Philadelphia Implant Dentist Treatment Options

Dental Implant Treatment Options

Implant Treatment Options



Single Tooth Implant Replacement

Full Upper Arch Implant Replacement

Posterior Implant Replacement

Full Lower Arch Implant Replacement

Implants and Bridges








Single Implant

Several Teeth With a Bridge

For more information about dental implants Philadelphia, visit www.theperiogroup.com or call (215) 735-3660 to schedule an appointment with a Philadelphia implant dentist.

Good Home Hygiene Can Be the Key to Dental Implant Longevity

Good oral hygiene is incredibly important when it comes to dental implants and can be a contributing factor to the longevity of the implant components. It is critical that patients prioritize good home care and receive proper instruction so that they do not lapse into ineffective habits.

Home Care Techniques

Dental implants require special oral hygiene techniques. Depending on what type of prosthesis has been placed on the implant, different home care techniques can be recommended.

A removable appliance allows access to the implant-retained bar, and an interdental brush and small cleaners are usually adequate because patients are working in a relatively large space. However, fixed restorations require proper brushes and flossing techniques.

While many home hygiene instruments are being designed with dental implants in mind, an adaptation of traditional instrumentation needs to be used with the special needs of an implant in minds. For example, metal tools such as interproximal brushes with a stainless steel core wire must be avoided. The stainless steel wire can easily cause damage to the soft titanium metal in the implant.

Instead, the following techniques should be employed:

Manual or Automatic Toothbrushes

• Brushing is imperative and soft or medium toothbrushes are appropriate
  
• Small heads are useful because they allow better access to the cylindrical contours of a dental implant Philadelphia.
  
• Automatic toothbrushes effectively disturb biofilm and are specifically useful for edentulous patients
  
• Specific techniques need to be learned because the anatomy of the implant is significantly different than the anatomy of a natural tooth.
  

Interdental Threaded Cleaners

• The use of super-floss or floss-threaders is important around any implant supported bridge, crown or bar.
  
• Patients need to be made aware that sometimes implants are placed more lingually, or closer to the tongue, than natural teeth. Because of this, it may be difficult for patients to reach the tongue-side surface of the dental implant. Difficult as it may be, cleaning the lingual surface of the dental implant is a critical step in avoiding bone loss around the implant.
  
• Patients with dental implants should be wrapping super-floss 360 degrees around the implant and polishing in both horizontal and vertical motions in order to keep all surfaces of the dental implant free from biofilm.
  

Interdental Brushes and Cleaners

• All wires of interdental brushes must be nylon-coated to prevent damage to the titanium implant surface.
  
• A back-and-forth motion should be used with an interdental brush to cover the entire surface of the dental implant and restoration.
  

Reduced Size Brushes

• Many manufacturers of oral hygiene instruments now design brushes specifically with the needs of the dental implant patient in mind covering a wide array of brush sizes and shapes.
  
• Careful instructions regarding angulation and orientation of the brushes are critical to provide optimal plaque removal and to prevent injury to the tissues.
  
• The angulation and orientation of the brushes should be adapted to contact as much of the surface area of the restorations as possible.

To learn more about the care and maintenance of dental implants, contact Philadlephia implant dentist, Dr. I. Stephen Brown at the Perio Group (215) 735-3660 or on the web at www.theperiogroup.com.

Choosing Dental Implants Philadelphia

The American Academy of Periodontology
Patient Information Pages
March 2007
www.perio.org

If you had a choice between a set of removable dentures or permanent replacement teeth that look and feel like your own, which would you choose? What if the replacement teeth would also allow you to speak and eat with comfort and confidence, offer you freedom from irksome clicks and wobble s of dentures, and allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues? Dental implant are growing in popularity and advancing in technology. They are a permanent and effective alternative to dentures.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root laced into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth saving than traditional bridgework, since they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general health and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal diseases.

Once you decide to get a dental implant, there are some different options. Some implants take two to six months for the bone and implant to bond together to form anchors (osseointegration). During this time, you can wear a removable temporary tooth replacement option over the implant site(s). However, there is now the option of immediate loading, whereby a periodontist places the implant immediately following tooth extraction and attaches a temporary fixed tooth replacement. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.

Perhaps the most important decision you need to make regarding your dental implants is who should perform the procedure. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, an additional three years of training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. Speak with your periodontist about dental implants today.
Just like your own teeth, dental implants require the proper care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply! After treatment, your periodontist will work closely with your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.

For more information about dental implants Philadelphia, mini implants Philadelphia, Montgomery County Dental implants, Camden, NJ implant dentist visit www.theperiogroup.com or call Dr. Stephen Brown at (215)735-3660.

Philadelphia Mini Dental Implants - A New Approach to Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth

Looking for a simple and affordable approach to replacing your missing teeth? Mini dental implants may be the technology you've been waiting for.

