The patient was referred from a general dentist because he multiple severely decayed teeth and existing implants that severe bone loss and were failing. The patient had 4 existing implants that needed to be removed. Unfortunately, the patient recognized that he needed to have his upper teeth extracted even though on the surface they look ok.
From a functional standpoint the patient’s teeth were acceptable and Dr. Swamidass used the patient’s existing teeth as a guide to make his temporary implant bridge that would be given to him on the same day of his surgery. The only change was to bring back his 4 front teeth for a more normal relationship. Due to the patient’s favorable bone and gum support, Dr. Swamidass wanted to maintain this and provide the patient an implant bridge that would mimic natural teeth coming out of the gums seamlessly.
Dr. Swamidass performed all the surgical and restorative procedures for this patient. The patient had his upper teeth and implants extracted, all the infection was removed and disinfected, new implants were placed, and bone graft placed to support his existing gum architecture. Dr. Swamidass then attached a temporary implant bridge to the new implants that the patient would wear during healing. This temporary bridge maintained the patient’s gum appearance.
The patient received a zirconia prosthesis that had porcelain added to the fronts of all the teeth to simulate a natural color and look. The prosthesis gave the patient great confidence in his smile and function.