Archives for March 2019

Is It Better to Get Screw-Retained Implant Crowns?

Posted on March 26, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve had a consultation with a few dentists for dental implants. One them explained that he only placed screw-retained crowns with his dental implants and that is why he has a higher rate than his colleagues in successful dental implant cases. I haven’t found a way to verify that, so could you help me understand the differences in the types of implant crowns and whether they make a difference?

Casey

Dear Casey,

Dental implant illustration with three phases

Generally, there are two ways of bonding on a dental crown to dental implants. The first bonds it on with cement. The second is the screw-retained crowns one of your potential dentists mentioned.

Cemented Crowns to Dental Implants

As its name implies, this type of crown uses cement to bond it on. The biggest problem with this type of crown is the potential for infection. No matter how careful a dentist is, some of the cement will seep out. They then use handtools to remove the remainder of cement.

However, if any gets left, at best it will irritate your gums and trap bacteria. At worst, it will flare up an infection leading to dental implant failure.

Screw-Retained Crowns for Dental Implants

There are two big advantages to using a screw-retained crown for your dental implants. The biggest is it avoids the cement, which as you’ve learned can cause some complications.

The second advantage is if the crown ever needs to be replaced. It is much easier to unscrew a porcelain crown and place a new one than it is to replace a crown which has been cemented in.

You should be aware there are times a screw-retained crown isn’t possible. It takes longer to place these and some patients just aren’t able to keep their mouths open that long. However, using dental sedation can eliminate this problem, allowing the patient to sleep through the procedure.

Another reason is if the placement of the dental implant won’t allow for it due to aesthetic reasons.

The key to a successful dental implant procedure is the training and experience of the dentist. Focus on that rather than the type of crown. For instance, look at Dr. Pumphrey’s dental implant training to get an idea of what type of dentist you’re looking for.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.

My dentist only uses nitrous oxide for snap-on implants

Posted on March 22, 2019 by AllSmiles.

My dentist only uses nitrous for snap-on implant dentures. She said that the process of getting affordable implants doesn’t take long, and all of her patients have done well with nitrous because her technique is so gentle.

When she gave me nitrous in the past, it did nothing. I am still very anxious about the appointment. A few times in the past, we had to reschedule my appointments. I am thinking about taking this into my own hands. l have a prescription for a muscle relaxer that makes me relaxed and sleepy, so I am thinking about taking it before my appointment for the two implants. Are there any other drugs that will work? Or should I just see another dentist to get the implants. Thanks. Tara

Snap-on dentures are affordable dental implants

Tara – Sometimes anxiety is so strong that the form of sedation being used is not effective. That is particularly the case with nitrous oxide because it is the lowest level of sedation available. We suggest that you first speak with your dentist about your concern with receiving affordable implants with nitrous oxide as the means of sedation. Ask her if she is willing to use a higher level of sedation for you.

Affordable Dental Implants and the Right Level of Sedation

You can also consider getting a second opinion from a specialist, like a periodontist, who offers varying levels of sedation. A second opinion can help determine which level of sedation is the most effective as you receive your implant overdentures. Your dentist should want you to have a pleasant experience. Conscious oral sedation and IV sedation are higher levels, either of which may meet your needs.

We do not recommend that you self-treat your anxiety before dental appointments. Also, keep your dentist notified of the medications you take. Before sedation is administered for your affordable implant procedure, your medical and prescription history will be reviewed to prevent any conflicts with medication.

This post is sponsored by Atlanta periodontist David Pumphrey, DDS.

All-on-4 Dental Implants vs. 2 Implants – What Can You Expect?

Posted on March 12, 2019 by AllSmiles.

I’ve lost all most of my teeth and the remaining ones are loose and need to be extracted. My dentist says that I have enough bone for All-on-4 implants. It probably sounds bad, but I’m tired of dealing with teeth problems and am really looking forward to dentures. Anyway, I am wondering if two dental implants are good enough. It seems like a great way to save money and there would be less to go wrong. Is this a good solution?

Thanks, Sal

Sal,

All-on-4 dental implants

The All-on-4 process is well known. Some companies and practices may use the terms overdenture or implant-supported denture instead. There are versions that are referred to as fixed or permanent because you cannot take them out. There are also removable or snap-on dentures, which you can take out as needed—and particularly to maintain good oral hygiene.

All-on-4 Implants Balance Your Denture

Dentures with no additional support stay in place with suction or adhesives. While they are a cost-effective replacement, may look natural, and work well, they don’t feel natural. Some people struggle with movement in the appliance or keeping the dentures in place. Imagine if you add a single dental implant to the appliance. It might stay in place better than it would with no implants at all, but you won’t really improve the stability or balance.

If you add a second implant, the retention will improve, but again, there will still be a significant area without an implant, and stability will continue to be an issue. As you add additional anchors, as with All-on-4 implants, the stability of the prosthesis will increase. You could function with a denture that’s only anchored in two or three places, but it won’t be as secure as a denture that is anchored in four or six places.

Dental Implants Have a High Success Rate

Fewer implants don’t necessarily guarantee success. Generally, individual dental implants successfully integrate and remain healthy 98% of the time. But the largest determining factor of success is the dentist you choose.

Dentists who frequently provide implant-supported dentures, such as oral surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, and a few general dentists with extra training, provide statistically better outcomes for their patients. In part, this is because they are more skilled, but another reason is that they look at each case and evaluate it individually. They know when a person isn’t a good candidate at all, as well as what options will provide the highest success rates.

Find a specialist who routinely handles cases like yours and trust that what he or she recommends for the best outcome. If All-on-4 is an option, your experience with dentures will be better if you agree to receive more than two implants to secure them.

This post is sponsored by Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.