The dental implant abutment transfers the load from the dental prosthesis to the titanium dental implant fixture. Over the years dentists have been frustrated by the lack of different abutment choices available for their patient’s implant restoration. Stock abutments were the only available choices. New advances in CAD-CAM procedures are now making it possible for dentists to create abutments that are customized for each of their individual patients needs.
CAD-CAM stands for Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture. This technology allows the dentist and the laboratory to design very specific abutments that are custom manufactured to suit the individual needs of each patient. Using CAD-CAM technology, custom abutments are manufactured using scan data from the patient’s dental castings in conjunction with state of the art software and milling equipment.
Why is this so exciting? Dentists are now able to take into account individual differences in patient’s anatomy and implant restorations. In short, it customizes every patient’s treatment plan.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Dental Implants
There are three main parts that make up a dental implant: the implant itself, the dental implant abutment and the dental prosthesis, which generally refers to the dental crown or dental bridgework that the implant supports. Dental implants, together with dental abutments, can be used to support single teeth, a group of teeth, or even all of the teeth.
Let’s discuss the three parts of a dental implant in more detail.
1.) The dental implant fixture: The dental implant fixture is the portion of the implant that is embedded in and becomes anchored to the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration and provides stability and support for the dental prosthesis. The dental implant fixture is constructed out of titanium and is that portion of the dental implant that lies below the gum line.
2.) The dental implant abutment: The dental implant abutment is a cylinder that is screwed on top of the dental implant fixture. The abutment aspect of an implant lies at or above the gum line. This stub portion is used to attach and support the crown, dental bridgework or denture that makes up the final restoration.
3.) The dental prosthesis: The dental prosthesis refers to the dental crown, dental bridgework, or denture that the implant fixture supports. This can be either screwed or cemented in place, depending on the design.
Let’s discuss the three parts of a dental implant in more detail.
1.) The dental implant fixture: The dental implant fixture is the portion of the implant that is embedded in and becomes anchored to the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration and provides stability and support for the dental prosthesis. The dental implant fixture is constructed out of titanium and is that portion of the dental implant that lies below the gum line.
2.) The dental implant abutment: The dental implant abutment is a cylinder that is screwed on top of the dental implant fixture. The abutment aspect of an implant lies at or above the gum line. This stub portion is used to attach and support the crown, dental bridgework or denture that makes up the final restoration.
3.) The dental prosthesis: The dental prosthesis refers to the dental crown, dental bridgework, or denture that the implant fixture supports. This can be either screwed or cemented in place, depending on the design.
Monday, February 14, 2011
What are the advantages of an Implant-Supported Denture over conventional dentures?
Dental implants provide several advantages when used to anchor implant-supported full bridges and implant-supported dentures. Implants prevent bone loss by transmitting load forces during the chewing process down into the jawbone. The jawbone reacts to this loading by increasing the bone density. Implants are well known in their ability to stop bone loss. With conventional dentures, the bone that previously surrounded the tooth roots begins to resorb(deteriorate). Over time, the dental ridges required to support a conventional denture will shrink, creating a problem with regards to retention and stability of the denture. Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.
Implant supported full bridges and dentures are more comfortable and stable than conventional dentures, allowing patients to retain a more natural biting and chewing capacity. This often results in improved nutrition in many patients.
Implant supported full bridges and dentures are more comfortable and stable than conventional dentures, allowing patients to retain a more natural biting and chewing capacity. This often results in improved nutrition in many patients.
What is an Implant-Supported Denture?
An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants, while a conventional denture rests on the gums. An implant-supported denture is used when a person doesn’t have any teeth in the jaw, but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. Special attachments are used to snap the denture onto the implants.
Although it is easy to remove an implant-supported denture from the mouth, some patients prefer to have fixed (permanent) crown and bridgework in their mouths which cannot be removed. Your prosthodontist will consider your specific needs and preferences when suggesting fixed or removable options.
It is important to understand the “behind the scenes” processing that is required for implant-supported dentures. Your prosthodontist has an in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and chewing function as well as an artistic talent to produce teeth that are both natural in appearance and esthetically pleasing. This also requires an extensive knowledge of quality dental materials.
At San Diego Prosthodontics, all removable prostheses, whether conventional or implant-supported dentures are fabricated in our in-house dental laboratory. This insures a high degree of quality control as well as timely delivery of prostheses to our patients.
Although it is easy to remove an implant-supported denture from the mouth, some patients prefer to have fixed (permanent) crown and bridgework in their mouths which cannot be removed. Your prosthodontist will consider your specific needs and preferences when suggesting fixed or removable options.
It is important to understand the “behind the scenes” processing that is required for implant-supported dentures. Your prosthodontist has an in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and chewing function as well as an artistic talent to produce teeth that are both natural in appearance and esthetically pleasing. This also requires an extensive knowledge of quality dental materials.
At San Diego Prosthodontics, all removable prostheses, whether conventional or implant-supported dentures are fabricated in our in-house dental laboratory. This insures a high degree of quality control as well as timely delivery of prostheses to our patients.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Why go to a Prosthodontist?
Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Prosthodontists are experts in the restoration of natural teeth or the replacement of missing teeth and adjacent oral and facial tissues with artificial substitutes. Prosthodontic treatment may include the use of removable partial or full dentures, caps, crowns, bridges, implant anchored restorations, or combinations of the above.
After completing 4 years of dental school, prosthodontists receive an additional 2-3 years of intense specialized training in an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited graduate program based either at a hospital or a university. This advanced training includes reviews of the literature, lectures, and treatment of patients. Prosthodontists are also trained in the hands-on technical aspects of laboratory fabrication of complex dental prosthetics and complex restoration of dental and facial esthetics. Prosthodontists have a comprehensive knowledge of dental materials and techniques, insuring both function and esthetics when it comes to your treatment.
I like to think of the prosthodontist as the ‘quarterback’ of your dental restorative team. Prosthodontists take a whole-mouth approach to your dental care. They supervise your treatment from your initial consultations to your follow-up care after treatment. It is your prosthodontist who interacts with other dentists, specialists and technicians to coordinate your dental treatment plan.
Whether your care requires single crowns, fillings, veneers, dental bridges, dentures or complex implant restorations, you can be assured that you are receiving state-of-the-art dentistry from your prosthodontist, who is dedicated to the highest standards of care in restoration and replacement of teeth.
After completing 4 years of dental school, prosthodontists receive an additional 2-3 years of intense specialized training in an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited graduate program based either at a hospital or a university. This advanced training includes reviews of the literature, lectures, and treatment of patients. Prosthodontists are also trained in the hands-on technical aspects of laboratory fabrication of complex dental prosthetics and complex restoration of dental and facial esthetics. Prosthodontists have a comprehensive knowledge of dental materials and techniques, insuring both function and esthetics when it comes to your treatment.
I like to think of the prosthodontist as the ‘quarterback’ of your dental restorative team. Prosthodontists take a whole-mouth approach to your dental care. They supervise your treatment from your initial consultations to your follow-up care after treatment. It is your prosthodontist who interacts with other dentists, specialists and technicians to coordinate your dental treatment plan.
Whether your care requires single crowns, fillings, veneers, dental bridges, dentures or complex implant restorations, you can be assured that you are receiving state-of-the-art dentistry from your prosthodontist, who is dedicated to the highest standards of care in restoration and replacement of teeth.
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