Root Form Dental Implants

Root form dental implants are the most common, also known as ‘Endosteal’ or ‘Endosseous’ implants. This type of implant is ideal for patients with a wide, deep and healthy jawbone. Their shape resembles the natural tooth root. However, if there is not enough bone to place these implants a bone graft is a possible solution.

These dental implants can be placed using conventional dental implant surgery where the gum is raised to expose the bone for implant placement, or using a guided surgery technique.

Plate form dental implants

Plate form implants are long and flat, they are used when the jaw is very narrow and bone grafting is not appropriate. These implants are placed using conventional surgery – usually in two stages with a gap between procedures for healing.

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

A subperiosteal implant is custom made and placed beneath the gums on top of the bone, used if there is not enough bone for a root form or plate form implant. It is designed to suit the individual jaw of the patient.

Subperiosteal implants are not usually recommended as they have a higher failure rate than other types and cost more.

As this implant is made to suit the patient’s individual anatomy, it is designed and produced using three-dimensional models of the jaws – either made from a CT scan or a dental impression of the patient’s jaws.

Mini dental implants

Mini dental implants are as their name suggests – ‘mini’ versions of root form implants. Originally created to as temporary implants, they are now often used as a permanent implant solution, especially for smaller teeth. Mini implants can be used if there is not enough bone for normal implants and a bone graft is not appropriate.

The mini implant is a very cost-effective solution. Although it does not easily fuse with the bone, they are a durable, long lasting solution for many patients. Mini implants can also be used to support dentures.

Zygomatic Dental Implants

When there is not enough bone for ordinary implants, zygomatic implants can be used in the upper jaw. This is a very specialist procedure and is not available in all dental practices.

Zygomatic implants significantly longer than ordinary dental implants and ‘anchor’ to the cheekbone, or zygomatic arch. They can be used as an alternative to complex bone grafting and make it possible to carry out surgery a single stage.

A CT scan is required to assess the amount of bone in the upper jaw to allow your dentist to plan implant placement without carrying out invasive surgery.

Usually, two zygomatic implants are placed as well as 2-4 root form dental implants. When there is even less bone, four zygomatic implants are used. Guided surgery can sometimes be used to assist accurate placement.

Guided surgery

Guided surgery can also be used to place dental implants. This involves computer-aided surgical planning based on CT scans of your jaw. The surgery is performed using a surgical drill guide to position the implants in the jaw. It is possible for this to be a single stage procedure and some patients undergo the surgery and tooth restoration in a single day i.e. they leave with a finished set of teeth.

There are few things in life that give us more confidence than a dazzling smile. Having a great grin boosts our morale, making us feel positive, and drawing others to us as we show off our smile. However, many people have stayed away from traditional dentistry techniques, concerned about the length of time it may take to heal after cosmetic dental work, or the pain involved with getting treatment.

Now, all this is a thing of the past, as medical advancements and dentistry have fused techniques to come up with a revolutionary new way of encouraging prompt recovery from dental work. PGRF is transforming more than just smiles – it’s the application of a cutting-edge methodology for using the body’s own capacity to heal, accelerating the recovery process dramatically.

What is PGRF?

PGRF (or Pancreatic Growth Hormone Releasing Factor) is a new technique for use in surgery. It is designed to promote the body’s own natural healing hormones, transforming the recovery of patients undergoing procedures by encouraging the body to enhance its own potential for healing. Known as ‘autologous engineering’, it is being taken up by leading dental practitioners as the benefits of the technology are becoming widespread. The technology uses growth factors to improve the regenerative capabilities of the patient, applying the technique at the site of surgery to greatly enhance the recovery time and alleviate discomfort normally associated with dental work.

PGRF was developed by the Biotechnology Institute and launched as a radical new facial rejuvenation technique. It works by plasma-rich growth factors being taken from the patient prior to surgery being performed, and then modified and reapplied to encourage the natural healing process to take place. Non-invasive, comfortable and safe, PGRF has transformed traditional dentistry.

Who benefits from this new technology?

PGRF is suitable for anyone who undergoes oral surgery. It supports the body to use your own natural healing processes, enhancing the recovery by reducing the time taken to heal completely – giving you a head start to getting the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. The technique has already been used by celebrities and professional sportspeople including Rafael Nadal and Tiger Woods, enabling them to reduce their recovery time and get back out there at the peak of their performance. The National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the World Anti-Doping Agency have all hailed PGRF as a revolutionary new treatment for recovery from surgery. The technique is ideal for maxilla-facial surgery, dental implants, and other oral procedures.

By enhancing the smoothness, thickness, health and hydration of the patient’s skin through a natural process, PGRF is an outstanding new technique to benefit people undergoing cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery, by promoting the skill of the body to heal and alleviate discomfort.

More Information

If you’d like more information, check out this PRGF article from the Dental & Implant Clinic.

Your Thoughts

Are you utilizing PRGF in your practice? Do you have tips for other dentists looking to incorporate this technique into their practice? Please share in a comment below.