What are mini dental implants?
A mini implant is a man-made titanium replacement for a tooth root. These mini, man-made tooth roots act as a retaining fixture for a denture. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball, and the retaining fixture acts like a socket that contains a rubber O-ring. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is placed and retains the denture at a predetermined level of force. When seated, the denture gently rests on the gum tissue. The implant fixtures allow for micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

How are mini dental implants placed?
The mini implant placement procedure is a quick and relatively simple surgical procedure performed in a dental office setting. Local anesthesia and a light sedation is typically administered before the patient undergoes a precise, controlled, minimally invasive surgical technique. Mini Dental Implants are placed into the jawbone, while the heads of the mini implants protrude from the gum tissue. These protruding mini implant heads provide a strong, firm foundation for retaining dentures. This one-step procedure is not only minimally-invasive, but it also negates the need for sutures and months of healing time as with a typical dental implant.

How does mini dental implant technology broaden your options?
Dental Implant therapy has been one of the most significant advances in dentistry in the past 25 years. Thousands of grateful patients testify to the benefits derived from having the opportunity to replace missing teeth, while restoring their smiles and confidence. While several different types of implants and restorations are avaliable, the choice not only depends upon the amount of bone avaliable, but also on the patient's general health as well as his or her restoration preferance. These mini dental implants (1.8mm in diameter) enable your dentist to broaden the spectrum of preferences even more. The Mini Implant System provides greater denture stability and make a permanent restoration possible for those patients without enough bone to undergo conventional implant surgery.

NEED A DENTAL IMPLANT? FEAR NOT!

Need a Dental Implant? Fear Not!
March 2008 Patient Page
from the American Academy of Periodontology

For some people, there is nothing more terrifying than the thought of a trip to the dentist. Even scarier for some is the prospect of replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant. However, as dental implants grow in popularity as a permanent solution to tooth loss, it is time to put nervous minds at ease.

A recent survey conducted informally by the American Academy of Periodontology asked periodontal patients what factors stopped them from getting a dental implant. The second most popular answer given by respondents was “fear or anxiety”. However, the same survey also revealed that of those patients who had previously received a dental implant, more than half reported “very little to no pain or discomfort” experienced during the process and only 33% described the procedure as “somewhat painful or uncomfortable”. These survey results help demonstrate that although dental implant procedures illicit fear or anxiety in potential patients, the reality is that the actual experience is not something to be frightened of.

Why is everyone so afraid of procedures such as dental implants? Perhaps fearing the dentist and certain dental procedures is something that is ingrained in our minds from a young age. Perhaps it is the result of ongoing, perpetuated stereotypes. Regardless of the cause, it is important to find ways to “unlearn” this fear, especially if your dental professional recommends a dental implant as the best course of treatment. Seeing a dental professional regularly and trusting his or her advice will help you to best maintain your oral health and minimize expense, time, and discomfort.

If you decide to get a dental implant and are feeling anxious or fearful, find ways to feel more in control of your experience.

• Ask your periodontist to explain the procedure. Knowing exactly what will occur when the dental implant is placed can help put your mind at ease.


• Have your periodontist explain your options for techniques to control pain and stress, such as medications, anesthesia, sedation, or relaxation techniques that can make your treatment virtually painless.

If you need a dental implant in the Philadelphia, PA area visit http://www.theperiogroup.com/ for more information or call the Perio Group 215.735.3660 for a Philadelphia dental implant specialist.

Tooth Loss Linked to Cognitive Impairment

According to a study published in the June 2009 Journal of Clinical Periodontology, a scientific link has been established between tooth loss and cognitive impairment. The study set out to prove that since Chronic subclinical inflammation may elevate the risk of cognitive impairment, and periodontal disease is responsible for the subclinical inflammation and accounts at least in part for tooth loss, that a link indeed exists between tooth loss and cognitive impairment in the elderly.

1336 subjects were studied with a composite age of 6079 years. Each individual's cognitive impairment was assessed with the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). A high MMSE score indicated normal cognitive behaviors, while lower MMSE scores indicated some degree of cognitive impairment.

The study found that a decreased number of teeth was associated with lower MMSE scores in females and males in age-adjusted models. While in the fully adjusted models, tooth loss was associated with cognitive impairment in females but not in males.

The study concluded that a significant association between tooth loss and cognitive impairment was found in females. The study also showed that since former periodontitis accounted for this association because periodontitis was frequently the cause of the tooth extractions.

Therefore, this study showed that there is at least potential for a strong correlation between cognitive impairment in many elderly patients and tooth loss as a result of the chronic subclinical inflammation brought on by periodontal disease. This association between periodontal disease and cognitive impairment is just one of the many systemic implications of chronic periodontitis or gum disease.

