Instant Teeth, How Can That Be?

Q:  I have worn an upper denture for most of my adult life. I have most of my lower teeth, thank goodness. My husband has gone through extensive work on two or three occasions and only because of a tooth that failed under a bridge. His dental work consisted of dental implants placed where a bridge once was and he is very happy and looks great. He says he’s never felt more comfortable or confident both in his smile and his ability to eat and chew his food. He told me I should get rid of my upper denture and get implants. He said my palate would be free to better sense my food and I’d taste subtle flavours I am now missing. I’ve been reluctant to have dental implants but three years ago I had a tooth go bad that couldn’t be saved. When I learned that a dental implant could be placed at the same time the tooth was removed, I was doubtful. My husband sat in on my consult and all our questions were answered so I went ahead. I was nervous as it was explained that only the post was going in, not the tooth and that healing was needed before a crown could be put on. The reason for the digression is that I’ve been told that though the bone in my upper front jaw is not good enough, the bone in the molar area, the back and on both sides is very good. I was told I could have implants and teeth the same day. How is that possible when I had to wait three months for the implant in my lower jaw to heal? Will I have teeth for sure? 

A: You ask a very important question. The short answer is yes - if your bone is good and adequate numbers of implants can be placed on both sides of the jaw. The connecting teeth bound to your implants allow your chewing forces to be shared by all the implants that are supporting your new teeth, thereby reducing chewing forces on any single implant.  

This understanding and technology has been known by the pioneers of implant dentistry for many years but is not common knowledge. Having said that, I have experienced two situations where, though the bone volume was adequate, hardness or denseness of bone was not, so same day fixed teeth (bridge-work) was not possible. In both cases, six months transpired before the fixed teeth could be inserted. 

Today, technology is allowing dentists who place implants to compress bone in such a way as to make the bone denser and capable of receiving strong implant. If we can help, we’d like to. Call 778-410-2080 for a consultation or visit us today.

Based on actual patient cases

© Calvin Ross Crapo

Victoria Implant Centre 778-410-2080

www.VictoriaImplantCentre.com

A Compromised Choice

Question: Dr.Crapo: I’m a twenty-eight year old student. I have two teeth that are black, one of which is broken off. I can see dark black halos between some of my other front teeth. I still have all my upper teeth, though as I said, two are black. I saw a dentist and he said I had decay in all my upper teeth but they could be saved. That’s great because I’d like these teeth cleaned up so they look nice. My bottom teeth – well that’s another story. I have eight teeth left on the bottom and the back is broken and killing me. I was told by this dentist that I had three cavities on the lower front teeth but they could be fixed. I asked him if I got the front teeth fixed on the bottom, could he hook up some teeth so I’d have back teeth to chew with. He took a look to see and then said “you don’t have very much bone left”. He said he was surprised to see so much bone gone on someone my age. He thought bone was taken when the teeth were yarded. He said there wasn’t enough bone to put in implants and a partial denture might not have enough grip to stay in. I’ve got to get something done but I don’t have any money. Where do I go from here?

Answer: Because of your age and circumstance, you present a challenge. Let’s deal with age first. If you have lost most of the bone that once housed the roots of your posterior (back) teeth, implants become much more involved and expensive. If you’re going to have posterior teeth, a partial would only speed the further loss of bone. If you lose another tooth and three of the remaining seven have decay, then removing the remaining teeth and placing 4-6 implants would keep the bone you have left and give support for all your lower back teeth.

While you could keep your upper teeth, you’d have to develop extremely good dental maintenance habits or you’d be throwing good money after bad. In your case, because of the extensive decay, have your upper teeth removed and go with an upper denture.

I don’t usually advocate taking teeth out but given your age and condition, future decay could/would undermine your investment.

If you are in otherwise good health, take this plan to parents or anyone who might help. Ask for a loan and faithfully pay it off. You’re in a tough situation. Do all you can to care for your dental health, it’ll pay dividends.

If we can help, we’d like to. Call 778-410-2080 for a consultation.

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