A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement and is used in prosthetic dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth.
A tooth that has had endodontics (root canal treatment) and a post and core buildup can fracture, leaving no alternative but extraction. Alternatives for replacement are:
A removable appliance can create problems for the gum and adjacent teeth. A fixed bridge - not always the best choice; especially if the supporting teeth are in good condition. A bridge would require good teeth be cut down for crowns to support the bridge. A patient may also be decay prone. Decay under a crown can cause the loss of an entire bridge, now involving two or more teeth rather than one.
An implant, however, serves as a replacement for the tooth, and is most like the original tooth. It also provides proper stimulation to preserve bone and aids in a youthful appearance.
Dr. Shanaman is one of the top dentists in the field of implant dentistry, pioneering many modern techinques used around the world. Below are actual cases of dental implants performed by Dr. Shanaman, including after and before images, to help you understand the processes involved in restoring your beautiful smile!
Dental Implants
When the patient was first seen, a fistula* was noted.
The X-ray showed a radiolucent area* around the root.
The involved first bicuspid was extracted, all the infection removed, and an implant placed.
Dental Implants using Implants Without Bone Regeneration
If a tooth or teeth are lost and most of the bone remains,
implant placement can help preserve the bony ridge and bone regeneration is not required. In the top example, the implant replacing the molar was accomplished a few months after extraction of the tooth.
In the bottom example, both molars were replaced with
implants before excessive bone loss occured.
Dental Implants using Crowns
The right central incisor was fractured. Note the inflammation of the gum. After crown placement on the implant, note the gum is now a healthy pink color.
Dental Implants using Immediate Implants & Temporary Bridge
This patient had a lower implant supported clip bar denture
and was unhappy with her traditional full upper denture.
She wanted Teeth Right Now ®. Implants were placed in
the upper jaw and she walked out with a temporary implant supported bridge. A few months later a permanent bridge
was placed.
Dental Implants using Immediate Implants
This lady was very unhappy with the condition and appearance
of her upper teeth. She chose to have Teeth Right Now.
On that day, her upper teeth were extracted, and she left the office with an implant-supported upper bridge.
Dental Implants using Incisor Implant & Veneer
The congenitally missing right lateral incisor was replaced with
an implant, and a crown was placed on it. The implant crown appears to emerge naturally from the gum. The space around
the left lateral incisor was closed with a veneer.
Dental Implants and Bone Grafting
Should tooth replacement with implants be accomplished after significant bone loss, regeneration (bone graft) will be required.
It may be possible to grow enough bone so placing and
restoring implants can proceed as if bone had never been lost.
Dental Implants and Bone Grafting
Observe the narrow lower ridge which was made wider using bone regeneration at the time of implant placement.
This allowed for a natural-looking emergence of the implant crowns from the gum.
