17 March 2023

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, more than 500,000 people undergo implant procedures in the U.S. every year. This makes dental implants one of the most frequently performed treatments throughout oral surgery centers in the U.S.

While dental implant surgery might be performed often, it is still a very intricate and complex procedure. To ensure the best outcome, it is vital that you choose the right dental professional for your treatment. 

There are several reasons why you should choose an oral surgeon for dental implant procedures.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a type of permanent dental prostheses that can be used to replace missing, broken, or damaged teeth. Dental implants can be placed one at a time, or they can replace full arches using the All-on-4^® treatment concept.

When you receive a single dental implant, it is secured in place by a titanium post that fuses to the jawbone and surrounding tissues. With the All-on-4^® treatment concept, the entire top and bottom set of implants are fused to the jawbone with as few as four dental implants per arch. 

Dental implants have grown in popularity over the years and have become the standard way to replace missing or broken teeth. Patients prefer implants because they offer more durability and longevity than other dental restoration methods and have a more natural appearance. 

Signs You Need Dental Implants

The following are some indicators you may benefit from implant treatment:

• One or more missing teeth
• Loose dentures or loose partials
• An infected tooth that needs extraction
• Dental disease that requires multiple extractions
• A loose dental bridge
• Difficulty chewing or talking
• A misaligned or uneven bite due to missing teeth
• Changes in facial structure due to missing teeth
• Discomfort when wearing dentures or other replacement teeth

If you are deemed a candidate for implant surgery, it is essential that you find the right specialist to perform your procedure — and that specialist is an oral surgeon.

Why Should an Oral Surgeon Perform Your Implant Procedure?

There are several different types of dental professionals who provide dental implant procedures. This includes dentists, periodontists, and prosthodontists. While all of these providers are able to place implants, it is often preferable to choose an oral surgeon for your dental implant treatment. 

Some of the most notable reasons you should have an oral surgeon perform your implant procedure include:

Experience with Complex Cases

Many patients do not realize that placing dental implants can be an intricate and elaborate procedure. Some patients have very complicated needs when having their implants placed. Most oral surgeons have placed a high number of dental implants, which means they have seen a wide range of complexities. 

Oral surgeons bring extensive experience to each implant procedure, which means they know how to handle potential complications like jawbone deterioration caused by severe periodontal disease. 

Multiple Anesthetic Options

A major factor that sets oral surgeons apart from other dental specialists is that they offer various types of anesthesia for their procedures. Every patient has specific needs, and some people require alternative anesthetic options.

When you choose to have dental implants placed by an oral surgeon, you will most likely receive general anesthesia. Some patients who have only one implant placed may have light sedation or a local anesthetic. Other dental providers may not offer the same selection of anesthetics.

Multi-Step Procedures

Another important reason to choose an oral surgeon for your dental implant procedure is that they can offer multi-step treatments. Sometimes dental implants require additional services, depending on your unique needs. 

For example, you may require bone grafting to resolve jawbone integrity concerns. Similarly, many patients need damaged or diseased teeth extracted before their implants can be placed. An oral surgeon can design a customized treatment plan that includes tooth extractions and other services to meet all of your needs.

Extensive Medical Training

Experience and medical training are other reasons to choose an oral surgeon for your dental implant procedure. Oral surgeons are required to complete a longer duration of medical training than other dental professionals. 

In fact, out of all dental providers, oral surgeons typically receive the most education and training before entering the field. This includes time spent in a hospital-based residency program, which gives them a unique approach to surgical treatments, such as dental implants. 

Great Results

When you have any procedure performed, you expect a great outcome. Most patients find that they experience ideal results with oral surgeons. An inexperienced provider placing your implants might result in poor longevity, breakage, or damage to the surrounding tissue and jawbone. When you choose an oral surgeon for your implant procedure, you can rest assured that the entire surgical team will go above and beyond to provide the care you need.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Dental Implants

If you have broken, missing, or damaged teeth, you may require dental implants. The first step in your dental implant procedure is finding the right surgeon for your treatment. Having your dental implants placed by an experienced oral surgeon can mean the difference between a successful procedure and further dental concerns.

