Surgical Arts Blog

Multiple missing teeth may compromise a patient’s ability to chew and speak, and leave their smile looking less than its best.

Patients with this problem can look to a number of options for teeth replacement, all of which work by different mechanisms.

Dental implants offer advanced technology in this area.

With this technique, an implant dentist inserts the implants—titanium posts that replace the missing tooth’s root—into the jawbone in an outpatient surgical procedure. In the case of multiple missing teeth, a pair of dental implants can be used to hold a bridge in place.

On the day of the initial procedure, the patient is fitted with a temporary bridge so that the smile’s appearance and function is improved immediately.
In the following months, the titanium implants fuse with the bone, making them a permanent part of the facial structure. After the osseointegration is complete, the patient is fitted with a stronger, permanent bridge.

Dental implants come with a number of benefits for patients. First and foremost, they are the only method that replicates the missing tooth’s roots. This structure prevents the jawbone from eroding, which occurs in the absence of the roots. Therefore, implants offer a level of stability and durability that is superior to the alternatives.

At the same time, implants look, feel and work more like biological teeth. In fact, it can be nearly impossible to detect a dental implant from a natural tooth.

Other options for multiple tooth replacement include removable partial dentures and fixed permanent bridges. Neither of these methods replicates the tooth’s missing roots, which allows the jawbone to atrophy. As a result, the bridge or partial likely will need to be replaced after the shape of the bone changes substantially.

Additionally, neither partials nor bridges are able to match the function of biological teeth as well as dental implants. They may be obvious replacements in terms of appearance.

Patients who need to replace multiple missing teeth have a variety of options. Call Dr. Chris Tye, our Implant Dentist serving Keller and surrounding areas today at 817-552-3223 to find out which option is best for you.

How do you know when it’s time to have your wisdom teeth taken out? If you haven’t noticed any significant pain or discomfort radiating from the rear of your mouth, you may not have given the issue any thought.

It is very fortunate that you can turn to your oral surgeon for guidance and information about your wisdom teeth even before a problem arises. In fact, many patients never suspect that a problem is brewing beneath the gums and bone surrounding the wisdom teeth without the help of an oral surgeon.

Oral surgery is typically the treatment of choice when the wisdom teeth have been identified as impacted or partially erupted. These terms indicate that the teeth are unable to grow into place properly, and if left unaddressed, can pose a real threat to your health.

Failure to correctly diagnose and discuss the health risks of impacted wisdom teeth can ultimately result in a number of preventable consequences. Since it is virtually impossible to self-diagnose when it comes to impacted wisdom teeth, it is vital to consult your oral surgeon for advice.

Infection. A wisdom tooth that is wedged between the bone and gumline serves as a collection place for food particles and bacteria. Although foreign substances may find their way into these pockets, they almost never find their way out. Routine brushing and flossing are inadequate for cleaning these areas, and the result is a low-grade infection that can become serious seemingly overnight.

Tooth decay. The inability to properly clean the surfaces of the wisdom teeth can lead to cavities. Tooth decay may involve not only the wisdom teeth themselves, but also the neighboring teeth. If the situation is not resolved promptly, the decay can spread and become extensive enough to destroy the adjacent teeth.

Cysts and other abnormal growths. The human body has a remarkable way of surrounding and attacking things that are unwelcome. A wisdom tooth that is impacted is no exception. It is not uncommon for a cyst or fluid-filled sac to develop around the tooth, causing severe damage to the jaw bone.

Patients may never notice discomfort or any outward signals that this damage is occurring, though an oral surgeon can diagnose the condition with the help of x-ray images.

To protect your oral health against potential complications contact our office, serving  Southlake Texas and surrounding areas, at 817-552-3223 and schedule your consultation today.

Posted by Brett Emison

April 10, 2012 11:10 AM

I have written before about the problem of fatigue for airline pilots and truck drivers. Now Truckinginfo.com- the web site of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine – has reported on a study that found 41% of Australian commercial truck drivers. Truckinginfo suggests that 30% of American truck drivers may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea that can contribute to fatigued driving, accidents, crashes, and collisions.

The study – published in the journal Sleep – found that sleep apnea remains a significant, unrecognized problem in commercial motor vehicle drivers, many of whom have multiple health risks. Though only 4.4% of drivers surveyed reported a previous diagnosis of sleep apnea, testing showed 41% of the drivers suffered from the condition. Thirty-six percent of drivers were overweight, 50% were obese, and 49% were cigarette smokers — each of which increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

An NPR report noted that truck drivers are more likely to be overweight, which is a significant factor in the onset of sleep apnea.

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While implants were introduced into dental practices in the late 1970s, you may be surprised to know that the earliest recorded attempts of their use date back to the Mayan civilization around 600 A.D. Needless to say, dental implants have undergone giant leaps in improved design, success, and overall patient satisfaction since those ancient times! In fact, today’s dental implants actually integrate or fuse to the jawbone for the teeth they replace. And once integrated and functional, they can easily last a lifetime. Today’s implants are so successful they’re often referred to as your third set of teeth. Learn more in the article: Dental Implants —– Your third set of teeth

article origin: PBHS Inform. Dear Doctor Library.