Tag Archive for: dental implants

Metal Dental Implants vs Ceramic Dental Implants

Metal versus Ceramic Dental Implants

Titanium Implants
Titanium metal was determined the choice material for implant designs when implants came on the market in the 1980s. When titanium implants were installed correctly, they were thought to withstand the workload of the human jaw most similarly to natural teeth. This metal had a lower risk of complications compared to other metals, and it boasted the best bone integration success rate. Titanium is the “default” material that you will find in practices that perform implant surgeries. It is less expensive, and for the majority of the population, it adequately meets patients’ needs.

Low Risk versus No Risk

There are some downsides, naturally. “Low-risk” does not mean “no-risk.” Implant complications usually involve infection at the site or weakness due to failed integration (merging with bone like a tooth’s root). Implants are a little higher-maintenance at the crown; careful cleaning must become a habit so bacteria do not grow in the microscopic crevices between implant segments.

Allergies to Metal
Also, a small percentage of the population is severely allergic to titanium. The allergy can be tested for ahead of time. Holistic-minded patients and those seeking to detox and heal their physical health should be aware that titanium, like any metal, will find its way into the bloodstream. As long as titanium implants are installed in a patient’s jaw, presence of metal in the blood and underlying health disruptions can be permanent.
Metal-free zirconia ceramic implants are newer to the U.S. market, but have been the choice implants of Europe and Canada for a while. American biological dentists have long been awaiting an alternative to titanium. Patients also seeking this alternative are heaving sighs of relief, particularly those few who are physiologically sensitive to metal.

Zirconia Implants

A Zirconia implant is slightly more expensive than titanium, but the cost covers tangible benefits that titanium cannot promise. Zirconia is just as strong as — if not stronger than — titanium or titanium alloy. It is similar to human bone in structure, thus providing the strength needed to withstand the jaw’s pressure of daily movement when chewing or biting. Because it contains no metal, the body does not reject it as a foreign object or a toxin. This creates a stronger bond and integration into the facial and jaw bones, which means the implant will last a very long time — a lifetime, if installation is done well.

Better Health

The absence of metal also promotes better health in the surrounding tissues. Zirconia is electrochemically inert and attracts less plaque than titanium. Fewer, if any, bacterial infections occur if the implant and crown are carefully maintained with daily hygiene.

Better Aesthetics

Also, sometimes titanium implants will show off slight grayish discoloration around the gum line. Zirconia implants are all white, just like a natural tooth, and will not cause aesthetic disturbances. Dr. Boyajian has over 20 years experience with placing and restoring dental implants cosmetically and holistically. And patient satisfaction tends to be higher with ceramic as well.

The Holistic Approach

As a holistically-minded dentist, I prefer using zirconia over titanium any day… if you couldn’t tell. But I offer both, and many patients are content to settle for titanium if they have tested negative for allergies. Not to mention, implants by themselves are not an end-all solution. Restoring a dying tooth successfully and preventing the need for an implant in the first place is certainly a better route to take. With the aid of ozone gas and a dental laser, restoring a tooth to health is more viable than many people (some other dentists included) think! On the other hand, sometimes implants are the best way to go. I will answer questions and provide all the information patients need so they can make the best decision for themselves. For more information on dental implants, including metal free zirconia ceramic implants call us today to schedule an appointment at (310) 670-6944.

Dr. A. J. Boyajian,  Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

Dental Implant Surgeries

Improvements in the Realm of Dental Implants

Modern implants have come a long way in the last 50 years. I have been performing implant surgeries for over 20 years, but only in these last few years, after attending an AAID convention in Las Vegas and completing the ADII MaxiCourse(R) in Puerto Rico, learning the most advanced techniques with state-of-the-art materials and equipment has added a powerful new element to my practice.  Current technology allows for the best implant results we have ever had in history. In the coming posts, I’ll give you some insiders on the things we can do now.

Dr. Boyajian, Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

(310)670-6944

Continuing Dental Implant Education

Hi, folks! It’s been a busy couple of months of traveling and learning around here. I am two months into a ten-month course on what is probably the best dental implant education you could find — designed for dentists, of course, unless you’re really curious and care to commit the next year of your life learning about implant surgery. The classes are held in Puerto Rico, where the head surgeon lives, which means each month, for one week, I fly to Puerto Rico, learn about and work on implant surgeries, and come home for three weeks to repeat the routine. Like I said, we’re two months into this, and I’m already feeling the wear-and-tear of such frequent flying. This course is fabulous, and I’ll tell you why soon. But I think by the end of it I will be done signing up for classes out of state. That is, unless a particular course is especially intriguing. Sometimes I can’t resist.

I have a lot of great things to share about what we’ve done so far, so the next few posts will have some fun information and pictures. Stay tuned!

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

P.S. I’ve been a little awed by how many internet users are looking for answers for solving pericoronitis issues. Soon I will try to help you out. For now, read this.

Replacing an Injured Tooth

Sometimes, sadly, teeth that have suffered major trauma cannot be restored or the patient has let the injury go untreated for too long. In these cases, a full tooth extraction may be in order. A dental implant can replace the missing tooth later once the area is able to be prepared for an implant.

If you are ever presented with a situation where a tooth is knocked out, call the dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. The tooth must be handled professionally within the hour for the best chances of saving it. Some new advances in scientific technology have lengthened the time an ejected tooth can still be salvageable; however, most people are not equipped with the supplies when the accident happens. It is best to call a professional immediately and follow his instructions.

