IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2016 | Page 35

INDUSTRY INSIGHT DENTAL SERVICES SPONSORED CONTENT Dental Implants M issing Teeth? Gone are the days when we would just have to adjust to the spaces left by missing teeth. Dental implants have revolutionized the treatment options to rehabilitate missing teeth. Dental implants can now be used to replace a single too th, multiple teeth or an entire set. Dental Implant Options With advanced technology and special training, doctors have the ability to place several different types of implants. We can now place implants with precision and accuracy into sites that were previously considered too narrow or lacked proper bone. There are three basic implant types. Like a set of golf clubs, each has a specific scenario in which they excel. (For example, you wouldn’t want to be whacking at a ball buried in the sand with your putter!) So here’s a brief overview of the types of implants and their benefits. The Standard Implant This is usually what people think of when dental implants come to mind. It has the widest range of applications. It can be used to replace a single tooth, or a pair can help stabilize lower dentures. With enough bone width and height available, this would be our workhorse. But because of its length and width, it occasionally runs into problems when placed near the sinus cavity or areas of inadequate bone. proximity to the nerve located in your lower jaw. Due to the decreased length requirement we can utilize them in areas of previously inadequate bone height. Implant choice will be based on your specific situation and bone topography. We now have more options than ever, and can place implants in sites we couldn’t in the past. In summary, everyone’s needs are unique and the experience will differ depending on each particular situation. We offer complimentary implant consults and can discuss your specific situation and options. Call us at 412.884.7757. We look forward to helping you reach pristine dental health. The Mini Implant For the tight spaces between lower front teeth or an alternative to stabilize dentures, mini implants are the perfect option. These implants have the same length ranges as traditional implants but have a narrower diameter. This allows them to be placed in areas of little bone thickness that would have to be grafted if using traditional implants. Another benefit is cost — mini implants are the most affordable option among the dental implant family. The Short Implant Short in length but wide in diameter, these implants are perfect to replace top molars that would otherwise need an additional sinus augmentation procedure or with lower teeth that are in close This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Joshua Culver. Dr. Culver obtained a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry and was among the first in the nation to graduate with training in mini-implants and laser dentistry. He received honors for his commitment to community involvement and was awarded the prestigious AAOMFS Oral Surgery Award. Dr. Culver adamantly believes the future of health and dentistry can only be found through extensive research, study and experience; he is extremely committed to ongoing education. He has traveled across the nation to further his expertise and has greatly surpassed the state requirements for dentists. He is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 33