Treating Missing Teeth With Modern, 3-D Guided Implant Dentistry

Modern, 3-D Guided Implant Dentistry

Dr. Kashif Ahmed utilizes the latest, cutting-edge technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques to help you easily replace missing teeth, restore function, and rejuvenate your smile. From single-tooth implants to full mouth reconstructive implant cases, Dr. Ahmed takes care of you every step of the way and completes all your implant needs at the comfort of his office. This includes digital planning, bone grafting procedures, implant surgeries, temporary partials/dentures, crown restorations, and implant-supported restorations.

With meticulous digital planning, modernized computer-guided surgery and extensive knowledge in CAD/CAM restorative dentistry, Dr. Ahmed ensures that your journey to replacing missing teeth is accurate, predictable, and comfortable.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a replacement tooth that consists of a biocompatible titanium post which is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as the root and connected to the crown with an abutment. In the past, bridges and dentures have served as traditional methods to replace missing teeth. They still continue to serve as a good alternative option for selective cases but these options can have several drawbacks. 

Challenges with Dental Bridges:

• Involve shaving down adjacent teeth that may be healthy, natural teeth, which can weaken their strength and become sensitive 
• More difficult to clean due to its design, which increases risk of leakage, fracture, and bone loss

Challenges with Dentures:

• Require use of messy, adhesives to stay in place
• Cause uncomfortable sores against the soft tissue due to its bulky design and limited retention
• Only give 10% chewing ability which results in many diet restrictions
• Do not provide enough stimulation in the bone to preserve its density, which can lead to bone loss
• Fit becomes loose as the anatomy of bone, soft tissue, and facial structure decline over time

Benefits of Dental Implants

Thanks to scientific research, biocompatible materials, and advancements in technology, implants are the preferred method of replacing missing teeth because they provide several advantages over bridges and dentures.

• Prevent bone loss. Loss of teeth can cause the jaw bone to shrink and deteriorate. Implants act as natural roots that provide stimulation in the jawbone to maintain its bone density.
• Prevent facial sagging and premature aging. Missing teeth overtime can cause the height between the tip of the nose and chin to decrease and lead to facial collapse, excess wrinkles around the mouth, thinning of lips, and sagging skin. Implants preserve the bone and prevent this from occurring.
• Keep adjacent teeth stable. Missing teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift towards the gaps, which can pull teeth out of position. This can affect your bite, cause TMD problems, or make it difficult to chew comfortably. Implants provide more stability to these areas and also do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.
• Look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Implants undergo a process in which they permanently fuse to your natural jaw bone, also known as osseointegration. They are clinically proven to have a high success rate. With the help of computer-guided implant insertion and CAD/CAM designed implant restorations, they can mimic the look and feel of natural teeth and restore 80-90% chewing ability.
• Last a lifetime with proper care and routine cleaning visits. Implants are made of non-corrosive, neutral, durable, and biocompatible metal that integrates well with bone. With proper maintenance, implants can last a very long time.

How Modern Implant Dentistry Works

Precise, Computer-Guided Surgical Planning

First, Dr.Kashif Ahmed uses an in-house 3D Cone Beam CT scanner to capture a complete 360º view of your jaw, nerves, and bone anatomy. He then uses this information to virtually plan and simulate your entire implant treatment start to finish on the 3D Galileos implant software. This helps measure the amount and density of bone present and determine the exact size, position, and depth of implant to be placed.

Minimally Invasive, Predictable Implant Placement

Once the virtual planning is complete, Dr. Ahmed then uses this information to create a custom surgical stent that guides the implant to be placed with exact precision in the most ideal position, depth and angulation. Unlike the traditional method of free-hand surgery, computer-guided implant insertion involves shorter procedure time, minimally invasive flapless technique, and significantly reduced postoperative complications.

Digitally Designed, Custom-Made Restorations

When the implant is fully integrated, Dr. Kashif Ahmed then uses 3D scanning and CAD-CAM technology to design, fabricate, and deliver your implant crown start to finish. Our office is fully equipped with an on-site laboratory that includes multiple milling machines and 3D printers. We can custom make all types of implant supported crowns, bridges, partials, and dentures to replace an individual tooth, multiple teeth, or entire arch.

Who are Candidates for Dental Implants?

Developments in modern bone grafting procedures, implant design, and implant placement technique have made it possible for many patients to be candidates for implants. Patients with certain systemic health conditions or habits can also replace missing teeth with implants, although the success rate may be slightly reduced.

 Modern implants also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and surface chemistry that can be customized depending on the quantity and quality of your existing bone.

Whether you lost teeth due to cavities, dental infection, or periodontal disease, Dr. Ahmed can utilize the 3D Cone Beam CT scanner to accurately measure the width, height, and density of your bone. If you do not have enough bone for an implant, Dr. Ahmed can use the following modern bone-grafting procedures:

• Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a process in which sterile, biocompatible bone grafting granules are added to the implant site and ensures your body builds enough bone for proper implant placement and integration. This procedure can sometimes be done on the same day of implant placement.
• Sinus Augmentation (Sinus Lift) is a similar bone grafting process that is performed when the implant site is in the upper back jaw and has insufficient bone quantity and close proximity to the sinus cavity. It involves making a small incision on the bone, raising the sinus membrane, and filling the space with bone graft materials. Dr. Ahmed can utilize a minimally-invasive technique for sinus augmentation via vertical approach to minimize post-op discomfort and swelling.

Modern Solutions for Multiple Missing Teeth

If you need to replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch, implant-supported prostheses can provide more support and chewing platform than traditional dentures. With just 4-6 implants on each arch, Dr.Kashif Ahmed can digitally design, fabricate, and characterize a beautiful-looking, stable denture that snaps comfortably onto the implants.

We combine technology, science, and artistry to help restore not just your ability to chew and speak comfortably but also your confidence and a better quality of life for years to come. We provide the following prosthetic options:

Implant-Supported Removable Denture with 2-4 Locators – this is a removable denture appliance with 2-4 locator attachments or “buttons” that connect to the implants

• Improves retention and chewing ability compared to a traditional complete denture
• Easy to clean and maintain at home 
• Involves locator attachments to be replaced over time
• Recommended to be left out during sleep to prevent breaking and chipping

Implant-Supported Fixed Bridge with Screw Retention – this is a fixed bridge with screws that stays in the mouth and connect to the implants

• Commonly preferred for its thin, light, and fixed design
• Easily retrievable for repair or replacement

Implant-Supported Fixed Bridge with Individually Cemented Crowns – this is another fixed bridge made of individually cemented crowns with screws that connect to the implants

• Thin, light, and fixed design
• Easily retrievable for repair or replacement, especially if chipping of porcelain occurs (individual crowns can be repaired/replaced instead of replacing entire bridge)

Implant-Supported Removable Bridge with MK-1 Bar – this is a fixed denture appliance that “locks” onto a milled bar attachment connected to the implants

• Most stable of implant retained dentures due to its unique hybrid design
• Functions like a fixed implant supported bridge but is also easily removable and retrievable for both the patient and dentist if needed (i.e. for sleep, repair, replacement, etc.)
• Easy and convenient to clean and maintain at home