Dr. Joshua S. Brandner performs dental implant surgery at The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center of South Louisiana in Covington, LA. Our team will work directly with you to assess your dental needs and provide the most comprehensive implant procedure. We consistently strive to create a comfortable, attentive patient experience. Learn more about our dental implant procedures today.

17 March 2023

Broken, damaged, or missing teeth can affect anyone at any point in life. When chipped or missing teeth have caused you to hide your smile away, it may be time to seek a solution. 

Two of the most popular treatments for these concerns are dental implants and dental bridges. While dental implants and bridges can both resolve your missing or damaged teeth, implants may be a better option for most patients. 

Dental implants can offer several advantages over dental bridges. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a common treatment used to replace broken or missing teeth. A dental implant uses a small titanium post to fuse an artificial tooth to your existing jawbone. 

Once the titanium fully integrates the new tooth with the surrounding bone, you have a stable and secure replacement. Dental implants present benefits such as:

• A full, complete smile
• A stronger, well-aligned bite
• Enhanced smile appearance
• Restoration of the jaw and facial structure
• Improved oral health overall 

Dental implants can be used to resolve a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Each patient’s implants are custom-made to match the shade and size of their existing teeth as closely as possible. This results in a full, natural-looking smile.

All-on-4^® Dental Implants

The All-on-4^® treatment concept uses a specific type of dental implant that can be used to address multiple missing teeth at one time. These implants can restore an entire row of teeth with as few as four titanium posts securing them to the jawbone and surrounding tissues. 

They are a great option for patients with advanced dental concerns that have impacted most or all of their teeth.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

The ideal candidate for dental implants is someone who has one or more teeth that need to be replaced. These may be missing teeth or ones that are severely damaged and will be removed prior to the implant procedure. 

Candidates should have stable oral health, without serious dental disease present. There must also be sufficient jawbone remaining for the implants to integrate with. If there is jawbone deterioration, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary before your implants are placed.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are another popular way to resolve missing teeth. A dental bridge is a restoration piece that is put in place where teeth are missing. This piece is then attached to the adjacent teeth to anchor the bridge in place. Bridges are often used to replace multiple missing teeth at one time.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

Good candidates for dental bridges are those who have one or more missing teeth and cannot have implants placed. Certain medical conditions or present dental issues may make it difficult to place implants. These patients often opt for a dental bridge as an alternative.

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: Which Is Better?

Both dental implants and dental bridges can replace missing teeth and restore a complete smile. When it comes to achieving your full smile, dental implants offer certain advantages over a dental bridge. Three of the most significant reasons implants may be a better solution than a bridge include:

Longevity

Dental implants are often made with titanium, which is more durable than the materials used for dental bridges. Most bridges are made with acrylic or porcelain. These materials can break down over time or incur damage from impact, such as chewing on hard candies. 

The titanium used in dental implants provides more strength, giving them much more longevity than a dental bridge.

A More Natural Look

Another advantage of dental implants is their appearance. Everyone who gets replacement teeth wants their artificial teeth to look as natural as possible. Dental implants are custom-made to match the shape and size of the surrounding teeth, and this creates the most natural look for the entire smile.

No Damage to Surrounding Teeth

One of the main things that set implants apart from bridges is how they are placed and fixed inside the mouth. 

Implants are fused to the jawbone and surrounding tissues, while bridges are attached to the surrounding teeth. In some cases, this can do damage to the existing natural teeth and lead to larger issues. Implants do not impact the surrounding natural teeth because they are rooted at the jawbone.

Lower Chance of Decay

A lower chance of tooth decay is an additional benefit of choosing dental implants. When dental implants are placed, they are integrated through the gums and existing jawbone. Any present dental issues must be amended before implants can be placed. 

