Wonderful and caring staff; they make effort to know me personally and take as much time as is needed to thoroughly address my needs. My dentistry issues are difficult, but the staff at this office continues to exceed my expectations, regardless of the challenge!
Laura Barkdull
Dental Implants
Implants in dentistry have developed significantly over recent years around the world and in our practice. Dr. Cooke began restoring dental implants in 1996. Since then, he has reconstructed patient's bites with virtually every implant system on the market today. Implant dentistry in our practice is as common place a treatment as the most simple procedure that we perform.
Implants provide a stable, functional replacement for a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. A dental implant is a metal cylinder that is surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to replace the tooth's root. Dental implants may be used to replace an individual tooth (single tooth implants), multiple teeth or as the support for full upper or lower dentures (implant supported dentures).
An implant consists of an anchor, an abutment and a prosthetic tooth or appliance. The anchor is a cylindrical piece of metal surgically implanted in the bone. It is often made of titanium due to the biocompatibility of this metal with bone tissue. The abutment connects the anchor with the restored prosthetic appliance and is attached after proper healing (osseointegration or bone fusion around an implant) of the anchor to the bone. The prosthetic tooth or appliance can consist of a crown (single tooth implant), bridge (multiple teeth implants) or a full upper or lower denture (implant supported dentures). Biomet 3i is the major supplier of implants for Dr. Cooke and his team of periodontal specialists. Visit the Biomet 3i, Straumann and Nobel Biocare websites.
Our practice believes that implants should be done with the cooperative co-treatment with periodontists to treat patients who require implant dentistry. We have wonderful, long-standing professional relationships with periodontists, gum specialists, who are surgically trained to place the implant body (root replacement). We have restored countless cases using this cooperative effort. Dr. Cooke guides all procedures done by the periodontist and reconstructs the tooth with proper cosmetics and function once bone healing has been completed. The end result is consistent with Dr. Cooke's routine technical excellence, proving both comfort and function for the dental patient requiring this type of service.
Single Tooth Implants
One of the main advantages of a single tooth implant is the fact that a missing tooth can be replaced without sacrificing the health of the adjacent teeth. The other alternative to replace a single tooth is a fixed bridge which involves preparation of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Often times, the adjacent teeth have not been restored and can remain untouched when a single tooth implant becomes the desired method of treatment.
Multiple Teeth Implants
If multiple teeth are missing within the same area of the mouth, these teeth can be replaced using dental implants as the support system for fixed bridges. An implant fixed bridge utilizes the support of the dental implants functioning as tooth roots rather than the roots of natural teeth. This type of restorative option offers an advantage over a conventional fixed bridge or removable partial denture due to the fact that with implants, the patient's bone is preserved. An implant fixed bridge is self-supporting and does not place a heavier load on remaining natural teeth which often results in bone deterioration and loss of support.
Implant Supported Dentures
When a dental patient is missing all of their teeth in one or more arches, an implant supported denture is one of the options for replacement of these teeth. An implant supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants. This type of denture has special attachments that snap onto attachments on the implants. Several advantages exist when considering the use of implant supported dentures. They are often more comfortable and stable than conventional dentures, they help preserve bone in the dental arch, and provide enhanced function and better aesthetics than conventional dentures.
Patient Selection
When dental implants are a consideration, Dr. Cooke performs a comprehensive dental examination and careful screening. This includes radiographs (x-rays), study models and careful risk assessment taking into consideration each patient's oral condition and general medical health.
The oral examination includes evaluation of the adequacy of bone present in the areas that the implants might be placed. Dr. Cooke collaborates with specialists utilizing them as co-therapists during the assessment phase. Treatment planning between these professionals may include bone grafting to augment the proposed implant site. The health of each patient's peridontium (gum and bone) must be sound and free of disease prior to any type of implant procedure. Dr. Cooke carefully communicates with these specialists to coordinate the treatment sequence.
The patient considering dental implants must be free of systemic conditions that might interfere with healing and affect implant acceptance. Examples of these conditions might include recent radiation therapy to the oral cavity, uncontrolled systemic conditions like diabetes, and some types of immunosuppressive disease. The risk for implant failure has been shown to be higher in cigarette smokers than in non-smokers. At times, consultation with medical health professionals is necessary. Careful evaluation is completed prior to any type of implant treatment.
Care of Implants
Supervision of each patient's oral hygiene begins prior to the surgical phase and continues through treatment and beyond. Detailed instruction is given to our patient's specific to their individual case. Physiotherapy aids (toothbrushes, dental floss, interdental cleaners, etc.) are selected to prevent damage to the titanium implant as well as the supporting tissues. Immaculate oral hygiene influences the long-term success of an implant. Routine supervision of the patient with dental implants is essential. This includes re-care evaluations individually established and careful examination at these set intervals.
Feel free to contact our office if you feel you might be a candidate for dental implants. Upon examination, Dr. Cooke will carefully assess your individual condition and recommend treatment accordingly.
