Dental Implants Archives - Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist

I Hate the Way My Implants Look

Posted on May 29, 2023 by writeradmin.

Can you help me? I had dental implant overdentures done and when the bridges came in I was very disappointed in them. While they were very bright and white, they looked monochromatic, which in my opinion makes them look fake. They’re also bulkier than I would have expected and the surfaces of the teeth are very round and protruding. My dentist insists that they are up to the highest professional standards and I will get used to them. Is there anything I can do?

Andrea

Dear Andrea,

I am sorry this happened to you. It sounds like you went to a general dentist who does not understand the foundation of cosmetic work. Her saying it is up to the highest professional standards only refers to functionality. It has nothing to do with beauty of the results. When you are talking about your smile, beauty is an important factor.

The monochromatic look is very telling of your dentist’s cosmetic skill (or lack thereof). Our natural teeth are not uniform. The middle is more opaque than the remainder of the tooth. Plus there are grooves and other texture. All of this requires a high level of technical knowledge on the part of the dentist in order to properly convey instructions to the lab.

What you need is a true cosmetic dentist to re-do this dental bridge for your implant overdentures. At least the upper bridge. Look for someone who is AACD accredited. These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. I don’t know that you will be able to get a refund from your current dentist on the upper bridge but you can certainly ask.

I hate it when a dentist says, “You just need to get used to it.” That’s dental speak for “I don’t know how to fix this so I’m just going to semi blame you for being too picky and whiny.”

It is unfortunate that your dentist did not care about how you felt about the smile she created you. Fortunately, a better cosmetic dentist can give you something stunning, that you will be proud to show for the remainder of your life.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

An MRI with Dental Implants?

Posted on March 7, 2023 by writeradmin.

I am losing a tooth. This has never happened to me since I was a kid! My dentist recommends I get a dental implant. However, I have a pituitary adenoma that they have to keep an eye on. I get an MRI every year. Would it be possible to get an MRI if I have a dental implant?

Evelyn

Dear Evelyn,

I am sorry to hear about your pituitary adenoma. I know another person who deals with that and it has wreaked havoc on her body.

You are not alone in wondering about whether or not dental implants are safe for an MRI. Another common question has to do with security sensors. The good news is they are safe for both. You may be wondering if there is metal in them, how are they safe?

What Is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a test that creates a strong magnetic field and then uses radio waves and digital software to obtain cross-sectional images of the body, particularly soft tissue. Because of this magnetic field, patients are advised not to go into an MRI scanner with any metal on or about their person. This is due to the danger of migration, heating up, projectiles, or other ill effects. Any ferromagnetic metal is unsafe during an MRI. Some examples of ferromagnetic metals include nickel, iron, and manganese, among others.

What are Dental Implants Made From?

Dental implants are made with either titanium or zirconia. While zirconia is metal-free, so most people don’t worry about those, titanium is metal. The good news is that this type of metal is paramagnetic, which makes it perfectly safe for an MRI.

Your dentist was right to suggest this as the tooth replacement. It will be the closest thing to having a healthy, natural tooth again.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Is It Safe to Get Dental Implants with Osteoporosis?

Posted on February 2, 2023 by writeradmin.

I am on Boniva for Osteoporosis and have been for a few years. A month ago, I lost a tooth that was unsavable. I’m looking into options for replacing that tooth and was told that I cannot get a dental implant if I have Osteoporosis. Is this accurate? If so, what is my next best option?

Caroline

Dear Caroline,

You have asked a great question. For the benefit of others reading who may not be aware of osteoporosis, let me give a quick explanation. It is a degenerative disease that affects bone density, greatly increasing the risk of fractures. It has a tendency to affect women more than it does men. This is especially the case in post-menopausal women.

The good news is that it is possible to get a dental implant while dealing with osteoporosis, the iffy news is that there are some complicating factors involved. Your medication is one of several types of biophosphates. They work by preventing the breakdown of bone as well as bone fractures while building up the bone density. This is done by stopping the osteoclasts that eat up the bone.

Why is that a Risk Factor for Dental Implants?

Patients who take these medicines, show an increased risk of dental implant failure as well as osteonecrosis, which is death of the bone tissue. Because of that risk, it is considered important that you stop taking your medication approximately four months or more before getting your dental implant and staying off of it until the bone has had an opportunity to adequately integrate with the dental implant. At that point, you can safely start taking the medicine again.