Dental bridges are not attached to the jaw or gumline at all. Any concerns affecting these tissues may go unnoticed and unaddressed when a bridge is placed.

Versatility

Since dental implants can be customized to meet each patient’s needs, they offer more versatility than a dental bridge. When a bridge is placed, it is one singular unit. Dental implants are placed as singular pieces that can be amended one at a time, if necessary. 

This allows for more versatility when treating the teeth. The only exception to this is All-on-4^® implants, which are placed as whole sets on the top and bottom rows of your teeth. 

Learn More About Dental Implants

The best way to find out whether dental implants or a dental bridge is right for you is by having a consultation with an oral surgeon. At The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center of South Louisiana, Dr. Joshua S. Brandner provides dental implant treatment. This includes individual dental implants and All-on-4^® implants. 

We go above and beyond to make every patient feel like family, ensuring they receive the best care possible. Each person who walks through our doors is treated with the utmost care and concern, with our entire staff striving to meet their needs. 

Learn more about dental implant treatment from The OMS Center of South Louisiana.

17 March 2023

In the past, people who were missing all or most of their teeth would often wear dentures to achieve a full smile. With modern advancements in oral surgery, however, there are new ways to replace missing teeth, such as dental implants and bridges. 

Dental implants are now considered to be a more preferable, effective way to restore your smile. A common concern for patients seeking implants is whether denture use will impact their ability to have the procedure. 

There are several factors to consider when it comes to how dentures affect dental implant treatment.

Dentures

Before you can understand how dentures might affect dental implants, it is important to know exactly how dentures work. 

A denture is a removable dental piece that can replace missing teeth and gums. There are complete dentures, which are for patients with total tooth loss, and partial dentures for patients who are only missing a portion of their teeth.

Dentures were once made of materials like porcelain or plastic, but most dentures are now often made with hard resin. The supporting structure of the dentures, which resembles a natural gum line, is made of the same material or sometimes a flexible polymer. 

Since these materials are not known for their durability, dentures can be prone to cracking or chipping if not well cared for. With relatively poor longevity, most patients have to replace their dentures about every five years.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are dental restoration pieces that are fixed in place. Dental implants replace either one or more missing teeth. Each dental implant is fused to the surrounding structures with a post that integrates into the jawbone over time. 

Dental implants can be placed as individual units or entire sets of teeth. These are called All-on-4^® implants, which are a complete set of teeth that are fused to the jawbone with as few as 4 implants for each arch. 

Unlike dentures, most dental implants are made entirely of titanium. This makes them highly durable and unlikely to chip, crack, or break. Since they are made of stronger material than dentures, dental implants can last as long as 25 years or more. 

Your restorations — the crowns attached to the implants — will also be custom-made to match the size, shape, and shade of your existing teeth.

Do Dentures Impact Your Ability to Have Implants?

Patients who have been wearing dentures often find that they want to transition to dental implants. They may be concerned that having worn dentures could impact their ability to have implants placed. 

As it turns out, dental implants can be placed after wearing dentures and while still wearing partial dentures.

Patients who have been wearing complete dentures for a long time may have significant jawbone deterioration that has altered their bite and facial appearance. These patients require bone grafting before having their dental implants placed. Otherwise, placing dental implants in patients with dentures can be a relatively simple process.

Sometimes, dental implants are actually used as support structures for partial dentures. In these cases, implants are placed adjacent to where the partial sits. This can help secure the partial denture in place for a more complete smile without loose, shifting teeth.

