Believe it or not, the history of dental implants begins more than 1300 years ago with the ancient Mayans. Back in 600 AD, a young woman was missing some of her lower teeth. The same as any modern woman, she wanted her smile beautified. She received what is perhaps one of the world’s first dental implants. It was made from pieces of shell shaped to resemble teeth.
A 1930s archaeological dig led Dr. Wilson Popenoe in Honduras turned up the ancient dental implant. Similar discoveries were made when excavating ancient Egyptian artifacts. The Egyptian implants were made from shells and ivory. It was decades after these archaeological discoveries before the modern world caught up with the Mayans’ dental technology.
Twenty years after archaeologists discovered the mandible, a Swedish professor named Per-Ingvar Brånemark made the first big stride towards today’s dental implant procedures (known as oral implantology). In 1951, this orthopedic surgeon happened upon the concept quite by accident, but a fortuitous accident it was.
Professor Brånemark and his research team were studying microscopic aspects of the bones’ healing process in lab at the University of Lund. During one of their experiments, a titanium metal cylinder was screwed into the thighbone of an animal test subject.
As it would turn out, perhaps their most important discovery was not made until after the initial experiment was wrapped up. Upon further examination of the bone and metal cylinder, Professor Brånemark observed something surprising: the metal cylinder had fused with the bone.
It didn’t take long to realize the enormous potential of this technique. Dr. Brånemark began focusing on how he could use osseointegration, which is what he named the phenomenon, to help humans. During his studies, he found that titanium screws could serve as bone anchors for teeth.
Titanium, researchers came to realize, was the only consistently successful material for dental implants. Before Dr. Brånemark’s work, other doctors had been toying with the idea of dental implants for years. A host of other metals, including silver and gold, had failed. Even human teeth (from donors) were tried.
The science developed through the 70's and 80's. Various shapes and designs were tried.
Commercial oral implantology grew during the 1980s. Osseointegration was being used to permanently affix bridges and individual teeth into patients’ mouths. The implants proved to be successful in over 90% of the cases. The modern dental implant had arrived!
Over the next two decades, technology has only continued to improve the process. Today's dental implant is a safe, predictable replacement for missing teeth. Implants are now considered the standard of care in dentistry.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A Bridge to Nowhere
Replace Those Bridges to Nowhere
Dental Implants Preferred Option for Aging Bridges
CHICAGO, May 28, 2008 – Aging dental bridges are a maintenance headache and a recipe for oral-health disaster. They are difficult to floss, often decay, and require replacement with longer bridges. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), these bridges to nowhere should be replaced with permanent dental implants.
“Many of us have had the same bridges in our mouths for twenty years or more. They were put in at a time when bridgework was considered to be the norm for replacing missing or compromised teeth,” said Olivia Palmer, DMD of Charleston, SC, an associate fellow of AAID and diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology.
“An old bridge is basically worthless for preserving good dental health. In essence, it’s a bridge to nowhere,” Palmer said. “So why keep a bridge to nowhere? For most patients, implants are a much better treatment alternative because they preserve the bone of the jaw, can be flossed easily, do not decay, and function just like natural teeth. Also, to get implants you don’t have to sacrifice healthy teeth, which is required with bridgework,” she added.
According to AAID President Jaime Lozada, DDS, director, graduate program, implant dentistry, Loma Linda University, in the last decade prosthodontic treatment planning has changed dramatically because of the acceptance of dental implants as a viable long-term option for replacing missing teeth. “Why consider higher-risk procedures when dental implants are more predictable and a better alternative,” he said.
Palmer explained that bridges generally fail after 5-10 years as patients have trouble flossing them. “Because these bridges link missing tooth spaces to adjacent teeth, many patients find it very difficult to floss the bridge. Therefore, root surfaces below and around bridgework often decay, if not kept meticulously clean by flossing. It is impossible to repair this marginal decay, so the entire bridge must be replaced,” she explained.
Palmer added that, as a result, teeth supporting the old bridge often are lost, requiring insertion of longer bridges that further compromise dentition.
