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Endosteal Implants
Why would I need an implant?
When teeth are lost, the bone in the jaw begins to "dissolve. or -Shrink"because it is no longer needed to anchor teeth. This shrinking of the jawbone may make It impossible to wear dentures satisfactorily. In such a situation, your denUst might recommend what is called a "Custom Endosteal Implant ".
How a Custom Endosteal Implant Works
A Custom Endosteal Implant is a surgical-grade titanium metal frame which is custom-designed to
fit snugly to your jawbone. Once the implant is
placed over the bone, synthetic bone is placed
over and around the implant and then your gums
are closed over it. Then, removable dentures or
fixed partial bridgework are anchored to the implant
posts or a bar above the gums.
These implants are coated with special synthetic
bone substitute called Hydroxyl-apatite (HA).
98% of natural bone is made up HA crystals.
This HA coating fools your jaw into
believing that the implant is natural
bone. Your natural bone grows into
the HA coating, forming a biochemical
bond which holds the implant securely
in place.
The Implant Procedure
Step One
The first step of the implant procedure is to make an accurate replica of your jawbone. This can be done in two ways. First, a bone impression can be performed to obtain a cast of the jawbone. After this initial surgery, your dentures are refitted with a soft liner material so you can wear them while your implant is being made. The implant is then designed on the cast and manufactured.
Another alternative allows your dentist to create a replica of your jawbone without the need for the first surgery. With this method, the bone impression measurements are taken using computerized tomography (CAT scan). The data from the cat scan is used to create a three dimensional computer image of your jawbone. This computer information is then relayed to a milling machine, or three dimensional printer, which creates a custom replica of your jawbone. Next the custom endosteal implant is designed for a custom fit.
Together, we will decide which method of obtaining the replica of your jawbone is best for you.
Step Two
After the custom endosteal implant is created using one of these techniques, the second step is to place the implant onto the jawbone under the gums. The obvious advantage of the CAT scan approach is that it eliminates the initial bone impression surgery. Only one surgery is required - the actual placement of the implant. The custom endonteal implant surgery is done in the dental office under local anesthesia with sedative drugs that relaxes you in combination with "laughing gas" (Nitrous Oxide). This treatment of sedation is more than adequate to make surgery more pleasant. General anesthesia, by a general anesthesiologist, is also available for patients who would like to be put completely asleep.
Call Dr. Rens today to schedule an appointment - (760) 325-1108.
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