Think Dental Learning Institute is in a niche by itself in the field of dentistry. Under the leadership of Dr. Miriam Ting, the institute has organized several events all aimed at providing…

• Under the leadership of Dr. Miriam Ting, the institute has organized several events all aimed at providing evidence-based, continuing education to assist dental clinicians provide high standard patient care.
• Dr. Miriam Ting, DMD, has received several awards including being honored by Marquis Who’s Who for Excellence in Dentistry
• The Institute, based in Lancaster, Paoli Pennsylvania, is helping to share insights on dental aesthetic implants. 
•  Dr. Ting’s articles cover areas such as periodontal microbiology and aesthetic implant rehabilitation, and has received over 1000 citations

So, why the focus on aesthetic implants? The procedure is one of the most difficult to execute in dentistry. Aesthetics in dental medicine means to imitate, as closely as possible, what nature has already made. Thus, aesthetic implants involve an artificial restoration of anterior teeth with implant-supported restorations. And, although tooth reconstruction and other gingival-related aesthetics are, mostly, difficult to achieve, it maintains primary relevance for most dental clinicians.

When Are Aesthetic Implants Needed?

The rationale behind this procedure is simple – to give people the smile they should have. Aesthetic implants can be used to fill in missing teeth and even correct or restore poor tooth shape as well as to correct tooth position. As indicated earlier, the procedure is not straightforward, as it is met by several challenges. For example, the treatment must take into consideration issues of soft and hard tissue deficiencies, or an unfavorably soft tissue created as a result of tooth extraction and the following healing process. It also takes into consideration (for a procedure to be successful) the position of the implant and the root position of the tooth adjacent. 

How Are Aesthetic Implants Done?

Aesthetic implants is the procedure by which a false tooth is planted in the jaw. It is done by basically planting a titanium screw in the jaw, as the first step. Then, the false tooth is attached to the planted titanium screw to provide a permanent fix. The procedure first requires an examination and a discussion of all potential possibilities. It first begins with a small incision made in the gum before planting the titanium screw. After the procedure, the gum is sewed up, and the healing process starts. 

Pros and Cons of Aesthetic Implants

Pros

• If properly cared for, aesthetic implants can last a lifetime
• Aside from the fact that they offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth, they also help to support the bone structure in the jaw
• They feel, look, and function as the natural teeth
• They are durable and strong

Cons 

• The process can be complicated 
• It requires about 3 months to heal. 
• It can be expensive. Plus, the process does not come under most insurance coverage. 
• Not everyone is a candidate for aesthetic implants. There may be no bone available to place an implant. Or with certain medications or medical conditions that could make the process too risky.