History of Zirconium Implants

Posted by admin on May 20, 2013   |   Comments Off

The earliest modern dental implants emerged from the discovery that titanium fuses with bone tissue. That finding allowed scientists to develop screw-like structures that integrated with the jaw bone and served as replacement tooth roots, holding crowns or even dentures to fill in gaps left behind by missing teeth.

Over the past several decades, dental implants have become quite a popular treatment for tooth loss. These appliances offer a level of stability and durability that is unmatched by other treatment options, like bridges and dentures.

As dental implants have become more popular, the technology and device design has advanced significantly. An oral surgeon now has a number of options to meet a patient’s unique needs. 

As dental implants have become more popular, the technology and device design has advanced significantly.

More recently, implant dentistry has expanded to include devices made from materials other than titanium, such as zirconium. This material, in an oxide form, was first used in hip replacements in the 1970s. This use was a precursor to other purposes for this material. Zirconium dental implants were developed in the 1990s, but they were only available to European patients until recently. Now, zirconium implants have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are available to American patients, as well. Many of the major dental implant manufacturers have introduced zirconium devices in their product lines.

Some patients prefer zirconium because of some of the materials specific characteristics. First of all, zirconium is white, which makes it look more like a natural tooth root than a titanium implant. Furthermore, zirconium resists corrosion and it is hypoallergenic, allowing patients with metal allergies to take advantage of dental implants.

When patients are planning for dental implant placement, they have different options for types and materials of implants, thanks to significant advances in dental implant technology. Discuss your choices with our oral surgeon for guidance on what device will work best for you. If you have been reluctant to consider titanium implants, you may want to explore zirconium.

All-on-4: How strong will my new teeth be?

Posted by admin on May 6, 2013   |   Comments Off

Dentures are notorious for failing to match up to natural teeth in terms of form and function. In particular, dentures fall short for important tasks like chewing in comparison to the biological version.

With the All-on-4 method, in which four dental implants support the prosthetic arch, patients gain more functionality and strength. Because the appliance is connected to the bone via the implants, All-on-4 dentures feature a more robust bite force, approximating that of natural teeth, which means that few foods are off limits.

Furthermore, the four dental implants placed by the oral surgeon will fuse with the bone and become permanent structures in the mouth. The titanium metal used in the implants facilitates this osseointegration process. This technology is key to the appliance’s strength and longevity.

In addition to supporting a stronger appliance, All-on-4 implants also give the bone a boost. The implants help to hold the jaw bone levels in place, while it would wear away if the dentures were not supported by implants. Better bone health also helps to support the strength of the All-on-4 device. In fact, All-on-4 can help to halt further jawbone resorption in patients who have already experienced significant bone loss.

Standard dentures can also slip and slide out of place, but this is not a problem for All-on-4 patients. Their dentures are secured by the implants, providing a level of confidence that conventional wearers don’t have.

Convenience is also an appealing factor for All-on-4 patients, and it begins with the very procedure in which the dental implants are placed, which takes place right in the oral surgeon’s office. Some patients can get their replacement teeth in a single day! All-on-4 dental implants are easier to care for than traditional dentures, too, with general brushing and flossing.

All-on-4 dental implants hold a number of advantages over conventional dentures, including improved strength and functionality. To gain these benefits, contact Chicago’s premiere dental surgery clinic, ORA® Oral Surgery & Implant Studio, to see if All-on-4 is appropriate for your case. Call our team at 312-328-9000 to schedule your professional consultation today.

Biology of Osseointegration

Posted by admin on April 18, 2013   |   Comments Off

The process of osseointegration—in which the jaw bone fuses with the dental implant to become a permanent fixture in the mouth—is essential to successful dental implants. Procedures ranging from single tooth replacement to All-on-4 implant-supported dentures are effective because of osseointegration.

The discovery that titanium had this ability to allow fusion with bone was an accidental one, when a Swedish scientist named Per-Ingvar Branemark noticed that a titanium chamber could not be removed from a rabbit’s ear at the end of a study exploring the microscopic healing processes in bone.

Ordinarily, the bone cells might reject a foreign substance, but they do not do so with titanium. Actually, the bone cells form a tight link with the titanium implant, with no soft tissues interfering with this connection. Early dental implant pioneers explored other materials, like silver and gold, but only titanium produced consistent results in fusing with the bone.

Since that initial discovery, implant manufacturers have further honed the design of these appliances, exploring different shapes and surface design to produce even more predictable devices. Different designs can promote faster or more stable osseointegration, like surface treatments, nano technology, etc. 

The process of osseointegration—in which the jaw bone fuses with the dental implant to become a permanent fixture in the mouth—is essential to successful dental implants.