Obviously, your osteoporosis needs to be under control for this to be a possibility, so it will be imperative that you contact your doctor and get his or her approval to pause the medication for the duration needed.

What If Your Doctor Says No?

If, by chance, you are one of the cases that cannot stop taking the medication even for limited periods of time, you do have other options. Your next best option would be to get a dental bridge.

Don’t worry yet. Talk to your doctor and get his assesment; then you can go from there.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Must I Have Bone Grafting Done in Order to get Dental Implants

Posted on January 20, 2023 by writeradmin.

My dentist and I have been planning on me getting four dental implants soon. I am so excited about the idea of having teeth again and no longer feeling (and looking) like a hillbilly. He mentioned I need some bone grafting done. I was totally fine with that. However, since then, I have done some research and learned that they do the bone grafting with cadaver bone. I have to admit that really gives me the heebie-jeebies. Is it at all possible for me to have the dental implants done without the bone grafting?

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

While you will need bone grafting done, I have good news for you. Let’s start with why the bone grafting is important first. The dentist recommended this procedure to you because you do not have enough bone in the areas where you are getting your dental implants to actually retain the implants. If you go forward without it, you will end up with dental implant failure and possibly even a cracked jaw. It is essential.

Cadaver Alternatives

Now for that good news I mentioned. Cadaver bone is not the only option for bone grafting. It may be that your dentist never intended to use that option. There are bovine options, and even synthetic bone, mixed with some organic materials. It is even possible for them to harvest and use your own bone, though that would entail an additional procedure.

I would start by talking to your dentist about what type of bone he planned on using for your case. If he says cadaver bone, then tell him your concerns and ask for an alternative option.

About Cadaver Bone

Before you decide against it, you should know a few things about the process. First, the bone was lovingly donated by people and/or their families to go to people in need after their or their loved ones’ death. The bone is thoroughly tested in order to make sure it is healthy and then goes through processing and sterilization.

Either way, it is up to you. Just have a conversation with your dentist to learn his plans and express your desires.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Are there Soft Dentures?

Posted on December 5, 2022 by writeradmin.

Do you know if it is possible to get soft dentures for the upper part? I have complete dentures, but the plate (I think that is what they call it) at the top is hard. Not only is that uncomfortable but sometimes the feeling makes me gag and I can’t even keep them in.

Daisy

Dear Daisy,

I am sorry you are dealing with this. Many patients struggle with dentures. Not just with the upper plates, but with the food that gets under them, with the slipping and sliding, and with the difficulty chewing. There are some soft liners that will help patients that have a bony ridge where the lower denture sits. However, there isn’t a soft plate for a denture.

Implant Overdentures Solve this Problem

While that may sound disappointing, I do have a solution for you. Your best option is to have some dental implants placed and then have your dentures anchored to them. These are called implant overdentures. This eliminates the problem you have with the plate because the plate is unnecessary. You will find that not only do you not have to worry about the plate, but that your quality of life goes up tremendously. You will even be able to eat whatever you want again, including steak!

One of the most important benefits, however, is the protection to your jawbone. When your teeth were removed, your body began resorbing the minerals in your jawbone perceiving that they were no longer necessary to retain your teeth roots. After ten or so years, there will no longer be enough jawbone left to even retain the dentures you currently have. This is known as facial collapse.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Why Won’t My Dentures Stay In?

Posted on October 10, 2022 by writeradmin.

I am a smidge over 60 years old and have trouble keeping my dentures in, this is true even when I put in the adhesive. They still slip right out of my mouth. Is there anything I can do to keep them in at this point?

Matilda Lynn

Dear Matilda Lynn,

I am so sorry you are going through this. You are in a tough spot. However, the good news is that there is a solution for you. I don’t know if the dentist who originally provided the dentures for you had warned you about bone resorption. When your teeth are removed, your body recognizes that and begins resorbing the minerals in your body to use elsewhere. This slowly shrinks your jawbone. Eventually, you lose so much of the bone that you can no longer retain the dentures in your mouth. This is known as facial collapse and why your dentures will not stay in, even with adhesives.

The Solution to Facial Collapse

The first thing you’ll need to do is have bone grafting done. This will build up the missing bone in your jawbone. After this is healed, you have two options.

Your first option is to have new dentures made. Now, you’re only in your 60s, so you should be aware that the cycle of resorption will start over again. Eventually, you’ll be right back to the situation you are in now.

