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implant reconstruction:
replacement of all the
teeth
in one arch
When
truly successful implant care first became available in the early 1980's, it was heralded
as the first reliable way in which a person missing all of his or her teeth in one or both
jaws could return to a level of function equal to the time when natural teeth were
present. Originally, the Swedish company Nobelpharma (recently renamed as Nobel
Biocare), in conjunction with Par Ingvar Brånemark, an orthopedic surgeon, introduced
pure titanium implants only for the replacement of all the teeth. As a result,
replacement of all the teeth in either jaw is the longest standing implant technique, with
the most experience on the part of patients and dentists. |
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Once we
have carefully designed your case and determined the ideal implant positions and
angulations, the first step involves placing of the implants by your surgeon. Once
the implants are placed, we provide you with a cushioned denture, made new, or made from
your existing denture. During the bone bonding phase, which typically lasts 3 months
in your lower jaw and 6 months in your upper jaw, you continue to wear your denture(s) as
you normally have. |
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Once
the period of bone bonding is completed, a second, very minor surgery is performed to
attach connectors, called "abutments", to the implants. With the abutments
in place, we create a custom gold / platinum casting that fits with precision to your
abutments. This casting, called the "platform" attaches to your abutments
by means of gold screws. In order for your reconstruction to function properly over
the years, this platform must fit absolutely perfectly. Once we are satisfied that
we have a perfect fit, we create your actual teeth, which are bonded to the gold /
platinum platform. Your completed reconstruction is "U"-shaped and has no
metal or acrylic covering the roof of your mouth or interfering with your tongue. |
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Your
new teeth are firmly attached to your abutments by means of the gold screws. They
stay in your mouth, just like real teeth, during your day to day activities.
Periodically, we request that you come in to the office so we can remove the prosthesis,
inspect it, clean it, and re-install it. So, except for the few minutes each year
that you spend in our dental chair, your teeth are firmly attached, are not removable, and
provide an incredibly improved quality of life for your enjoyment! |
If you're interested in looking in to your possibilities for replacing all the
teeth in your upper or lower jaw with this type of implant reconstruction, feel free to
give us a call for your consultation. As always, if you are able to bring your own
X-Rays, initial consultation is complimentary. If you do
need us to take X-Rays for you, we will take as few as possible in order to provide you
with an informed recommendation for your implant care. |
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