Signs You May Need Dental Implants

Whether you have been wearing dentures for several months or many years, you may benefit from dental implants as a replacement or additional structure. Some signs that your dentures are not providing the complete smile support you need can include:

• Loose full or partial dentures
• Discomfort when wearing your dentures
• Difficulty chewing or speaking
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Cracked, chipped, or broken dentures
• Gum inflammation from wearing dentures

The only way to know if you can have dental implants placed after denture use is by consulting with an oral surgeon. An oral surgeon can assess your existing teeth, jawbone, and gums to determine whether you can have dental implant surgery.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Dental implants on their own are a straightforward procedure. First, a titanium post is used to fuse the implant to the surrounding bone and other tissues. When you have been wearing dentures, the process can be more complex. 

If you have jawbone deterioration from your denture use or from previous periodontal disease, you will likely require bone grafting. 

During a bone grafting treatment, bone matter is placed beneath the gum line wherever deterioration is present. This bone matter provides additional support for your implants and stimulates new bone growth in the jaw. 

Some patients have dental implants placed alongside a partial denture. This is called an “implant-assisted partial denture.” 

In this process, a titanium stud is used to fuse dental implants on each side of the partial denture. The partial denture then uses these implants for added support. The implants will keep the partial denture from wiggling or becoming loose. They can also help strengthen your bite when wearing the partial denture.

The Benefits of Dental Implants over Dentures

Are you interested in replacing a full set of dentures with dental implants? The  All-on-4^® treatment concept presents a variety of benefits over a complete denture. The following are just some of the benefits of having dental implants instead of dentures:

• Stronger bite
• More durability
• Increased longevity
• More natural-looking teeth
• Improved facial structure
• Custom-made to match existing teeth
• No need for adhesive

Many patients find the biggest benefit of having dental implants over dentures to be their permanency. When you have dental implant surgery, your implants can last for decades. Dentures, on the other hand, usually need to be replaced every five years, even if they are well-maintained.

Where to Get Dental Implant Treatment

Have you been considering dental implants after wearing a complete or partial denture? To begin your implant journey, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Joshua S. Brandner at The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center of South Louisiana. 

Dr. Brandner brings years of experience to every treatment, helping patients restore their full and healthy smiles while making them feel like family. The OMS Center works with patients throughout Covington, LA, and surrounding cities. Find out more about dental implant surgery by visiting us online or reading our patient reviews today.

Dental implants are widely considered to be standard-of-care for addressing tooth loss. One reason for the popularity of dental implants is their longevity. Scientific research shows that dental implants have a long-term success rate of 95 percent. For most patients, daily brushing and flossing may result in implants that last a lifetime.

With that said, there are those rare cases where implants fail. And when that happens, patients naturally want to know whether they need to have the implant replaced altogether, or whether repair is possible.

What Are the Types of Dental Implant Failure?

The first type of dental implant failure is known as short-term implant failure, and it typically happens within three or four months of placement. Short-term failure is often caused by improper implant placement, incomplete healing, or lack of adequate bone tissue.

Long-term implant failure happens a year or more after the implant is placed. Most of the time, long-term failure stems from dental neglect or a traumatic accident.

What Are the Possible Treatments for Failed Implants?

When a dental implant is broken or chipped in a traumatic accident, it may be possible to have it repaired by a cosmetic dentist, without the need for the entire implant to be replaced. Non-surgical treatment may also be available in cases of implant infection and decay. If the implant has become infected due to dental neglect, laser therapy may be used to eradicate the harmful bacteria and regenerate any lost tissue.

In other cases, it may be necessary to replace the implant altogether. This is particularly true when the implant is placed improperly the first time, when it fails to heal properly, or when it becomes clear that there is inadequate bone tissue to anchor the implant in place. In these situations, an oral surgeon may decide it is best to simply remove the implant and place a new one, often with a bone graft performed to hold the implant steady.

What Are the Signs of Implant Failure?

Dental implant patients should be on the lookout for some of the most common signs of implant failure. These include:

• Severe pain around the implants
• Gum recession around the implant
• Discomfort while chewing or biting
• Shifting or loose implants

While dental implant failure is unlikely, it can certainly happen. The good news is that there are treatments available to restore your implant and provide you with a healthy, confident smile.

