Dental Implants
Content
dental implants
Replace Your Missing Teeth
By Thomas C. Ocheltree, Jr., DMD, Partner at Drs. Doran, Capodice, Efaw, and Ocheltree, LLC
D
ental implants have become a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. Since their introduction in the 1980s, the use of dental implants has increased exponentially. There are several reasons why patients are demanding implant restorations as opposed to more traditional dental prosthesis.
Here are a few examples: • W e are an aging population that is outliving the traditional restorations in our teeth. • M any patients are unhappy with removable dentures. • Psychological aspects of tooth loss urge people to replace teeth. • I mplant supported restorations have predictable long-term results. What is a Dental Implant? A dental implant helps lay a “foundation” for your general dentist to place a restoration. A restoration can be a single tooth, a partial denture, or a complete denture. Today’s endosseous (within the bone) dental implants are usually made of a mixture of metals called an alloy. The main component in most dental implants is titanium — the same material used in orthopedic total joint replacements. These implants look like a common screw, but are actually surgically implantable devices that are FDA approved. Most manufacturers of endosseous dental implants have a specialized surface treatment that helps bone to grow and attach to the surface of the implant over time. This allows the implant to become stable in your jaw. What can a Dental Implant Support? Dental implants can support a wide variety of prosthetics, but most commonly are used for replacement of single or multiple teeth. The dental implant acts like a tooth root in a single tooth replacement scenario. The surgeon places the implant, and after a healing period, your dentist can place an abutment and crown on the implant replacing your missing tooth. More than one implant can also be used to support bridges replacing multiple missing teeth. Multiple implants with special attachments can work together to support removable dentures. This can give a denture patient remarkable strength and retention, allowing stability and function that was impossible to achieve prior to dental implants. Who can Have Dental Implants? Most individuals who are healthy enough to undergo dental procedures are able to have dental implants as an option to replace missing teeth. Some medical conditions can affect the predictability of implants being successful in a patient; however, there are very few medical contraindications to placing dental implants. There are certain anatomical requirements for implant placement that must be met. The amount of bone needed as well as the location of sinuses, nerves, and blood vessels are all factors your surgeon takes into account that can affect implant placement. These details are best discussed with your surgeon during your initial consultation. If you do not meet some of the criteria, there
Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — May 2013
are usually ways your surgeon can help improve the predictability of placing a dental implant for you. Smoking has been shown to decrease the long-term success rate of dental implants. This does not exclude you from having a dental implant if you smoke, but it makes the procedure more likely to be successful if you are able to quit smoking. All of these factors, both medical and anatomical, will be evaluated by your surgeon at your implant consultation. Who Places Dental Implants? Dental implants are placed by dental specialists such as oral surgeons and periodontists, who have undergone extensive training in surgical site preparation and placement of dental implants. General dentists who have completed additional education also place implants. When choosing your surgeon, you should ask questions about their experience and training in placing dental implants, and what their success rates are. It is important to the favorable outcome of any implant case that the surgeon and restorative dentist work together. This ensures the implant and restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) best restore the patient to prior form and function. The first step is to talk to your dentist. He or she can evaluate your current dental condition, and advise you if an implant referral may be an option for you. For more information, you may call 309-663-2526 or visit them online at www.dceooms.com. Drs. Doran, Capodice, Efaw and Ocheltree provide a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from wisdom tooth removal and dental implants to bone grafting procedures and corrective jaw surgery. They can also perform facial cosmetic surgery. Their office is located at 109 N. Regency Dr. in Bloomington with satellite offices in Watseka and Lincoln.
2502 E. Empire St. Bloomington, IL 61704
DOWNSTATE ILLINOIS SPINE CENTER (DISC) is a specialty facility designed to achieve the ultimate outcome in the management of musculoskeletal and neurological ailments. Our physicians specialize in the treatment of adult and pediatric scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, nerve impingement syndromes and pain management.
We are the region’s PREMIER PROVIDER of highly specialized care and surgery of the spine.
“We offer a full range of options to treat all types of spine conditions, neck, and back pain. Whether you’re in need of surgery or non-operative treatments, DISC is dedicated to providing patients with individualized care and attention.”
John Atwater, M.D. and Craig Carmichael, M.D.
HEALTH, LIFE.
IMPROVING YOUR
309.663.6461
MCLEANCOUNTYORTHOPEDICS.COM
IMPROVING YOUR
JOSEPH A. NOVOTNY, M.D. MARK J. HANSON, M.D. JEROME W. OAKEY, M.D. JOSEPH B. NORRIS, M.D. NIKHIL K. CHOKSHI, M.D. JOSEPH K. NEWCOMER, MD JOHN G. ATWATER, M.D. CRAIG W. CARMICHAEL, M.D. PAUL R. NAOUR, M.D. GERALD W. PAUL, DPM, FACFAS BRIAN L. HAMM, DPM, FACFAS
2502 E. EMPIRE ST. BLOOMINGTON, IL 61704
May 2013 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15
Replace Your Missing Teeth
By Thomas C. Ocheltree, Jr., DMD, Partner at Drs. Doran, Capodice, Efaw, and Ocheltree, LLC
D
ental implants have become a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. Since their introduction in the 1980s, the use of dental implants has increased exponentially. There are several reasons why patients are demanding implant restorations as opposed to more traditional dental prosthesis.
