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New technologies have allowed dentists to provide implants that are extremely individualized as well as easy and fast to place. If you haven’t already heard about digital impressions and 3D printing in the dental sphere, it’s time you did.
If you’ve looked into having a tooth replaced, you might have been disheartened by the amount of time — and money — it takes. That’s because at many dental practices, implants require several visits to the dentist, meaning it’ll be months before you have your new, permanent tooth.
That’s not the case at Ueno Center Dental Specialists in Campbell, California. We want our patients to have the option of immediate implant placement. That’s why we use the latest technology of digital impressions and 3D printing to create fast, effective dental implants.
Our founder and board-certified periodontist Jeremy K. Ueno, DMD — as well as our other providers — offers this option so you can avoid the wait and discomfort of getting a traditional implant.
Why dentists are turning to digital impressions and 3D printing
The older technology for placing implants required specific, individualized treatment options to create one-of-a-kind results. After all, you can’t just stick any old tooth into your mouth. It has to fit perfectly.
With traditional implant placement, the dentist places a root implant in your jaw. You then wait up to 12 weeks for the jawbone to fuse with the implant. Finally, you return to the office for the placement of a post and the new tooth (crown).
Fortunately, with new technologies, we can provide you with an implant and new tooth much faster, more effectively, and more efficiently. In 2016, 34% of all uses of 3D printers in health care were for dental implants, a market that is expected to reach $930 million by the year 2025.
How new technologies offer better results for dental implants
Digital impressions are extremely accurate and allow us to have the best map possible of your mouth. At Ueno Center Dental Specialists, we use a specialized 3D X-ray to capture a virtual model of the inside of your mouth, including all soft and hard tissues.
After this, we can determine what your needs are moving forward and even begin implementing treatment during the same session. If your mouth is healthy enough, you may be able to have an implant placed the same day. Then we create the crown with a 3D printer.
Sometimes a temporary crown is necessary at this stage, but the 3D-printed crown allows you to eat, drink, and live your life without missing a beat until we create your permanent crown.
Good candidates for immediate implant placement
Not everyone is a good candidate for implant placement with these new technologies. You need to have a relatively healthy jawbone that can take an immediate placement. If your jawbone isn’t healthy, it may not support this quicker option.
Another key factor is your oral health as well as your overall health. If placing this implant quickly could potentially create problems, we may recommend the more traditional route.
If you are someone with good physical health, a healthy jawbone, and a desire to have your permanent crown placed with speed and accuracy, this procedure may be the perfect one for you.
The future of dental implants
The future of dental implants lies with this new technology that allows for better, faster, and more individualized treatment. If you want to learn more, reach out today to make an appointment. Give us a call at our Campbell, California, office. We look forward to helping you.