Today highly precise computer guided dental implant surgery has made the procedure faster, highly predicable, long-lasting and 97 percent successful, which is far superior to outcomes with bridges. Palmer, therefore, advises anyone with one or more missing teeth who might consider having a first bridge inserted or replacing an old one to weigh the benefits of implants before getting treatment.
“Many Baby Boomers are coping with dental problems associated with advancing age, and for most that means replacing aging bridgework,” said Palmer. “With an estimated two of three Americans having at least one missing tooth, implants are becoming the preferred tooth-replacement option. Implant surgery is one of the safest, most precise and predictable procedures in dentistry,” she said
Dental Implants Preferred Option for Aging Bridges
CHICAGO, May 28, 2008 – Aging dental bridges are a maintenance headache and a recipe for oral-health disaster. They are difficult to floss, often decay, and require replacement with longer bridges. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), these bridges to nowhere should be replaced with permanent dental implants.
“Many of us have had the same bridges in our mouths for twenty years or more. They were put in at a time when bridgework was considered to be the norm for replacing missing or compromised teeth,” said Olivia Palmer, DMD of Charleston, SC, an associate fellow of AAID and diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology.
“An old bridge is basically worthless for preserving good dental health. In essence, it’s a bridge to nowhere,” Palmer said. “So why keep a bridge to nowhere? For most patients, implants are a much better treatment alternative because they preserve the bone of the jaw, can be flossed easily, do not decay, and function just like natural teeth. Also, to get implants you don’t have to sacrifice healthy teeth, which is required with bridgework,” she added.
According to AAID President Jaime Lozada, DDS, director, graduate program, implant dentistry, Loma Linda University, in the last decade prosthodontic treatment planning has changed dramatically because of the acceptance of dental implants as a viable long-term option for replacing missing teeth. “Why consider higher-risk procedures when dental implants are more predictable and a better alternative,” he said.
Palmer explained that bridges generally fail after 5-10 years as patients have trouble flossing them. “Because these bridges link missing tooth spaces to adjacent teeth, many patients find it very difficult to floss the bridge. Therefore, root surfaces below and around bridgework often decay, if not kept meticulously clean by flossing. It is impossible to repair this marginal decay, so the entire bridge must be replaced,” she explained.
Palmer added that, as a result, teeth supporting the old bridge often are lost, requiring insertion of longer bridges that further compromise dentition.
Today highly precise computer guided dental implant surgery has made the procedure faster, highly predicable, long-lasting and 97 percent successful, which is far superior to outcomes with bridges. Palmer, therefore, advises anyone with one or more missing teeth who might consider having a first bridge inserted or replacing an old one to weigh the benefits of implants before getting treatment.
“Many Baby Boomers are coping with dental problems associated with advancing age, and for most that means replacing aging bridgework,” said Palmer. “With an estimated two of three Americans having at least one missing tooth, implants are becoming the preferred tooth-replacement option. Implant surgery is one of the safest, most precise and predictable procedures in dentistry,” she said
Friday, November 20, 2009
From Dental Crowns to ImplantsA Dental Shift: Implants Instead of Bridges
Implants do not decay, and adjacent healthy teeth do not require crowns to support them. And because it is easy to clean and floss between implants, the gum tissue and underlying bone are more likely to remain healthy.
With a bridge, if one of the supporting crowned teeth breaks or develops decay or nerve damage, the bridge and its three or more crowns must be removed and replaced.
Implants can replace individual lost teeth or many teeth in a row. For those who have lost most of their teeth, implants can be used to anchor a full or partial denture. About half a million implants are placed each year in this country.
With a bridge, if one of the supporting crowned teeth breaks or develops decay or nerve damage, the bridge and its three or more crowns must be removed and replaced.
Implants can replace individual lost teeth or many teeth in a row. For those who have lost most of their teeth, implants can be used to anchor a full or partial denture. About half a million implants are placed each year in this country.
Monday, November 9, 2009
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The major question that people ask when it comes to dental implants is, “What is the long-term success rate?” or “How long will they last?”.
