Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to last over 20 years with the right upkeep. Unlike conventional tooth replacement solutions like bridges or dentures, they provide unmatched durability and are intended to be a permanent remedy for missing teeth.

Our clinic employs innovative technology and anesthetics to ensure comfort throughout dental implant treatment. Although post-operative pain and moderate edema are possible, they are usually controllable with over-the-counter painkillers. For a seamless recovery, our staff will offer comprehensive instructions for post-operative care.

Dental implants mimic real teeth in both appearance and functionality. With the assurance that their teeth remain rooted, patients may confidently converse, eat, drink, smile, and laugh. The astounding long-term success rate of implants is 95%, which is far greater than other restoration choices.

Dental implants are complex dental appliances that need to be positioned precisely to reduce issues or implant failure. Selecting a dental implant specialist with the appropriate training, education, and expertise in implant dentistry is crucial for the best outcomes.

Dental implants, when properly put and maintained, have the potential to survive for decades. The same rules that apply to maintaining your natural teeth also apply to teeth replaced with dental implants: brush, floss, and schedule routine cleanings and examinations at the dentist.

“Mini” dental implants are typically narrow (measuring only 1.5 to 2.5mm in width), whereas standard implants are about 4mm wide. Initially, mini-implants were designed as temporary solutions to support dental prostheses while standard implants healed. Once the regular implants had healed, the mini-implants would be removed. Recently, some dental companies have promoted mini-implants as substitutes for standard implants, claiming they are highly successful, less invasive, and more economical.

However, there are several reasons why mini-implants fall short compared to regular implants:

1. Stability and Strength: Regular implants, being larger in diameter, provide greater stability and strength, which is crucial for supporting dental restorations and ensuring long-term functionality.
2. Longevity: Regular implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, whereas mini-implants are designed to be a temporary solution.
3. Bone Integration: Regular implants integrate better with the jawbone, promoting bone health and reducing the risk of bone loss over time. Mini implants, on the other hand, have less surface area to fuse with the bone, leading to less stability and higher failure rates, especially in the upper jaw where bone quality is poor.
4. Risk of Fracture: The reduced width of mini-implants increases the risk of implant fracture, compromising their durability.
5. Versatility: Regular implants are suitable for a wider range of dental restorations, including single crowns, bridges, and full-arch dentures. Mini-implants are generally limited to specific cases and designed as temporary solutions. 
6. Aesthetic Outcomes: Regular implants provide superior aesthetic results, as they can better support the surrounding tissues and create a more natural-looking smile. The limited restorative parts for mini-implants restrict options for achieving the best aesthetic or functional outcomes.

Given these significant advantages, we do not use mini-implants at our practice. While mini-implants might be appropriate in certain situations, regular implants offer superior stability, durability, and overall oral health benefits. We are committed to providing the best possible care and outcomes for our patients, which is why we recommend regular implants as the optimal solution.

While general dentists are legally permitted to perform a wide variety of dental procedure including dental implants, many opt to refer patients to more experienced specialists, including board-certified periodontists such as Dr. Fritz and Dr. Schuldt. Before scheduling your surgery, it’s important to discuss with your general dentist their level of training and how frequently they perform implant procedures. Choosing an experienced specialist with the appropriate credentials and training increases your chances for a successful, long-term implant outcome.

For any surgery, it’s crucial to do your research and ask your dentist any questions or clarifications you need beforehand. Ensure your dentist explains the dental implant process step by step so you fully understand what to expect. This thorough vetting helps prevent surprises or unexpected problems from arising after your dental implant surgery.

A periodontist has undergone three years of additional training beyond dental school to become an expert in the treatment of gum disease and advanced tooth replacement options.  Dr. Fritz and Dr. Schuldt each have over six years of additional full-time training beyond dental school. Dr. Fritz’s extensive training in periodontics and a Ph.D. in Periodontology ensures his expertise in treating gum disease and performing advanced dental implant procedures. Dr. Schuldt is a double specialist, having trained as both a prosthodontist and a periodontist, which took six years. 

Their commitment to specialized education allows them to provide the highest level of care in their respective fields. Choosing a specialist for your tooth replacement ensures that dental implants are placed with precision, superior expertise, and reduced failure rates.

General dentists perform a variety of general dentistry treatments, including occasional dental implant services. In contrast, a Fellowship Certified periodontist focuses extensively on this type of procedure. Their in-depth knowledge and technical proficiency are crucial, especially in complex cases of tooth replacement.

