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Dental Implant Types and Procedures

Implants dentistry, , , , ,

Dental Implants are most commonly recommended in patients who have lost their teeth due to any injury or periodontal disease. Dental implants come in different heights and sizes. The implantologist decides the type and size of the implant after evaluating the oral cavity of the patient. Most of the implantologist perform a single tooth implant in Delhi.

full mouth implants

Types of Dental Implants

There are mainly two types of dental implants depending on their position in the bone. They are:

Endosteal

This is the most commonly used implant. It is made of titanium and resembles a small screw-like structure. It is placed directly in the jaw bone. These implants can easily hold one or more prosthetic teeth.

Subperiosteal

In some cases, the bone height is insufficient, and the patient does not have enough healthy natural jawbone. In such cases, the subperiosteal implant can be used which is placed under the gums but on, or above, the jaw bone.

Dental Implant Procedures

There are commonly five dental implant procedures that are practiced widely by the implantologist. These procedures are customized according to the need of the patient. The dentist evaluates the oral cavity and determines the best suitable procedure.

Single Tooth Replacement

This is a very common condition in which the patient has a single missing tooth that needs to be replaced. An implant along with a crown can easily replace the natural missing tooth structure.

Multiple Teeth Replacement

Some patients may have multiple missing teeth that need to be replaced. In such cases, implant-supported bridges are used to replace several missing natural teeth.

Full Teeth Replacement

A complete edentulous arch is very common where all the natural teeth are missing. The implantologist replaces all the teeth by giving the implant-supported denture that helps in resuming the normal functionality of the teeth.

Ridge Modification

Some patients have bony defects in their jawbone. These bony defects may lead to the inadequate bone. This bony defect is exposed by lifting the gums from the ridge and is filled with bone or bone substitute that builds up the ridge. This procedure is called ridge modification.

Sinus Augmentation

It is usually a challenging task to place an implant in the maxillary posterior region due to the presence of maxillary sinus. The sinus floor along with the developing bone is raised for easy placement of an implant. This procedure is called a sinus lift or sinus augmentation.

Implants are gaining immense popularity as an effective way to replace natural missing teeth. Basal Implants involving the cortical portion of the jaw are also being practiced widely with the sole purpose of gaining anchorage and for better retention of the implant.

Types of Dental Crowns and Their Benefits

cosmetic dentistry, , , , , , ,

Dental crowns or caps are fixed prostheses that are cemented directly on the tooth structure or an implant. They are most commonly used to replace a missing natural tooth or teeth and also for giving extra strength to the root canal treated tooth. There are various types of crowns available and the dentist can help in deciding the best suitable dental crown for the patient.

zirconia crowns

Benefits of Various Dental Crowns

1. All Porcelain Crowns

● These are the most widely used crown and known for its high aesthetic value.
● They provide a natural look to the tooth and matches with the surrounding teeth.
● They are an excellent choice for anterior teeth.
● As there is absolutely no use of metal, they are highly biocompatible and toxic-free.

2. All-Metal Crowns

● They are highly durable and known for its strength.
● They cannot be chipped off easily.
● They are highly resistant to any wear and tear from the biting forces.
● They are generally used in the posterior teeth where there are maximum biting forces.

3. Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crown or PFM

● The use of metal provides strength to the crown whereas the porcelain improves the aesthetic of the crown.
● They provide great durability and aesthetics.
● They are cheaper as compared to all-porcelain crowns.

4. Gold Crowns

● They are strong and are highly resistant.
● If proper care is taken, they have a long life.
● The wearing of these crowns is generally very slow.
● They are mostly used in posterior restorations.

5. Zirconia Crowns

● Zirconia crowns are highly translucent and are an excellent combination of strength and aesthetics.
● They are less likely to wear down due to its strength.
● They are strong and long-lasting.
● The processing time to fabricate a zirconia crown is generally less.
● They are metal-free and hence, highly biocompatible and do not cause any allergic reaction.

6. Emax Crowns

● They are the newest type of crowns made of lithium disilicate.
● They have a high aesthetic value and looks almost like the natural tooth structure.
● They are very strong and highly durable.
● They can be used in both anterior and posterior teeth.