A second option is to get implant overdentures (pictured above). This uses between 4 – 8 dental implants per arch and then anchors a pair of dentures to them.

Benefits of Implant Overdentures

Because the implants are prosthetic tooth roots, your body interprets that as you still having teeth and you will no longer have to worry about losing your bone.
Your dentures will be completely secure. No more slipping and sliding.
You will find your quality of life increases, including your chewing capacity. Even the best-fitting dentures will lower your chewing capacity by 50%. With dental implants, you’ll be able to eat anything you want, including steak.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Sinus Perforation with a Dental Implant

Posted on September 7, 2022 by writeradmin.

I had a dental implant placed on one of the teeth adjacent to my front teeth. The dentist told me at the time that the sinus cavity was perforated by just a few millimeters, which he said is fairly common. He did not put me on an antibiotic at the time because he said it was unnecessary. Just six months after the implant was placed it had to be removed because he said the bone was not developing properly. After the removal, he again gave me no antibiotics because he said everything went fine. My instructions were to wait a year for the bone to fill in and then we’d start again. He also said there was no need to repair the sinus perforation. A few weeks later, I started having problems. First, I was having crackling in my ears and congestion. I called and they said to use Flonase. I did but things seemed to get worse. I went in and they insisted everything looked fine. I disagreed because it felt like I was developing an infection. He reluctantly agreed to give me some antibiotics. Since then, everything started to clear up and I feel better. My question is should I have gotten an antibiotic from the beginning? Am I going to have any better luck the next time I go for the dental implant?

Cathey

Dear Cathey,

You’ve been through a lot. I’m impressed you are willing to give it another go to get your dental implant. Good for you! It definitely is the best tooth replacement option. Before you do, I want to make sure some things are addressed by your dentist. However, let’s start with your question. It was not really needed to give you an antibiotic from the beginning, but when you started having problems, that would have been a good time. Believe it or not, that isn’t the real issue with your case.

Two Big Mistakes with Your Dental Implant Procedure

The first issue I would want an answer about is the depth of the perforation. While some oral surgeons say sinus perforations happen sometimes, all of them would say that a few millimeters is too much. In the dental field, that is a huge amount. Huge! I would want an answer for that.

The second big issue is diagnostics. My suspicion is that he did not do adequate diagnostics in preparation for your procedure. This may also explain why the bone did not integrate properly.

There should have been a number of x-rays done, including a 3-dimensional one such as a CT scan. The CT scan is especially important so that there isn’t a sinus perforation, such as what you experienced. Additionally, those diagnostics let the dentist know if there is enough bone structure to support the dental implant.

Can You Still Get a Dental Implant?

The short answer to the above question is yes…but. It is not as simple as your oral surgeon made out. First of all, the bone is not just going to fill out on its own. You will have to have a bone grafting procedure done. Once that is completed, you will need a time of healing before starting over.

While you can have the dental implant done, I do not recommend you use the same dentist/oral surgeon unless they can tell you what they are going to do to prevent this issue in the future. Another important point is that it should be the dentist who determines the placement of the implant, not the oral surgeon. Make sure you visit the dentist first.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Implant Bridge Through Off My Bite

Posted on July 4, 2022 by writeradmin.

I received two dental implants in order to replace four teeth with a dental bridge. This is on my lower right side. My teeth meet up on that side. However, on the left side they don’t touch at all. It feels uncomfortable when I chew. Is there anything that can be done about this or is it normal?

Casey

Dear Casey,

No, this isn’t normal. They way your teeth come together is called occlussion. Your teeth should all mesh at the same time. When it doesn’t, not only does it cause the pain you are experiencing when you are chewing, but it also can lead to debilitating TMJ Disorder. Your dentist needs to fix this.

While dental implants are not a recognized specialty, they are an advanced procedure that requires additional post-doctoral training. Yet, there are no regulations for getting that training or, if they do, how much.

There are two possibilities for what went wrong here. First, the implants could have been restored incorrectly. However, the most likely scenario is whoever placed them during the surgery did not do the right placement. If two different people are working on the procedure, such as a dentist and an oral surgeon, it is important you see the dentist first and that he or she determines the placement. Additonally, they need good communication throughout the procedure.

