Temporary tooth replacement for implants

This is an example of a typical stayplate with hidden metal/acrylic.

If you have been looking to have a tooth replaced with a dental implant, you were probably surprised to learn about the treatment time line. Some television shows and ads make implants seem like a single step process- you go to the dentist, they place the titanium anchor and attach a crown in a single visit. On the contrary, most implants need about six months to fully heal before being fitted with a crown. For patients replacing anterior teeth, this can be a huge esthetic concern. 

When preparing for anterior implants, careful planning and consideration can make the difference between "acceptable" results and "outstanding" results. With this in mind, we typically do not recommend putting an immediate load on the implant (placing a crown at the same visit as the surgery). This allows time for proper bone healing and gives us a chance to perfect the soft tissue around the anchor and create a natural gum line. However, you certainly can't walk around for six months with a missing front tooth!

To fill in the time between implant surgery and crown placement, we typically have our lab create a temporary partial denture called a stayplate. These devices, also known as flippers, are removable partial dentures that are made prior to implant placement. At the same visit as your surgery, you leave the office with the fitted stayplate replacing the missing tooth or teeth. They are typically made out of acrylic and metal and more closely resemble orthodontic retainers than traditional dentures. In most instances, the clasps, wires and acrylic are fully hidden from your smile, presenting only the replaced tooth!

We use stayplates as temporary tooth replacements in a number of circumstances. However, we do not use them on the back teeth (molars and premolars) to restore chewing function. Due to the design and materials used in stayplates, they cannot be used for eating and can cause irritation to the underlying gum tissue. For a full picture on stayplates and what they can accomplish, please give our office a call! 

Molar Replacement with Implant and Zirconia Crown

Although studies show that the population's general oral health is improving, over half of all adults will be missing at least one tooth by retirement age. In the past, single tooth replacement options were limited to bridges (that required drilling on the teeth adjacent to the missing area) or removable dentures. Many patients found these options unpleasing and sought after something that could replicate the function and convenience of natural teeth. Fortunately, implants can offer exactly that- a fixed tooth replacement that functions independently of the adjacent teeth!

For today's patient, a missing first molar was replaced using a titanium implant and zirconia crown. As with any procedure, careful planning and communication between our office and the surgeon's office ensured that the implant was placed exactly according to the patient's needs. One the bone was given time to heal and osseointegrate (grow new bone around the titanium screw), we took impressions and had our lab create a durable and esthetic replacement crown. A process like this one typically takes about 4-6 months from implant placement to final crown delivery, depending largely on the body's healing process. 

While implants are a fantastic treatment option, they are not appropriate for every patient in every circumstance. You must be healthy enough for the placement surgery and have enough strong healthy bone to support the implant. Additionally, there are certain treatment options/scenarios where implants simply will not work. If you would like to know more about implants and how we use them to replace teeth, please give  give our office a call!

Case Presentation: Repairing Periodontal Damage

According to a recent study put out by the CDC, about half of American adults are affected by periodontal disease. As this condition progresses, the gums and bones recede away from the teeth, eventually leading to their loss. While deep cleanings and medications can stop the spread of the disease, nothing short of extensive surgery can replace lost bone and gums. 

In today's patient, periodontal disease had left them with three lost mandibular incisors and deficient gum levels. Due to the thin nature of bone at the front of the mandible and damage from disease, there was only enough structure to place one implant. Fortunately, by working with the experts at Opus One Dental Labs we were able to create a beautiful three tooth bridge complete with mock gums. Restorations like this have to be designed very carefully to protect the implant and prevent rotation/unscrewing. The end result looks phenomenal and functions just like natural teeth! If you would like to know more about what we can do with implants, please give our office a call!

Dental Crowns In Thousand Oaks

Check out this new video testimonial from one of our very satisfied patients! Twenty years ago, Jennifer suffered from pain and headaches associated with stress on her temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In solving this, her previous dentist used dental crowns to improve the way her teeth came together and ease her TMJ pain. Although the procedure was successful, twenty years of wear combined with gum recession had affected the appearance and function of these restorations. 

Our main focus with this case was creating a long lasting solution that wouldn't bring back Jennifer's headaches and pain. We also wanted to give her a beautiful and natural smile she could be proud of. In doing this, Dr. Kari Ann Hong replaced twelve crowns on her upper arch and six crowns and six veneers on her lower. She used Emax lithium disilicate material instead of the previous porcelain and metal crowns to improve on esthetics and wear. The result is a spectacular smile that keeps Jennifer happy and healthy. For more information on dental crowns, dental veneers and TMJ pain, please email us at staff@thousandoaksfamilydentistry.com or call our office at (805) 480-9820. 

Laser Dentistry

A dental laser in action.

One of the biggest developments in modern dentistry is the introduction of laser technology in the treatment of patients. 50 years ago, the idea alone would have sounded like something out of a sci-fi movie. But today, lasers have many applications in the maintenance of the teeth and gums, along with promising outlooks for the future. In our office, we use lasers for a number of treatments and want to show you why they are safe and effective dental instruments!

At it’s very core, a laser is specially concentrated beam of light that produces a small pinpoint of energy. Depending on the type of material used to create the laser beam, the energy can be optimized to cut a number of materials. For this reason, lasers have long been used in precision manufacturing for making extremely accurate cuts. In dentistry, these properties allow us to use lasers in a variety of procedures, often with less time and tissue damage involved.

The most common application of lasers in dentistry is the removal or recontouring of gum tissue. In treatments where the gums need to be adjusted, a dentist would classically utilize a sharp instrument like a scalpel. While these did a great job of cutting tissue, they would induce considerable bleeding and inflammation. Lasers match the cutting abilities of standard instruments, but also stimulate healthier healing patterns from your immune system. Because the laser “seals” the tissue as it cuts, there is less trauma to the gum tissue and shorter healing times.

At our office, we particularly capitalize on the incredible healing properties of lasers in restoring dental implants. After an implant is placed and has healed in bone, it needs to be “revealed” by cutting away any gum tissue that would interfere with attaching the crown. Traditionally, we would need one appointment to trim the gums and a second appointment to allow them time to heal before taking impressions for the lab. However, our laser system allows us to reveal the implant and take impressions in the same appointment, as the gums will heal right away with minimal inflammation.

Beyond soft tissue adjustment, lasers are utilized to provide a number of dental services, ranging from stimulating periodontal attachment to removing tooth decay. Research has also shown that lasers hold even more applications for the future. Currently, experts are working on developing a system called selective ablation, where hard tooth structure is treated by a laser that only removes demineralized areas. Although this technology is still in development, it promises a new form of extremely conservative cavity removal, as only decayed tooth will be affected by the laser.

The field of laser dentistry is still new and evolving. Likewise, information and products are being introduced to the market at a rapid pace. As with all new technologies, our office likes to evaluate the research and clinical results before incorporating them into our patient treatment. If you would like to know more about dental lasers, the types of lasers we use or why we use them, please give us a call. We pride ourselves in being knowledgeable in all the current topics in dentistry and dental services!