Miami All-on-4® Dental Implants Specialist: Dr. William P. Lamas

Miami – All-on-4® Dental Implants

Tooth loss among adults is a common occurrence. In the United States, more than 35 million people are missing an entire arch of teeth (upper or lower). For decades, removable acrylic dental appliances have been the only option for replacing these missing teeth; however, advances in the dental industry have led to a new, more comfortable and natural-looking solution, dental implants. Dental implants closely resemble the look and feel of natural teeth. In addition, when cared for properly, dental implants are a permanent solution for a lifelong problem. With the All-on-4® procedure, at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, Dr. William P. Lamas can replace an entire arch of missing teeth using as few as four dental implants.

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All-on-4® Dental Implants Before & After Photos

 

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. During a minor surgical procedure, Dr. Lamas places a small titanium screw or metal-free ceramic root (i.e., CeraRoot) into the jawbone. Once the implant is inserted, a crown can be attached; thus, providing the patient with a functional, realistic-looking artificial tooth.

All-on-4® Dental Implants in Miami: Explained

When Dr. William P. Lamas performs an All-on-4® procedure, a dental implant is not necessary for each missing tooth. He can replace an entire arch of teeth (top or bottom) with four precisely placed dental implants. If a patient needs all of his or her teeth replaced, Dr. Lamas can use the All-on-4® procedure on the top arch and the All-on-4® procedure on the bottom arch to provide the patient with a full set of beautiful, natural-looking teeth.

The Dental Implant and the Jawbone Fuse Together

Over time, the implant and the bone fuse together. This fusion process is referred to as osseointegration. It is this ability of the titanium dental implant and the CeraRoot implant to fuse with the jawbone that makes them the ideal solution for replacing the missing root. Furthermore, as the osseointegration progresses, these dental implants serve as strong, long-lasting foundations for the patient’s new set of teeth. From start to finish, the entire osseointegration process itself takes about six months.

What Causes Bone Loss in the Jaw?

From a lack of stimulation to the development of periodontal disease, there are a variety of reasons that the jawbone begins to resorb and deteriorate. When teeth are not replaced, the jawbone begins breaking down. This loss of bone causes the cheeks to sink in, which negatively affects an individual’s appearance. This facial characteristic is frequently referred to as ‘hollowing of the face.’ This hollowing can make an individual appear much older than he or she actually is, for some patients, up to 10 years.

Bone loss in the jaw can occur due to:

• Lack of Stimulation

  Since the natural teeth are embedded within the jawbone, the actions of biting and chewing actually stimulate the bone; however, when the teeth are no longer present, the portion of the jawbone that anchors the teeth (i.e., the alveolar bone) is no longer stimulated. Without stimulation, the alveolar bone begins breaking down: This breaking down process occurs because the body believes that the jawbone is no longer serving a purpose, which makes it unnecessary.

  The rate of jawbone deterioration and the amount of bone that is lost varies from one individual to the next. Nevertheless, most of the bone loss occurs within the first 18 months following the extraction of a tooth/teeth. Unless replaced with some type of dental implant, this jawbone deterioration continues throughout the individual’s lifetime.

• Periodontal Disease

  Periodontal disease is also responsible for loss of bone in the jaw. When an individual has ongoing gum infections, the various support systems of the natural teeth, including the alveolar bone, are gradually destroyed. Although there are numerous diseases that affect these support structures, most issues occur due to plaque-induced inflammatory lesions.

• Gingivitis May Lead to Periodontitis

  Gingivitis is the precursor to periodontitis: That is not to say that gingivitis will definitely progress into periodontitis, however, it will always precede periodontitis.

• Periodontitis

  Periodontitis occurs when bacteria adhere to the surface of the tooth/teeth and the body’s immune system responds aggressively as it attempts to destroy these bacteria.

Dental Plaque is the Primary Cause of Gingivitis

Plaque is a sticky, clear film that is constantly forming on the teeth. It consists of various types of bacteria and food particles. As dental plaque builds up at and below the gum line, the gums may become inflamed and bleed easily. This irritation is caused by the toxins created by the bacteria. If left untreated, the gums start to separate from the teeth creating pockets. These pockets will fill with bacteria; thus, causing even more gum irritation.

