Dental Implants and Oral Surgery

Dental Implants and Oral Surgery

Dental Implants and related Oral Surgery procedures are some of the most complex facets of dental treatment. At Robertson Dental Innovations we can provide all of these services to our patients. Our highly skilled and highly trained dental team, lead by Dr. Robertson, are able to provide these treatments with the utmost care and attention, and minimal amount of discomfort to our patients.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants are the cutting edge of dentistry techniques. Here at Robertson Dental Innovations we have been providing this service since opening. Our senior dentist, Dr. Graham Robertson has placed over 200 implants with a high degree of skill.

Dental Implants not only provide tooth-replacement options but also help to reduce gum and bone loss for patients who are endentolous (tooth-less). When teeth are removed the bone and gums around the area the tooth was in naturally degrades over time. Implants can help correct, or at least slow down, this degradation.

At Robertson Dental Innovations we use three varieties of implants; Ankylos^® Implants, Neoss^® Implants and Zest^® “Mini-” Implants. These implants are manufactured in Europe and the USA (respectively), and are some of the leading implants in the industry. Dr. Robertson has been using Ankylos^® and Neoss^® Implants for over 15 years with great success.

Implant Treatment Options

Implants can be used in multiple ways, the most common at Robertson Dental Innovations include;

• Tooth Replacement:- Currently the most common use for dental implants is to replace a tooth. The implant is placed in the bone, then a crown is placed on the implant. This is the most effective and most realistic (both visually and functionally) form of tooth replacement.
• Fixed Prosthetics:- Replacing multiple teeth can also be achieved using implants. Multiple bridges and crowns or a complete prosthetic dental arch can all be supported by dental implants.
• Provisional Implants:- As part of orthodontic treatments provisional implants can be used to anchor the wires of the braces, providing an additional angle to which to apply the forces to align the teeth. These implants are not permanent and are removed at the end of the orthodontic treatment.
• Dentures Implants:- Did you know Dental Implants were originally designed to hold full dentures in place? When most of, or all the teeth have been removed the degradation of gums and bone can occur at an alarming rate, this changes the shape of the mouth causing dentures to be become ill-fitting. Not only can implants help slow with degradation but also hold the dentures in place. The denture simply clicks onto the implants and can still be removed as needed, i.e. for cleaning. Each option will involve either the use of Neoss^® or Zest^® Implants (with the type and amount of implants determined on a case-by-case basis). The options for dentures and implants include:
  • Denture Supporting Implants:- A fully “supported” Implant Denture means not only are the dentures held in place (retained), but the full force of the bite can be used through the denture. This is the best options in terms of outcomes for patients looking to have implants and dentures.
  • Denture Retaining Implants:- Another option is dentures can be held in place (Retained). While not able to provide the full bite force as dentures that are supported, retained dentures are still a superior option to a full dentures alone.

  Please note: Implant Supporting or Retaining Dentures can only be done with Chrome dentures not the Acrylic dentures.

Implant Treatment Outline

Each implant case is different, but each case is carefully planned to achieve the best overall outcome and result. Typically an outline of appointments for implants would be:-

1. Consult:- The first appointment is a consultation with the dentist. At this appointment the procedures would be explained and a provisional quote for treatment would be provided.
2. 3D X-ray and Impressions:- The second appointment would be at Dental Innovations on Condon. A 3D low dose CBCT X-ray of the implant site will be taken. Photographs and impressions will also be taken. These impressions will then be “poured-up” to make stone models of both the upper and lower arches and teeth of the mouth. After reviewing the models, photographs and the X-ray, the dentist will contact the patient and provide a full quote.
3. Implant Placement:- The next appointment is the placement of the implant/s. The implant (which is shaped like a screw), is placed into the bone. Any periodontal or grafting surgery (see below) will also occur at this stage.
4. Healing Stage:- This stage occurs for about on average 3 months after implant placement. During this time the bone around the implant heals into the implant (osseointegration). This provides the strength to the implant, enabling it to support the bite forces and framework.
5. Review Stage:- After the healing stage the dentist will review the implant, both visually and by x-ray. If all is in order the final stage can begin.
6. Loading the Implant:- The final stage of the implant procedure is to “load/restore” the implant. An abutment is placed in the implant which connects the implant (which is below the gumline) to the crown, denture, braces and/or fixed prosthetics required. This last stage can occur over a single or multiple appointments, depending on what is being “loaded” on to the implant. A final review appointment may also be necessary after the completion of this stage.

With all invasive treatment options (such as surgical extractions or implants), Robertson Dental Innovations recommends getting a second opinion from a Dental Specialist, as all invasive treatments carries some level of risk.