The crowns can be used in patients of all age groups. The dentist will discuss in detail the different types of crowns and their advantages with the patient. The dentist will take the decision after evaluating the oral cavity of the patient as well as the budget. The tooth cap cost may vary according to the type of crown that is to be placed.

Single Dental Implants for a Missing Tooth or Teeth

Implants dentistry, , ,

Teeth are an integral part of our bodies that have a wide range of functions. They play a major role in chewing, talking, and improving the looks of the face. If any tooth or teeth are missing, then these functions are severely hampered. Every tooth has a specific function in our oral cavity and missing any of them may pose problems in the long run. It becomes important to replace the missing natural tooth.

Despite the dental implant cost, it is gaining immense popularity as the permanent replacement option for missing tooth structure. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jawbone and gum tissue by performing a minor surgical procedure. They are usually made of nickel-titanium and acts as the root for the artificial tooth. An artificial crown is placed over it that gives it a natural appearance.

Replacement of a Missing Tooth with a Single Implant

A single implant is all that is required to replace a single missing natural tooth. It can replace the missing tooth without sacrificing the adjacent tooth structure which is the case with dental bridges. The bone can be preserved better by the use of a dental implant. It is aesthetically attractive and very easy to clean.
The dental implant is placed in the jawbone of a missing tooth. It integrates with the adjacent bone structure and keeps it healthy and intact. After about three months, when the osseointegration is completed, a porcelain crown is attached to the implant. The crown is fabricated in such a way that it gives a natural look to the tooth.

Replacement of Missing Teeth with a Single Implant

In some patients, there are two consecutive missing teeth. In such cases, a single implant can be easily used to replace the two missing teeth. A single implant is placed in the jawbone and after osseointegration, two crowns are placed over it to fill the gap. But, if the missing teeth are not next to one another, then a single implant cannot be used.

The use of a single implant to replace multiple teeth is usually recommended when the jawbone does not have sufficient mass to support multiple implants. If the bone mass is not consistent across the jawbone, then a single implant can be used to replace two consecutive missing teeth.

The implantologist in India is the best person to decide the use of a single implant, After evaluating the patient, the dentist can suggest the best possible treatment plan. The single tooth implant cost is a bit on the higher side but it is worth all the investment.

Different Options from Cosmetic Dentistry to Design Your Smile

cosmetic dentistry, , , , , ,

Cosmetic Dentistry refers to any dental procedure that helps in improving the appearance of the teeth, gums, and bites. It focuses on enhancing the dental aesthetics by different methods and procedures. Cosmetic Dentistry in India is on the rise and it is a known fact that a cosmetic dentist can work wonders in improving the smile of the person. There are various procedures that helps in improving the smile but not all procedures will work for all. The dentist decides the best possible treatment after clinically examining the teeth.

Teeth Whitening

They are commonly known as teeth bleaching procedures and helps in giving the teeth a brighter and whiter look. This cosmetic treatment can remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. It is generally done by dental professionals in the clinic. There are also home-bleaching kits available but they are less effective as compared to professional methods.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a thin porcelain shell-like structure that is bonded on the front surface of the tooth. They are customized to match the exact shade of the natural tooth. They are mostly used to treat slightly crooked teeth, chipped or discolored teeth, and can also in fixing the gap between two teeth.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are also referred to as tooth caps. They are customized to fit the natural tooth structure. They are made of various materials like acrylic, porcelain, ceramic, metals, etc. They help in treating poorly-shaped teeth, broken or chipped teeth, badly decayed teeth, or teeth having large fillings. It can also be used to cover spaces between the teeth.

Tooth Bonding

Tooth bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored material is directly applied or bonded on the teeth. This improves the appearance of small chips and fractures and discolored teeth. It is a non-invasive procedure and may require about 30 minutes for a single tooth.

Gum Contouring

A gum contouring is a procedure that helps in treating gummy smiles, uneven gums, or receding gums. The gums are reshaped with the help of soft tissue laser and remove the gums that give an unesthetic appearance to the teeth. The process is relatively simple and requires a few days for proper healing of the gums.

