Preparing for Implant Therapy: Understanding Advanced Osseodensification

October 11, 2017 By dentalimplantsolutionz

Life is so much harder and uncomfortable when you are missing teeth, but we are fortunate to live in a time when technology has the ability to fix oral problems with more efficiency and ease than ever before. Dental implants are the very best tooth replacement options, and now is the time for you to obtain your own implants and regain the natural look, feel, and function of your mouth.

As you prepare for your implant therapy, it is important to select an implant specialist who uses cutting edge implant therapy techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. At Dental Implant Solutionz in Largo, Florida, Dr. Tadros utilizes advanced osseodensification placement to preserve healthy jaw structures. Here’s everything you should know about this process.

What Is Advanced Osseodensification? [Read more…]

Gum Disease and Your Overall Health: What You Should Know

September 20, 2017 By dentalimplantsolutionz

The majority of Americans hold a common and dangerous misconception regarding oral health; they believe that the health of the mouth does not have a correlation to overall physical and emotional wellness. The truth is that your oral health has a direct and dramatic impact on the health of your body and mind. This doesn’t just mean your teeth, either; it also includes your gums. If your gums are threatened by gum disease, then your body becomes threatened as well.

How Do We Define Gum Disease?

Your gums are meant to protect and support your teeth the same way that your skin is meant to protect and support your muscles and bones. When poor oral habits allow bacteria, food particles, and other debris to invade the small spaces between your teeth and worth their way into your gums, they fester and trigger inflammation and infection in the gums. Over time, if those issues aren’t treated, they are likely to progress into gum disease. The first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, can be reversed with strategic oral care and regular dental checkups, but the more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis is more difficult to resolve. Periodontitis occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth, bone and ligaments in the mouth begin to break down, and teeth fall out. [Read more…]

3 Reasons to Consider a Hybrid Denture

September 9, 2017 By dentalimplantsolutionz

Anytime dentures are portrayed in the movies, they are shown as clunky, unattractive fixtures worn by older grandparents who take their dentures out of their mouths at the most inappropriate times. Though such a representation is usually exaggerated, it originates from the real observation that traditional dentures don’t always stay firmly placed in the mouth or offer ease of use. This is exactly why hybrid dentures have become so popular over the last few years. If you are looking for a denture solution that provides the ultimate appearance and function combined, look no further than hybrids.

Hybrid Dentures Are Anchored

The most common complaint among patients with dentures relates to the shifting, rocking, and rubbing that occurs with traditional dentures. Since normal dentures rest on top of the gums but are not attached in any real way, they run the risk of coming loose or shifting as you chew, talk, and smile. Hybrid dentures solve this problem, because they are anchored by dental implants. Implants are strong titanium screws that are placed directly through your gums into your jawbone. They fuse with the jaw to replace missing tooth roots, then provide an anchor above the gumline upon which dentures can be affixed. This means your dentures will remain perfectly in place in your mouth, but can be quickly removed by your dentist if a problem occurs. [Read more…]

Dr. Tadros Elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry

August 20, 2017 By dentalimplantsolutionz

Dental Implant Solutionz in Largo, Florida prides itself on having a highly skilled team dedicated to providing patients with customized dental treatments. Dr. Tadros leads this team with decades of experience and an impressive array of certifications and credentials. As a Diplomat in the American Board of Oral Implantology and experienced prosthodontist, Dr. Tadros specializes in all categories of dentures, implants, periodontics, and overall dental restoration. Now, Dr. Tadros is able to add another achievement to his list: he has been elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID).

What Does It Take to Be a Fellow?
Gaining the status of a Fellow in the AAID is no easy feat. In order to take the exam required to become a Fellow of the AAID, a candidate must be licensed as a dentist and already have qualified as an AAID Associate Fellow. In addition, 400 hours of postdoctoral education related to implant dentistry is required, along with five or more years in the practice of implant dentistry. Finally, any potential Fellow must attend annual AAID meetings, complete a minimum of 50 cases of advanced dental implant treatment, and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the surgical and prosthetic phase of implant treatment. [Read more…]

Introducing our New In-House Lab

August 11, 2017 By dentalimplantsolutionz

As the Largo area’s leading implant dental practice, Dental Implant Solutionz offers patients the life-changing treatments they need in order to enjoy a more attractive and functional smile. Dr. Tadros has decades of experience practicing as a certified prosthodontist, and his extensive clinical knowledge and skills make it possible to serve the needs of even the most complex implant cases in Florida. Now, Dental Implant Solutionz is proud to offer a new in-house lab to provide an even wider range of essential on-site services to all patients.

About Our In-House Lab

Dental Implant Solutionz’ on-site laboratory makes it possible for Dr. Tadros and his team to quickly, efficiently, and reliably complete even more of the services that are most important to patients seeking dental reconstruction. Take a look at the comprehensive services that patients of Dental Implant Solutionz will now enjoy:

Surgical CT Scans: Surgical CT scans provide assistance and information during surgical procedures. This type of imaging makes it possible to reduce risk and get additional visual cues from inside the mouth and body.

