Implant Dentistry Related Procedures
Extractions
When a tooth is badly infected or broken, it is sometime necessary to remove (extract) the tooth or its remaining fragments. When this is attempted, it is very important that the utmost care is taken to preserve healthy surrounding bone and structures while protecting vital structures such as nearby nerves and arteries. Drs. Akin, Temlock, and West utilizes modern technology, the best biomaterials, and vast surgical experience and techniques to minimize complications with extractions to promote quicker healing and maximizing replacement options in the future.
Bone Grafts
When a tooth is extracted, the body undergoes a transformation that can decrease the bone volume available for future restorative procedures or dental implant placement. Additionally, bone loss can occur due to localized trauma, infections, abscesses, and other conditions that can negatively impact patient’s treatment options. When necessary, bone grafting is performed in conjunction with other procedures (such as guided tissue regeneration, socket preservation with newest and proven biomaterials, Plasma Rich Protein (PRP), and even stem cell utilization) to either preserve existing bone or regenerate damaged or lost structures.
Sinus Lifts
Occasionally, patients seeking dental implants for the back teeth in the top jaw (maxillary premolars and molars) need an augmentation procedure either before or during the implant placement. Sinus lifts are performed to augment the current sinus anatomy to maximize stability and retention of the implants while minimizing long-term risks and complications in the area like chronic sinus infections. When necessary, Drs. Akin, Temlock, and West will thoroughly discuss sinus lifting procedures and options with the patient who will be thoroughly educated about this relatively minor additional procedure needed to secure dental implants.
Dental Implant Placement
During dental implant placement, a metallic “screw” or implant is secured to the jawbone through a relatively quick and painless procedure. This implant will eventually connect to a new tooth or house “buttons” to support a denture. Nashville Periodontal Group places hundreds of dental implants per year, and each provider utilizes the newest, cutting-edge technology to aid in the planning and placement of dental implants to maximize results and decrease procedure time and healing time. With the use of cutting-edge technology such as cone beam cat scans (CBCTs), intra-oral scanners, and even 3D printing of patient’s mouth/teeth, the doctors at Nashville Periodontal Group can collaborate with your dentist before placing the dental implant(s) to ensure your new dental implant crowns are delivered with confidence and ease. Nashville Periodontal Group believes that the old days of placing implants without the use of these technologies is sub-standard care, and we often utilize Guided Surgical Techniques and Technology to set a new standard-of-care by essentially knowing the outcome of a dental implant’s placement and subsequent related crown before the dental implant(s) are even placed. Do not be misguided by general dentist claiming to be “implant specialists.” Learning to properly place and maintain dental implants cannot be learned in a weekend course like most general dentist completed to learn and then test their skills on your mouth. Nashville Periodontal Group’s doctors each completed multiple years of surgical residency training to understand the complexity of dental implants. Drs. Akin, Temlock, and West are true specialists in Periodontal and Dental Implant Surgery, and this experience and expertise cannot be under-estimated when determining who places your dental implants. As licensed Periodontal and Dental Implant Specialists, you can have complete confidence with Nashville Periodontal Group providers having over 60 years of combined implant placement and treatment experience. Nashville Periodontal Group’s training and expertise placing and maintaining dental implants is simply unparalleled. Regardless if you are replacing one tooth, securing a removable partial or complete denture, or replacing your teeth with a full-arch fixed restoration, Drs. Akin, Temlock, and West will collaborate with you and other provider's to accomplish your goals.
Orthodontic Appliance Placement
Sometimes, teeth do not develop normally and they not in the correct position. When this occurs, Nashville Periodontal Group’s providers are able to retrieve these teeth and help the orthodontist move these impacted teeth to their proper position. Additionally, sometimes orthodontists are unable to complete normal tooth movement without the aid of surgically placed devices or temporary implant anchors (TADs). When required, Drs. Aikin, Temlock, and West works with orthodontists from around the country to aid in these difficult cases to decrease the patient’s time in braces while improving the final esthetic product. Our collaboration with your orthodontist can also include Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO), which is a scientifically and evidence-based combination of periodontal procedures and orthodontics to decrease your orthodontic treatment.