For more information about the link between gum disease Philadelphia and a variety of systemic afflictions, contact Dr. Brown at http://www.theperiogroup.com/ or by phone at 215.735.3660. Submit your gum disease questions online at by filling out one of the online contact forms.

Placement of Dental Implants Results in Minimal Bone Loss

A major concern for a patient who is facing the possibility of losing a tooth is bone loss at the extraction site. A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology and evaluated by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggests that replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant results in minimal bone loss. Read about this important study below or visit the AAP website.

American Academy of Periodontology

The following information from the AAP Web site is located at:http://www.perio.org/consumer/implant-placement.htm

Five-year follow-up study observed marginal bone remodeling occurs between implant placement and prosthesis placement.

CHICAGO—May 11, 2009—Dental implants are frequently used as a replacement for missing teeth in order to restore the patient's tooth function and appearance. Previous research demonstrates that the placement of a dental implant disrupts the host tissue in the area of the implant, so practitioners often focus their treatment planning to carefully maintain the patient's bone and gum tissue surrounding the implant. A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that the majority of bone remodeling occurred in the time between the implant placement and final prosthesis placement. Study Abstract*

Subsequently, little mean bone change was observed in the five years following the implant placement, independent of type of restoration or implant length. The study, conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, evaluated 596 dental implants placed in 192 patients over the age of 18. Patients were screened for adequate oral hygiene and bone volume. Exclusion criteria included heavy smoking, chewing tobacco use, drug abuse, and untreated periodontal disease, amongst others.

Study author Dr. David Cochran, DDS, PhD, Chair of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), believes that this study provides additional support for the use of dental implants to replace missing teeth. "As a periodontist, I am committed to saving my patients" natural dentition whenever possible.

However, the results of this study help further indicate that a dental implant is an effective and dependable tooth replacement option. Since the patient's host tissue surrounding the dental implant largely remains unchanged in the five years following placement, the dental team can now focus on periodic assessment and treatment of other areas in the mouth as needed, and know that the implant is doing its job as a viable substitute solution.

Free oral health brochure samples including one titled "Dental Implants: Teeth That Look and Feel Just Like Your Own" are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.

For an implant consultation in the Philadelphia area, call implant specialist, Dr. I. Stephen Brown (215) 735-3660 or visit him on the web at http://www.theperiogroup.com/. Find out if you are a candidate for dental implants Philadelphia today.

Treatment Planning Considerations for the Complex Implant Case

From the first meeting, the clinician should obtain an overall appraisal of the patient. Patients must be in reasonably good health to undergo surgical therapy for the placement of dental implants. As is the case for patients in need of any dental treatment, a thorough medical history is required. Because patients often omit information that they do not relate to their dental problems, they should be made aware of the role that smoking, systemic diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis, and medications such as steroids and bisphosphonates may play in the success or failure of dental implants.

The health history should be reviewed for any condition that might put the patient at risk for adverse reactions or complications. Any disorder that may impair the normal wound-healing process, especially as it relates to bone metabolism, should be carefully considered as a possible risk factor or contraindication to implant therapy. Knowing a patient's medical background assists the clinician in determining how the periodontal tissue may respond to the implant and what special precautions or modifications may be required in treatment procedures.

Dental Factors

A review of the patient's dental history is an essential part of the overall evaluation, including previous surgeries and prosthetics, recurrent or frequent abscesses, the number of dental restorations, compliance with previous dental recommendations and current oral hygiene practices. If there is a history of dissatisfaction with past treatment, the patient may have similar difficulties with implant therapy or implant-supported restorations. This may also be indicative of potential practice management problems.

After a thorough intraoral examination, the clinician can evaluate potential implant sites. All sites should be clinically assessed to measure the availability of sufficient bone for the placement of the implants and adequate interarch space for prosthetic tooth replacement with proper size and shape. The mesial-distal and buccal-lingual dimensions of edentulous spaces can be approximated wit a periodontal probe or other measuring instrument.

Keys to successful treatment planning begin with a thorough restorative evaluation.

Diagnostic Wax-Up: Mounted study models are an excellent means of assessing potential sites for dental implants. Properly articulated models with a wax representation of the proposed restorations allow both the restorative and surgical clinician to evaluate the available space and to determine potential limitations of the planned treatment. This is particularly useful when multiple teeth are to be replaced with implants or when dealing with a cosmetically sensitive restoration.

The amount of available bone is the next criteria to evaluate. A visual examination may identify deficient areas. Manual palpation can reveal anatomic defects and variations in the anatomy of the anterior region. It is essential to evaluate the timing of tooth extractions and consider bone grafting options for ridge preservation procedures before the teeth are removed. Treatment planning for these extractions can often avoid more involved ridge augmentation procedures after the alveolar ridge resorption has occurred.

The Timing of Implant Placement relative to the time of extraction depends on the quantity, quality and volume of existing bone, as well as the preferences of the clinician and patient.