For some people, going to the dentist is a traumatic experience; the fear of dental work is very common. However, proper dental health is important and failure to maintain good dental habits could lead to serious complications. These range from cosmetic issues like the appearance of your teeth to much more serious problems including tooth-loss and cancer. Clearly, you don’t need an online biology degree to know the basics of dental care, it is a well-known fact proper brushing, using mouthwash, flossing and avoiding sugar are essential for clean teeth and healthy gums. Unfortunately, studies have confirmed that a person’s genetics have an effect on the overall healthiness of their teeth, so even people who execute perfect dental hygiene could find themselves at risk.

Genetics play a major role in every part of your life, and your mouth is no different. Everything from the alignment of your teeth to their strength can be linked to genetics. Thus, the likelihood and severity of tooth decay is tied to the makeup of your teeth. For instance, one of the most common afflictions involving dental health is a cavity, what dentists look for when you get your regular cleaning. However, some people who brush every day seem to be prone to cavities while others, even some who may practice poor oral hygiene, seem to hardly ever get cavities. The reasons for this disparity are numerous, but one of the key factors is a person’s genetic makeup.

Studies have indicated that a range of genetic factors can play a role in cavity development. Cavities are mainly caused by bacterial or food acids, and everything from the composition of your saliva to the shape of your teeth can increase or decrease the risk of developing cavities. Some people may have elements in their saliva that help neutralize those acids, making them less likely to develop cavities regardless of their brushing habits. Additionally, people with more grooves in their teeth, or teeth that are poorly aligned, are at greater risk as acids can easily sneak in to those grooves and crevices. Because it is harder to remove the acids from these places, they often stay there longer and dissolve more of the tooth.

Studies have also indicated that genetics play a major role in periodontal disease, the most common forms of which are gingivitis and periodontitis. Aside from the obvious environmental factors, studies have shown that people with a family history of these diseases are prone to developing them. Additionally, the ability to recover from gingivitis and other periodontal diseases is also tied to genetic factors. Healing is tied to the immune system, and people who have received a weakened immune system from their parents have a more difficult time recovering from these conditions. This means that not only is your likelihood to get a periodontal disease associated with genetic factors, but your ability to heal from that disease is as well.

You could even take things a step further and link behavioral habits to genetics, such as diet and metabolism. Studies have shown that genetic factors play an important role in what foods you are prone to eat, and the way in which those foods are digested and used by the body. As such, your heredity may cause you to be more prone to eat foods that are harmful to your teeth. This is a double-edged sword when it comes to managing dental health.

Most people are raised to brush their teeth and floss every day. While these habits are clearly important when it comes to dental health, genetic factors have to be considered. Genetics determine how strong your teeth are, the makeup of your saliva and your eating habits, all of which have an impact on your teeth and mouth. Given all of the evidence, it is essential that genetic factors be considered when evaluating your dental health.

The world of dentistry is changing everyday and in order to stay up-to-date on these advances, continuing education should be a priority. Dental advisors are now suggesting as many as 100 hours a year to maintain a firm grasp on all the latest techniques and equipment available in the dental field.

How Do I Find Qualified Continuing Education?

It can be a daunting and time consuming task, but here are a few guidelines for finding qualified programs. Whether you want to meet state licensure requirements, add a new treatment or expand your practice continuing education is available.

1. Make sure the course is ADA CERP certified

The American Dental Association Continuing Education Recognition Program was created as a guideline for dental practitioners to assist in finding the programs that are most beneficial. In order for programs to be certified they must pass 15 areas of CE program quality. Institutions and programs must go through an application and review process before being given ADA CERP recognition. The ADA is in place to protect its Dental practitioners and ensure the highest level of education.

2. Earn up to two hours a month online

The ADA offers a program called the JADA Online Continuing Education Program. In association with the University of Colorado School of Medicine licensed U.S. dentists can earn up to two credits a month. Practitioners must become a member of the ADA before being eligible for the online classes, but complete online testing and submission grading will be given.

3. Make it a team effort

We should be excited to learn the new technology being invented in our field, so why not attend together? Taking the time to attend a conference, class or program as a group, can strengthen relationships outside of the office and build team spirit. It can also save money on gas and hotels and allow for a good time.

4. Find classes in your area

Finding continuing education classes will vary state-by-state, but the best way to locate programs would be through the internet. Simply searching for “continuing education for dentists” with your zip code and state should bring up the area’s institutions and their credibility. Take the time to do some research on the program and ensure that it is ADA CERP certified. Then sign up! Here are a few resources to get started:

Search the American Dental Association’s CE Course Listings

Search Online Continuing Education Programs through an ADA CERP recognized provider.

In a world that is constantly updating itself we must ensure that we do not fall behind in
our professions, for our clients and the security of our business. If we offer the latest techniques and products then we can continually grow. Continuing education is just the first step, but it can be the most crucial.

Your Thoughts

How many hours of continuing education do you participate in each year? How valuable has continuing education been to your success in the dental field?