Specialists’ offices are often equipped with the latest surgical techniques and technology, allowing for advanced procedures such as earlier or immediate placement of teeth on implants. While the fees of a specialist may be higher than those of a general dentist, the investment reflects their advanced training, evidence-based technology, and superior outcomes.

When considering dental implants, making an informed healthcare decision is essential, just as you would with any surgical procedure. Prioritizing specialization can significantly impact the success and longevity of your dental implants.

Choosing the right professional for your dental implants is crucial. Dr. Fritz and Dr. Schuldt each have over six years of additional full-time training beyond dental school, ensuring they are highly skilled specialists in their fields. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve provided a list of questions to ask any doctor you’re considering for this procedure. 

Credentials Questions

1. Are you a general dentist or a specialist?
2. If a general dentist, which specialists do you recommend for this procedure?
3. If a specialist, are you Fellowship Certified in your specialty?

Training Questions

1. Where did you complete your training in implants?
2. Was your implant-specific training performed in a residency program at an accredited academic institution?
3. How many implants did you place during your training?
4. What was the length of your implant training?
5. How many implants do you place weekly, monthly, or annually? (Specialists typically perform 10+ per week, 40+ per month, and 500+ per year.)

Procedure-Specific Questions

1. What type/brand of implants do you use?
2. What is your rationale for using this brand?
3. What are the risks associated with the procedure? What are the potential complications and can you manage them?
4. Do you perform sinus lifts? If yes, how many? If no, what happens if I need a sinus lift?
5. What is the proposed treatment plan? What alternative treatment options are available, and what are the pros and cons of each?
6. Do you have case studies of prior procedures you can share with me?
7. What type of warranty/guarantee do you provide for this procedure?

General Questions

1. If you were having an implant placed, which specialist would perform your surgery and why?
2. What are the risks associated with the procedure?
3. How many implants have you placed and what is your personal success rate?
4. What is the typical completion time for the treatment, from placement to final restoration?
5. Do you use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for precision implant placement?
6. What options do you offer for sedation?
7. If I am losing my tooth due to gum disease (periodontal disease), can this also happen to my implant? How can this be prevented?
8. What type of special home care and instructions are required for my implant(s)?
9.  What technology do you have to retain as much bone as possible when removing a tooth for implant placement?
10. What else should I know about my tooth replacement options?

Making an informed healthcare decision is critical when considering dental implants. Dr. Fritz and Dr. Schuldt’s extensive training, specialization, and experience ensure that they provide the highest level of care.

A dental implant provides several advantages over a traditional bridge. Here are the key benefits:

1. Preservation of Natural Teeth: A bridge requires placing crowns on the adjacent teeth to support the artificial tooth. This means healthy teeth need to be modified. An implant, on the other hand, does not affect the neighbouring teeth.
2. Independence of Replacement: If one of the supporting teeth in a bridge gets a cavity or has another issue, you need to replace the entire bridge. With an implant, only the crown on the implant needs replacement if any issues arise, not multiple teeth.
3. Longevity: All bridgework will eventually need to be replaced, typically within 5-15 years. Implants, when properly cared for, can last a lifetime, providing a more permanent solution.
4. Bone Preservation: Dental implants help preserve the jawbone where the tooth is missing. This prevents bone loss and maintains the natural contour of your face, which bridges or denture do not.
5. Aesthetic and Functional Benefits: Implants look and function like natural teeth, providing a more natural appearance and better functionality compared to bridges.
6. Oral Hygiene: Implants are easier to clean and maintain. Bridges can be more challenging to keep clean, potentially leading to decay or gum disease in the supporting teeth.

For more detailed information specific to your case, consult with your dentist to understand the best option for your dental health.

Yes, implants can significantly improve the fit and function of dentures. People with dentures often experience gradual shrinkage of the bone underneath the denture over time. Implants can address this issue in two important ways:

1. Secure Fit: Implants can secure the denture, providing a snug and stable fit. This enhances comfort and chewing efficiency, making the denture feel more like natural teeth.
2. Bone Preservation: Implants can help prevent additional bone shrinkage or loss. Your natural teeth signal to the bone that it needs to remain in place. When teeth are lost, the bone can begin to deteriorate. Implants act as a substitute, “reminding” the bone to stay, thus maintaining bone density and structure.

If you have a poorly fitting denture, implants can often restore the function you had with your original teeth, improving both your quality of life and oral health.