Implant-supported crown or implant-supported fixed bridge? The implant-supported crown is the most natural feeling and functioning option. It does not rely on any other tooth to stay in the mouth. The implant is placed in the bone in the location of the missing tooth. After bone has integrated around the implant, a post and a crown are placed on the implant. The future of the crown/implant is not dependent on the surrounding teeth. The teeth on each side of the missing space do not need to be altered with a drill for support purposes. The implant/crown is not susceptible to decay and only minimally susceptible to periodontal disease, and it can be flossed like a natural tooth.

Advantages: Implant/crown is not susceptible to decay. Implant/crown is minimally susceptible to periodontal disease. Implant/crown does not rely on other teeth for support. Decay on the surrounding teeth will not affect the implant/crown. A more natural cleaning process for the patient occurs since, typically, implants are not connected to natural teeth. The implant/crown increases the strength of the quadrant where it is placed. Bone stays with implant placement and atrophies (shrinks) with no implant Disadvantages: Initially costs more than RPD or fixed bridge - but a great value, considering the disadvantages of the RPD and the fixed bridge. Implants typically take more time, but with today's techniques, the prosthetic (replacement) phase can begin at 2-3 months from implant placement.

Jessica Owens - RDH

We will be happy to answer your questions about dental implants. Please CONTACT US with any questions.
 

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Dr. Findley Attends Advanced Surgical Implant Course

Dr. Findley attended an advanced surgical implant course with Dr. Michael Pikos and Dr. Al Mattia in Tarpon Springs, Florida in May of 2007. This course involved planning implant cases from CT scans. This technology takes diagnosis to a very high level in cases where this type of technology is needed.

As an example, the patient goes to a scan center in Albany and has a CT scan done of the upper and/or lower jaws. The CT scan is then delivered to Dr. Findley and the disk is sent to Materialise Corporation where a Sim-Plant analysis is done. The CT scan is formatted for the software that Dr. Findley has on his laptop computer. At that point, he can plan the patient’s entire case from a surgical standpoint i.e., 1:1 accuracy, 3-D imaging, bone density plus relevant anatomical structures, etc.

This technology at some point in time in implant diagnosis is going to the “standard of care” for those cases that warrant this type of technology. It is now available in our practice.

Ask us questions and we will be happy to enlighten you.
 

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Dr. Findley completes Pankey Scholar

At the end of 2009, Dr. Findley successfully completed the Pankey Scholar Program at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Dr. Findley is a member of the Institute’s visiting faculty.

The Pankey Scholar is not a degree, but an honor. Completion of the program is the highest educational level achieved at the Pankey Institute.

The Pankey Scholar is intended for those who desire to continue their self development by demonstrating the level they have achieved in philosophical understanding and application; behavioral relations with patients, staff and others; clinical competency; and practice financial management.

The Pankey Institute is a non-profit organization that offers a comprehensive learning experience for dentists and other dental professionals. Its courses of study are recognized by the Academy of General Dentistry and attract students from all over the world, who want to provide their patients with top quality, personalized care. It’s state of science teaching facility on Key Biscayne (adjacent to Miami, Florida), curriculum, and renowned faculty make the Pankey Institute the premium post graduate experience in dentistry.

It is interesting to note that there are only 40 dentists who have achieved this honor as of November 2009. These dentists represent a disbursement in almost every state in the union.

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