As a result, your Chicago oral surgeon can take advantage of osseointegration to address tooth loss with dental implants with a reliable device that can last for decades with the proper care.

Osseointegration also influences which patients are appropriate candidates for dental implants. Patients must have sufficient bone quality and quantity for the procedure to be successful. Unfortunately, though, one consequence of tooth loss is bone loss.

Bone loss, however, does not automatically rule patients out for dental implant treatment. Specialized techniques, like All-on-4 implants, which maximize available bone can be used.

If you are considering dental implants, it is important to understand how osseointegration influences your treatment. Ask our dual degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Drs. Steven Koos DDS, MD, more about this process and if there are any factors in your case that might present limitations or challenges to the outcomes that can be achieved with dental implants.

Comparing and Contrasting Zirconium and Titanium Dental Implants

Posted by admin on April 4, 2013   |   Comments Off

Although the earliest dental implants were made of titanium, due to the fortuitous discovery of that metal’s osseointegration properties, patients now have another option for dental implant materials – zirconium.

In serving as the base for a replacement tooth, the zirconium-based implant has mechanics similar to a titanium one. An oral surgeon places the zirconium implant into the jaw, and over the course of several months, the implant fuses with the bone.

As such, a replacement tooth with a zirconium implant works in the same way as one with a titanium implant. Both devices are far superior to tooth replacement alternatives that do not replicate the tooth’s root in addition to the crown.

Dental implants in general are more stable, lifelike and functional than other options like bridges and dentures. 

Dental implants in general are more stable, lifelike and functional than other options like bridges and dentures.

Despite the similarities, zirconium implants do differ from their titanium counterparts in a number of important ways, though.

Although pure zirconium is technically a metal, based on its location on the periodic table, in zirconia—the form used for dental implants—its appearance is more similar to a ceramic. Because zirconium is white, it is more aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking. In fact, zirconium implants are almost visually indistinguishable from a biological tooth’s root.

Another quality of zirconia is its resistance to corrosion, which does not apply to titanium. Because titanium can be subjected to corrosion, although highly unlikely, the longevity and durability may be theoretically less than a zirconium one.

Zirconium implants also are hypoallergenic, giving patients with titanium allergies an alternative for dental implants.

Zirconium does have some radioactive isotopes, which is a concern to some patients, but that radioactivity presents minimal risk. In fact, the radiation exposure from a single zirconium implant is actually less than that of general background exposure found in the environment.

When planning for dental implants, ask your oral surgeon about the different materials that are available to you. Zirconium dental implants may be the solution that works for you. Contact Chicago’s premiere dental surgery clinic, ORA® Oral Surgery & Implant Studio, at 312-328-9000 to learn more.

Do dental implants require special care?

Posted by admin on March 19, 2013   |   Comments Off

When a patient chooses dental implants to replace missing teeth, the devices offer a number of benefits. Patients get a lifelike replacement tooth that offers decades worth of stability.

To get the maximum lifespan of your dental implants, it’s important to begin caring for them properly as soon as you undergo the oral surgery to have them placed.

As you’re working with the oral surgeon to plan for your dental implants, ask for a list of post-operative instructions that can help you reduce your risk of complications that could threaten implant success. For example, stick to a diet of softer foods in the first few weeks after the surgery, and steer clear of cigarettes, if not for good then at least until your implants have healed fully.

Over the long-term, most patients find their dental implants easy to care for. Hassle-free maintenance is one of the many advantages of dental implants.

The dental implants fuse with the bone. This structure allows the implant to stand alone without any support from the adjoining teeth. This structural aspect of dental implants means that the day-to-day care of your implant will be identical to the care of your natural teeth.

You will brush and floss your implant just like you would any other tooth. These activities are even more instrumental after dental implant placement. They’ll help to minimize the presence of oral bacteria that can damage the gums and the underlying bone, potentially compromising the dental implant.

Similarly, be sure to get your needed dental exams and professional cleanings every six months as recommended. Let your dentist and dental hygienist know that you have a dental implant, as the tools and techniques used in the cleaning may need to be changed slightly.

While dental implants require minimal adjustments to your regular oral hygiene routine, you should use common sense when it comes to your dental implants. Don’t engage in any habits that have the potential to harm any teeth, whether they are biological or prosthetic. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or non-food items like pencils.

For more information, contact the dental implant expert, Drs. Steven Koos DDS, MD, to schedule your professional consultation today.

Are zirconium dental implants radioactive?

Posted by admin on March 5, 2013   |   Comments Off

Zirconium dental implants appeal to many patients for aesthetic reasons, as the white metal has a ceramic appearance that looks more like natural tooth or bone material than the traditional silver titanium implant. Zirconium is an excellent alternative to titanium for people who want less noticeable implants or for those with metal allergies who could not tolerate titanium implants.

