HSG Dental Implant Centre
Specialist Dental Implant Centre focusing on full arch and complex implantology.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
There are situations where a dental implant may not be possible. This may be due to one of many reasons, but fortunately we have many alternative options. Dental implants are a relatively new development in dentistry, so traditional methods to replacing teeth are extremely well developed.
Dental Bridges:
For a single missing tooth a common solution is a dental bridge. They can come in multiple forms, but most often involve two crowns on either side of the missing tooth space with a false tooth, or pontic, suspended between the two. These types of prostheses are often reserved for situations where the teeth on either side of the gap are already in need of a crown.
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Removable Partial Dentures:
For one or some of the teeth are missing another non-implant option is a partial denture. During the fabrication stage minor modifications are often made to the remaining natural teeth to improve retention.
Conventional Complete Dentures:
When all teeth are missing, a conventional complete denture is the best non-implant solution. Developing and fabricating a well fitting, function, and aesthetic denture takes multiple appointments, but can provide a functional, aesthetic, and comfortable prosthesis.
Prosthodontist Vs. Dentist Vs. Denturist
Prosthodontist are dentists specialized in the field of Prosthodontics, one of nine dental specialties recognized by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and the American Dental Association(ADA). Prosthodontics is the dental speciality dedicated to the reconstruction and replacement of broken down and missing teeth. Prosthodontists commonly focus on reconstructive options such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and veneers. Man
Anatomy of a Dental Implant
The term "dental implant" is often used to describe an implant supported tooth, teeth, or denture, but there is more to it than just that. Dental implants are commonly broken into three parts:
Root Form Implant:
A medical grade titanium alloy screw which serves as a prosthetic root for your new tooth/teeth. This is the piece that fuses (osseointegrates) with the bone of the jaw.
Abutment:
This is a permanent piece that inserts into the implant and acts as a connection adapter. It acts to support and retain the custom made teeth. While the abutment can be removed by your doctor it is rarely done. The abutment is most often made of pure medical grade titanium
Prosthesis (Crown/Bridge/Full Arch):
The prosthesis is the part of the restoration you can see. Depending on the scenario it can take the shape of a tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch of teeth. Final prostheses can be made from a multitude of materials, but is most commonly made of porcelain, zirconia, titanium, or acrylic.
The popularity of dental implants comes from their versatility. You can use them to replace anywhere from a single tooth through to a full upper and/or lower arch of teeth. If you considering replacing a full arch, you may be a perfect candidate for All-On-Four treatment. In this situation our implant specialists will place four implants and then attach a full arch of teeth, giving the procedure its name (all teeth, only four implants).
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Just as dental implants have become as the preferred choice for tooth replacement, a single interdisciplinary specialist centre has become the preferred model for implant treatment . Our team of specialists and experts works together under one roof, with a fully equipped, onsite lab, to build beautiful smiles in a way that works for our patients.
One team. One cost. One location. That’s the real benefit of dental implants from the Hickman Specialist Group.
Single Implants
This is the most common dental implant procedure. When a single tooth is missing or needs to be extracted, a dental implant can be placed to act as a root for the missing tooth. After a period of healing a custom abutment and crown is fabricated. It is sometimes possible to attach the crown on the day of implant placement, but this is determined on a case by case basis.
These implants are designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth.
Multiple Implants
Traditionally when more than two teeth in a row were missing the only options were leaving a gap, a denture, or a long span bridge. With dental implants a more natural look, feel, and function can be achieved.
Unlike a removable partial denture, dental implants are fused with the bone and provide a solid base to chew against. They do not need to be removed and maintenance is similar to existing teeth. Dental implants are quickly becoming the gold standard for the replacement of multiple missing teeth.
Full Arch Implants
When all of the teeth in an arch are missing or non-restorable, a full arch implant supported or retained prosthesis can be considered. This type of prosthesis is sometimes referred to as "All-On-4" or "Teeth in a Day". In these situations an entire arch of teeth (upper/lower) can be restored with as few as two implants. There are many designs and configurations that we can fabricate to match patient anatomy and budgets. Given this area covers a wide variety of options we have a separate page dedicated to the subject.