Orthodontic Treatment

This is the treatment plan used mostly when the teeth are severely crowded or have excessive spacing between the teeth. The teeth are straightened using dental braces. This a long-term treatment and requires some time to achieve the desired results.

The cosmetic dentist in Delhi carries out all these procedures depending on the requirement of the patients. They work towards giving a better and healthy smile to the patient by removing the imperfections present in the teeth.

Root Canal Treatment on a Wisdom Tooth

General Dentistry, , , , , ,

Wisdom teeth are most prone to dental decay as it is located posteriorly and has wrinkled occlusal anatomy. This leads to plaque accumulation and also hinders the proper cleaning of the tooth surface. Most of the third molar has an abnormal eruption pattern and may lead to periodontal and gingival diseases. Owing to all these factors, wisdom tooth removal is usually considered the choice of treatment. But, sometimes retention of the third molar is essential and hence, the need for a root canal treatment may arise.

Before going ahead with the third molar root canal, the dentist should have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the anatomical morphology of the tooth. The anatomy of the third molar differs from other teeth in the oral cavity. The roots of the third molar are usually fused and are not distinct. These differences impact the ability to perform the treatment. There are some factors that help in deciding whether the root canal treatment should be considered as the choice of treatment for the third molar or not.

Antagonist Tooth

The tooth in the opposite arch on which a particular tooth bite is known as an antagonist tooth. This tooth plays a major role in making any given tooth functional. If a person has both upper and lowers wisdom teeth, then it is a good choice to save the tooth with the help of root canal treatment.

Suitable for Crown

After the root canal procedure is completed, it is essential to give a crown, especially to the molars for extra strength. Sometimes, the wisdom teeth are very short and have excessive gum tissue that makes the crown delivery very difficult. The life of the tooth may get compromised due to the lack of a crown.

Proximity to Inferior Alveolar Nerve

The tips of roots of lower wisdom teeth are sometimes very near to the inferior alveolar nerve. If the nerves get damaged, then there are chances of a long-lasting negative impact in the mouth.

 

The endodontist should study the morphology of the tooth and its roots by taking an x-ray and then deciding the feasibility of the treatment. In many cases, where the third molar has erupted properly and is in occlusion, a root canal can be performed easily and helps in increasing the longevity of the tooth. A tooth with favorable anatomy and restorability should surely be saved through a root canal. Thus, it is important to have a clear perception to avoid any complication while doing the root canal treatment of the third molar.

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

cosmetic dentistry, , , ,

Every person wants a brighter and whiter smile. There are many ways to brighten a smile. Professional teeth whitening is a very popular cosmetic dental procedure. It makes use of a high concentration of bleaching gel which is monitored carefully and allows safe and pain-free to whiten the teeth. It gives faster and better results as compared to in-home whitening procedures. There are many brand-names whitening systems used by the dentist.


Brite Smile

This procedure is known for its easy access and gentleness. It makes use of hydrogen peroxide gels of 15% and 25% concentration that balances for maximum efficacy. It contains glycerin and water that helps in reducing the tooth dehydration. The gels are applied to the teeth for three 20-minutes intervals. After every application, a blue lighting system is used to illuminate the teeth that reach all the esthetic areas of the teeth at the same time.

Zoom

It is a widely used procedure and makes use of 25% hydrogen peroxide gel. It is applied three times for a 15-minutes interval. Advanced Power Chairside lamp is used to accelerate the bleaching process. When the procedure is over, a fluoride paste is applied to the teeth that help in reducing the sensitivity. For home use, custom-fitted whitening trays are provided to the patient so as to maintain the whitened teeth.

Opalescence Boost

The bleaching gel that is used is sticky and has a high viscosity. It relies on the chemistry for achieving the results and does not need a special light activator. In this, 38% hydrogen peroxide gel is used for the whitening procedure that contains a component called PF, a mix of potassium nitrate, and fluoride. Potassium nitrate helps in reducing sensitivity and fluoride acts as an enamel-strengthener that reduces the risk of the cavity.