The simple answer to the long-term success rate of dental implants is that dental implants can fail but very infrequently. Failure rates vary depending on the site in the mouth, whether they are placed into natural or grafted bone, and whether the patient smokes or has other underlying health problems. The overall success rate in natural bone is over 95%, although this falls slightly in grafted bone. If a patient smokes it has been shown that he or she is statistically two and a half times more likely to have an implant fail than a non-smoker.
As to the longevity of dental implants, at the present time we cannot answer this question numerically. Many patients who had implants placed over 40 years ago still have original implants in function today.
The best steps to take to avoid encountering ailing or failing dental implants are to maintain meticulous oral hygiene, and to evaluate the dental implant both clinically and radiographically at frequent recall visits with your dentist.
The simple answer to the long-term success rate of dental implants is that dental implants can fail but very infrequently. Failure rates vary depending on the site in the mouth, whether they are placed into natural or grafted bone, and whether the patient smokes or has other underlying health problems. The overall success rate in natural bone is over 95%, although this falls slightly in grafted bone. If a patient smokes it has been shown that he or she is statistically two and a half times more likely to have an implant fail than a non-smoker.
As to the longevity of dental implants, at the present time we cannot answer this question numerically. Many patients who had implants placed over 40 years ago still have original implants in function today.
The best steps to take to avoid encountering ailing or failing dental implants are to maintain meticulous oral hygiene, and to evaluate the dental implant both clinically and radiographically at frequent recall visits with your dentist.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Whiter Teeth in about One Hour
If you can't wait for that bright white smile, ask us about "ZOOM" bleaching. We use a special light to achieve astounding results in about one hour! ZOOM bleaching is one of the best smile investments you can make. www.zoomnow.com.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Why Dental Implants?
Stop the bone loss that can lead to premature aging.
Losing one or more of your teeth starts a chain of events that can have dire physical and cosmetic consequences. The most obvious result is a gap in your smile. Less obvious is the loss of chewing function and the inability to eat a complete diet that can result from tooth loss. While these are certainly serious issues, a potentially bigger problem lies hidden beneath the surface: bone loss.
Your jawbone needs the chewing action of the teeth to stimulate it and keep it strong. Otherwise it will begin to disappear (atrophy) in the same manner that the unused muscles beneath a cast supporting a broken bone get smaller. Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face will begin to look prematurely aged. The good news is that tooth replacement with dental implants offers a solution to help prevent bone loss.
Tooth replacement options
Traditional treatment options for tooth replacement, Crown & Bridge and full or partial dentures, address the short-term cosmetic problem of missing teeth, but do nothing to stop bone loss. Crown & Bridge also requires that two or more healthy teeth be ground down to serve as abutments (posts) for a bridge, leaving them at a much greater risk for cavities and endodontic failure. If the original abutment teeth fail, more healthy teeth must be sacrificed to serve as posts, while you continue to lose bone beneath the bridge.
With implants, however, the healthy teeth are left alone. Dental implants, like natural teeth, also transmit chewing forces to the jawbone, which reduces bone loss. This is why many leading dental organizations now recognize dental implants as the standard of care for tooth replacement.
Losing one or more of your teeth starts a chain of events that can have dire physical and cosmetic consequences. The most obvious result is a gap in your smile. Less obvious is the loss of chewing function and the inability to eat a complete diet that can result from tooth loss. While these are certainly serious issues, a potentially bigger problem lies hidden beneath the surface: bone loss.
Your jawbone needs the chewing action of the teeth to stimulate it and keep it strong. Otherwise it will begin to disappear (atrophy) in the same manner that the unused muscles beneath a cast supporting a broken bone get smaller. Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face will begin to look prematurely aged. The good news is that tooth replacement with dental implants offers a solution to help prevent bone loss.
Tooth replacement options
Traditional treatment options for tooth replacement, Crown & Bridge and full or partial dentures, address the short-term cosmetic problem of missing teeth, but do nothing to stop bone loss. Crown & Bridge also requires that two or more healthy teeth be ground down to serve as abutments (posts) for a bridge, leaving them at a much greater risk for cavities and endodontic failure. If the original abutment teeth fail, more healthy teeth must be sacrificed to serve as posts, while you continue to lose bone beneath the bridge.