When exploring implant dentistry, patients sometime express concerns over certain qualities of the devices being placed in their jaws, and understandably so. While it’s important to replace a missing tooth with a lifelike prosthetic, you still want to choose a device that won’t have any other adverse effects on your health.

One particular concern is radioactivity. Patients are cautious about this quality because materials that are highly radioactive cause a number of health problems, including oral cancer. As a result, specialists in implant dentistry often get questions about the radioactivity of the materials used in the dental implants.

In considering this aspect of zirconium dental implants, it is important to understand what radioactivity is and how it occurs in nature. Radioactivity occurs when forms of certain atoms emit energy as they decompose.

Although we often associate this radiation with medical treatments like x-rays or with nuclear energy, radioactivity is actually quite common in nature and can be found in the water we drink and some of the food we eat. However, the levels of radioactivity are so low in those items that it doesn’t pose a health risk.

So, are zirconium dental implants radioactive? Well, the element zirconium may have some radioactive isotopes and may also gain radioactivity from exposure to other elements. A zirconium dental implant emits about 0.01 millisievert of radiation per year (millisievert is the standard measure of radiation dosage). In comparison, a person’s general background exposure to radiation from the environment is about 3 mSv per year inNorth America.

Patients who are concerned about possible radiation exposure from their dental implants should discuss this topic with the oral surgeon during the process of treatment planning. Be sure to get the accurate information when deciding how to proceed with dental implants made of any material.

To learn more, contact ORA® Oral Surgery & Implant Studio at 312-328-9000 and schedule your dental implant consultation today.

Zirconium Dental Implants: An aesthetically pleasing alternative

Posted by admin on February 20, 2013   |   Comments Off

You’ve probably heard about dental implants and the many benefits they offer. In replacing the missing tooth’s root, a dental implant is associated with a level of stability and durability that is unmatched by other tooth replacement devices.

Most dental implants available on the market today are made of titanium, a metal that has special properties that allow it to integrate with the jaw.

However, patients do have other options for dental implant materials. For example, your oral surgeon may also offer zirconium dental implants.

Zirconia is a metal-free ceramic material that shares many of the properties that make titanium so suitable for dental implants. It is strong and biocompatible. When oxygen is introduced to the zirconia, forming zirconium, the material is stabilized further.

These implants are white, which allows them to blend in with the other structures in the mouth and can make them more aesthetically pleasing in a few isolated cases. Zirconium implants are also minimally disruptive to the gum tissue, which promotes better overall healing. 

Patients who choose zirconium dental implants often report a better experience and a quicker treatment timeline.

Patients who choose zirconium dental implants often report a better experience and a quicker treatment timeline.

For patients with qualms about having metal placed in their mouths, zirconium implants present a viable alternative. Additionally, in rare instances some patients may develop allergies to the titanium over time, while zirconium implants are typically hypoallergenic. Zirconium implants also resist corrosion, which titanium does as well, but may give patients additional peace of mind.

Many top dental implant manufacturers, including Nobel Biocare, Zimmer and Biomet 3i, recognize the potential of zirconium dental implants and have added this style of implants to their product lines. In fact, Nobel Biocare offers a single-piece zirconium implant, which is even more convenient for patients and their surgeons and limits bacteria’s ability to attack the device.

You have options when it comes to dental implant materials. As you are working with your oral surgeon to develop your treatment plan, discuss your various choices, along with the pros and cons of each, to determine which type of implant is most suitable for you.

For more information, contact ORA® Oral Surgery & Implant Studio, Chicago’s premiere dental surgery clinic, at 312-328-9000 to schedule your professional consultation today.

Loose Dentures: What are my options?

Posted by admin on February 6, 2013   |   Comments Off

As any long-term denture wearer could tell you, dentures lose their fit over time. It’s an unavoidable fact. The jawbone shrinks after tooth loss, and the evolution in its shape ultimately causes the original appliances to become loose.

If you got dentures years ago and you’ve recently noticed that they’re not fitting as well as they did at first, you may be wondering what you need to do to address the problem. You have a number of options.

First, you could have your existing appliance re-lined. If you decide to go this route, though, it’s important to understand that this is likely to be only a sub-par, short-term fix. The jawbone will continue to erode if some of the root structures of missing teeth are not replicated. Dentures, which have no structures beneath the gumline, will need to be relined often as the years pass, and eventually, they will need to be replaced entirely.

Denture wearers who want a more permanent solution can turn to an oral surgeon for relief from loose dentures. Dental implants can secure loose dentures and ensure that they will continue to fit for years to come.

