When one loses a tooth, there are a few options for replacement of the missing tooth. Depending upon the location of the missing tooth, the problems for the patient can be embarrassment, discomfort when eating or acute pain. Since modern dentistry provides multiple options for tooth replacement, we spoke to Dr. Thomas Ocheltree, practicing oral surgeon in Central Illinois, about dental implants as a tooth replacement procedure.
Thomas Ocheltree is a practicing oral surgeon and partner in the firm, Doran, Capodice, Efaw and Ocheltree, LLC. His firm specializes in oral surgery and dental implants. Dr. Ocheltree received his bachelor’s degree at Augustana College and then attended dental school at Southern Illinois University, receiving his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1999. He joined the Navy and had a three-year tour as a dental officer. He completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Christiana Care Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware.
Tooth Replacement Options –
According to Dr. Ocheltree, more traditional tooth replacement options in the past included fixed bridges, flippers, metal partials and dentures.
Fixed Bridges – This is a procedure in which the two surrounding teeth are ground down to provide a support for the crown, which is a replacement set for the missing tooth and the portions of the healthy teeth that were ground down to support the crown. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the problem with fixed bridges is that they tend to fail in five to 10 years. One reason for this is that patients have trouble flossing their teeth around the bridge, so the roots of their teeth around the bridge may decay. Also, when one tooth is missing in the jaw, the bone structure supporting it tends to deteriorate.
Flipper or Partial Denture – This is a denture that one wears that is a plastic tooth molded to fit one’s set of teeth. The partial denture may not be as comfortable or secure when eating.
Metal Partial – More robust than a flipper, a partial denture that is also removable is made of a combination of metal and plastic. A wire clip keeps it in place in the patient’s mouth. This option is often not as secure or strong as a dental implant.
Dentures – For people who do not have any teeth in one or both of their jaws, dentures are an option. Some people find that they have problems eating or speaking with their dentures.
A More Lasting Option, Dental Implants –
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, a dental implant is like a screw that is placed in one’s jaw. It bonds with the jawbone and serves as the new root for the replacement tooth, promoting health of the bone structure. When one’s jaw has bonded to the implant, a crown, which has been molded to fit your teeth, is securely attached to the implant. The Mayo Clinic states that dental implants are much more secure than traditional replacement teeth. They will often feel to the patient as though they are their original teeth.
Dental Implant Procedure –
Diagnosis and Plan – Dr. Ocheltree emphasizes that the first step in determining if you are a good candidate for a dental implant is a thorough evaluation that includes a state-of-the-art dental exam, a review of your medical history and a treatment plan.
According to Dr. Ocheltree, one of the newer advances in the field is 3D digital imaging technology. This allows dentists to better observe the exact shape of your jaw in order to better make an exact fit with your jawline. The new digital imaging technology is paired with surgical planning software. These advances have saved patients money and time because the fit of the implant is more exact and recovery time is shortened.
Removal of Damaged Tooth
Grafting of Jawbone – Some patients with poor jawbone structures will need to have their jawbones grafted in order to have the surface upon which to insert the implant.
Insertion of the Implant – Surgical insertion of the implant is done deep into the jawbone for a strong root structure for the replacement crown.
Bone Growth and Healing – This process may take several months, or it could take much less time. The bone must fuse with the implant in order to create a secure base. In the meantime, patients are provided a temporary, partial denture that they can use and remove at night.
Abutment Placement – The abutment is the part that bridges the crown to the replacement tooth.
Crown Placement – Finally, the crown is attached to the abutment and the dentist will drill the crown to fit your particular bite pattern for comfort and the proper use of your jaw.
In some cases, there are steps that are done together, but there will likely be a few visits to the dentist in order to fully complete the procedure. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants have been in use for over 30 years, and 3 million U.S. citizens now have dental implants. There are even some new procedures for people who have healthy bone structure that can get their dental implant and teeth placement in the same office visit. This allows immediate placement of a temporary tooth.
Dr. Thomas Ocheltree emphasizes that every patient’s case and recovery time is different, due to the amount of healthy jawbone structure, the site of the lost tooth and other medical factors. These factors have a strong bearing on the length of time for placement of the crown and full recovery. The good news is that dental implants allow a patient to end up with a replacement tooth that promotes strong bone structure and is more secure and long lasting than any other means of tooth replacement.