A Leader in Implant Dentistry
Dr. Emerson has been placing dental implants since 1976 and currently devotes approximately 70% of his practice to implant dentistry. He places approximately 250 implants yearly, with a focus on functional as well as aesthetic results. As a dentist, periodontist and medical doctor, Dr. Emerson brings to the fast-growing practice of implant dentistry a valuable medical insight that means you will receive the highest standards of care at our offices.
Natural-looking, comfortable and easy to care for, implants make the embarrassment, the insecurity and the nuisance of wearing dentures a thing of the past.
Our skilled team, working with the most sophisticated equipment and using the latest, proven techniques, offers a complete range of implant options, from single tooth to full reconstruction. If you are one of more than 100 million Americans who have suffered serious tooth loss, you are likely a candidate for dental implants.
Replacing a Missing Tooth with an Implant
A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing solid foods.
Conventional treatment options for tooth replacement, Crown & Bridge and full or partial dentures, address the short-term cosmetic problem of the missing teeth, but do nothing to stop the bone loss associated with missing teeth. Without a tooth to stimulate the jaw, the bone beneath it will atrophy.
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untreated missing tooth
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- unattractive smile
- loss of chewing ability
- accelerated bone loss
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Crown & Bridge procedures also require that two or more healthy teeth be ground down to serve as abutments (anchors) for a bridge, leaving them at a much greater risk for cavities and endodontic failure.
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traditional crown and bridge
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- attractive smile
- grinds down healthy teeth
- bone loss under bridge
- greater risk for cavities and tooth failure
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With dental implants, however, the healthy teeth are not compromised. Plus, dental implants, like natural teeth, transmit chewing forces to the jaw, stimulating it and halting the active bone loss. This is why many leading dental organizations recognize dental implants as the standard of care for tooth.
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dental implant with a crown
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- attractive smile
- full chewing ability
- preserve healthy teeth and jawbone
- stops bone loss associated with missing tooth
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Options for Replacing Several Missing Teeth
Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been replaced with a removable partial or full denture. Advances in dentistry now offer the preferred option for replacing multiple teeth through dental implants. Compared with dentures, dental implants offer significantly greater comfort, stability, function and predictability.
Many people struggle to keep their dentures secure, particularly in the lower jaw. If you have this problem, you already know about the embarrassment of slipping dentures, not being able to eat the foods that you love and the ineffectiveness of denture adhesives. In time, the teeth supporting a partial denture are compromised by the torque and friction pressures associated with the clasps. Often this stress leads to decay or fracture of the supporting teeth resulting in further tooth loss. Additionally, the tissue beneath a denture changes when the supporting bone atrophies from lack of direct stimulation. Eventually, this results in an ill-fitting, uncomfortable denture that requires costly repairs or complete replacement. Fortunately, there is a way to make your denture work the way it was intended: stabilize it with dental implants.
With dental implant support, dentures are anchored firmly in the mouth allowing them to feel and function much more like natural teeth. You can again enjoy your favorite foods and have the confident beautiful smile you deserve.
There are essentially four dental implant options available for restoring multiple missing or significantly compromised teeth:
Dental Implants may be utilized to restore either small sections where teeth are missing or an entire arch. Rather than suffer the inconvenience and complications associated with a partial denture, the patient elected to restore a section of missing teeth with a permanent bridge supported by implants:
Implant Supported Fixed Bridge
The number and location of implants is determined by the specific requirements in each case.
The implants are positioned just below the gum tissue and given time to fuse to the bone. Temporary abutments (healing covers) are placed on the implants until the healing phase is complete. After the bone has integrated to the implants a cosmetic temporary bridge will be made to fill the space of the missing teeth. After healing, the abutments are attached to the implants. They will hold a custom-made bridge that the dental laboratory will mold and match to your existing teeth. Your new teeth are firmly supported by the jaw, stimulating it and halting bone loss. The bridge can only be removed by the dentist, if necessary, for any needed adjustments and maintenance.
