Growing Dental Implants in Place

Growing Dental Implants in Place:



"Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City have developed a method of growing dental implants in place using stem cells. The process can result in a fully formed replacement tooth in less than nine weeks from initial implantation. Unlike current dental implants, these teeth conform to changes that occur to the jaw bone over time, limiting the need for costly and time consuming adjustments or replacement implants."


http://www.indyperio.com
http://www.indianapolisimplant.com
http://www.DrBruceWiland.com
http://www.indyperio.blogspot.com

Why People Choose Dental Implants Today

One of the best ways to counter tooth loss is by the use of artificial tooth replacements. This procedure is known as a type of prosthetic dentistry. It is also considered a form of cosmetic dentistry.

Although there are many options for the restoration for missing teeth, implants have proven to be the most functionally durable and effective. Dental implants may be the only reasonable option for the restoration of the teeth functions and supporting structures.

People who have lost teeth may feel all too self conscious to talk or smile. In addition, biting irregularities that are the result of the loss of tooth may have a negative effect on eating habits which can lead to secondary health problems such as malnutrition. Regardless of the problems that are related to the loss of teeth, dental implants can provide a simple remedy that has results that are proven.

Dental implants are more durable and stronger than dentures and bridges. Implants offer a solution that is permanent for tooth loss. In addition, implants can be used along with other restorative techniques for the best results. For instance, an implant can serve to support a dental crown that is used to replace a single tooth that is missing. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge that is used to replace any number of teeth that are missing. Dentures can be used for the reduction of gum tissue irritation and increase stability.

Advances in procedures means that more people may find themselves a candidate for implantation. However, candidacy for implantation depends on your dentist’s determination of whether you are a better candidate for an alternative restoration. Remember that dentists don’t need a specific license by law in order to perform implant dentistry. A restorative or general dentist may perform the bridge and crown placement for the implant restoration. But, prosthodontist are the specialized dentists who usually complete this crucial procedure. An oral surgeons and periodontists are the ones who usually perform the surgery.

The dental implants of today are virtually indistinguishable from the other teeth. This appearance is aided in part by the functional and structural connection between the living and the dental implant. Implants are usually accomplished during a single sitting but also require osseointegration. The anchoring of a dental implant into the bone and root of the jaw is known as osseointegration. This type of implant is usually the most successful type of dental implant.

Following the surgery, the jawbone will firmly hold the implant in place. Bone can then be attached to the implant and this is fixed right with the jawbone and underneath gum tissues. This type of implant may take as long as 6 months to anchor and heal, at which point your dentist can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown. The metal posts or tiny cylinders that can be seen through a person’s gum line adhere to the implant. Most patients are very happy with the comfort advantages and the look that an implant provides so an implant is well worth the expense.

http://www.indypero.com

http://www.indianapolisimplants.com

http://www.DrBruceWiland.com

Toothless no more: team aims to reduce rejection of implants

Don Brunette may well find himself named the patron saint of toothless hockey players.

An oral biologist in the Faculty of Dentistry, Brunette seeks to create a better dental implant by understanding how cells behave around different types of implant surfaces.

Dental implants consist of a titanium screw or cylinder that is inserted into the jaw. The post serves as base onto which the replacement crown or bridge is attached.

For his research, Brunette draws upon sophisticated methods of microfabrication and nanofabrication which can produce precisely characterized surfaces. He can then examine how cells respond to specific features and shapes of the implant’s surface – that is, its topography – at the nanometer and micrometer scales.

Brunette’s current line of inquiry evolved from his breakthrough work with titanium surfaces during the 1980s. At that time, Brunette was the only researcher in the world studying microfabricated surfaces and cell behavior. He observed that microscale grooves could direct cells in desired directions and also encourage bone growth.

A Vancouver-based implant manufacturer marketed implants based on the principles developed in Brunette’s research, and more recently, a U.S. firm is using lasers to produce grooves on dental implants.

Of particular interest to Brunette are cells called macrophages, which in Greek means “big eater.” Macrophages are among the first cells to appear at the site of a wound to clean up bacteria, explains Prof. Brunette. They also orchestrate the body’s response to foreign objects such as implants.

“The intent is to develop surfaces that induce macrophages to stimulate healing rather than destructive inflammation,” says Brunette.

Along with Dentistry Assoc. Prof. Douglas Waterfield, Brunette recently received more than $685,000 from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research for their innovative study.

