Category

Education

Dental Implants

Implant Applications

Implants are titanium screws that can be used for many applications. Single tooth. An implant can be place in the bone to support a single crown.  This is typically the preferred option to replace a single missing tooth.  The alternative is a dental bridge that requires cutting down the adjacent teeth. (more…)
May 20, 2019
Dental Implants

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth. The implant is anchored in the jaw bone serving as an anchor for replacement of teeth.  Implants are generally made of pure titanium and bond to bone, a phenomenon known as "osseointegration." (more…)
May 20, 2019
Dental Implants

The Implant Procedure

THE IMPLANT PROCEDURE: CONVENTIONAL PLACEMENT. conventional =  implant placement in mature bone , typically 3-4  months after the tooth extraction. Stage I surgery  - the gum is lifted back to place the implant in bone. The gum is then sutured around the implant. Then the implant heals for 2-3months while bone grows on the surface of the titanium (osseointegration). Integration verification  - after 2-3 mos healing Dr. French takes an x-ray and tests the implant for integration to the bone. If the case was done with…
May 20, 2019
Dental Implants

Questions About Implants

What holds the implant in the bone? The term is called osseointegraton. It is a stable bond between bone and titanium. The connection is very strong, as the bone contact is very close to the titanium surface, at about one-billionth of a metre. Below is an image of titanium implant integrated to bone.  Titanium is dark, bone is pink due to microscope staining.   Are implants ever rejected? Implants made of pure titanium have very low corosion and…
May 20, 2019
Periodontics

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who has completed an  2-3 years  additional study after becoming a Dentist. The training is done at accredited university graduate level specialty programs in periodontics and then the candidate must pass board exams to become a Registered Specialist in Periodontics. Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that deals with maintenance of support structures such as bone and gums around the teeth and dental implants. In addition to the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, periodontists…
May 19, 2019
Periodontics

Treating Gum Recession

Gingival recession is when the gumline drops and the root of the tooth is exposed. The recession causes teeth to become more sensitive to cold as well reflects a deeper problem of bone loss under the gum. The recession can be an esthetic concern if it is visible in the smile or it can be a functional concern since tooth loss may occur if recession is left untreated. Most recession can be corrected to restore…
May 19, 2019
Periodontics

Gum Disease Treatment

In the broadest sense, the term gum disease–or periodontal disease–describes bacterial growth and production of factors that gradually destroy the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. Periodontal means “around the tooth”. Gum disease begins with bacteria in the form of plaque, which is always forming on your teeth, without you even knowing it. When it accumulates to excessive levels, it can harden into a substance called tartar (calculus) in as little as 24 hours. Tartar…
May 19, 2019
Periodontics

Cosmetic Gum Surgery

Cosmetic gum surgery is a broad topic that generally includes alteration of the gumline of the smile. It has been compared to the framework of the picture, the gingival margins frame the teeth to create harmony in the smile. Cosmetic gum surgery can include treating recession with  a procedure called gingival grafting to restore normal gum margins and cover exposed yellow root surfaces.  The donor source is normally the palate and it is typically leaves only a…
May 19, 2019
Periodontics

Bone Regeneration

Bone regeneration is a surgery where a bone graft is placed to rebuild lost bone after periodontal disease or tooth loss.  The bone is taken either from another spot in the jaw such as from behind a wisdom tooth or from commercial sources such as donor banks, processed bovine bone or synthetic materials. The procedure duration and discomfort is typically about the same as a wisdom tooth extraction with swelling and bruising for 4-5 days. Bone regeneration is a…
May 19, 2019