2020 SW 27th Avenue
The most common dental implants are made of titanium which is a biocompatible metal. Today most implants are made out of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy and treated either by plasma spraying or sandblasting to increase the surface area and the integration potential of the implant. We actually take it a step further and use growth factor proteins (PRGF) derived naturally from your own plasma to enhance healing. If an implant in the estheic zone (such as a front tooth ) is performed under todays standards and new technologies, none of the metal should show making it indistiguishable from a crown on a natural tooth root. Because there are so many different implant systems available to dental specialists today, it is important that the most proven and researched systems be used. We pride ourselves on the fact that we use only the most tested materials in our treatments since our intention is to provide results that could last a lifetime. Cutting corners should not be an option. Lets get it right the first time!
May 11, 2009
Age and dental implants: the facts.
We have found that age is a concern when a patient has not reached full development or growth of the jaws. Girls tend to reach this point after the age of 16 years while boys typically reach this point later. As far as elderly patients are concerned, they are the most common candidates for complete dental implant reconstruction. Since there are exceptions at any age, every patient must be examined prior to determining whether they are good candidates for dental implant procedures.
How often do I need to come into your office for dental imlpants? I think I may need both an upper and a lower.
The placement of dental implants for complete upper and lower replacements can be performed in as little as one appointment with the appropriate conscious sedation protocol. The misconception that this is “too much” for one appointment applies primarily to the traditional use of local anesthesia alone or less predictable forms of sedation. Because our protocol also involves P.R.G.F. (healing proteins derived from your own plasma), recovery is actually better because of less inflammation and discomfort compared to multiple interventions.
Does dental insurace cover dental implants?
Dental insurance for the most part does not contribute much if at all to dental implant surgery. Because of this we do offer financial and treatment options when appropriate that could make treatment affordable. Unfortunately, treatment becomes much more expensive if delayed since conditions tend to deteriorate at a more rapid pace as time goes by. In addition, we advise our patients not to allow insurance issues dictate how healthy they are going to get. We have found repeatedly that the biggest financial regret patients experience is not having had treatment when first proposed.