You need to have another dentist look at this to tell you what went wrong. Look for someone with the credentials that Dr. Weiss has on his bio to make sure you get someone who knows what they’re doing.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Can I Get Dental Implants Instead of Dentures

Posted on June 15, 2022 by writeradmin.

I have to replace all my teeth and my dentist wants me to get dentures. I asked him if I can get dental implants instead, but he said because I previously had gum disease that is not possible. Is there any way around this? I really feel too young for dentures. I’m only 42 years old.

Paula

Dear Paula,

I am sorry you are having to go through this at your age. Before I answer your question I have one of my own. You said you previously had gum disease. Does that mean you have already undergone treatment and no longer have periodontal disease? If that is the case and you are otherwise in good general health then there really should not be a reason you could not have dental implants. If you currently have gum disease, you will need to deal with that first.

It is possible you will need to have some bone grafting done, depending on how much bone structure you lost during your period of gum disease. That can be done outpatient.

Dental implants are an advanced procedure and it really requires that a dentist has post-doctoral training. Often, when a dentist is telling a patient that they can’t have a procedure it is because they are not comfortable doing that procedure. Don’t pressure your dentist to do it, though. There are way too many dental implant horror stories from patients who had the procedure done by dentists without the necessary additional training.

Look for a dentist who has training at one of the following institutions:

The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
Dawson Academy
The Kois Center

Why Dental Implants Are Important

When your teeth are removed, your body immediately begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in order to use those resources in other places in your body that may need them more. It does this because you no longer have any teeth roots there so there is no need for the bone to support the teeth. While an efficient way to manage your body’s resources, it has the unfortunate side effect of shrinking your jawbone. After around ten years, it will become difficult for you to keep your dentures in. Shortly after that, it will be impossible. This is known in dental circles as facial collapse.

At your young age, this would be devastating. Having dental implants placed causes your body to recognize there are still “roots” there for your teeth. Because of that it will leave your jawbone intact.

When you are talking about removing all of your teeth, it is common practice to get implant-supported dentures, also called implant overdentures. This uses between four to six dental implants and then anchors your dentures to them. That amount of dental implants will both secure your dentures and provide the protection you need from facial collapse.

One other word of caution. Make sure your dentist has the cosmetic skills to provide you with beautiful dentures. Look at their smile gallery to see what type of work they do.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Should I Keep My Last Two Upper Teeth?

Posted on May 2, 2022 by writeradmin.

After more problems with my teeth than I care to elaborate on, I am going to be left with most of my lower teeth and only my two front upper teeth. My main question is, would I be better off with removing those two teeth and getting dentures on my upper arch or keep those two teeth and work around them with partials? Those two teeth are healthy, but I cannot get a dentist to give me a good opinion one way or the other. I keep hearing, “Do whatever you want.” But, what I want is to know the best case scenario. I don’t really find the partial dentures very comfortable. I keep them out and mostly chew with those upper two teeth unless it is something that is too difficult for just those. But, if natural teeth are best I can keep doing it.

Ben

Dear Ben,

Implant Supported Dentures

You’re in quite a spot. In most circumstances, it is better to save your natural teeth. However, this situation is a bit different. Your upper teeth are going to hit those lower teeth when you’re chewing. Additionally, you are using those teeth more than usual and carrying the duty of the other teeth. I would not expect them to stay healthy at that rate. Dentures will be a little easier on those teeth, so that will work out well for you.

I did say in most circumstances it is better to keep your natural teeth, but that is more urgent if you are talking about lower teeth, not upper teeth. When your lower teeth are removed, it is more serious. This is because when your bottom teeth are removed, your body senses that and begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body where you will get more use out of them. The big problem with that is that your jawbone slowly shrinks as a result. If you place dental implants in your lower jaw, it helps to preserve the bone. Without that, you will eventually not have enough jawbone left in on your lower jaw to keep your dentures in.

For upper dentures, that bone is not as essential because they are held in by suction. I would say, in your unique case, you would be better off removing those last two teeth. You’ll be much more comfortable and able to eat a bit better. Of course, getting implant-supported dentures is always better and will increase your quality of life, especially your chewing capacity. But, they are more expensive.

One thing to note. Whether or not you choose the removable dentures or the implant supported dentures, you will want them to be attractive. Make sure you see a dentist who creates beautiful smiles. One easy way to do that is to look on mynewsmile.com, They screen cosmetic dentists for their technical and artistic ability.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michasel Weiss.