Plaque Hardens and Forms Tartar

If an individual neglects to brush and floss regularly, this dental plaque hardens: After the plaque has hardened, it is referred to as tartar (i.e., calculus). Tartar can form at and below the gum line. Once the plaque has become tartar, a dental cleaning is the only way that it can be removed.

Treatment Alternatives to All-on-4® Dental Implants Available in Miami

Although there are other treatment options available to replace missing teeth, unlike the traditional removable acrylic appliances and anchored dental bridges, the All-on-4® dental implant method offers patients convenience and comfort.

Traditional short-term options for tooth replacement include:

• removable “flippers,” full-arch dentures (upper and/or lower) and partial dentures; as well as
• bridges that are anchored by the patient’s natural teeth.

Bridgework and Dentures

Although traditional dentures and bridgework essentially replace missing teeth, these prostheses are placed on top of the gum tissue. Consequently, they neglect to provide stimulation to the alveolar bone beneath them. As time passes, this lack of stimulation causes the jawbone to resorb and deteriorate. Furthermore, the denture itself can cause a negative force on portions of the alveolar bone, instigating the deterioration process.

As the deterioration process progresses, since dentures rely on the jawbone to hold them in place, loosening of the dentures is a common problem. Consequently, once the dental prosthesis no longer fits securely, individuals begin having difficulty speaking and eating. This loss of bone may become so severe that strong adhesives must be used in an attempt to keep the prosthesis in place. Ultimately, a replacement dental prosthesis will be required.

When it comes to bridgework that is supported on either side of the dental appliance, the ‘anchoring’ teeth do provide stimulation in those particular areas; however, the jawbone between the teeth that are being used as anchors receives no direct stimulation. Without stimulation, bone loss in this area is possible.

Dental Implant Anchored Dentures and Bridges

Some bridges and dentures are now supported with dental implants. Just like with natural teeth, these implants do stimulate the jawbone in the areas where they are placed; thus, preserving those specific areas of the alveolar bone.

What Makes the All-on-4® Dental Implant Method So Unique?

Since the implants we use at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami are extremely durable and will stimulate the gums to strengthen the jawbone, we are frequently able to replace an entire arch with as few as four implants: We accomplish this using 3D Scanning technology. With this innovative technique, we can ensure that each implant is placed efficiently and accurately in areas that will improve the strength of the patient’s natural jawbone.

The Benefits of the All-on-4® Dental Implant Procedure at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami

Due to the numerous benefits that the All-on-4® method of tooth replacement offers; many patients are choosing to replace their traditional dentures and partials with dental implants. In addition, some patients are avoiding the traditional acrylic dental prostheses altogether by initially replacing their missing teeth with implants.

Some benefits of using dental implants and the All-on-4® method to replace missing teeth include:

• eliminating the need to wear the traditional removable dental prostheses, which can be ill-fitting, uncomfortable and difficult to care for;
• providing an individual with the strongest, most natural-looking solution for full-mouth smile replacement;
• offering the patient a quick recovery period as well as a lifelong solution for missing teeth;
• eliminating the need for bone grafts;
• allowing the patient to regain full functionality of his or her teeth, which eliminates all the restrictions related to food consumption;
• improving an individual’s confidence level through his or her ability to speak clearly and eat without concerns related to a slipping dental prosthesis;
• providing the patient with teeth that feel natural and are easy to care for;
• increasing stimulation to help stabilize the alveolar bone and prevent resorption; as well as, on many occasions,
• allowing the patient to leave with a new, full-set of natural-looking teeth in just one day.

Who Should Consider All-on-4® Dental Implants in Miami?

Today, dental implants are considered the gold standard choice for replacing missing teeth.

Dr. William P. Lamas highly recommends the All-on-4®implant procedure for individuals who:

• need to have all of the teeth on their upper and/or lower arch replaced;
• would like an entirely new smile;
• have lost alveolar bone due to missing teeth and would like dental implants;
• are interested in replacing all of their teeth during a single visit;
• want to replace their teeth with a permanent, fixed prosthesis; and/or
• have previously struggled with removable dental appliances.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami Today

If you are missing teeth and you would like to find out if dental implants, and the All-on-4® procedure is right for you, the first step in your journey towards attaining a new smile is an initial consultation with Dr. Lamas.

