Teeth in an Hour

"Teeth in an Hour" allows a patient to trade dentures for a permanently attached smile with a new minimally invasive procedure.

A dollar under the pillow from the tooth fairy just isn't going to work for people who have lost their teeth. The inability to chew your favorite foods and the loss of self - esteem are not appealing to aging baby boomers.

About 31.5 million Americans are missing some or all of their teeth, but removable dentures that were OK for grandma are no longer acceptable. Although fewer people are losing their teeth as they age, the number of dental implants placed in the US has increased 49% from 1995-1999, according to the American Dental Association; a trend that reflects a growing value of a pretty smile. Another trend that has a hold on the baby boomer is fast results with minimal discomfort. This can also be seen in the dramatic shift from conventional surgery toward arthroscopic and laparoscopic techniques.

Dr. Randy Greenberg D.M.D.,F.A.G.D. , a Wallingford dentist who has been practicing dentistry for 25 years, has recently been trained at the Nobel Biocare training facility in Mahwah, NJ. to perform this amazing surgery.

Nobel Biocare Inc, inventor of the procedure, is headquartered in Yorba Linda, California, has recently launched their FDA approved "Teeth in an hour" technique protocol.

Currently, a patient who wants implants must first undergo surgery that requires cutting the gums to create a "gum flap". This allows the dentist to directly visualize the shape, size, consistency and contours of the bone. An implant that looks like a screw, is placed into the jawbone to act as a replacement for the tooth roots. The gum is stitched back and the implant is left alone for 3 to 6 months while it fuses to the bone and while the gums heal. Next the dentist attaches an extension called an abutment to the implant that will serve as the foundation for the final teeth. Next, the prosthesis ( denture, bridge) is fabricated which takes an additional few weeks. While this procedure is fairly conservative, it does involve cutting and stitching and a fair amount of time.

In the new procedure, the patient typically would get a CAT scan, which is used to create a 3-D model or image of the mouth. This image allows the dentist to do a "virtual surgery", planning the placement of the implants in the mouth digitally, without having to cut open the gums to evaluate the bone. The shape of the underlying bone visible on the computer screen will determine where and how many implants will be placed. The contours and hardness can be measured without looking directly at the bone. A surgical guide (stent) is made that fits exactly on the patient's gums that will guide the dentist into the precise ideal location in the mouth where the implants will be placed. The prosthesis (bridge) can also be made to completion before the patient even walks in for the surgery.

When the patient returns in 3-4 weeks , a local anesthetic is given and small "punch holes" are made in the gums and the implants inserted. Within an hour the whole procedure is done with no cutting or stitching, and the prosthesis is placed immediately ready for use.

Dr. Greenberg says in one visit the patient will experience a virtually minimally invasive dentistry procedure as well as leaving with beautiful teeth. Although the procedure involves only about an hour of actual surgery to install the implants and prosthesis, it still requires about 3 weeks of behind the scenes work to evaluate and design the guides to be used.

This is what technology in all fields is striving for..less time and less invasive surgery. This is CAD CAM virtual surgery of the future...Now.

What is a Dental Implant?

A Restoration with a Solid Foundation

Tooth Root Substitutes. Sometimes, people lose permanent teeth due to accident, injury, disease or extraction. In such cases, we find dental implants to be a secure, functional replacement option. They're superior to many other replacement choices because they actually restore comfort and beauty, while also remaining functional for the long run. What's more, they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, and therefore do not represent a threat to the integrity of your overall dental structural health.

Advantageous Anchors. Since they are permanently, surgically anchored to the jawbone, implants offer impressive advantages over other tooth replacement options. Their stability and permanence allows them to restore, not limit, your ability to speak and eat normally. Also, their firm positioning supplies support to facial musculature, improving rather than detracting from your normal appearance. And this solid foundation means that once they're implanted, you'll never have to deal with the inconveniences and discomfort of ill-fitting prostheses again. In fact, you'll probably forget they're even there.

Permanent Posts. The implant itself consists of a small titanium post, inserted into the jawbone below the gum surface at the location of the missing tooth. As the bone bonds to the post, it forms a secure foundation onto which artificial teeth are attached and shaped to match your existing teeth.

Coordinated Care. The implant process generally requires three separate steps, "anchoring", "attachment", and "restoration". The first two of which are completed by an Oral Surgeon who specializes in implant surgery. Once we've determined that implants are the best option for you, we work with you individually to evaluate the specific type of implants appropriate to resolve your particular concerns, carefully assembling all steps of your treatment plan.

Bonding Base To Bone. To place your implant, we'll take you through three phases of treatment. First, the Oral Surgeon will surgically anchor the tooth root substitute "post" into your jaw-bone below the gum tissue. This post must form a solid, enduring base with sufficient stability to withstand the tremendous mechanical pressure involved in normal chewing, so we'll typically allow three to six months for the post to incorporate into the bone. Fortunately, most patients do not notice the post during this time. During the wait, a temporary bridge or dentures to facilitate eating and to help maintain facial muscle support will be used. In the meantime, the lab carefully custom designs and manufactures your artificial tooth or teeth to be placed over the implant top.

Placing Prosthesis on Post. Once we're certain that your implant post has bonded with your jawbone, the surgeon will prepare the implant to receive your restoration tooth or teeth. This step requires fixing the top of the implant (prosthetic abutment) onto the anchor post. For this step, the surgeon will first uncover each implant anchor, and connect it to a small post that protrudes above the gum-line.

Ready for Restoration. Once the lab has completed their custom fabrication of your artificial teeth or restoration, Dr. Greenberg completes the final step of implant placement process. He carefully uses the prepared restoration to cover your protruding implant posts. This results in a secure, attractive, replacement tooth or set of teeth, designed to function as effectively as your remaining natural teeth. Depending on the number of teeth involved, this final part of the implant process usually requires only a short time to complete.

Statistics of Success. Those unfamiliar with implant technology may question the success rate of such procedures. Surprisingly enough, the technology is well over 25 years old, and has proven successful in tooth replacement, depending primarily on the recipient's health, as well as the location and function of the teeth being replaced. Teeth placed in the lower front jaw may be up to 95% successful, while side or rear placements may be only 90% successful. It's also best if recipients are in good general health, with proper bone structure and healthy gums. Often, people unable to wear dentures are among those who benefit most from implants. On the other hand, chronic health problems such as clenching, bruxism, or systemic diseases may decrease the success rate of the procedure immensely. Finally, those who smoke or drink alcohol may also be poor implant candidates.

Cost and Commitment. Due to the surgery involved, implant procedures are typically more expensive than traditional bridgework. However, dental and medical insurance may cover portions of such restoration.

Finally, as an implant candidate, you should seriously consider your own commitment to future oral health. As you might imagine, poor oral hygiene itself is a common cause of implant failure. This means that you'll want to be sure and brush and floss around your implants at least twice a day, according to the specific instructions we give you. Further, you may need up to four annual professional cleanings to maintain healthy gums.

Images provided by Nobel Biocare USA, Inc.