full-mouth-dental-implants

How to choose the Right Houston Specialist for your All-On-4 Dental Implant Procedure

Prosthodontists are often considered the best choice for complex dental treatment including the All-On-4 Dental Implant and
Full-Mouth Dental Implant procedures for a number of reasons:


1.Specialized expertise:  Prosthodontists are dental specialists who have had advanced post graduate training beyond dental school in the areas of diagnosis and treatment planning of complex dental cases such as the All-On-4 and full-mouth dental implant procedures. They are considered the most qualified experts in the replacement of missing teeth with crowns, bridges and dentures supported by dental implants.

2.Leadership in the interdisciplinary approach:  Complex dental cases such as the All-On-4 procedures require an interdisciplinary approach involving oral surgeons or periodontists, and often anesthesiologists.  Prosthodontists, with their specialized training are chosen to coordinate team treatment to achieve optimal outcomes.  They provide leadership to teams to insure that each member’s contribution is optimized.

3.Treatment planning: Prosthodontists excel in treatment planning complex dental cases such as the All-On-4 and full-mouth dental implant procedures.  The complex treatments not the best solution for every patient with missing teeth and only a sound and thorough diagnosis based on advanced training can determine the most optimal individualized solution.  Prosthodontist are able to visualized the final outcome of proposed treatment and the expected functional and esthetic aspects and  are able to develop complex treatment plans based on a  patient’s oral health.  Through the use of advanced diagnostic procedures , prosthodontists provide the most efficient sequence of treatment.

4.Restorative solutions:  Prosthodontist are skilled in providing the best state of the art restorative solutions to replace missing or damaged teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant-supported restorations.  Prosthodontist have a deep understanding of dental materials used in creating lifelike restorations that look and function like natural teeth.

5.Complex prosthodontic treatment: Prosthodontist have advanced training to treat complex procedures such as full-mouth-dental implants and  All-On-4 dental implants.  These cases typically involve multiple disciplines such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and anesthesiologists.  Treatment by individual experts in each respective specialty insures the most competent and efficient care for an optimum result.  Prosthodontists are the only dental specialist trained to coordinate complex treatment among multiple dental specialties.

Patients benefit for the specialized expertise, advanced treatment planning, and the deep knowledge of restorative solutions of prosthodontists.  Prosthodontists’ contribution to treatment is vital to the successful and long lasting outcomes of complex dental treatment such as the All-On-4 and full mouth dental implant procedures.

How does Smoking, Vaping, and Marijuana use effect Dental Implants?

Dental implants have changed the field in dentistry by providing long-lasting and natural looking solution for patients with missing teeth.  However, certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, vaping, and marijuana use can detrimentally effect dental implants.  In this article, we will explore the effects of these habits on the initial and long term success of dental implants and the importance of maintaining good health practices.

1.  Smoking and Dental Implants:

Smoking has been recognized as a major risk factor for health problems such as cancer and emphysema  Studies have also shown that smoking can significantly interfere with the healing process of dental implants and compromise the overall success rate.  There are harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke such as nicotine and tar when will starve the oxygen supply to bone and soft tissue surrounding the implant site.  This lack of adequate oxygen to the cells in this area can impede proper healing as well as delay the fusion of the implant to the surrounding bone and increase the risk of early implant failure.

In the long term smoking also weakens the overall immune system which makes the body less capable of fighting infections.  Peri-implantitis, which is a chronic infection of the bone and surrounding tissues which leads to bone loss and eventual failure of the dental implant.

2.  Vaping and Dental Implants   

Vaping which is the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has gained popularity recently. Vaping is marketed as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking although there is little data to support this claim.  Data is lacking regarding the relationship between vaping and potential harm to dental implants however the presence of various chemicals such as nicotine and aerosols may be considered as potential contributors to implant failure.

E-cigarette aerosols which contain nicotine, flavoring, and other additives have been associated with gum inflammation and can potentially delay the healing process after implant placement.  They also can cause mouth dryness which alters the balance or normal oral bacteria thereby increasing the possibility of peri-implantitis and its associated complications.

3.  Marijuana Use and Dental Implants

Marijuana is another substance that can be detrimental to dental implants primarily related to the method consumption.  Smoking marijuana involves the inhalation of hot smoke in a similar way as cigarette smoking.  Oral tissue are exposed the the products of combustion which can decrease healing and increase the the risk of implant failure.

Marijuana use is also associated with dry mouth (xerostomia).  This reduction of saliva can negatively effect the normal bacterial biome and lead to an increase risk of gum disease associated with natural teeth as well as peri-implantitis.  Studies have shown that marijuana can also decrease bone density which could detrimentally effect the fusion of bone to dental implants.

Maintaining good oral health is necessary to the success and long term prognosis of dental implants.  Smoking, Vaping, and Marijuana use can all detrimentally effect dental implants by interfering with the healing process as well as increasing the risk of infection which could lead to loss of implant stability.  When considering implant treatment, it is important to consider the potential consequences of these habits and consider reducing or eliminating continued usage.

Ignoring the consequences of these bad habits can be detrimental to your overall health and its important to discuss these issues with our office so we can support your effort to change so we will have the best opportunity to give you the beautiful smile you deserve!