Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Bertrand A. Bonnick on Dental Implants
Dr. Bertrand A. Bonnick is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. Dental implants are titanium forms imitating the root of a tooth. They are similar to some of the materials used to repair hips or knees.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. Dental implants come in many different forms. There are subperiosteal implants, ramus frames, blades, and root form implants. The subperiosteal implant is mostly used for area where the bone is not of sufficient height to accommodate root form implants, and is mostly used in shrunken lower jaws. The ramus frame and blade implants are mostly used in the lower back jaw when the patient is not an ideal candidate for advanced bone grafting techniques. The most common type of implants used most of the time are root form implants that mimics the root of the tooth. The reasons given are addressed primarily to the root form implant.
1. The implant consists of a titanium alloy that is biocompatible to bone and encourages the bone to form around it holding it in place. The healing process is referred to as osteointegration.
2. Once the implant becomes osteointegrated it helps to preserve alveolar bone. Approximately 60% of the bone in your jaws grew in response to the erupting teeth. When a tooth is extracted you go through a process of losing bone in that area that can last a lifetime. An implant helps to preserve this bone structure.
3. It helps to prevent malocclusion. When you lose a back tooth you set up shifting in the other teeth. Teeth adjacent tend to move into the space and the teeth opposing drift up or down into the newly formed space. Some spaces become "food traps" and contribute to bad breath and periodontal disease.
4. Dental implants can slow facial atrophy. Roughly 150 Newton of force is applied on normally functioning back teeth while only 50 Newton are applied on the front teeth. Non-pathological forces on the back teeth contribute to the preservation of facial muscle tone, hence our "looks".
5. Digestion is vastly improved with properly functioning teeth because the ability to crush food is enhanced.
6. People without teeth spend approximately 17% more on drugs. The Mayo Clinic studies also show that having teeth added approximately 10 years to your life expectancy.
7. There is an increased risk to the aspiration of food if you have no teeth. Aspiration of food is one of the causes of death in the elderly that hardly gets mentioned except in CPR courses.
8. Save money on denture adhesives. In America about $148million are spent on denture adhesives every year.
9. Complete lower dentures usually move about 10-12mm during function and contribute to diet modifications that are less than nutritious. Many denture wearers develop anti-social tendencies because they are unwilling to go out for a meal.
10. A dental implant with abutment and crown costs about the same as a three unit bridge replacing a single tooth. A Catscan guided program allow us to do the virtual surgery on the computer with you present so we can help you decide if you are a good candidate for this treatment.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Implants can potentially last years and years if they are properly cared for and maintained.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Implants are made of titanium and the crowns are semiprecious metals covered with porcelain.
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Any one where it has been determined they have adequate bone typically not for children
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. Implants are placed surgically using dental equipment to screw the titanium post into the jaw bone. After the healing process is complete we place a crown over the post to simulate your tooth. Sometimes bone grafting or bone expansion is required to properly support the implant post. These procedures will be discussed with you if you are a candidate for implants if the doctor placing the implant feels they are necessary.
Q. How long does it take?
A. The process of placing the implant to being able to use it as a functional tooth is between 4 and 8 months. After the post is placed we have to let the bone heal around the post to secure it in place before the crown can be placed on top. The time just depends on how long it takes to heal up properly. During this time we keep a close eye on your healing and you have appointments for checks about every 4 weeks.
Q. How to contact Dr. Bonnick if we have further questions?
A.
Telephone: (336) 841-0000
Email:bertrandbonnick@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.relaxdds.com/