With implants, however, the healthy teeth are left alone. Dental implants, like natural teeth, also transmit chewing forces to the jawbone, which reduces bone loss. This is why many leading dental organizations now recognize dental implants as the standard of care for tooth replacement.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Our Official Invisalign Site
We will be adding to this as information becomes available.
DiBona Dental Group Invisalign Site
DiBona Dental Group Invisalign Site
Monday, September 14, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Invisalign Day
We are hosting a special Invisalign day with discounts, prizes and more on October 24. visit our Facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Exeter-NH/DiBona-Dental-Group/102677678218?ref=ts
to find out the details.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Exeter-NH/DiBona-Dental-Group/102677678218?ref=ts
to find out the details.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Drinks that may erode the tooth surface:
Snapple Lemonade
Gatorade
KMX energy drink
Propel Fitness H20 Lemon flavor
Red Bull
Fanta Orange
Power Aid
Monday, August 17, 2009
How do you become a dentist?
What does it take? If you are interested in a career in dentistry, you need four years of college, with a number of science courses (like organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, etc.), then four years of dental school. The first two years are virtually identical to medical school, since the mouth is connected to the rest of the body. The second two years are a mix of dental courses and clinical dentistry. Many states require a one year full time residency program after that. Then you have to take a licensing exam for the state or area in which you practice.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Is Dentistry Expensive?
Everything is relative. To what? Making anything last in the human mouth is a very unique problem. Every day the temperature of the oral cavity varies greatly (Think hot coffee. Think ice cream).
Then there is the mechanical stress. Even Consumer Reports doesn't come close, in any of their testing, to what the mouth can produce: grinding, clenching. chewing. PLUS the things you shouldn't do with your teeth: opening hair pins, playing sports without a custom mouth guard, biting nails, eating ice.
AND ALL OF THIS UNDER WATER!!!
Patients often ask, "How long will this last?" The miracle is that it LASTS AT ALL.
Even though we make it look easy, good dentistry is a precise science and a fine art. A simple filling involves molecular and physical bonds done to live and sensitive tissue. Fillings have to be shaped within very strict biologic parameters, and patients want them to look good, too.
A crown incorporates all of this and also a knowledge of melting and fusing points of metals and porcelain, plus the expansion and contraction percentages of different impression materials and plasters.
A dental implant restoration is incredibly complex, because, unlike a knee or a hip replacement, a dental implant is part way into a sterile environment (bone) and part way into one of the dirtiest areas of the body: the mouth!
So, dentistry is a pretty good deal relatively speaking.
Then there is the mechanical stress. Even Consumer Reports doesn't come close, in any of their testing, to what the mouth can produce: grinding, clenching. chewing. PLUS the things you shouldn't do with your teeth: opening hair pins, playing sports without a custom mouth guard, biting nails, eating ice.
AND ALL OF THIS UNDER WATER!!!
Patients often ask, "How long will this last?" The miracle is that it LASTS AT ALL.
Even though we make it look easy, good dentistry is a precise science and a fine art. A simple filling involves molecular and physical bonds done to live and sensitive tissue. Fillings have to be shaped within very strict biologic parameters, and patients want them to look good, too.
A crown incorporates all of this and also a knowledge of melting and fusing points of metals and porcelain, plus the expansion and contraction percentages of different impression materials and plasters.
A dental implant restoration is incredibly complex, because, unlike a knee or a hip replacement, a dental implant is part way into a sterile environment (bone) and part way into one of the dirtiest areas of the body: the mouth!
So, dentistry is a pretty good deal relatively speaking.
Monday, July 27, 2009
On Mouthwash
A mouthwash with alcohol dries out your mouth -- you'll smell nice and minty for a half hour, but then the bad breath comes back worse than ever.
Ask us what actually does work!