Immediate implant placement occurs simultaneously with the extraction. The advantages of immediate implant placement is the prevention of ridge collapse and the maintenance of soft tissue papilla, in addition to the reduction of total surgical healing time. Because the implant is placed at the time of extraction, the bone-to-implant healing begins immediately with extraction site healing.

Delayed implant placement is performed approximately 6-8 weeks after extraction to allow for soft tissue healing. The primary advantage of delayed implant placement is that by allowing for soft tissue healing and closure of the extraction site, mucogingival flap advancement is not necessary. This is especially true when bone grafting procedures are anticipated because it alleviates the need for additional surgeries to correct mucogingival discrepancies.

Staged implant placement allows for substantial bone healing within the extraction site, which typically requires four to six months or longer. Staged implant placement allows for complete hard and soft tissue healing and permits the placement of implants into prosthetically favorable positions exhibiting adequate coverage by hard and soft tissues.

Maxillary-Sinus Elevation: When there is inadequate vertical height on the alveolus in the maxillary posterior region, it may be necessary to perform a sinus bone graft to elevate the Schneiderian membrane which creates space. The newly-created space can then be filled with bone or a suitable bone substitute material to increase the total vertical height of bone in the posterior maxilla.

The lateral window technique is probably the most effective and efficient way to elevate the sinus floor for multiple implants or when very limited crestal bone is present. If 3-4mm of alveolar bone height is available, an osteotome sinus lift technique can be utilized through the implant osteotomy site. The osteotome technique is usually performed simultaneous with implant placement. If there is minimal alveolar bone and/or multiple implants are planned, the lateral window approach is more advantages. Occasionally implants can also be placed at the time of the lateral window technique if there is sufficient native bone in a vertical dimension to stabilize the implant.

Maxillary Ridge Width Defects: In cases where there are large horizontal deficiencies in the maxillary ridge which may result in significant exposure of implant threads beyond the confines of the alveolar bone, it may be advisable to reconstruct the bone before implant placement. Horizontal alveolar deficiencies may be reconstructed with bone augmentation (onlay) grafts or ridge splitting techniques.

Fabrication of a Surgical Guide: Surgical guides are most often created from the diagnostic wax-up provided by the restorative dentist. However, advanced surgical guidance to guarantee precise implant placement in complex implant cases is now possible using sophisticated computed tomography (CT).

Utilizing one of several software programs, the clinician can simulate the placement of implants on the computer screen.

These interactive planning programs provide the clinician the opportunity to perform "virtual surgery," placing implants in optimal positions. Furthermore, such advanced technology ensures that the sites chosen will provide sufficient surrounding bone for each implant and good positioning of the implants in relation to each other. Additionally, the clinician can measure the quality (density) of alveolar bone surrounding each implant fixture.

Implant planning software can reformat the CT into a three-dimensional image from which a stereolithographic model can be constructed. The model is machined with CAD CAM technology into an accurate anatomic replica of the jaw.

Once a treatment plan has been carefully evaluated and designed, a customized surgical drill guide can be constructed from the three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT data. Built precisely from the selected treatment plan and based on the patient's exact measurements, these guides ensure safe, predictable implant surgery.

Anatomical Factors Affecting Implant Placement: Familiarity with several important anatomic structures found close to desired areas of implant placement in the maxilla and mandible is important in treatment planning and implant placement. In the maxilla, these include the floor and anterior loop of the mandibular canal and submandibular fossa.

The existence of anatomic variants, such as incomplete healing of an extraction site, sinus location, or absence of a well-defined, corticated canal should be recognized.

Tri-dimensional positioning will aid surgical placement of the implant and prevent encroachment on these structures, thereby avoiding unwanted complication and unnecessary morbidity.

Soft Tissue Considerations: Evaluation of the quality, quantity and location of soft tissue in relation to the proposed implant site helps identify the type of tissue - keratinized or nonkeratinized -- that will surround the implants after treatment is completed. Areas with minimal or nonexistent keratinized mucosa may be augmented with gingival or connective tissue grafts. Additionally, any mucogingival concerns, such as frenum attachments or pulls, should be thoroughly evaluated.

To learn more about treatment planning complex dental implant cases, visit http://www.theperiogroup.com/ and submit your questions to Philadelphia Periodontist Dr. I. Stephen Brown.

Transitional Implants Prove Effective in Protecting Implant Surgical Sites

Recently, mini transitional implants have been used to support fixed and removable provisional restorations. They have proven to be effective in protecting implant surgical sites, as well as providing the other prerequisites of an acceptable temporary restoration.

These narrow diameter implants are similar to root form implants, providing immediate tooth replacement, and allowing the patient to immediately experience the positive benefits of implant dentistry.

