Archives for June 2019

Allergic to Her Maryland Bridge

Posted on June 29, 2019 by writeradmin.

I recently had a Maryland Bridge placed, but it turns out I’m allergic to it. There’s not really enough space there for a full-sized implant, so my dentist is suggesting we take out the adjacent tooth and put a large implant crown there to replace both teeth. I know he’s the dentist but won’t that look weird? Do I have other options?

Melissa

Dear Melissa,

Metal-free Zirconia Dental Implants in three shapes

Zirconia is metal-free and dubbed “ceramic steel”

I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to laugh or cry when you told me your dentist’s solution. Yes, he’s the dentist, but you will not be happy with this solution. He sounds like your typical dentist who is good for bread and butter dentistry but hasn’t invested a lot of time learning about the more advanced procedures. He certainly hasn’t taken an interest in any cosmetic dentistry or that suggestion would have never come out of his mouth.

About 10% of the population have allergies to the alloy used in etching a Maryland Bridge. You seem to be in that group. You can have a dental implant done, but not the way your dentist is suggesting. A better solution would be to remove the adjacent tooth and still have a single dental implant placed, but use it to support two porcelain crowns. This will allow your smile to look natural without needing additional space by the roots.

Metal Free Dental Implants

Typically, dental implants are made from Titanium. These are highly biocompatible and have been used for years in things like dental implants and hip replacements. There haven’t been many cases of people proving to be allergic to the titanium. It’s has a great proven track record with dental implants as well.

Given your allergic reaction to your bridge, I’m also going to tell you about the zirconia option. That now make metal-free dental implants using zirconia. These are very strong and have been nicknamed “ceramic steel”. Because there is no metal, there is no worry of a metal sensitivity. The only downside is these haven’t been around as long. There is no reason to think they won’t be as durable over the course of a lifetime as their titanium counterparts, but there hasn’t been enough usage to give evidence either way.

I’d talk to a good implant dentist and see what they suggest.

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

Gum too High With Temporary Crown

Posted on June 24, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve gotten a dental implant on a top tooth. My dentist put a temporary crown in to see if my gum would drop down. It hasn’t and the temporary looks to be obviously fake. I’m starting to regret getting this dental implant. I wanted a smile which looked natural. What can I do?

Penny

Dear Penny,

A healthy smile is attractive and brings confidence

When you pay to get a natural looking smile, you should get one. It was a good idea to do a temporary crown first to see if the gum will drop, though truthfully it may not.

I’d start by smiling your widest smile in the mirror. While some people’s gums show when they smile, other’s don’t. If your gums don’t show, there’s no reason to do anything further. It won’t affect the look of your smile. However, even if your gums don’t show, I would insist the temporary crown be made to look natural and match your other teeth.

Have your dentist get the temporary crown right before you get your permanent one. This way you know he can match it properly.

If your gums do show when you smile, you will want them even and symmetrical. If the one with the implant crown is too high, there is a fairly easy solution for this.

If Your Gums are Too High

Gum surgery is usually recommended if your gums are too high, especially if it is exposing the root. These days, you can have it done much more simply. The pinhole gum surgery technique actually can do it without any stitches at all. There are no incisions, the healing time is faster, and there’s no need for donor tissue.

Not many dentists are trained in this procedure yet. You may have to call around starting with periodontists, who invest more time in procedures related to the gums.

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

Mom’s Teeth Falling Out

Posted on June 8, 2019 by writeradmin.

My mom is 83. I have recently taken over her care. I was appalled at the conditions of her nursing home my siblings had her in. I’d been out of the country for about 7 years. I’ve moved her into my home and have a nurse here for her. One thing I’m not sure what to do about is the condition of her teeth. She recently had two teeth just fall out. I’m wondering if I should get her two dental bridges (because they are in different parts of her mouth) or two dental implants. I know the implants are superior, but they are way more expensive. All my money is currently going to her nurse. Are there affordable implant options or is the bridge the better way to go at this point?

Drew

Dear Drew,

First, I just want to say that the care you are giving your mother does you credit. I’m sure she’s much more comfortable with you. As for her dental care, I’m a little concerned because it sounds like her teeth are just falling out. This suggests she has very advanced periodontal disease. Your first priority will be to get that under treatment or she will continue to lose teeth. Get her in to see a good periodontist who can treat both her gum disease and her missing teeth.

Yes, dental implants are a superior treatment, however, if she’s losing her teeth you may end up with her needing a full-mouth reconstruction. This can cost between $20-$40 thousand dollars. While there are some affordable dental implant options, I don’t think you will need this for your mother.

The biggest benefit to implants is the prevention of facial collapse. This is the gradual loss of jawbone. However, at your mother’s age, this is not likely to be a big issue.

Replacing Your Mother’s Missing Teeth

I’m not going to recommend a bridge, though. A bridge puts pressure on the remaining teeth and that is the last thing your mother needs right now. My recommendation to you is going to be a special type of denture. Cu-Sil Dentures, leave space for remaining healthy teeth.

If she ends up losing one of those teeth it will simply be a matter of closing that space and adding another false tooth.

Best of luck to you and your mother.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.