are the Benefits of Ceramic Dental Implants?

Well over 100 million Americans suffer some form tooth loss, and today ceramic dental implants represent the most aesthetically pleasing option available for tooth replacement. Ceramic implants are comfortable for our patients, and due to their all-white color they present the most natural looking results. Dental implants are the better alternative to bridges, partials or dentures (find out why ceramic implants are better than bridges here) and most importantly; ceramic dental implants perform just like natural teeth.

When teeth are removed or lost due to trauma or infection the underlying bone is no longer used, resulting in a weakened jaw and bone loss. This makes it difficult to smile, chew and do other things most of us take for granted. Furthermore teeth next to the lost tooth/teeth shift and and the opposing one(s)  drift into the spaces left by missing teeth. These ultimately lead to malocclusion, jaw collapse, jaw muscle pain and even chronic headaches. Dental implants provide the same function as the natural tooth root which they replace, including stimulating the bone in the most natural way possible and maintaining adjacent and opposing teeth in their place. Ceramic dental implants prevent bone deterioration and improve a patient’s ability to chew food normally.

Dental implants can last a lifetime and are placed directly into the bone where the teeth are missing. They do not adversely affect the adjacent healthy teeth as do traditional bridges. Implants bond to the jawbone and become part of it – making a connection as strong as a natural tooth root.

Some of the benefits of ceramic dental implants:

• Improve one’s ability to bite and chew
• Function exactly like natural teeth
• Do not interfere with adjacent teeth
• Provide a more youthful appearance to the face and jaw line
• Eliminate bone deterioration that can occur with tooth loss
• Do not cause unsightly metal coloring around the gums
• Are metal free and do not corrode or breakdown in the oral environment
• Easy to keep clean because they do not attract nor accumulate bacteria-loving plaque
• Do not conduct electricity or interfere with the body’s meridian energy pathways
• Provides stability without the need for messy adhesives

Whether you’re concerned about metals in the mouth or prefer to have natural looking teeth, ceramic dental implants provide the best alternative to titanium dental implants.

For more information or a free consultation, please give us a call today: 301-880-1410

Metal-Free Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

The science of ceramic, metal-free dental implants provides a comfortable and natural alternative to bridges for patients who have suffered tooth loss. Metal-free dental implants are made of the ceramic component of zirconium also called zirconium oxide or zirconia. Due to zirconia’s physical and optical properties, metal-free implants are all-white in color , highly attractive in appearance,  and look and feel like natural teeth so much so that you might forget that you ever lost a tooth (for more information about the cosmetics of metal-free dental implants, please read The Cosmetics of Ceramic Dental Implants).

What’s the Difference Between Dental Implants and Bridges?

A conventional dental bridge can be made with a metal framework or entirely from porcelain or zirconia. However whether its metal based or ceramic, it is created by using adjacent teeth to support a pontic, or fake tooth. In this way, otherwise healthy teeth are often ground down and crowned (or “capped”) to facilitate a bridge to span the space where teeth are missing. So what is the difference between a bridge and a dental implant? A dental implant is applied directly into the jawbone mimicking the tooth’s natural structure without touching the surrounding teeth. An even better method of tooth replacement is by using zirconia implants therefore taking advantage of its metal-free and extremely stable physical properties. Zirconia dental implants do not corrode or breakdown when in contact with oral fluids, furthermore little to no plaque (tartar) accumulate on their surface.

How Long do Dental Implants and Bridges Last?

FAQ About Dental Bridges:

Most dental bridges last from 5-10 years before needing to be replaced. A bridge relies on the adjacent teeth and on the bridge’s structure for support. Surrounding teeth lose their strength due to being ground down to support a bridge and are susceptible to decay and even fracture due to loss of enamel and tooth structure in the process.

FAQ About Metal-Free Dental Implants:

Metal-free dental implants can last a lifetime and are placed directly into the bone where the teeth are missing. They do not adversely affect the adjacent healthy teeth, do not corrode or conduct low level electrical currents in the oral cavity. These low level electrical currents also called galvanic currents will lead to events ranging from weakening of conventional metal implants to the death of bone cells around implants;  this eventually leads to implant loosening and failure. Zirconia implants bond to the jaw bone and become part of it without affecting it – making a connection often stronger than a natural tooth root.

Do Bridges and Metal-Free Implants Cause Bone Loss?

Dental implants act as substitute tooth roots, providing the same function as natural tooth roots including stimulating the bone in the most natural way possible.  When teeth are removed or lost due to trauma or infection the underlying bone is no longer used, frequently resulting in a weakened jaw and bone loss. This makes it difficult to smile, chew and do other things most of us take for granted.

FAQ About Dental Bridges:

When teeth are lost or extracted, the bone that previously supported those teeth no longer serves a purpose and begins to deteriorate, or ‘resorb’. When a bridge is used to connect two teeth, normal pressure is not applied on the jawbone in such a way that the bone is stimulated as it would be in a healthy mouth, leading to bone loss in the area where the tooth was lost. Eventually the bone loss spreads to the supporting teeth of the bridge which over time gets loose, fractures and/or fails.

FAQ About Metal-Free Dental Implants:

Just like metal (titanium) implants, replacing teeth with metal-free dental implants involve placing an artificial root made of zirconia back into areas where there are no teeth. This results in renewed stimulation of the bone in the jaw preventing long term bone loss, thereby preserving and strengthening the structure of the jaw.