Deep Bleaching

It is a multi-phase protocol that involves a reversal of the usual chairside bleaching followed by home bleaching. By this technique, the most intransigent stains can also be removed and helps in maintaining the whitened teeth for a long time. The dentist takes a detailed impression of the teeth and the gumline. The vinyl trays containing bleaching-gel reservoirs are customized. This process needs multiple visits to the dentist but is found to be a very effective and permanent whitening procedure if patients follow all the instructions properly.
There are many professional instant teeth whitening treatment options available and are more effective as compared to home bleaching techniques. It might be a little costly but is worth spending as the end result is a beautiful and whiter smile.

Artificial tongue- we can make you eat again

General Dentistry, , ,

Tongue is the only movable muscular organ without bone which has an important role in tasting food and perception of hot and cold, pressure and touch.Tongue prosthesis also known as glossal prosthesis is given in patients where the floor of the mouth is resected. The extent of the resection and amount of tongue tissue removed decides the design of the glossal prosthesis.

The resection surgery results in the dysfunction of mastication, speech and swallowing as the tongue contributes important role in all of these processes. A glossal prosthesis is given in case of partial glossectomy with removal of more than 50% of the tongue to restore the function. Depending on the extent of resection, the tongue prosthesis is attached to the mandibular teeth or maxillary and mandibular prosthesis. Palatal augmentation may or may not be needed with lingual augmentation.

The impression of the patient is firstly recorded to cover the defect completely. Then a model is prepared on which an acrylic record base was fabricated covering the floor of the mouth in mandibular resection cases. The function of the residualtongue is also recorded with softened modeling compound. A wax pattern is then fabricated on the record base. It confirms the dimensions of the oral cavity and has rounded edges. The tongue is tipped at an angle creating a highest point at its anterior one third. The wax thickness is reduced 4-5 mm at the base and posterior two-thirds of the tongue.

The wax up is tried in patient’s mouth and needed adaptations are made. The patient is asked to produce linguo velar and linguo alveolar sounds for verification. For production of fricative sounds like ‘s’ and ‘t’ a narrow sharp groove is carved in the maxillary prosthesis to direct the air stream and allow the production of these sounds.

The tongue prosthesis can be fabricated for two purposes. The typical prosthetic tongue for speech is flat with a wider anterior elevation. It aids in the articulation of various sounds.

The prosthetic tongue for swallowing has a trough in its posterior slope. This guides the food bolus into the oropharynx. A speech pathologist and a dietician are needed to monitor the glossectomy patients. The fabrication of a tongue may be done using acrylic or silicone.

The coordination of muscle and nerve is impaired even after flap reconstruction. It is very important to get a dynamic palatography before starting the treatment to assess the linguopalatal contact visually. The tongue prosthesis may be a one or two-piece depending on the case.

The restoration of resected jaw and tongue is a cumbersome procedure requiring intricate detailing and assessment of the available situation before initiating the treatment. The choice of material, technique, and the type of prosthesis is very critical in such cases as there are chances to create discomfort to the patient and totally eliminate the purpose of efforts which are taken to improve the quality of life of the patient. The importance of making correct choices for the patient is critical in such cases. A prosthetist can help you regain the confidence in eating and speaking with the help of the speech pathologist and dietician. Consult a specialist to know the best possible solution to your problem.

Pain in the neck: Do not take it lightly

General Dentistry, , ,

The joint between the mandibular condyle and the glenoid fossa of the skull is known as the temporomandibular joint. It is responsible for the movement of the lower jaw. The stability if this joint is a part of the health of the stomatognathic system. A healthy stomatognathic system is the one in which the teeth, muscle and the joint are in harmony.

TMj Treatment

Patients who undergo full mouth rehabilitation or restoration of worn dentition have to maintain the harmony between the teeth, muscles and joint. Bite restoration is to be done following a series of complex steps which aim in maintaining the occlusion at a pre existing point known as the centric relation. It is important to confirm this relation at every step to ensure no complications after the completion of the treatment.

An long standing imbalance in the occlusion may manifest as head ache, neck pain or shoulder pain owing to the abnormal stress the muscles are being subjected to. When the occlusion is not in its balanced position it stresses the joint and does not allow it to return to its rest position. This as a result causes the muscles to be strained and produce symptoms as head, neck or shoulder pain.