Some important considerations when using transitional implants are as follows: One must maintain adequate space between "temporary" and "permanent" implants. Similarly, adequate space maintenance between transitional implants and natural teeth is essential. Furthermore, to prevent failure from occlusal overload, it is advisable to use an adequate number of mini implants to support the interim prosthesis.

Transitional implants appear to be more successful in the mandible than the maxilla. It has been suggested that this maty be due to enhanced bone density in the mandible. The noticeable deficiency may be overcome by increasing the number of mini implants in the maxilla. Following confirmation of osseointegration of the permanent implants, the transitional implants can be easily removed.

If immediate loading of the implant is desired, three methods of provisionalization are commonly selected:

• A restoration may be delivered the day of implantation, or at the time of uncovering, by indexing the implant platform with a fixture level impression.
• A temporary cylinder or abutment can be used upon which to fabricate a provisional restoration.
• A laboratory processed acrylic tooth shell can be relined and adapted to a temporary or custom abutment.

To read more about transitional implants and other methods of provisionalization, visit The Perio Group on the web at http://www.theperiogroup.com/.

How Much Does a Dental Implant Philadelphia Cost?

With the continually rising costs of health care, patients must recognize that fees for dental implants, beyond inventory and overhead, are a reflection of significant additional educational requirements and considerable investment in the highly technical equipment which is required to assure you the most favorable, predictable and long-lasting clinical outcomes.

When compared to routine dental procedures like fillings, cleanings, extractions and root canals, dental implants might be considered expensive. However, unlike conventional methods of tooth replacement, a successful dental implant can last a lifetime.

Multiple published studies have shown that virtually every other form of tooth replacement has a finite life, and requires replacement on a regular basis. For instance, caps or crowns and bridges represent short term solutions to tooth loss, and need to be replaced every 5-7 years. Every time a crown is replaced it causes additional loss of tooth and gum tissue, a potential need for root canal treatment and / or periodontal therapy.

Furthermore, each time a crown is replaced, the current fee is considerably greater than the original fee, simply due to inflation. Consider the initial cost of a dental implant versus the continuing costs of replacing existing restorations. Many studies have shown that the success rate of implants and implant supported crowns and bridges is around 95% or better. Every other form of tooth replacement, or medical procedure, pales by comparison.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to provide an “average” fee for dental implants. Fees are determined based on type and number of implants required. Costs are also related to the extent of related procedures which are often necessary to properly prepare the site of a missing tooth to receive an implant. These procedures may be required to build up bone and gum tissue. The condition of the jaw bone, medical issues such as Diabetes and smoking, are all elements which also must be factored into the establishment a fair fee.

It should be remembered that nobody comes to a dentist for an implant. Discerning patients expect that an implant is placed to insure a functional and cosmetically acceptable tooth replacement. Providing such an outcome requires significantly more skill than simply placing an implant in the jaw bone.

All things considered, dental implant treatment represents not only the most technologically advanced, but the most cost effective form of tooth replacement. Coupled with the level of care, skill and judgment exercised by a well trained implant surgeon, one would be hard pressed to find a more affordable option. Dental implants can provide a permanent solution to your dental problems, while avoiding the long term inconvenience and escalating costs associated with less permanent options for tooth replacement.

Montgomery County Patient Chooses Dental Implant Specialist Dr. Stephen Brown To Permanenty Replacement His Missing Tooth

Case Study #3 - Dental Implant vs. A Removable Tooth Replacement

This Montgomery County man was missing a lower front tooth for a very long time. His previous dentist only offered him the choice of a removable tooth replacement. While a removable prosthesis can be an esthetically desirable temporary restoration, providing tooth support, ensuring retention, and preventing pressure on a grafted implant site, a dental implant can provide a more advanced replacement for a missing tooth.

A dental implant provided him with an esthetic and permanent solution to his problem. During the procedure, a small titanium screw was implanted into his jawbone, providing a highly biocompatible surface that encourages bone to attach to it during the healing process ensuring long-term success. The dental implant also creates stimulation to the underlying bone, preserving the integrity of the jaw. The implant is made of titanium which is very strong and is also naturally accepted by the body.

The implant was then restored with a ceramic crown resulting in a beautiful and natural-looking permanent restoration.

Everyone deserves a beautiful smile. With the advances in dental implants Philadelphia, there is no longer a need to settle for anything less. A beautiful tooth replacement like the one in this example can give you back the confidence you may have lost and transform your life. To learn more about this life-changing tooth replacement procedure, call Philadelphia Periodontist Dr. Stephen Brown (215) 735-3660 or visit him on the web at http://www.theperiogroup.com/. What are you waiting for? A beautiful smile is just a click away.

