Implant Reconstruction for Failings Bridges
This 60+ year old patient presented to our office after being referred by his case worker.He had just completed a full rehabilitation and reconstructive program with another local area specialist. The previous specialist had finished reconstructive work on all of his teeth. He had 12 new crowns on the upper teeth and 2 bridges on the lower jaw. Implants were not used as a treatment protocol. Good decision was also not used by his previous treating dentist.
His bridges were failing, his teeth were infected, and he was in severe and constant pain. We treated this case as part of a comprehensive TMJ Headache therapy program.
Notice (left) how his preliminary condition and reconstruction caused a severe overbite with displacement of the jaws. Implants were not offered! Notice (right) how our comprehensive treatment program gave him a new stable, confident, and amazing smile, utilizing implants to provide the foundation required!
Implant dentistry can provide the necessary foundation for rebuilding your mouth. Bridges, when teeth are present, can provide the same benefit. Unfortunately, when one is chosen over the other in some cases, severe consequences can happen.
Notice the severe overbite (you can't see the bottom front teeth) and notice the missing back teeth…no stability!!! This is how his previous specialist had left his bite. Shameful!
Transcranial XRs were used to confirm the displaced position of his jaws. He had a chronic joint problem which was never diagnosed or even evaluated.
The work that was performed lacked functions, stabilization, and standard of care. The crowns had poor fit, the bite was collapsed and the roots under the bridges were infected.
Our treatment goal was to provide the needed stabilization. Implant surgery was required. 2 implants were placed on the lower jaw and 3 on the upper. This allowed us to rebuild his bite to the proper position. Without the implants, we would not have been able to achieve the required stability needed to “hold” his jaws in the right position.
The implants were ready to go to work after only 4 months. EMG studies and careful planning were a big part of his preliminary workup.
A new balanced bite and stability provided by the implants gave us the ability to return him to a normal life.
Do your homework before you decide to undergo any extensive dental reconstructive work! A happy, comfortable and confident smile often requires implant reconstruction.