It is very important to rule out the cause of the disbalance and treat it to relieve the symptoms and correct the position of the TMJ. This would again maintain the harmony and relieve of the signs and symptoms.

A stiff neck can be relieved by adjusting the occlusion of a new restoration. Selective grinding can be a treatment option in case of single tooth restoration. In complex full mouth rehabilitation cases, Tek scan or T Scan which is a digital occlusal analysis system helps to analyse the occlusion, occlusal stability and force on individual teeth. It helps to find out the reason behind occlusal imbalance. It is used in patients with TMJ problems. It helps to screen your bite position and occlusion  from the baseline.

Joint vibration analysis is another technique to relieve TMJ pain. It is based on the principles of motion and friction produced by surfaces. It is recorded by accelerometers. Utilizing these advanced techniques the cause of the pain can be ruled out and treated accordingly. Orthodontic treatment options may be chosen in case of correction of an altered bite due to tooth position or angulation. In case a single restoration occlusal adjustment should suffice.

Of untreated the TMJ pain may exaggerate and even lead to neuromuscular problems. Therefore correct assessment of the reason behind the pain needs to be ruled out. This should them be followed by relevant treatment. Any pain in head, neck and shoulder should be considered as a possibility of referred pain due to dental problems as well. Consult your dentists for a joint vibration analysis or Tek scan to rule out the etiology and perform required treatment to relieve of all signs and symptoms.

Lost an eye – Let us Recreate it for you

General Dentistry, , , ,

The loss of an eye due to trauma, infection, or congenital defect puts the patient through a psychological turmoil. It also leaves the patient visually and esthetically impaired. In case of a defect, partial or complete removal of the eye may be required. Not all cases are suitable for prosthetic replacement. Some may require artificial eye surgery while others need no treatment at all.

artificial eye clinic
Artificial Eye Treatment

A silicone or acrylic based prosthesis imparts the lost confidence to such patients and motivates them to lead a normal life.
A multidisciplinary approach including a prosthodontist, opthalmologist, surgeon, and oral maxillofacial prosthetist should be considered to deliver a successful and esthetic outcome. Other than esthetic and psychological reasons, the eye prosthesis also saves the eye socket from any possibility of future infection.

The ocular prosthesis may be prefabricated or customized. It comprises of sclera and iris. Before making an impression, the socket needs to examine for the presence or absence of sclera and iris. Any signs of infection or inflammation should be ruled out as well. A stock tray is adjusted according to the socket by removing overextensions and adapting to the shape and contour of the socket. Then an accurate alginate or light body impression of the socket is made using the same ocular tray by the prosthodontist. This impression is then used to make a silicone index. The index is cut to remove the impression and replaced by a wax to fabricate a wax pattern.

The wax pattern is then carved and smoothened. It is then tried to confirm the fit, bulkiness, and drape and mobility of the eyelids, and the desired changes are made. In the next step, the iris is attached to replicate the normal gaze position. The wax pattern is then flasked and replaced by scleral polymer followed by curing. The acrylic surface and the iris are modified and finished for more natural appearance of the prosthesis. The painting and curing of the iris followed by adding replicating blood vessels to the sclera is done to add character to the prosthesis.

Addition and trimming of clear resin and margins of the prosthesis are the final step. The prosthesis is delivered to the patient with instructions about how to place and remove it. He is also informed about the need to get the prosthesis polished after some time.

Prosthetic Eye, Ocular Prosthetics
Artificial Eye Implants

The ocular prosthesis delivers esthetic as well as psychological support and develops confidence in the patient. The only complication commonly seen in such prosthesis is the infection caused by the monomer used during the process. The use of medical-grade, highly biocompatible materials, and reverse curing technique eliminates the possibility of that as well. The iris and sclera are designed to match the patient’s natural eye to produce high esthetic results. It is important for the team of prosthodontist, opthalmologist, surgeons, and oral and maxillofacial prosthetist to collectively plan out the treatment and assess all aspects of the case to the best of their knowledge about the procedure, techniques, and material used.