The investigators will explore cell structure, migration and cell-cell interactions, as well as gene and cell signaling activities. In addition to macrophages, they will examine bone cells, fibroblasts and epithelium, which are other cells that come into contact with implants.

Brunette says their findings could have wide application to other implants including hip joints, catheters and other devices that contact diverse tissues.

“Improved surfaces will enable faster integration of implants with bone or other tissues, as well as enable implants to be used in situations that currently have a high risk of failure.”

Brunette points out that under “more-or-less ideal” conditions, dental implant failure rates can be as low as one or two per cent. However, dental and other implants are now being employed in more challenging situations such as sites with poor bone quality.

“Failure rates can approach 30 per cent depending on risk factors that include smoking, oral hygiene, quality of bone and location within the mouth.”



http://www.indyperio.com

Causes of Gum Disease

Causes of Gum Disease: "Causes of Gum Disease
The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums."


http://www.indyperio.com

Researchers Study Relationship Of Oral Cancers And Periodontal Disease

Researchers Study Relationship Of Oral Cancers And Periodontal Disease
Posted on: Wednesday, 14 July 2010, 15:18 CDT

Today during the 88th General Session & Exhibition of the International Association for Dental Research, in Barcelona, Spain, presenting author J. Meyle, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany, will present an abstract titled "P. gingivalis Infection and Immune Evasion of Oral Carcinomas."

Meyle and his team are investigating the relationship of oral cancers and periodontal disease. They achieved results by infecting cell carcinoma cells SCC-25 with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) W83. After 48h the cells were stained with antibodies against human B7-H1, B7-DC and TLR4 and analysed by flow cytometry. RNA was extracted after 24h and gene expression of B7-H1, B7DC, TLR4, IFN-γ and IL-10 was quantified by real time PCR and analysed by the ΔΔCT method.

Up-regulation of B7-H1 in host cells may contribute to the chronicity of inflammatory disorders which frequently precede the development of human cancers. B7-H1 expression was detected in the majority of human cancers and leads to anergy and apoptosis of activated T cells, which might enable tumors to evade the immune response. TLR4 signalling has been shown to induce B7-H1 in bladder cancer cells.

P.g., a putative periodontal pathogen, is an etiologic agent of periodontitis and expresses a variety of virulence factors. In this study the expression of B7-H1 and B7-DC receptors and TLR4 on squamous cell carcinoma cells SCC-25 was analysed after infection with P.g. in vitro.

The research concludes that P.g. is able to induce the expression of the immune regulating receptors B7-H1 and B7-DC in squamous cell carcinoma which may facilitate immune evasion of oral cancers in patients with periodontal infections.

Dental Implants to Replace Missing Teeth

Dental Implants

Did you know that dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth? Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that your oral and maxillofacial surgeon surgically places in the jawbone.

A Solution of Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth
Statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Furthermore, by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.

Twenty years ago, these patients would have had no alternative but to employ a fixed bridge or removable denture to restore their ability to eat, speak clearly and smile. Fixed bridges and removable dentures, however, are not the perfect solution and often bring with them a number of other problems. Removable dentures may slip or cause embarrassing clicking sounds while eating or speaking. Of even greater concern, fixed bridges often affect adjacent healthy teeth, and removable dentures may lead to bone loss in the area where the tooth or teeth are missing. Recurrent decay, periodontal (gum) disease and other factors often doom fixed bridgework to early failure. For these reasons, fixed bridges and removable dentures usually need to be replaced every seven to 15 years.


Before (left) and after a dental implant

Today there is another option for patients who are missing permanent teeth. Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that your oral and maxillofacial surgeon surgically places in the jawbone. Composed of titanium metal that "fuses" with the jawbone through a process called "osseointegration," dental implants never slip or make embarrassing noises that advertise the fact that you have "false teeth," and never decay like teeth anchoring fixed bridges. Because dental implants fuse with the jawbone, bone loss is generally not a problem.

After more than 20 years of service, the vast majority of dental implants first placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States continue to still function at peak performance. More importantly, the recipients of those early dental implants are still satisfied they made the right choice. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Learn more about dental implants at http://www.indyperio.com

Dental Implant Treatment Options

Dental Implant Treatment Options:




"A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.
Under proper conditions, such as placement by a periodontist and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own.
Your periodontist and dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs."

Learn more at http://www.indyperio.com

Types of Gum Diseases

Types of Gum Diseases

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis and eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following.

Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.

Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.

Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.