Milling of Prosthesis: Providing patients with highly functional and natural-looking prosthesis is a vital component of restorative dentistry. With its new in-house lab, Dental Implant Solutionz can mill prosthesis on-site to meet unique patient needs without any inconvenient wait time.

Zirconia: The in-house lab at Dental Implant Solutionz will also specialize in the use of zirconia, a white powdered metal used to create dental frameworks for crowns, bridges, and other important dental structures. Zirconia replaces unsightly gold and stainless steel by creating the appearance of a whiter and naturally translucent tooth. [Read more…]

Understanding Bone Loss When Your Teeth are Removed

July 20, 2017 By dentalimplantsolutionz

When you experience tooth loss, the primary consequences on your mind are most likely the impacts to your ability to chew, smile, and speak without challenges. There is no doubt that losing one or more teeth causes psychological and functional issues, but there is also a hidden consequence of tooth loss: subsequent bone loss.

Why Does Tooth Loss Cause Bone Loss?

The jawbone requires stimulation in order to maintain its form and density. The teeth play a primary role in providing this vital stimulation. Every time the teeth make contact with each other, small stresses are sent down into the bone to stimulate rebuilding and strength. When you lose a tooth or a number of teeth, the bone loses its source of stimulation. This leads to a significant decrease in the width, height, and volume of the bone. Believe it or not, the bone suffers a full 25 percent decrease in width during the first year alone, and a 4 millimeter decrease in height after a few years. [Read more…]

Which Type of Implant is Best for You?

July 10, 2017 By dentalimplantsolutionz

Living with missing teeth is difficult, but thanks to recent advances in dental technology, it’s possible to obtain beautiful, natural-looking implants that replace your missing teeth permanently. Which type is right for you?

Single or Full Implants

A dental implant consists of three elements: a titanium implant that bonds with the jawbone to replace the tooth’s roots, an abutment at the top of the implant, and a crown that replaces the visible portion of the tooth. If you have only lost one or two teeth, single implants can be used to replace those teeth. Implants look so natural that nobody will even know it’s not your real tooth! If you have lost the majority of your teeth, a full set of implants or implant bridges can replace all of your teeth without the need for dentures. You will be able to speak, chew, smile, and enjoy full functionality of your mouth! [Read more…]

Everything You Should Know about Bone Grafting

July 2, 2017 By dentalimplantsolutionz

It’s easy to understand that bones in the body weaken with age, especially due to osteoporosis, but it’s not as widely known that the bones within the mouth are also at risk of losing their strength and function. If you have lost some of your natural teeth and want to use implants to build a new permanent smile, you need to have enough healthy bone left in your mouth to support those implants. If you don’t, bone grafting offers a way to solve that problem and regain the support structures needed to rehabilitate your mouth and smile.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical process that involves transplanting bone tissue in order to repair damaged bones or even replace absent bones. The bone tissue utilized in grafting can be taken from another area of your body, like the hips or ribs, or developed from advanced synthetic materials. During surgery, you are placed under general anesthesia while your surgeon shapes the donated bone to fit the area being treated. Tools like pins, screws, and cables can be used to hold the graft in place as it fuses with other tissue in the area.

Are There Alternatives to Bone Grafting?

There are a few less-invasive methods that your prosthodontist may attempt before completing a full bone grafting in your mouth. Dental Implant Solutionz in Largo, Florida, for example, offers injections of growth factors and bone proteins that can trigger natural regrowth of the bone tissue. This minimally-invasive, safe, and quick treatment option makes it possible to stimulate bone growth without any surgical discomfort or recovery time. After a few months have passed and the bone tissue has become stronger, dental implants can be placed.

Dr. Tadros and his team at Dental Implant Solutionz specialize in full mouth reconstruction, so there is no implant case that’s too difficult or challenging for them to handle. If you’re tired of living with the pain and embarrassment of a broken and incomplete set of teeth, call (727) 202-4926 today to schedule your first appointment.

Fighting Gum Disease with Lasers

June 20, 2017 By dentalimplantsolutionz

The teeth aren’t the only important part of the mouth; the gums are equally as important yet often overlooked. Without the right oral care, it’s possible that your gums will succumb to periodontal disease. The consequences of periodontal disease can be devastating to your mouth. Gum tissue pulls away from the bone, bone tissue breaks down, teeth fall out, and so much more. Fortunately, there is now a simple, painless, and effective gum disease treatment that replaces surgery and restores the mouth back to health: Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). [Read more…]

Implant Retained Dentures

December 30, 2016 By dentalimplantsolutionz

Unsecured dentures are an old fashioned solution for people who have lost all their teeth. Unfortunately, you may find that wearing unsecured dentures can be painful, inconvenient and awkward. Such dentures make it difficult to chew a variety of foods, which can stop you from eating many of the foods you once enjoyed. Wearing dentures may also affect how you pronounce words, and therefore the way you speak. A conventional denture has an acrylic palate that also hinders your ability to taste the foods that you once loved.