Montgomery County Man Chooses a Dental Implant Instead of a Bridge to Replace His Missing Front Tooth

Case Study #2 - The 3-unit Bridge vs. The Single Tooth Implant

3-unit bridges have traditionally been used to replace a single missing tooth. A bridge uses the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth to provide support for an artificial tooth that fills in the void left by the missing tooth. Although the goal of a bridge is to restore function and achieve an aesthetically favorable outcome, it does so at the expense of the bone under the replacement tooth. Because that space is no longer stimulated by chewing, bone in that area tends to get resorbed into the body, creating a gap between the replacement tooth and the gums.

Fortunately, a more state-of-the-art solution exists - a dental implant. Dental implants provide an esthetically pleasing single tooth replacement without compromising surrounding teeth. Now you can start over! With man-made, substitute tooth roots, Dr. I. Stephen Brown can offer you a unique and permanent solution to missing teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. These modern miracles of tooth replacement can be matched exactly to your own teeth, restoring your smile to its optimal state. Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.


This Philadelphia man suffered a fractured front tooth. He did not want his adjacent teeth cut down for crowns, or to be forced to wear a removable bridge. A dental implant provided him with a functional and cosmetically pleasing tooth replacement. Philadelphia Dental Implant Specialist Dr. Stephen Brown placed a titanium implant in order to attain a superior esthetic result, and since titanium is strong and naturally accepted by the body, the results will be long-term. The patient was incredibly pleased with the outcome.

To see more cases like this one or to learn more about Dental Implants Philadelphia, visit Dr. Stephen Brown on the web at http://www.theperiogroup.com/. Questions about whether you're a candidate for dental implants? Call 215.735.3660.

Philadelphia Dental Patient Chooses a Dental Implant to Replace Her Lost Tooth

Dental Implant Case Study #1

This Philadelphia dental patient lost her tooth due to a gum abscess. Periodontal abscesses usually happen in patients who have existing periodontal disease that is advanced enough to have resulted in bone loss around the root of a tooth. As destructive species of periodontal disease bacteria move into the gum pocket, byproducts of the bacteria cause more extensive bone destuction. Sometimes an obvious swelling is seen around the tooth as the infection around that tooth becomes more severe. This is called a Periodontal abscess.

This patient wanted a tooth replacement that looked, felt and functioned like a natural tooth. A dental implant filled the bill. It took one visit to place the implant. The procedure was painless. Alternative treatments would have involved cutting down her adjacent teeth or would have caused her to wear an uncomfortable, removable partial denture. She says the dental implant, placed by Philadelphia Dental Implant Specialist Dr. I. Stephen Brown, looks, feels and functions so naturally, she is unaware that she has had a tooth replaced.

Below are the before and after photos:

If have questions about this case or about having your own dental implant placed, contact Dr. I. Stephen Brown at the Perio Group 215.735.3660. To read more about Montgomery County dental implant placement, visit Dr. Brown's website at http://www.theperiogroup.com/.

Montgomery County Periodontist Provides Tooth Extractions Without Trauma

The offices of Periodontal and Implant Dentistry Specialist Dr. I. Stephen Brown are unconditionally committed to the lifelong retention of natural teeth in function and health. However, as a dental implant specialist, Philadelphia Periodontist, Dr. Stephen Brown is frequently faced with the difficult decision of how to most appropriately manage severely-compromised teeth from a periodontal or restorative standpoint.

The clinical challenges which result from the extraction of periodontally-hopeless teeth are profound. Treatment planning and atraumatic management of extration sites must focus upon the retention or re-creation of sufficient volume of bone and soft tissue and adequate crestal height and contours to achieve esthetic and functional restorations.

It is extremely important to envision a functionally and cosmetically acceptable tooth replacement and consider ridge preservation or immediate implant placement before the removal of any tooth. Patients are encouraged to consult with Dr. I. Stephen Brown regardging the most efficient way to handle such treatment and to click here to read more about atraumatic extraction and ridge preservation.

By anticipating the possibility of alveolar loss subsequent to the extraction of a tooth, Camden, NJ dental implant specialist Dr. I. Stephen Brown can also minimize the number of surgical procedures a patient may have to endure to achieve optimal treatment results.

Dental Implants Support Fixed, Permanent Teeth

Implant-supported overdentures have been a common treatment for edentulous patients in Philadelphia PA, Montgomery County, Camden NJ for the past 20 years and predictably achieve good clinical results. Many patients, especially those who are uncomfortable with dentures, enjoy the additional retention and support implants provide for their dentures. The implant-supported overdenture has been accepted as the standard of care for fully edentulous patients and should be the first choice of treatment for the edentulous mandible. Click on the link to read the full story, Implant-Supported Overdentures: The Standard of Care for Edentulous Patients

Ther are many advantages of implant-supported overdentures over conventional dentures. To learn more about Implant-supported overdentures in the Philadelphia, PA visit http://www.theperiogroup.com/ Please call Montgomery County Periodontist, Dr. Stephen Brown for more information about getting dental implants or implant dentistry in the Philadelphia / Camden, NJ area, 215.735.3660

Philadelphia Periodontist Dr. Stephen Brown discusses who is a candidate for dental implants

Dr. I. Stephen Brown recently was interviewed by Randy Alvarez of the Wellness Hour, the leader in Medical News and Information.