Find Out More

To find out more about dental implant treatments, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with The OMS Center of South Louisiana.

At The OMS Center of South Louisiana, patient comfort is a top priority. While we want to ensure the best clinical outcomes, we also want to ensure a smooth and pain-free experience for our patients. For patients who require surgical intervention, our team offers various sedation and anesthesia options.

This is certainly true for the initial placement of dental implants. To make certain that you are comfortable and your anxiety is minimized, we provide full sedation dentistry options and are happy to discuss specific options at your initial consultation.

What Types of Anesthesia Are Used During Dental Implant Surgery?

The decision of which anesthesia to use is based on the nature of the procedure as well as yourhealth, medical history, and anxiety level. The anesthesia options we utilize during dental implant placement include:

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia may be recommended if you only need a single dental implant placed. The use of local anesthesia will prevent you from experiencing any pain during your procedure, though it is possible you will feel some pressure. The upshot of local anesthesia is that you recover more quickly, and are able to drive yourself home following surgery.

IV Sedation

When a patient requires more than one dental implant, we will typically recommend general anesthesia. General anesthesia is also available for patients who request it, and who do not wish to be awake for any part of their procedure. General anesthesia ensures that you do not feel anything during the procedure, or remember anything about the procedure later. It does lead to a slightly longer recovery, and you will need someone to drive you home once you are discharged.

Light Sedation and Local Anesthesia

A middle-of-the-road option to consider, this combination keeps you out of pain and also helps you to doze through the procedure, without putting you all the way under. This is an option we like to recommend for patients who do not need general anesthesia, but do wish to be less alert or cognizant during the procedure.

Learn More About Anesthesia Options

When you join us for dental implant placement, you do not need to worry about experiencing pain or discomfort. We offer anesthesia options to promote a smooth and comfortable surgery, and we are happy to supply full details during your initial consultation. To schedule an appointment, contact The OMS Center of South Louisiana.

The loss of a tooth is often accompanied by the loss of underlying bone tissue. This may be because the dentist who removed the failing tooth has no choice but to remove some of the surrounding bone, as well. More commonly, tooth loss occurs because the missing tooth is not promptly replaced. Without the stimulation of the tooth root, your jawbone will naturally begin to atrophy.

The loss of this bone tissue not only creates unwanted changes to your facial appearance but can also complicate dental restoration. Through bone grafting, bone loss and tooth replacement issues can be promptly addressed by an experienced oral surgeon.

What is a Bone Graft?

Bone grafting involves bone tissue being harvested from elsewhere on your body, or sometimes from a donor “bone bank,” and grafted onto the jaw. The transplanted bone stimulates further bone growth, allowing you to regenerate bone tissue where you need it the most.

There are a number of specific types of bone grafting, and each one addresses different patient needs. During your surgical consultation, your doctor will let you know more about the type of bone graft that is right for you.

What are the Different Types of Bone Graft?

The different types of bone graft include:

Ridge Augmentation

This type of bone graft is typically performed for patients who have had a tooth extracted, and who need the natural contour of their gums and their jaw restored following the removal of a tooth.

Sinus Lift

When you have an upper tooth extracted, it can sometimes cause the sinuses to sag. This can lead to a number of complications and make dental restoration more challenging. Bone grafting can be used to lift and fortify the sinuses, and enable the placement of an upper dental implant.

Socket Preservation

The removal of a tooth can leave the tooth socket in poor condition. If the socket is badly degraded, it can cause the implants to be unstable. Socket preservation may be needed to ensure the long-term success of the implant.

Bone Grafting for Jaw Health

If you are ineligible for dental restoration or your facial structure has changed, bone grafting can help restore bone tissue and improve jaw health.

Learn More About Bone Grafting

At The OMS Center of South Louisiana, we value patient education and are always pleased to discuss different bone graft treatment options with you. To schedule a bone grafting consultation, contact our practice today.