A variety of modern dental implant-based tooth replacement solutions are available. Any of these solutions can dramatically improve your quality of life; such as enabling proper chewing and speaking, increasing comfort and self-confidence, and encouraging the consumption of a wider variety of foods.

Benefits

People who have suffered with dental problems may ultimately have to consider getting dentures. While the traditional dentures that are removable have been the choice for many people, implant retained dentures are becoming the new choice.

Dentures are simply a restoration for missing teeth. You can have a partial set or full set of dentures. They are generally made from a plastic base, with artificial teeth positioned on the frame. This is a replacement for natural teeth, not just for cosmetic reasons. Missing teeth can impact ability to speak clearly, interfere with eating, and can ultimately have negative health consequences. Dentures are used to eliminate these problems.

Another problem with missing teeth is the impact it has on bone structure. Implant retained dentures not only look natural, but it will make your smile beautiful again. It will keep your facial structure younger looking, because the teeth help hold everything in place.

Initial Consultation

Before any work gets done, the dentist will review your individual case: Study medical and dental records; take x-rays; take impressions of your teeth and gums. Where necessary, you may even need to go for a CT scan. The main purpose of the initial consultation is to determine the quality and quantity of your bone as well as the prime location for placing the implants. The impressions will also be used to make models of your teeth structure upon which the dimensions of the temporary denture are based.

Procedure #1

This session generally involves making an incision in the gums and placing the implants in the jawbone. After the implant is placed into the hole (drilled in the bone), the dentist will stitch up the incision. The temporary denture is then positioned in such a way that no direct pressure is placed on the implants – a soft reline may be necessary to take the pressure off your gums.

The timing of the second procedure depends on whether the implants were placed in the upper (5-6 months later) or lower jaw (3-4 months later). This period is to allow the bone and implants to biologically ‘fuse’ together in a process known as osseointegration.

Procedure #2

Following the osseointegration process, the implant is ready for the second procedure. The dentist would confirm whether the implants have become fused with the bone by taking an x-ray. In this follow-up procedure, a small incision would be made in the gum to expose the tops of the implants.

Once the implants have become fused with the bone, the second procedure can be scheduled. Your dentist will confirm whether the implant is ready for the second procedure by taking an X-ray. This surgery is simpler than the first, which involves making a small incision in your gum to expose the tops (heads) of the implants.

The dentist would then place a round piece of metal, known as a collar or healing cap, on the head of each exposed implant. The collar, used to hold the gums separate from the implant head, will remain in place for 10-14 days. In the meantime, the temporary denture may be adjusted or given another reline. The healing caps will be replaced with regular abutments about two weeks after the second procedure. By now, your gums would have healed and your dentist is able to take impressions of your gum tissue and abutments. The model of your jaw and abutments is then made to fabricate the permanent denture.

Try-In and Insertion

At this final stage, usually in month 5 or 7 – depending on whether a denture needs to be made – you are ready to have the initial try-in of the new denture. Once the metal bar is placed on the abutments and fits together with the dental framework properly, the artificial teeth would be temporarily placed on the framework in wax. If everything checks out – with the whole denture tried in your mouth – the teeth would then be permanently lodged in the denture framework. Depending on the type of implant-supported denture you have selected, either the ball or bar attachments will be secured at this juncture.

You will have to return for another visit to insert the completed denture. The denture may either be snapped into the ball attachments or clipped onto the bar.

There are different types of implant treatments with differing time frames and procedures. Generally speaking, a standard implant treatment would require two procedures: One to place the implants into the jawbone, and second, to expose the top of the implants so that the implant-supported denture may be affixed to them. The second procedure is normally performed three to six months after the first one.

It is also possible to use a one-stage procedure, in which the implants as well as supporting bar are placed in a single step. Both types of treatments enjoy a healthy success rate.

The implants are usually placed in the area of the jawbone with a higher bone mass – typically at the front of your mouth. The front jaw is also preferred because it does not have many nerves or structures that may complicate the implant placement.

The time it takes to complete the treatment depends on different factors, including: Type of implant used; whether the treatment is for the upper or lower jaw; if bone grafting is required; number of implants, etc. For standard implants, the process can take anywhere between 5 months to a year or more.

Do I Need a Temporary Denture?

The temporary denture is necessary only if you are not already wearing a complete denture for your missing teeth. As the name suggests, the temporary denture is used as a placeholder while you wait for your final implant-supported denture to be made. It also serves as a back-up prosthesis in the unlikely event the final denture is damaged.

Implant retained dentures are more secure than traditional dentures. Removable dentures must be held in place by a bonding agent, and are traditionally known for coming loose when you eat certain foods. Implants are held in place more securely and are overall more reliable.

Implant dentures are also more comfortable for the wearer. Most people report they don’t even feel like they have dentures in.
Implant retained dentures also prevent the wearer from experiencing sore spots and pressure points commonly associated with removable dentures.
When wearing implanted dentures, it prevents further bone loss that occurs from missing teeth. This also allows the facial structure to stay the same, and keeps your mouth healthier.