Here are a few examples: • W e are an aging population that is outliving the traditional restorations in our teeth. • M any patients are unhappy with removable dentures. • Psychological aspects of tooth loss urge people to replace teeth. • I mplant supported restorations have predictable long-term results. What is a Dental Implant? A dental implant helps lay a “foundation” for your general dentist to place a restoration. A restoration can be a single tooth, a partial denture, or a complete denture. Today’s endosseous (within the bone) dental implants are usually made of a mixture of metals called an alloy. The main component in most dental implants is titanium — the same material used in orthopedic total joint replacements. These implants look like a common screw, but are actually surgically implantable devices that are FDA approved. Most manufacturers of endosseous dental implants have a specialized surface treatment that helps bone to grow and attach to the surface of the implant over time. This allows the implant to become stable in your jaw. What can a Dental Implant Support? Dental implants can support a wide variety of prosthetics, but most commonly are used for replacement of single or multiple teeth. The dental implant acts like a tooth root in a single tooth replacement scenario. The surgeon places the implant, and after a healing period, your dentist can place an abutment and crown on the implant replacing your missing tooth. More than one implant can also be used to support bridges replacing multiple missing teeth. Multiple implants with special attachments can work together to support removable dentures. This can give a denture patient remarkable strength and retention, allowing stability and function that was impossible to achieve prior to dental implants. Who can Have Dental Implants? Most individuals who are healthy enough to undergo dental procedures are able to have dental implants as an option to replace missing teeth. Some medical conditions can affect the predictability of implants being successful in a patient; however, there are very few medical contraindications to placing dental implants. There are certain anatomical requirements for implant placement that must be met. The amount of bone needed as well as the location of sinuses, nerves, and blood vessels are all factors your surgeon takes into account that can affect implant placement. These details are best discussed with your surgeon during your initial consultation. If you do not meet some of the criteria, there
Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — May 2013
are usually ways your surgeon can help improve the predictability of placing a dental implant for you. Smoking has been shown to decrease the long-term success rate of dental implants. This does not exclude you from having a dental implant if you smoke, but it makes the procedure more likely to be successful if you are able to quit smoking. All of these factors, both medical and anatomical, will be evaluated by your surgeon at your implant consultation. Who Places Dental Implants? Dental implants are placed by dental specialists such as oral surgeons and periodontists, who have undergone extensive training in surgical site preparation and placement of dental implants. General dentists who have completed additional education also place implants. When choosing your surgeon, you should ask questions about their experience and training in placing dental implants, and what their success rates are. It is important to the favorable outcome of any implant case that the surgeon and restorative dentist work together. This ensures the implant and restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) best restore the patient to prior form and function. The first step is to talk to your dentist. He or she can evaluate your current dental condition, and advise you if an implant referral may be an option for you. For more information, you may call 309-663-2526 or visit them online at www.dceooms.com. Drs. Doran, Capodice, Efaw and Ocheltree provide a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from wisdom tooth removal and dental implants to bone grafting procedures and corrective jaw surgery. They can also perform facial cosmetic surgery. Their office is located at 109 N. Regency Dr. in Bloomington with satellite offices in Watseka and Lincoln.
2502 E. Empire St. Bloomington, IL 61704
DOWNSTATE ILLINOIS SPINE CENTER (DISC) is a specialty facility designed to achieve the ultimate outcome in the management of musculoskeletal and neurological ailments. Our physicians specialize in the treatment of adult and pediatric scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, nerve impingement syndromes and pain management.
We are the region’s PREMIER PROVIDER of highly specialized care and surgery of the spine.
“We offer a full range of options to treat all types of spine conditions, neck, and back pain. Whether you’re in need of surgery or non-operative treatments, DISC is dedicated to providing patients with individualized care and attention.”
John Atwater, M.D. and Craig Carmichael, M.D.
HEALTH, LIFE.
IMPROVING YOUR
309.663.6461
MCLEANCOUNTYORTHOPEDICS.COM
IMPROVING YOUR
JOSEPH A. NOVOTNY, M.D. MARK J. HANSON, M.D. JEROME W. OAKEY, M.D. JOSEPH B. NORRIS, M.D. NIKHIL K. CHOKSHI, M.D. JOSEPH K. NEWCOMER, MD JOHN G. ATWATER, M.D. CRAIG W. CARMICHAEL, M.D. PAUL R. NAOUR, M.D. GERALD W. PAUL, DPM, FACFAS BRIAN L. HAMM, DPM, FACFAS
2502 E. EMPIRE ST. BLOOMINGTON, IL 61704
May 2013 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15
