Implants
Implants, the best way to replace missing teeth & restore your smile
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is placed in the jaw to act as a fixed and permanent root. During the healing process this screw integrates with the surrounding bone (through a process known as osseointegration) to create a strong and lasting foundation that can then be used to support a dental crown, multiple bridge, or fixed denture.
Based on scientific evidence over the past 30 years, dental implants have become the first treatment option for tooth loss. Plus, the development of new regeneration materials and exciting advances in digital technology mean that dental implants can now be used for any patient with any condition.
Types of Implants
Learn more about the types of implants we offer and how they differ to best suit your needs.
- Cementable Abutments: The most commonly used method of implant, cement type implants are known for its increased resistance against porcelain fracture. It also allows for a better aesthetic in comparison to the screw-retained crowns.
- Screw-Retained Implants: Screw retained implants are designed where the screw is easily removed, and therefore provides easy to access if they ever become damaged, or require repair, replacement, or cleaning. The lack of cement also makes it the recommended implant type for sensitive patients who may be prone to complications.
The All-on-X® implants are cost-efficient and graftless which allows for the prosthesis to be fabricated with different combinations of material. This allows patients to have a fixed full-arch prosthetic on the day of their surgery. Commonly used as an All-on-4® implants, at Astro, we are able to create as many implants needed for each case. Whether it’d be 4, 6, or 8.
- Stock Abutments: Stock abutments have standard sizes and can be used for both bone level and tissue level implants. Stock abutments tend to be used for cement-retained restorations and is the economical choice amongst the two. Stock abutments allow you to choose between angled and straight abutments, are best used for tissue level implants that are not within the aesthetic zone.
- Custom Abutments: Custom abutments are suitable for both bone level and tissue level implants. These abutments are waxed or milled into the precise shape required by the patient based on the crest of their tissue. Custom abutments can be made from titanium or zirconia, or even fabricated from zirconia with a titanium base. Although custom abutments are more expensive, they can provide more predictable aesthetics and superior tissue management.
Implant Bars are used whenever patients require the replacement of all teeth in the upper or lower arch (Implant Dentures). Implant Bars are placed in the bone and are connected to a bar that supports the denture.
Surgical Guide
The most commonly used guide used at Astro Dental Art is the Implant Placement Guide. Learn more about how it works.
- An implant placement guide ensures that the initial drill done achieves the correct depth, angle, and direction from the very start of the surgery.
- It is the first drilling step guidance.
- It is used when the technician wants an accurate and precise entry point.
- It is used when a technician wants to proceed freehandedly (e.g., to see the bone).
- It is compatible with all dental implant brands.
*Note: Astro Dental Art’s Implant Placement Guide services includes both the planning and surgical guide.
- STEP 1: Astro Dental Art’s technician orders CBCT scans of model or impression (Radiographic or Dual Scan) of the patient’s case.
- STEP 2: The dentist sends in a CBCT scan, as well as a scan of the jaw in STL format, a model, or an impression of the arch (CBCT scan or the dicom files can be burnt to a CD or DVD and shipped to Astro Dental Art along with a model or impression).
- STEP 3: The scans received are then uploaded into the system, and Astro Dental Art will co-treatment plan the case through the Implant Studio® software.
- STEP 4: The Astro Dental Art implant specialist calls the technician and begins treatment plan using team viewer.
- STEP 5: The technician signs off on the treatment plan.
- STEP 6: The surgical guide is manufactured through Implant Studio®.
- STEP 7: Astro Dental Art inspects the final product to ensure its quality and ships it to your office.
Guided Surgical Guide Protocol – What We Need from You
- Ensure there are no distortions as the guide will need to sit on the model
- Ensure that you provide a full arch to give as much information as possible for alignment of CBCT
- Volume Size: Generally, a 10×5 / 8×4 (100×50 mm / 80×40 mm FOV) is recommended as this allows for proper alignment of the model/scan to the CBCT for proper fit. Using a smaller FOV runs the risk of misalignment and the guide might not fit properly.
- Mouth Open: Ensure CBCT is taken with the patient’s mouth slightly open (use a cotton roll if necessary). Incisal edges need to be visible; again for proper alignment of the model/scan.
- Resolution: Ensure the proper resolution is selected for the size of the FOV that you are taking. Low resolution CBCT’s can be difficult to plan.
Having an opposing arch is optional, but it helps in allowing for better treatment planning of final restoration after the implant placement.
Once records are taken: Submit them to Astro Dental Art.
- Models can be picked up (call to request pickup or request pickup online here), and scans can be transmitted as you would normally do.
- CBCT can be placed on a CD/Flash drive and picked up or alternatively uploaded via online 3rd party (i.e. Brightsquid, Dropbox, wetransfer, etc.)
After Planning:
- A digital report will be emailed to you for approval, at that time you can either request changes via email or set up an online review with our implant specialist.
- Once planning is approved, guide will be printed and delivered to you along with a copy of the approved planning report and drill protocol.
To schedule a consultation with our specialized implant team to start your treatment plan, kindly email [email protected].