Click here or on the image to watch the interview. Dr. Brown is the premier periodontist in Philadelphia and has several academic appointments. Playing this video will show people looking for dental implants Philadelphia all they need to know.

Immediate Placement of Single Tooth Implants

The first patients receiving Branemark implants were completely edentulous and received multiple (5-6) implants placed in the anterior mandible between the mental foramina, then later in the maxilary anterior region. All of these implants were the "two-stage" variety which classically required three to six months to complete the bone fusion process named osseointegration. Then a secon surgical procedure to expose the implant head for abutment connection and restoration was performed

Although there were limitations imposed by Branemark's system, including the design and cosmetics of the prostheses they supported, for many "dental criples" the return of adequate function was nothing short of a miracle which significantly improved their quality of life.

As a means of treating areas of bone with less than adequate density and volume, alternative implant designs and geometry and the use of osteotomes, sinus augmentation and onlay grafts were developed to increase the predictablility and clinical success of dental implants.

Beginning in the mid-90's, single tooth implants and reduction in treatment time became a primary goal for implant clinicians. Patients were dissatisfied with merely achieveing a stable implant in alveolar bone and demanded funtional and cosmetically-acceptable tooth replacements. As a result, the single tooth implant has become the treatment of choice and the standard of care in many tooth replacement situtations.

Read more about single tooth replacement, Montgomery County, PA.

Sedation Dentistry Allows Philadelphia Periodontist to Perform Dental Work While You Relax

Fewer than 50 percent of all people in the United States see a dentist regularly. Putting off dental care only makes the situation worse – and more expensive to fix. While some people are just too busy for multiple dental appointments, most people who avoid the dentist do so out of fear. But now a revolutionary new option is available to help fearful patients overcome their anxiety – sleep dentistry.

Dr. Stephen Brown provides Sedation Dentistry "Sleep Dentistry" in Philadelphia, Camden NJ Area and Montgomery County PA. Dr. Stephen Brown believes all his patients should have the option of being in as relaxed a state as possible while undergoing their dental procedures. That is why he utilizes sedation dentistry.

No longer does one have to suffer through the anxiety and fear associated with a dental visit! Please call us if you would like to know more about sedation dentistry in the Philadelphia / Camden, NJ area, 215.735.3660.

Conscious sedation dentistry allows Dr. Brown to perform the work you need while you relax. He can accomplish in one visit what might have otherwise taken several appointments. Gum treatments, implants, smile restorations, and more can be accomplished while you relax comfortably. When special restorative needs are indicated, Dr. Brown collaborates with a trusted colleague Dr. Sander White to provide the most advanced dental procedures utilizing safe, comfortable and effective sedation.

Dental Sedation techniques include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and intravenous sedation. Many patients prefer nitrous oxide, which is a gas that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small nose piece during a planned procedure. With oral conscious sedation, the patient takes a small pill before an appointment, which produces a delightful feeling of relaxation and NO memory of the procedure. For patients with special needs or those requiring lengthy visits, we have a physician M.D. anesthesiologist on staff, providing intravenous sedation. Intravenous sedation is anesthesia administered through a vein during your visit to ensure your comfort and maximum relaxation.

A Closer Look at Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are man-made replacements for natural teeth. The implants themselves are artificial tooth roots carefully and painlessly placed in the gum or jawbone. Replacement teeth are then permanently secured to the implants. The benefits are remarkable. They look, feel and function like your natural teeth!

When implant supported teeth are placed in the mouth, it permits you to brush your teeth without having to deal with the embarrassment of removable teeth or unpleasant adhesives. Another benefit is not having to cut down adjacent teeth to facilitate a conventional fixed (tooth supported) bridge. One of the many advantages of dental implants is that they preserve rather than compromise your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

Implants provide a solid foundation of support for permanent, non-removable teeth. Increased chewing ability means you can enjoy more nutritious foods, which contributes to your overall health and well-being. In short, dental implants improve the quality of your life.

Implants can enhance your appearance, boost your self-confidence, and allow you to speak with greater clarity. Another advantage of dental implants is that they stop the continuous loss of jaw bone that rapidly occurs after teeth have been removed. This is an unfortunate natural process that can only be stopped by providing a permanent method of tooth replacement.

Dental implants are usually placed by Periodontists or Oral Surgeons. Successful implant treatment is dependent upon the implant surgeon creating a team of professionals: a surgeon who places the implant, a restorative dentist who is responsible for tooth replacements, and a dental laboratory technician who fabricates cosmetically pleasing teeth. Excellent collaboration between the three disciplines insures a comfortable, functional and cosmetically pleasing tooth replacement.