During your consultation, Dr. William P. Lamas will want to know about any medications that you are currently taking as well as information related to your overall health. If you have any ongoing medical conditions, please inform Dr. Lamas about these conditions at this time (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, etc.). Please be candid with Dr. William P. Lamas and his staff because obtaining an accurate medical history is essential to ensuring you receive optimal All-on-4® dental implant results.

It is during this initial consultation that Dr. Lamas will determine if the All-on-4® dental implant procedure is the best solution for replacing your missing teeth. If you are a good candidate, he will discuss what he would like to accomplish during your All-on-4® implant procedure. During your initial consultation, please feel free to ask questions and/or voice any concerns you may have related to dental implant procedures.

A Custom-Designed All-on-4® Treatment Plan in Miami

Topics discussed will include Dr. Lamas’ recommendations for achieving a beautiful smile with natural-looking results: In order to provide a patient with optimal results, the correct size, shape and color of teeth must be determined. For this reason, choosing an experienced dental implant specialist is essential.

Attaining optimal results is possible because Dr. William P. Lamas takes the time to create each of his patients a detailed plan that is specifically designed to meet his or her dental needs and aesthetic goals.

What to Expect During an All-on-4® Dental Implant Procedure at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami

Dr. Lamas takes the time to create individualized dental implant procedure plans so that his patients can enjoy a natural-looking result that reflects their personal aesthetic goals and needs.

The All-on-4® procedure lasts for several hours; however, once the procedure is complete, the patient leaves with an entire arch of new teeth. During the All-on-4® dental implant procedure at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, patients are sedated.

There are a few types of anesthesia that can be used during the All-on-4® implant procedure, including:

• IV conscious sedation, this type of sedation is frequently referred to as “twilight anesthesia;”
• inhalation conscious sedation (nitrous oxide), also known as laughing gas; and an
• orally administered sedation.

Once the sedative takes effect, the procedure begins:

1. Dr. William P. Lamas strategically places the dental implants at a specific angle. Besides offering more support for the prosthesis, by angling these implants, he avoids the alveolar nerve as well as the sinus cavities.

2. Using the All-on-4® dental implant method, Dr. Lamas can secure the new prosthesis in one day, without the need for painful bone grafting procedures.

3. After inserting the implants into the jawbone, the full-arch prosthesis is placed. This prosthesis consists of a group of single teeth that span from one side of the patient’s smile to the other. These teeth are bonded to one another; therefore, the prosthesis is essentially a single unit.

As time passes, new bone forms around the artificial roots (dental implants). After the osseointegration process is complete, the artificial roots are typically stronger than the patient’s original, natural roots.

Recovering After an All-on-4® Dental Implant Procedure in Miami

The recovery period following an All-on-4® procedure is much shorter than is seen with other dental implant methods. One of the reasons that this shortened recovery is possible is because the new dental prosthesis is connected to the implants on the same day they are created. Furthermore, the surgical techniques that Dr. William P. Lamas uses in conjunction with his anesthesia options and plasma growth factors make the All-on-4® dental implant procedure a more comfortable experience for his patients.

Why Patients Choose Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami

The methods we use at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami are designed to provide our patients with as comfortable an experience possible. We accomplish this by offering the most innovative dental procedures available as well as by using tried and true sedation techniques. Moreover, Dr. William P. Lamas and his staff are dedicated to ensuring patients receive the high-quality dental care that they deserve.

At our office in Miami, with the All-on-4® dental implant technique, we may be able to replace all of your upper and/or lower teeth during a single session. After your procedure, you will leave Lamas Dental Specialists with a brand-new set of natural-looking, fully-functioning teeth.

To learn if the All-on-4® dental implant procedure is the solution for replacing your missing teeth, contact Lamas Dental Specialists today at 305-440-4114 to schedule your consultation. Our office is located at 2645 SW 37th Avenue, Suite 304, in Miami.

 

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