« Dental Implants

Replacing all teeth with a fixed prosthesis

Replacing Several Teeth with a Fixed (permanent) Prosthesis

If you have two or more missing teeth, there are two implant solutions to replace your missing teeth. Talk to your oral surgeon whether you are dental implants is a solution for your situation.

You can replace your missing teeth with separate crowns on dental implants or a bridge can be supported on two or more dental implants. As opposed to traditional bridges, your healthy neighbouring teeth do not have to be ground down.

What To Expect

Step by Step

Step 1

Some people may have lost several teeth in a row. It may have been caused by periodontitis (gum disease) or by teeth cracking due to large decay or previous restorations or by trauma.

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Step 2

Depending on the quality of your bone, you may require a number of implants to support a fixed prosthesis such as a bridge.  Here five implants with abutments are placed in the lower jaw to support a fixed bridge.

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Step 3

The new set of teeth (fixed bridge) is then fitted over the abutments on the dental implant.

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Step 4

The bridge is now in place and supported by several dental implants. It will feel and function just like your natural teeth. You will not have affected any of your other healthy teeth. You can laugh, talk and eat without worrying about the teeth moving or falling out like traditional dentures.

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Treatment Overview

Diagnosis and a thorough examination

The first step in dental implant treatment is a discussion with your oral surgeon. Dr. Aidelbaum and Dr. Chen will determine whether implants are the right solution for you by taking X-Ray images and computer tomography and conducting a thorough clinical examination. We have the special three-dimensional imaging technology to evaluate the quantity of your bone and the ideal placement of your future dental implant. They will speak to your restorative dentist to formulate the ideal plan for your clinical situation.

Implant Insertion

The implant is inserted under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Depending on your clinical situation, your oral surgeon may give you two options with respect to the placement of your dental implant. The first option is a one-step procedure where the dental implant is inserted a temporary abutment is immediately attached. The second option is a two-step procedure where the dental implant is inserted and then covered by gum during the healing process. The abutment is installed at a later date.

In either case, you may have a temporary tooth or prosthesis put in place during the healing period. A healing period of three to four months is recommended for the lower jaw and six to eight months for the upper jaw, depending on your clinical situation. It is also possible to load the implant immediately or attach the temporary restoration to the implant immediately if your bone condition is optimal.

Attaching the abutments

For the one-step procedure, the temporary abutment is removed after the implant has healed with the bone tissue. This abutment is replaced with a permanent abutment for future restoration. The second part of the two-step procedure involves a small incision to open the gum and place the permanent abutment onto the implant. This is a fairly simple and quick procedure.

Producing the teeth

After the abutment is in place, a new impression or mold is made of both jaws and your occlusion or your bite is recorded. A dental technician will then use the impression to carefully create your new crown, bridge, or denture. Special attention is given to ensure the colour and shape of your new teeth will look like your natural teeth.

Fitting and re-examination

When the teeth are ready, they are simply attached to the dental implants. They will function just like your natural teeth. Just like natural teeth, they will require regular check-ups and conscientious oral hygiene. There will usually be a few follow-up visits to make sure you are absolutely satisfied with your new teeth.

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Procedure