Ask us what actually does work!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
An Interesting Analogy
Dentists often tell patients with advanced gum disease to floss more often. But flossing alone is useless at that point. Imagine trying to clean out the bottom of a shirt pocket with a piece of string tied to your fingers
Thursday, July 16, 2009
From a Readers' Digest article
A dentist in Virginia noted:
Some truly educated people think that if nothing in their mouth hurts, they're fine. High cholesterol doesn't hurt, either, but it's a big problem. I honestly think that the general population doesn't understand that their mouth is part of their body.
Some truly educated people think that if nothing in their mouth hurts, they're fine. High cholesterol doesn't hurt, either, but it's a big problem. I honestly think that the general population doesn't understand that their mouth is part of their body.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Q. Why should I undergo implant surgery, instead of simply wearing a denture or a bridge?
A. A natural tooth does more than enable a person to cut and grind food and look good. Teeth also are the reason the bones of the jaws exist. When natural teeth are lost, those bones lose their reason for being, and they begin to shrink. In dentistry, this is known as resorption.
For many patients, resorption is minimal, and sufficient bone remains to provide a good foundation for a full or partial denture. For other patients, however, bone loss becomes severe. When this occurs, a number of unpleasant side effects may occur:
• Loose-fitting dentures make it difficult to bite or chew properly. As a result, the range of food a person can comfortably eat becomes limited. In some cases, this limitation is sufficient to impact nutrition.
• Loose-fitting dentures often rub the underlying gums, causing persistent soreness.
• Speech may be impaired.
• Appearance is negatively impacted.
• A gag reflex could be induced.
• Self-image is affected.
For many patients, resorption is minimal, and sufficient bone remains to provide a good foundation for a full or partial denture. For other patients, however, bone loss becomes severe. When this occurs, a number of unpleasant side effects may occur:
• Loose-fitting dentures make it difficult to bite or chew properly. As a result, the range of food a person can comfortably eat becomes limited. In some cases, this limitation is sufficient to impact nutrition.
• Loose-fitting dentures often rub the underlying gums, causing persistent soreness.
• Speech may be impaired.
• Appearance is negatively impacted.
• A gag reflex could be induced.
• Self-image is affected.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Q. Does my age affect my ability to be treated with dental implants?
A. Age is rarely a consideration in dental implant treatment.
In very young patients, implants are most often utilized to replace teeth lost due to trauma. In older patients, they are used to address teeth lost to disease.
In the past, bone resorption sometimes made it difficult to treat patients if tooth loss had occurred long before implant treatment was sought. Today, new technologies have made it possible to rebuild the bone so that patients that have been without teeth for decades may still be treatable.
In very young patients, implants are most often utilized to replace teeth lost due to trauma. In older patients, they are used to address teeth lost to disease.
In the past, bone resorption sometimes made it difficult to treat patients if tooth loss had occurred long before implant treatment was sought. Today, new technologies have made it possible to rebuild the bone so that patients that have been without teeth for decades may still be treatable.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Q. Is the treatment only for people who have lost all their natural teeth, or can it be used to replace only one or two teeth?
A. Implants may be used to replace any number of natural teeth. Among young adults in particular, an implant is often used to replace a single tooth lost to an athletic, bicycling, or other accident, or to provide artificial teeth where natural teeth never developed. In older patients, implants are often used to replace an entire mouthful of teeth.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Q. How long after the loss of teeth can I be treated with dental implants?
A. Until fairly recently, it was sometimes difficult to treat patients who had lost their teeth many years before because so much bone had been resorbed by the time they sought treatment. Today, however, many materials have become available to to build up or graft the natural ridge, creating sufficient bone for implant treatment. As a result, timing is no longer as critical as it once was. Implants can be placed into sockets where teeth have been extracted or lost in an accident, and we put implants into jaw bones that lost their natural teeth roots decades earlier. If a tooth, or teeth, have been missing for years, quite often a considerable amount of bone has been lost from disease. If the teeth happen to be in the front where aesthetics are extremely important, the ridge is built up with a graft first to restore it to its original shape and size. The implants are placed only after the ridge has healed. This procedure is done to give the most natural look possible.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Free Tooth Whitening for Life!
Want to make sure that your smile never gets dull?
We offer a special program to all of our patients. If you have gone through our Zoom one hour whitening program and faithfully come for your regular recare appointments, we will provide the whitening material you need FREE for life!