Implant Stabilized Denture
If all of your lower teeth are missing, five or six implants are used to secure the lower denture. If all of your teeth in the upper jaw are missing six or more implants are placed to secure the denture.
Implants are positioned just below the gum tissue and given time to fuse to the bone. Temporary abutments may be placed on the implants until the healing phase is complete. Your existing denture will be modified so that it may be worn without disturbing the implants during the healing process.
You will be fitted for a custom-made bar that attaches to the implants to support a new denture. Your existing denture may be modified for use during this period.
The new denture will have attachments, which will snap or clip into place. Your new teeth are firmly supported by the jaw, stimulating it and halting bone loss. You will be able to remove the denture easily for cleaning.
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Subperiosteal Implant Stabilized Denture
A subperiosteal implant system is utilized when the existing bone structure has atrophied to the degree that even bone-grafting procedures cannot produce a sufficient quantity of bone support for placement of individual dental implants.
A custom designed, lightweight, titanium framework is created to fit directly over the existing bone structure. This implant may be placed in a small localized area or along the entire lower jaw. The amount and location of available bone will determine which implant design is most suitable.
The visible portion of the implant is designed with ball-top attachments that will support and secure a denture. Your existing denture may be modified to fit these attachments.
Implant Supported Denture
An implant stabilized denture is a minimally invasive and economical means to improve the stability of your lower denture. Although an implant supported denture offers significant improvement in retention above what is expected in a typical lower denture alone, this method provides the least retention among the four approaches to denture stability.
In the procedure, titanium screws (implants) with integrated ball-tops are inserted into the jaw, where they will fuse to the bone. The fewest number of implants must be two (generally placed in the anterior) but the stability improves greatly with the addition of two more implants in the posterior portion of the lower arch. Your existing denture is modified to sit comfortably over the implants during the healing phase. The procedure typically takes about two hours, and can be done under local anesthesia. Many patients however, elect to have some form of sedation.
After the implants have healed, your denture is modified to snap onto the ball-tops. The denture will be secure until you remove it for cleaning.
Image Guided Implantology (IGI)
Dr. Ben Emerson is uniquely qualified to provide State-Of-The-Art comprehensive implant and periodontal dentistry through the use of IGI. This process utilizes three-dimensional CT images and live interactive guidance, to ensure predictable, safe, precision placement of every dental implant. Dr. Emerson has placed thousands of dental implants during his 27 years of practice in dentistry. You can feel confident in knowing he has the knowledge and experience necessary to provide you excellent care.
The Image Guided Implantology system functions similarly to a GPS navigation unit in a car. In the way a GPS guides a driver, the surgeon is guided to place the implant in the precise location as planned. However, navigation with IGI is not provided by satellite but rather more accurately with special cameras. Sophisticated optical devices placed on the dental handpiece and attached to the patients teeth, track the process of operation and display it in real time using a high accuracy motion tracking system.
The Success Rate of Dental Implants
After their healing period, the success rate of dental implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene the percentage is closer to 98%.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
The pain involved with having a dental implant placed is similar to that of having a cavity filled. It can be performed under local anesthesia, although most patients prefer I.V. sedation. Patients generally experience little discomfort after the procedure.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants become fixed into the jawbone. Though the life span of a dental implant will vary with each patient, many have remained in patients’ mouths for over 30 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.
Bone Regeneration
A critical question in determining whether an implant can be placed is, “Is there enough bone to support the implant?” Fortunately, advanced bone regeneration techniques now make it possible to place many more implants than just 10 years ago.
I have been told that my sinuses are in the way. What can we do?
One of the methods for creating bone volume necessary for implant placement is through a procedure called sinus augmentation or sinus lift. Sometimes it is necessary to make slight adjustments to the sinus area above where the implant is needed. Additional bone is grafted in this area and once it has healed an implant may be placed.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Click here to schedule an appointment.
For More Information
The following sites will provide you with more information on dental implants:
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