Sometimes, a missing part of the human body cannot be replaced by viable tissue, and a synthetic prosthetic implant may be the best option. This treatment involves two parts: the surgical and the restorative.
In the surgical part, a titanium bony screw is placed by the surgeon and left for a few months to fuse with the surrounding bone (osseointegration). After this period, the implant is exposed at the top end, ready for the restorative specialist. The restorative part involves taking measurements to create the visible missing part (e.g., a tooth crown, ear) and is carried out by a restorative professional.
In the face or mouth, a titanium screw placed in the jawbone or other parts of the facial skeleton can retain a tooth crown or an artificial eye, nose, or ear. Dental implants retain tooth crowns, while facial implants hold artificial eyes, noses, or ears. I use the latest 3D planning and guided technology for optimal implant positioning and quality outcomes, working closely with experienced specialists who build on these implants.
Dental or facial implants are recommended for:
I place immediate or delayed dental implants as appropriate. Immediate dental implants are implants placed immediately after a tooth extraction (see examples below).
This patient had a crowned first molar tooth with area of infection (the dark area between the roots) (A). This tooth was removed, and dental implant (titanium screw) was placed immediately follow the extraction. Three month later, the restorative specialist placed a crown attached to the implant (B).
Another case involved a lady lacking sufficient jawbone for conventional dental implants (see previous image). She received conventional and zygomatic implants, allowing for a bridge anchored to the top jaw implants. She also had implants around the nose for better soft tissue support.
A woman with cancer of the mouth floor and front of the lower jaw underwent major surgery, including the placement of four dental implants. Three months later, these implants were exposed, ready for teeth attachment.
In cases where complex reconstructive surgery cannot match the functional and aesthetic outcomes of an implant-retained prosthetic facial prosthesis, the placement of small, hidden titanium screws anchoring to the facial skeleton bone is ideal. For example, an elderly woman who lost her nose and right eye to skin cancer had six titanium bone implants placed to firmly hold a facial prosthesis (see next image).
I work with a multidisciplinary team to discuss, plan, and execute surgical plans, ensuring the best clinical outcomes. My approach involves working with patients and their families as equal partners in decision-making, based on honesty, respect, and empowerment. We offer 3D-guided implant placement for optimal outcomes. After bone implant placement, the restorative specialist provides attachments like crowns, bridges, dentures, or artificial ears, noses, or eyes.
Private:
Auckland Head & Neck Specialists, MercyAscot,
100 Mountain Road Epsom.
E-mail: info@ahns.co.nz
Greville Dental (Visiting Surgeon), 18 Hauraki Crescent, Pinehill. E-mail: info@ofhnsurgery.co.nz