If the natural tooth was not able to be restored, the dentist will provide the opportunity to prepare for a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. Steps will be taken to properly let the injured area heal and set a foundation for a strong replacement. Every case is different, but with the aid of ozone, lasers, and strong ceramic zirconium restorations, we can assure you that around here the best work would be done to restore a strong, healthy smile.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

When You May Need a Dental Implant

So when exactly is an implant needed? There are several reasons which include the following:

Tooth injury — maybe because of an accident, the natural tooth/teeth were knocked out and cannot be replaced normally.

Disease — perhaps because of infection, poor treatment, or other reasons, a sick or dead tooth with no hope of recovery must be extracted and replaced with an implant.

Improper development — if a tooth has come in with complications such as crookedness, which may cause pain, infection, or wear and tear on other teeth, then it may be necessary to replace it with an artificial tooth constructed to optimally function with the rest.

Ugly teeth — well, if you have enough money and are willing to undergo surgery for vanity’s sake, then this would be for you.

Of course, every single case is different. It’s possible someone needing an implant wouldn’t fall under one of these categories. Not only that, but sometimes the extra step of providing enough bone for an implant is necessary, meaning you may need an implant, but there’s not enough bone in your facial/jaw bones to hold one in. But I’ll go over that later. You’ll be amazed at the science and technology involved in the process.

Stay tuned!

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

Dental Implants Seminar

Last week was the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s (AAID) Annual Meeting. This convention is important to the dental implant world’s continuing education. It was especially helpful for me, as I plan on incorporating more implant work into my practice. All sorts of lectures, classes, demonstrations, and exhibits were held there, and I’m pretty excited about all the goodies coming into my office this week.

I’ll talk a little bit about implants and give you some information on the installation process, how they work, and how they may help you if you’ve been found to need them. Stay tuned!

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

Why Dental Zirconium Implants

So, why are these metal-free implants such a big deal? Why not just stick with what’s been handed out to us for years and years? It worked for everyone we know, right? Why not just go with the convenience of your community/family general dentist down the street who can take care of you in with a whip and a snap (not literally — the whip, I mean) and send you out with an entertaining bag of goodies? Why not see this dentist who may be your “regular” merely because of his/her friendly staff or toothpaste that doesn’t taste bad?

Well, there’s one reason, and it seems kind of obvious: you only have one set of teeth in one mouth in one head sitting on one neck, and you are entrusting it to this person in a white suit. The human body is a very delicate mechanism, and delicate care must be taken in turn. Most dentists aren’t giving that “delicate” care that works with the body’s chemistry, even though we may have quite the display of perfectly straight, white teeth. Very often what we don’t know CAN, in fact hurt us. It just may not be right away.

Where am I going with this? Well, most dentists use materials and chemicals that are not biocompatible (i.e. working with the body’s natural chemistry) or can be harmful if overused. Even when something claims to be “safe in small amounts,” those small amounts used multiple times throughout your life build up, and the resulting degeneration of your health is the same. This slower degeneration is difficult to reverse, and takes an extremely long time to recover from — a problem that those in their later years of age may never get to solve. Metals, chemicals, cleaners, sterilizers, plastic, drugs, commercially-produced oral care products, etc., can all wreak havoc on your oral health and, therefore, your overall health.

Holistic dentistry, in essence, is always seeking out ways to achieve the highest equilibrium of health, beauty, and functionality of your mouth through the most natural, biocompatible, health-promoting ways possible. Being a holistic dentist myself, keeping up on the latest science and technology and filtering out false or inaccurate information concerning oral health is crucial for bringing genuinely effective and health-sustaining care to my patients.

More and more of the population is suffering from poor tooth health nowadays. Gum disease, injury to the mouth, poor diet, oral infections, and countless other causes are affecting millions around the world, providing a steadily growing need for strong implants. Dental implants are for replacing teeth that have fallen out or been removed due to trauma or disease. Zirconium, as mentioned in this post here, is a ceramic material with similar chemical and structural build as a human tooth, making it a superb substitute. Zirconium has been shown to integrate into surrounding facial bones very well, unlike previously tested ceramics and other materials, especially metals. Zirconium implants also share a similar appearance to human teeth, providing a naturally beautiful smile. Generic dental implants are made with metal, and, like amalgam fillings, sometimes it shows through and doesn’t match your other teeth.

So here you have it — zirconium dental implants are strong, biocompatible, and pretty-looking. It seems we have reached that equilibrium, eh?

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

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Utilizing Ozone in Dental Implant Surgery

See how many great uses ozone has in the office? And, behold! Another one! Ozone is great for every dental surgery, including dental implant surgery.

Implants are used to replace teeth that have been lost or extracted, possibly due to disease or injury. A new “root” is drilled directly through the gums into the upper or lower jaw bone (depending on where the implant is needed) and is secured there. This new “root” will serve as the anchor for an artificial replacement tooth.

As usual, it is important to keep the area sterilized while surgery is being performed. Dental implant surgery goes deeper, literally, than each individual tooth. After surgery, there is a healing period where the surrounding bone and gums must be monitored to ensure that the new teeth are properly integrated into healthy oral function (this includes avoiding gum recession, for example, or infections in the mandible). Ozone is wonderful because it sterilizes more effectively and safely than traditional chemical sterilizers; not only this, but it also stimulates healthy gum healing and helps infuse the bone structure with strengthening minerals.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

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Dental Implant Infromation

(Taken from my website):

“A dental implant is a small man-made titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to bond with the bone and serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants preserve the integrity of the facial structure and reduce the inconvenience associated with tooth loss.”

Implants are great if you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth. I am a member and graduate of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Check out the website aaid.com for abundantly more information about dental implants.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com