Dental implants have become the standard of care for tooth replacement. With implants, it is possible to fully restore the function and aesthetics of your smile, and to enjoy results that last a lifetime. For a majority of patients who have experienced tooth loss, dental implants represent a superior treatment option.

Even so, it is always important to verify your eligibility for a safe and successful dental procedure. The best way to do so is by scheduling an appointment for a consultation with your oral surgeon, who will evaluate your teeth and gums, ask some questions about your medical history, and confirm your candidacy to get dental implants.

As a general rule, if you are healthy enough to have regular dental treatment, then you are probably healthy enough to get dental implants. With that said, if you have a medical condition, it may be wise to take extra precautions.

Dental Implants and Hypertension

If you have hypertension, it means your body needs to work a little harder to circulate blood. And circulating blood may become even more challenging if you are feeling anxious, which is very common among oral surgery patients.

At The OMS Center of South Louisiana, we can address the anxiety issue by providing the appropriate level of sedation. We will also talk with patients in advance about any hypertension medications they are taking. If you are taking medication that could negatively impact you during surgery or recovery, we may recommend that you discontinue it or seek an alternative medication.

Dental Implants and Diabetes

Those who are diabetic tend to take longer to heal than those who are non-diabetic. However, if your diabetes is being controlled through diet, exercise, lifestyle, or medication, there is no reason why it should keep you from getting dental implants.

Dental Implants and Jawbone Tissue Loss

When you lose a tooth, you often lose some of the surrounding jawbone tissue, as well. This can complicate dental restoration, as your jaw may lack the density needed to anchor the implants in place. Fortunately, this issue can be resolved with a simple oral surgery called a bone graft, wherein your doctor will regenerate new bone tissue where you need it the most. The bone grafting procedure can also be used to address low sinuses, enabling the placement of dental implants in the upper jaw.

Find Out Whether You Are a Candidate for Dental Implants

At The OMS Center of South Louisiana, we prioritize patient safety. We are always happy to talk with you about any underlying medical conditions, and discuss precautions that will enable you to have a safe and successful dental implant procedure. To schedule a consultation appointment in our Covington, LA, or Hammond, LA offices, contact us directly.

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. There are a few reasons for this, but one of the most significant is that dental implants have a high long-term success rate. In fact, with the proper brushing and flossing, many patients find that their dental implants last a lifetime.

With that said, patients often wonder if there is any risk of their body rejecting the implant altogether, similar to when the body rejects an organ transplant. Because implants are made of metal and do not contain any living cells or genetically coded materials, they cannot be rejected as foreign bodies, which sometimes happens during organ transplants.

What Can Cause an Implant Rejection?

With that said, there can be circumstances in which the body effectively “rejects” the implant. Though rare, these situations are worth knowing about.

An Allergy to Titanium

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, which are made of titanium. One reason for using titanium is that it is one of the most biocompatible metals, meaning there is a very low risk of your body experiencing any kind of allergic reaction to it.

Though highly uncommon, it can happen. Fewer than one percent of all people who undergo a dental implant procedure report having any kind of titanium allergy. Zirconia implants are an alternative to conventional implants and offer an alternative.

Bacterial Infection

You may also develop a bacterial infection in your jawbone or the tooth socket. In this case, your immune system may accidentally attack the dental implant, and this immune response may ultimately lead to implant rejection.

When Does Implant Rejection Occur?

Early implant rejection usually happens within the first three or four months, before the implant has a chance to fully heal or to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue.

There is also the possibility of a late implant rejection, which typically happens more than a year after the initial implant placement. Late implant rejection, or failure, is usually caused by dental neglect or a traumatic face injury.

Learn More About the Long-Term Success Rate of Dental Implants

Dental implant rejection is not common, and for most patients, dental implants provide lifelong results.

To find out more about the benefits of getting dental implants, reach out to The OMS Center of South Louisiana for a consultation. Call us at (985) 687-1616.