When implants are used to support a denture, the implants also act as tooth roots, stabilizing the jaw and keeping its shape constant. Dentures with a more secure fit are also more functional and attractive.

In order for dental implants to be successful, however, the patient must have enough bone to support the implant’s fusion with the jaw. Long-term denture wearers may have already experienced a significant amount of bone loss that can jeopardize this process.

All hope is not lost, though. All-on-4 dental implants can give patients with extensive bone loss the opportunity to enjoy all of the benefits of implants. With this technique, dentures become a thing of the past and just four implants hold an arch of teeth in place, and they are located toward the front of the jaw, where the bone wears away more slowly.

Patients whose dentures have lost their fit can consult with our experienced and dedicated team of ORA oral and maxillofacial surgeons to learn more about their treatment options. Dental implants can be tremendously valuable in such cases.

Bicon: Outstanding Performance in Dental Implants

Posted by admin on January 21, 2013   |   Comments Off

For nearly three decades, Bicon dental implants have been offering a reliable tooth replacement option to patients, and the manufacturer continues to make technological innovations to its devices to improve patient outcomes.

The surfaces of Bicon dental implants feature a series of plateaus, which encourage faster bone growth around the implant, additional strength and improved functionality.

The oral surgery involved in dental implant placement is consistent and predictable with Bicon dental implants, thanks to a connection between implant and abutment that keeps out bacteria that could cause inflammation and ultimately lead to implant failure.

Patients who choose Bicon devices also benefit from more flexibility at the interface of the implant and the abutment that allows for universal placement on the abutment. Bicon even features an Integrated Abutment Crown™, which can streamline the treatment process even further.

Bicon also produces some of the shortest dental implants available on the market. Short dental implants have an advantage, as the oral surgeon can place them in an area with lower density of bone material. This may allow some patients to receive dental implants without first undergoing a bone graft surgery that significantly extends the treatment timeline. Nonetheless, the shorter implants do not sacrifice strength with the reduced length, as Bicon’s short implants perform just as well over time.

Bicon implants perform especially well in terms of aesthetics, too. The slope at the top of the device allows bone to fill in between the gum and the implant, providing full support to the interdental papillae, which is the small triangle of gum tissue between the tops of the teeth, in the vicinity. This structure may seem unimportant to the smile, but its absence would be quite noticeable.

This innovative, durable collection of dental implants can be used for single-tooth replacement or to anchor a bridge or a denture. At your dental implant consultation, ask if Bicon dental implants will be appropriate in your case. Call ORA® Oral Surgery & Implant Studio at 312-328-9000 to schedule your visit.

Teeth in a Day: All-on-4 Implants

Posted by admin on January 7, 2013   |   Comments Off

Patients who have lost all of the teeth in their upper or lower arches (or both!) no longer have to settle for ill-fitting dentures that fail to match up with the natural teeth they’re replacing.

All-on-4 dental implants replace the concept of a denture, holding a full arch of teeth in place to avoid embarrassing slip-ups. The four implants offer the prosthetic arch a certain amount of strength in addition to stability.

The four implants are placed in the jaw by an oral surgeon. The patient first attends an initial appointment in which the oral surgeon gathers the data needed to plan the surgery. Specialized software then processes that data in order to help the surgeon plan the procedure using three-dimensional images.  The next pre-surgical phase is with the prosthetic dentist, who will take records, bite registrations, vertical dimensions, and photographs to prepare the bridge of teeth for the day of dental surgery. 

All-on-4 implants are appealing to people for a number of reasons beyond their quick turnaround time.

When the day of the All-on-4 surgery arrives, the procedure takes just a few hours in the surgeon’s office. Patients can be fitted with a prosthetic arch that day so that they don’t have to spend weeks sporting a toothless grin as they heal.

Over the course of the next several months, the implants fuse with the bone, becoming a fixture in the facial structures.

All-on-4 implants are appealing to people for a number of reasons beyond their quick turnaround time. They prevent further jawbone erosion, ensuring a better fit for the denture over time. Implant-supported teeth are also more functional than standard appliances, which means that patients can chew and speak better with All-on-4 implants.

Even patients who have a fair amount of bone loss may be eligible for the All-on-4 treatment. The implants are placed toward the front of the jaw, where bone erosion occurs more slowly. The outermost implants are also angled underneath the bone to ensure that there is enough room to accommodate them. This technique allows nearly all patients to be candidates for All-on-4 implants.

Patients who are dissatisfied with the prospect of conventional dentures should consider All-on-4 implants. Schedule a preliminary appointment with our dual degree downtown Loop oral and maxillofacial surgeons to learn if your case is appropriate for this treatment.