SL_DrVitoProfile_0219FINAL_Layout 1 2 / 13 / 19 3 : 31 PM Page 2 to match . But , if you’re missing gum grafts that are needed to en - a molar , you can’t possibly think sure long - term success , then this that you can put an implant in will compromise the long - term that’s the size of a lower front success of the dental implant , ” tooth to take its place . But if a pa - he says . “ Dental implants require tient doesn’t have the width of a certain volume of bone to sur - bone , some practitioners will put round them . If an implant is that small implant under a molar placed in an area with insuffi - crown . And it’ll work for a while , cient bone volume , the implant but eventually there is going to will fail . During this failing / break - be fatigue in the bone because down process , the patient is of the large crown on the nar - going to continually lose bone , row implant . ” both around the dental implant In addition to structural is - and the surrounding area which sues , Dr . Vito notes that such sce - is not going to grow back . narios are also often linked to “ When the implant fails , ” he hygiene problems , which can continues , “ the patient is left also end in gum disease , bone with a possible cosmetic prob - loss , and persistent irritation of the lem ; then , if the patient wants to area . have another implant , that pa - “ Every patient’s dental im - tient might be looking at addi - plant need is custom for that in - tional procedures such as dividual , ” he adds . “ It’s like reparative bone grafts and gum getting a custom suit — everyone grafts . ” has their own unique measure - This all means more time , ments . Therefore , every patient more procedures , and , ulti - When choosing a practitioner to place a dental implant , Dr . Vito suggests has a different bone density , vol - mately , more money . His point : finding someone who is board certified by the International Congress of Oral ume of bone , volume of gum tis - Do it right the first time , even if it Implantologists or the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry ; sue , number of teeth missing , means having to get additional he has been certified by both . and circumstances such as grafts to properly prepare the bridgework or damage from the foundation . In the end , doing so ough review of the individual’s skills and qual - grinding of the teeth . A number of factors need will likely provide a better , longer - lasting result . ifications . He suggests finding someone who to be weighed and measured before an implant “ You’re protecting your investment , ” he is board certified by the International Con - is put in . ” adds . “ Usually the most expensive part of an gress of Oral Implantologists ( ICOI ) or the Assessing the whole of a patient’s medical implant is the restoration that goes on top of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant condition is vital to the process as well . Certain implant ; so , if you don’t have the proper foun - Dentistry ( ABOI / ID ) ; he has been certified by ailments , including diabetes and osteoporosis , dation , one is compromising the longevity of both . Additional qualifications include board as well as corresponding medications , can that restoration . It makes more sense to create certifications by the American Academy of Pe - greatly impact a patient’s healing time as well an ideal environment to place the implant in ; riodontics or the American Board of Oral and as that patient’s odds of success . otherwise , you may end up paying for a second Maxillofacial Surgeons . “ Patients and practitioners alike need to ap - round of procedures that are more expensive Questions a patient should ask of his or her preciate that every patient’s needs are unique than the first . ” provider prior to implant surgery include : and hence the dental implant procedure needs Do I have enough bone to support the im - to be customized to a patient’s unique situa - The Right Fit • plant ? tion , ” Dr . Vito says . “ I can’t impress upon peo - A dental implant placed in the proper housing Will I need an additional procedure to pro - ple enough that there is no ‘ one size fits all ’ is more likely to thrive . Without the support of • vide additional bone or gum tissue ? solution . ” enough bone or gum tissue , the implant is sus - How many implants have you placed ? For all of these reasons , Dr . Vito prescribes ceptible to dental disease — even more suscep - • Of those , how many have failed ? extreme care when choosing a provider to per - tible than natural teeth , according to Dr . Vito . • Do you have the ability to address any im - form an implant procedure . “ If the bone encasing the dental implant is • plant - related problems should they arise ? “ There is no room for error in what we do , ” very thin , it is susceptible to breakdown under Do you have specialized training related to he says . “ General dentists often advertise that normal chewing function , ” he adds . “ This can • dental implant placement ? they can do a [ dental implant ] procedure for create bone loss and expose the dental implant Are you certified by a governing board such less money . But that person might not have the surface which should be encased in bone . • as the ICOI or ABOI / ID ? necessary skills or knowledge of placing im - Once plaque gets onto an implant surface , the plants , or the knowledge to salvage the implant bone begins to recede very quickly . Unlike a No Room for Error if there is a problem . A patient in need of dental smooth surface like a root surface , implant sur - Many practitioners are trained only in “ ideal ” cir - implants will want someone who can deal with faces have a roughened design to make adher - cumstances . But in most cases , he says , “ the any complications that may come up . ” ence to the bone better . Once this surface ? ideal dental patient is not walking through the becomes exposed , it makes it easier for plaque door . ” More often , patients are missing a tooth to adhere and create a situation called peri im - or teeth and have been for a while . As a result , plantitis , which results in continued bone loss James A . Vito , D.M.D . D bone loss may have occurred . in the area . So , this same roughened surface “ Implant companies make implants of all that is supposed to make it attach to a healthy 523 E . Lancaster Ave . sizes to fit any situation , ” he explains . “ That bone site will work against the implant if it is im - Wayne , Pa . | ( 610 ) 971 - 2590 doesn’t mean the dentist will be using the right properly placed . ” JamesVito.com implant for the right situation . Each tooth has a When choosing a practitioner to place a certain diameter , and implants have diameters dental implant , Dr . Vito recommends a thor - SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 | 61