It’s a modern miracle, but one which has revolutionized the tooth replacement process. If you’ve lost one or more teeth, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for dental implants.

Questions? Ask Dr. Brown.

Dental Implants - New Horizons in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

The major difficulties associated with dental implant placement are related to inadequate quantity and quality of available bone at the proposed implant site. Placement of implant in sites with inadequate bone may cause complications such as impingement on vital anatomic structures such as the mandibular canal and neurovascular bundle, and perforation of cortical plates by implant threads.

In an effort to overcome such anatomic problems, a short implant may be required and could be too short to sustain the occlusal loads to which the resulting prosthesis will be subjected. Normal bone, and especially bone of poor quality, placed under such levels of functional loading mayresult in microfractures of the bone adjacent to the imnplant. This in turn can result in loss of osseointegration.

Furthermore, when implants are placed in bone of poor quality, they often lack adequate initial stability. Micromovement of the implant of as little as 100 microns causes a fibrous rather than bony union, producing an increased incidence of short- or long-term implant failure.

Click this link to read more about techniques to ensure implant success.

Cat Scans Aid Dental Implant Diagnosis

Dentist have a variety of radiographs available for implant diagnosis and treatment planning. These include periapical, panoramic, conventional tomography, and computer-assisted tomography.
The panoramic radiograph is the most frequently used dental x-ray for dental implant treatment and is also the least accurate. Distortion can range from 25 to 30percent.
Conventional tomography also exhibits considerable distortion and lacks the uninterrupted continuity of a three-dimensional image.
Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scanning provides the clinician the advantage of a three-dimensional image with the least distortion, an average of 0.2 to 0.5mm. Anatomic structures can be seen in their entirety without superimposition and with superior magnification, sharpness and significantly reduced distortion in relation to other radiography.
This makes CBCT a more precise diagnostic tool which provides greater clinical confidence in the placement of dental implants than convention radiography.
To read more about dental implant diagnosis and treatment planning, visit Dr. I. Stephen Brown at www.theperiogroup.com.

Benefits of Dental Implant Treatment

We all feel that our teeth are important. But, when changes in your smile begin to affect your quality of life, the health, function, and appearance of your teeth take on a whole new meaning. Nobody should have to endure unhealthy or missing teeth, or the embarrassment of slipping dentures. Now, with dental implants, your dentist can restore your missing teeth without having to grind down adjacent teeth for fixed bridges and crowns or having to wear traditional dentures and discomfort and embarrassment associated with dental adhesives.

There are many benefits associated with implant treatment. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant virtually stops the bone deteriorations (bone collapse) process, restores natural biting and chewing capacity, and helps preserve your youthful facial appearance. A dental implant looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth while leaving adjacent teeth uncompromised. Implants resist the attachment of plaque and calculus, and they clean like natural teeth. They improve your digestion and eliminate the pain of dentures and partials. Dental implants benefit denture-wearers because they increase comfort and stability by eliminating the need for adhesives.

Dental implant treatment:
-Preserves youthful facial appearance
-Virtually stops the bone deterioration (bone collapse) process
-Restores natural biting and chewing capacity
-Looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth
-Does not compromise adjacent teeth
-Increases comfort and stability (eliminates need for adhesives)
-Eliminates pain of dentures and partials
-Improves digestion
-Hygienic (cleaned like a natural tooth)

Learn more about the life-changing effects of Philadelphia dental implants, by visiting Dr. Brown at The Perio Group.

Dental Implants: A secure foundation for natural tooth replacement

Dental implants form a biologic bond with the jawbone to produce a secure foundation for natural tooth replacements. This concept of oral rehabilitation was developed 40 years ago by a Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Dr. Brown is uniquely qualified to provide a full range of implant dentistry procedures. He was one of the first U.S. dentists to study directly with Dr. Branemark’s colleagues, and he has been performing a full range of implant dentistry for more than 20 years. Dr. Brown is Professor of Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania and Director of the Dental Implant Center at Albert Einstein Medical Center. He has taught dentists and dental students about dental implants for many years, and has lectured on the subject both nationally and abroad.

The hope of restoring something important that has been lost, especially in the human body, is an exciting possibility. With dental implants, it’s not just a hope. It’s a reality. To learn more about life-changing dental implants, please contact Dr. I. Stephen Brown at The Perio Group .

Implant Dentistry: Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants you finally realize that there is a way to improve your quality of life. Even if you have lost just one tooth – whether it is a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Now you can start over! With man-made, substitute tooth roots, Dr. I. Stephen Brown can offer you a unique and permanent solution to missing teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. These modern miracles of tooth replacement can be matched exactly to your own teeth, restoring your smile to its optimal state. Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.