| Implant Examples | ||
Single Tooth Replacement |
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This middle aged woman had been missing her upper right front tooth for 20 years due to a motor vehicle accident. She had been wearing a removable partial denture but wanted a replacement that did not have to be removed. She did not want a fixed bridge as this would require cutting down two healthy teeth. She was in good health and evaluation revealed good bone at the site of the missing teeth. An implant (artificial tooth) root was placed and a temporary crown was made. After 3 months of healing, a permanent crown was made. She now has a tooth that looks like her own. | |
Stabilizing Dentures |
The first example utilizes two implants in the lower arch with a ball and socket type connection between the implants and the overdenture. | |
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Image 1 illustrates a model of the lower jaw in a person who has lost their teeth. Two implants are seen on the right and left front part of the model. There are ball type attachments on the implants. Image 2 shows the corresponding denture has two “sockets” that snap onto the ball projections. This denture offers retention and avoids the embarrassment and discomfort of the lower denture moving. Image 3 is another type of design called a "bar overdenture", so named because a “bar” connects the implants and allows for clips to be placed that correspond to the bar. The bar can have various cross sections that allow for retention. Again the picture shows a model of the lower jaw with four implants and a bar. Image 4 shows a denture with 3 clips that snap onto the areas of the bar |
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Image 5 is what the bar overdenture looks like in the mouth. Of course, the bar cannot be seen once the denture is snapped into place. Image 6 illustrates how implants can be used to help people who are missing several teeth. This woman lost several teeth in the upper left part of her mouth due to repeated cavities. She did not wish to have a removable partial denture. She desired affixed restoration that would feel like her own teeth and allow her to chew comfortably. The Image 7 X-Ray shows were a decayed tooth was removed, and three implants were placed along with a graft to reposition her sinus in the area of her implants. The crowns were fabricated after about 4 months of healing. She can now enjoy foods and chew with teeth that feel and look like her own. |
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