For the summer months we have an additional special program which reduced the fee for that initial Zoom session by $300.
Remember, your smile is the first thing people notice. Make it sparkle.
http://drmarkdibona.com/ourservices.html#zoom
We offer a special program to all of our patients. If you have gone through our Zoom one hour whitening program and faithfully come for your regular recare appointments, we will provide the whitening material you need FREE for life!
For the summer months we have an additional special program which reduced the fee for that initial Zoom session by $300.
Remember, your smile is the first thing people notice. Make it sparkle.
http://drmarkdibona.com/ourservices.html#zoom
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Are you looking for a brighter straighter smile? We are certified Invisalign providers. We provide a free Invisalign consultation to see if "wireless" braces are right for you. If you decide to go ahead, we will whiten your smile using the Invisalign trays for FREE.
Go to our website at:
http://www.drmarkdibona.com/ourservices.html
or call us at 603-7724352
Go to our website at:
http://www.drmarkdibona.com/ourservices.html
or call us at 603-7724352
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
After 35 years of placing and restoring dental implants, I thought this blog would be a good place to be able to provide some in depth information to anyone who is interested.
First, let me explain what a dental implant is. A dental implant is an artificial replacement for the root of a tooth. It is usually made of an alloy of the metal titanium, which is very bio-compatable. Over the years other materials (chrome cobalt steel, pure titanium, zirconium, and even artificially crystalized saphire) have been used. There are several shapes. the most common is a cylinder or root for implant. There are also plate form (flat implants), and implants which are custom cast to fit a CAT scan generated image of a jaw.
Second, who can benefit from a dental implant? Almost anyone who is missing one or more teeth and is in average health can benefit from dental implants.
Third, who does implant surgery? Any licensed dentist can legally place dental implants. Certain organizations, like the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, provide credentialing with very stringent guidelines and testing. The levels, Associate Fellow, Fellow, and Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, all represent in ascending order the qualifications met.
Fourth, what does a dental implant do? A single implant can replace the root of a single tooth. a post and a crown (very much like the post and crown placed on a normal tooth) are added to the implant after the patients bone has grown into it. Two to six implants can be used to anchor a loose denture. Six to eight or more implants can provide non- removable teeth for the top or bottom jaw.
Five, does it hurt? using local anesthetic and sometimes twilight sedation make the procedure comfortable. Afterward, we prescribe medication to control any discomfort.
Six, how much does it cost? This is a tough one to answer. There are so many variables! We do offer a free consultation including X-rays to be better able to provide an accurate answer. Call us at 603-772-4352 if you are interested.
First, let me explain what a dental implant is. A dental implant is an artificial replacement for the root of a tooth. It is usually made of an alloy of the metal titanium, which is very bio-compatable. Over the years other materials (chrome cobalt steel, pure titanium, zirconium, and even artificially crystalized saphire) have been used. There are several shapes. the most common is a cylinder or root for implant. There are also plate form (flat implants), and implants which are custom cast to fit a CAT scan generated image of a jaw.
Second, who can benefit from a dental implant? Almost anyone who is missing one or more teeth and is in average health can benefit from dental implants.
Third, who does implant surgery? Any licensed dentist can legally place dental implants. Certain organizations, like the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, provide credentialing with very stringent guidelines and testing. The levels, Associate Fellow, Fellow, and Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, all represent in ascending order the qualifications met.
Fourth, what does a dental implant do? A single implant can replace the root of a single tooth. a post and a crown (very much like the post and crown placed on a normal tooth) are added to the implant after the patients bone has grown into it. Two to six implants can be used to anchor a loose denture. Six to eight or more implants can provide non- removable teeth for the top or bottom jaw.
Five, does it hurt? using local anesthetic and sometimes twilight sedation make the procedure comfortable. Afterward, we prescribe medication to control any discomfort.
Six, how much does it cost? This is a tough one to answer. There are so many variables! We do offer a free consultation including X-rays to be better able to provide an accurate answer. Call us at 603-772-4352 if you are interested.
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