Glenn Wolfinger, DMD, FACP

I would usually prefer to deliver a normal sized tooth to close the contacts between the adjacent teeth and provide ideal occlusal function. I usually prefer a wider diameter titanium implant for a zirconia molar crown.

While it is sometimes possible to clean out an infection around a dental implant and bone graft, it is not always advisable. There are many factors that must be considered to determine how predictable the procedure will be. These factors include the patient's medical history, the size of the defect, location and more.

If there is adequate bone above the nerve, then the answer is yes. However, I wouldn’t think that placement of implant supported teeth in the lower 3rd molar (wisdom tooth) area would provide any aesthetic benefit. I have placed implants in those areas in the past when there was an opposing erupted 3rd molar and the patient wanted more occlusal function.
Glenn J. Wolfinger, DMD, FACP

Zirconia implant bridges are being used more and more for All-on-4 implant restorations, especially in the upper arch. They are heavy in comparison to titanium frameworks with acrylic teeth, but are strong and durable.

Obviously, each patient situation is unique. However, there are different lengths and diameters of implants that may be used depending on the existing bone volume. In some cases, short implants might be a solution; in other cases, bone grafting followed by dental implant placement may be indicated. A full-arch implant restoration may also be an option if adequate bone volume is present in the adjacent areas of the jaw.

Glenn J. Wolfinger, DMD, FACP
Board Certified Prosthodontist
Pi Dental Center

It sounds as if you have two “splinted” crowns #5 and #6 on two implants. Splinting crowns on implants has the advantage of distributing forces better between the two implants. Some doctors prefer to make two individual crowns, with the idea that you can floss between them. Both work well, and a lot of what goes into the decision to splint or not to splint implants is based on the individual situation.

Glenn J. Wolfinger, DMD, FACP
Board Certified Prosthodontist
Pi Dental Center

It all depends on your particular situation. If there is enough bone available, extraction of the tooth could be completed then immediately followed by placement of a dental implant and even delivery of a temporary crown. In some cases, if there is bone loss, three months of healing may be indicated after removal of the tooth.

Glenn J. Wolfinger, DMD, FACP
Board Certified Prosthodontist
Pi Dental Center

I would suggest that you schedule a consult with a board-certified prosthodontist for your continuing care. A clinical examination and radiographs would be necessary. Regularly scheduled professional maintenance of your implant restorations is essential for long-term success.

There are a number of available options for anesthesia at Pi Dental Center. General anesthesia is available, administered by an anesthesiologist. Moderate forms of sedation can be provided. They include nitrous oxide or oral anesthesia.

Flying is not a contraindication for dental implants.

It depends. At times implants are placed at the same time as osseous surgery, if there is enough native bone present. If you are waiting for bone maturation to take place prior to implant placement, anywhere from three to eight months may be indicated, based on several variables such as location.