Procedure

If you are considering Zirconia implants, we now have 3 options:

  1. ONE-PIECE: We rarely use this option, but in case it is indicated, it is imperative to comply with wearing a protective device for 4-6 months in order to ensure the success of the implant.
  2. TWO-PIECE (glued or screw-retained): These cases do not require strict protective appliance protection, however we still recommend the patient to wear it some parts of the day for two months only.
  3. ONE-PIECE IMMEDIATE LOAD: These are mostly used in softer than usual bone, or in aesthetic areas. They are one-piece, however can be restored with a temporary crown immediately, provided the patient does NOT chew on it directly. In two months, we restore it with a permanent crown.

X-rays should be emailed beforehand. Dr Sarkissian will evaluate those free of charge before calling you in for a consultation.

  1. Consultation:  To determine whether you are a candidate for Zirconia implants, Dr Sarkissian will evaluate the implant site, the bite, the anatomy of the area, the gums, the jaw-joint, and your general health situation. If it is determined that we should proceed, then an appointment is made for a full dental exam and records, and a prescription is given for further X-rays if needed.
  2. Dental records exam: impressions are taken, dental charting is performed, photographs are taken, and forms are completed.
  3. Surgical stent: Sometimes a special stent is made over a stone model of your teeth, based on the projected implant and tooth position. The stent is fitted and delivered. A marker in the stent predicts the position and angulation of the implant(s). In most complicated cases the stent is made based on the Galileos CBCT scan (see next section).
  4. Cone-beam scan (e.g. iCAT or Galileos): You will have to make an appointment with a radiology lab, where a scan is taken of the jaws while wearing the surgical stent. The markers in the stent will appear in precise orientation to the underlying bone. Based on this information, the exact location of the implant will be determined. The stent will be used during surgery to guide the point of entry into the jawbone and the exact depth of the implant.
  5. Surgical implant placement:  The surgery is carried out under local anesthetic. IV sedation is always an option. Simple cases take less than hour and are generally well tolerated. A few X-rays are taken during the procedure to confirm the position of the implant. Stitches may or may not be required.  If the Zirconia implant is a one-piece implants, a protective appliance is delivered on the same day.
  6. Follow-up appointment : Two weeks later a half-hour appointment is needed to remove stitches, if any were placed, to check healing, and to adjust the protective appliance.
  7. Crown impression: 4-6 months later the gums around the implant are gently lasered and contoured (Since the gums will be healed around the Zirconia thanks to its excellent biocompatibility, a laser is used to expose the margins of the implant, which may need to be modified with a drill.) We then scan the stub with our digital CEREC unit, and a porcelain crown is milled, glazed and delivered on the same day. (More about the CEREC…)
  8. Crown placement: In rare cases where a heavy bite necessitates a full zirconia crown, an impression is taken, and in 2 weeks a lab-fabricated crown will be cemented over the implant and your treatment will be complete.

Contraindications Of Ceramic Implants

Zirconia implants are not indicated, or carry a higher risk of failure in the following situations:

  1. Smokers
  2. Bruxers (heavy clenching and grinding)
  3. Diabetics
  4. Bleeding disorders
  5. Drug abuse
  6. Bone infections
  7. Uncooperative patients (poor oral hygiene, or unwillingness to wear protective appliances)
  8. Insufficient anatomic space in the jawbone. (Further surgeries such as sinus lifts or bone grafts may render the area suitable for an implant)

The Procedure (illustrated)

Zirconia - A tooth that can not be saved any moreA Tooth That Is Doomed To Be Extracted

Zirconia The Unsalvageable tooth is extractedThe Tooth Is Extracted And The Socket
Along With All Infectious Tissue Is Cleaned Down To Healthy Bone

Zirconia The cavity in the jaw is graftedThe Socket Space In The Jaw Is Grafted (Many Times A Graft Is Not Essential)

Zirconia The cavity is filled and healedThe Extraction Site Is Healed And Transformed Into Bone Within 6-8 Months

Zirconia gum level - no protective applianceThe TWO-PIECE Implant is Almost at Gum Level and May Not Require Protective Appliance to be Worn

Zirconia abutment glued or screwed into main bodyA Zirconia Abutment is Glued or Screwed Into the Main Body of the Implant After the 4 Month Integration Period

Zirconia A crown is bonded to the shaftA Crown Is Placed Over The Implant

2 thoughts on “Procedure”

  1. Hi, In late October 2012 I crashed my bicycle and lost one front tooth. it is broken at the gum. i have not had the root removed the two adjacent teeth are a strong. i do not have a regular dentist and need to take care of this and the zirconium sounds like sound logic. i would like have a consultation and see if you feel like my situation is suitable for the procedures outlined above. i will be out out town between 1 July and the 8th. I am looking forward to meeting with you.

    thank you
    jim

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.