Not only do dental implants sit securely in the jaw and look like natural teeth, they also offer superior durability and outstanding aesthetics. Implants of a variety of materials have been used successfully for about 40 years and the latest generation of ceramic implant systems made of zirconium oxide (zirconia) take the science of dental implants to the next level.

Are Dental Bridges or Ceramic Implants Easier to Clean?

Caring for dental implants is very much like caring for natural teeth by following standard oral health care measure such as brushing and flossing.

FAQ About Dental Bridges:

Flossing bridges is not an easy task and requires time, patience and consistency making it difficult to follow routine everyday oral hygiene which can leave the underlying natural tooth structure at risk of decay and gum disease. Almost invariably over time decay occurs under supporting crowns of the bridge leading to the need for root canal treatment or tooth loss altogether.

FAQ About Metal-Free Dental Implants:

Individual dental implants allow easier access between teeth making it possible for patients to resume normal dental care. Furthermore zirconia dental do not collect plaque around them allowing for healthier gums and underlying bone.

Should You Choose a Metal-Free Dental Implant or a Bridge?

The bottom line for most people who have experienced tooth loss is that dental implants are a better solution. Implants are the closest thing possible to natural teeth, are fixed in place and offer a healthy alternative for oral and bone health, plus they support general well-being. Patients, who have metal-free dental implants a less likely todevelop metal sensitivity over time, remark that they look better, feel better and are more confident.

Scientific studies are now revealing the full extent of damage a person can inadvertently cause to their tooth enamel by consuming highly acidic beverages. With a reported 30- 50 percent of U.S. teenagers consuming popularized energy drinks on a daily basis, it is important that parents and young adults as well as fitness enthusiasts, understand the disadvantages these drinks can pose to oral health.

A recent study cited in General Dentistry; the Academy of General Dentistry’s clinical, peer-reviewed journal has revealed that fitness-minded adults and adolescents who routinely consume sports and energy drinks have an alarming increase in irreversible damage to teeth, damage that specifically targets the tooth enamel; the thin, outer layer of the tooth that helps preserve the tooth’s structure and prevent decay. Damage caused to sensitive tooth enamel is almost always irreversible, and without the protection of enamel, teeth become highly sensitive, prone to cavities, and more prone to decay.

The True Cost of Consuming Sports Drinks

People who pursue active lifestyles ironically may avoid colas or sugary drinks in favor of what they believe to be a ‘healthier’ alternative and so they tend to rely on sports or energy drinks to rehydrate after exercising. But, with the results of recent studies pointing to the fact that regular long-term use of such highly acidic beverages can lead to irreversible damage to dental enamel, athletic types are best advised to take precautions to protect their teeth by either choosing an alternative or adopting a habit of rinsing after consuming acidic drinks.

To determine the true acidic properties researchers examined the levels of acid in 13 sports drinks and nine energy drinks. To test the effect of the acidity levels, samples of human tooth enamel were immersed in each beverage for 15 minutes, followed by immersion in artificial saliva for two hours. The test was repeated over five days, four times each day. The goal of the test was to simulate the same type of exposure teeth are subject to by someone who drinks an average of one beverage every few hours. The researchers found that damage to enamel was evident after only five days, and energy drinks in particular showed a significantly greater potential to damage teeth than sports drinks – in fact, up to twice as much damage.

From this test and others of a similar type we can now conclude that enamel damage associated with all beverages ranging from greatest (1) to least (6) damage to dental enamel are as follows:

1.  lemonade
2. energy drinks
3. sports drinks
4. fitness water
5. iced tea
6. cola

Most cola-based drinks contain more than one type of acid, generally phosphoric and citric acids, both of which contribute to enamel damage. Sports beverages contain a range of other additives and organic acids that further exacerbate dental erosion. Organic acids also erode dental enamel as they break down calcium, which is needed to strengthen teeth and prevent gum disease.

How to Minimize the Damage

The best way to avoid damaging your dental enamel is to exercise caution when using sports drinks and similar beverages on a routine basis. Alternating sports drinks with water or low-fat milk after a workout can help to preserve tooth enamel and ultimately protect teeth from decay, but the best alternative is to minimize the intake of sports and energy drinks altogether. If you must drink acidic beverages it is advisable to chew sugar-free gum or rinse the mouth with water following consumption of the drinks as a way to increase saliva flow, which naturally helps to normalize acidity levels in the mouth. To avoid spreading acid onto the tooth surfaces thereby increasing the erosive action, it is a good idea to wait at least an hour before brushing after consuming sports and energy drinks.

The placement of dental implants in the posterior maxilla can sometimes be complicated due to the loss of bone below the maxillary sinuses. This is very common after maxillary molars have been lost or extracted and no bone preservation procedures provided at the time of extraction. Sinus graft/lift procedures are then necessary in order to create a proper foundation for implant placement. This article, published in June 2010 pp 47-60 in the Journal of Implant and Advanced Clinical Dentistry (www.JIACD.com)compares the amount of new bone formation and residual graft material when mineralized human dried bone (allografts) are used versus bovine bone (xenografts) are utilized to increase bone volume in maxillary sinus.  Sammy Noumbissi DDS MS

Read more… http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/specops/jiacd_201006/index.php?startid=46