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METAL FREE DENTAL IMPLANTS
The latest advance in dental implants, from Europe, now available at Millennium Dental Associates. Dr. Meyer has completed a manufacturers training program on the surgical placement and prosthetic management of these Zirconium Oxide, non-metallic dental implants. Below is a general description of dental implants, their type, placement and restoration.
A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root. The most common type used in this country today is the "root form" implant. Typically it is fairly shaped like a tooth root. Those sold in this country have been all metallic, being either of commercially pure titanium or a titanium alloy. They are all basically similar, the differences being small variations in size, surface characteristics and in the attachments parts. 
From left to right (above): Blade implant, press fit and screw type. The subperiosteal implant (seen below) is used for our seniors who have no lower teeth and a very thinned mandible. This implant is custom made and is placed directly on the jawbone and under the gum tissue. A lower denture is worn then on the support-connecting bar. The denture is completely supported by the implant and off the tissue entirely. Thus, there are no spots to rub on the gums. The teeth are secured with small clips or snaps and are as close to having your own teeth as can be. It is performed in two visits approximately 10 days apart. You will walk out with your secure denture at the second surgery.
Dental implants can be used alone or in multiple units to solve a variety of problems. Advanced procedures are at times needed to make certain changes. These can be:
Bone augmentation-with either artificial substitutes or your own bone
Bone expansion-also called widening. This is to make the ridge wider by creating a surgical fracture.
Barrier membranes-these are biologic membranes that aid in closure of tears or breaks in the tissue. The following shows the basic steps to the actual implant rehabilitation.
Here are the basic steps for the placement of a dental root-form implant
A typical basic application of this technique is to secure a "floating" lower denture. As you can see in the pictures the implant is well embedded in the jaw and the upper supports hold the denture fast. You decide when your teeth come out, not them.
From beginning to end, there are two surgical visits, the initial placement and then the uncovery. The time between surgeries is approximately 3 months for the lower arch and six for the upper arch, owing to the ifferences in bone composition. Once the final healing has taken place the "abutments" (connecting pieces) are attached and the denture constructed. That time is approximately 6 weeks. All in all you have about 4.5 months of time invested.
Testimonial:
Dear Dr. Meyer,
I am writing a letter of appreciation for the fine work you have done on my implants. The professional work from the beginning is much to be admired. Everything was done in stages an completely checked out before we proceeded to the next step.
Your staff both here and in Scottsdale were professional and courteous. I felt their concern and kindness. It is nice to be able to chew food again properly and not have the usual shifting as with a lower denture. The implants are easy to clean and care for.
I must say that I had very little discomfort through the whole surgery and healed very rapidly. Above all Dr. Meyer, I hope you maintain your concern and compassion for others as you have me.
Best regards,
Lois Wheeler, Sedona
Testimonial:
I would like to take a moment of your time, to thank you and your assistant for the great work that you did on my dental implant and bridge.
I have to admit I was very apprehensive at first. However because of the kindness and great care that you and your assistant showed me I was very relaxed thru out most all of the surgery. I had very little discomfort during and after the surgery.
My implant and bridge still feel very good. I feel this is a fantastic way to replace your permanent teeth. I hope I never loose any more teeth, but if I do I would not hesitate to have this done again.
I also would like to share with you that my periodontist feels that the tissue around the implant and bridge looks very good and healthy.
Thanks again for a job well done.
Yours truly, Your very satisfied patient
Dale Neiswender, Prescott Valley
Dr. Meyer has his new Holistic Biological Dentistry Site being developed here. (Click Here)
Dr. Meyer also has his Snoring & Sleep Apnea site here. (Click Here)
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