Broken Implant Screws........No Problem!!

One of the things we do here at Rigby Advanced Dental is complex dentistry.......Dr. Rigby loves a good challenge!  We regularly have patients sent to us from other practitioners in need of a helping hand.  Not to long ago an oral surgeon gave us a call and referred a patient that was having problems with some existing dental implants that were placed over 20 years ago.  After a  through work-up Dr. Rigby determined the problems present as follows;

1. The existing "bridge" had fallen off and the patient could no longer eat food on that side.
2. The existing screws that held the "bridge" on were fractured and still inside the implants under the soft tissue that had grown over the implants since loosing the prosthesis.
3. The existing "bridge" was inadequate to repair and use again due to fractured porcelain and failure to use proper dental engineering principals to prevent catastrophic failure some time in the future.
4. Determine the implant system, size and diameter to order necessary parts for restoration if the screw remnants could be removed without damaging the dental implants. 

Here a few of the initial x-rays taken;

Panorex of the patients existing broken screws. 

A close up view of the broken screws in the implants.  If you look very closely you can see the front implant screw remnant is actually broken in two pieces.......this of course was discovered upon retrieval of the fragments.

One of the biggest difficulties dentists run into when considering restoration of older dental implants is what type are they, whether or not the original parts are still made and if the implant manufacturer is still in business or who owns the rights to the system.  This is one of the reasons other practitioners often decide to refer cases to a Prosthodontist......like Dr. Rigby.......they often have specialty training and experience with older systems and, when in doubt, have the necessary contacts to get things figured out!

Luckily, Dr. Rigby was able to determine all of the above information drawing on his years of experience with dental implants and previous clinical experiences.  Dr. Rigby recommended removal of the screw fragments once the overlying soft tissue had been excised.

In true prosthodontic fashion, Dr. Rigby was able to retrieve the screw remnants on the first attempt using his large bag of tricks and a bit of luck.........Dr. Rigby often jokes that if everything goes according to plan then he knows he's living right!  Healing abutments were placed to allow the soft tissue to heal properly before a final prosthesis was fabricated.

The Healing Abutments in place.  They allow for proper soft tissue healing around the implants.

Final prosthesis adjusted and torqued to place.

Once an appropriate amount of time had passed for the soft tissue to heal a final prosthesis was completed and the patient was once again able to function normally and enjoy eating.  The final prosthesis was fabricated differently using an all gold splinted restoration allowing proper dental engineering techniques to avoid screw fracture in the future.  Upon final adjustment and seating the patient stated, "You have no idea how much this means to me.......not only did you save me money and from having to get more implants, but you actually made me feel like this was a fun experience......don't even ask me how you did that!"

If you or someone you know is having a problem with existing implants or has other concerns please do not hesitate to contact Rigby Advanced Dental for a free consultation today.

Rules for Flossing

Flossing is the number one thing patients say they forget to do when it comes to their dental hygiene plan. That’s unfortunate because it’s also one of the most important.  Flossing helps remove bacteria missed by brushing, which prevents gum disease and the loss of teeth.

Use Floss The Right Way!

If you’ll follow these simple rules for flossing, you can start preventing cavities today:

• Floss once a day. 
• Morning, noon, or night, it doesn’t matter when you do it, just that you do it at least once per day. (Of course, more is always better.)
• Floss for all ages. 
• If you have teeth, floss them.  A patient asked once, “Do I really need to floss between all of my teeth?” The answer is simple: “Only the ones you want to keep.”  It’s important to get kids started on the right track early with an oral hygiene plan.  Just like brushing regularly and putting your socks away, it’s so much easier to perform routine tasks as an adult if you formed that habit in your earlier years.  You may not think it’s important for baby teeth since they eventually fall out anyway, but bacteria grows in between teeth and can cause sore gums and gum disease.
• Proper Flossing Technique is key. 
• If you’re taking the time to floss anyway, you might as well do it right. Right?  Simply flossing down to your gum and right back up won’t cut it.  You need to use a “hugging” motion— up and down, between and around every tooth—to reach all those places your toothbrush can’t.
• Blood isn’t necessarily bad. 
• Occasionally when you floss (especially if it’s been a while) your gums may bleed.  While you do want to pay close attention to this, bleeding gums don’t necessarily mean you should stop.  Often, gums that bleed regularly or easily are an indication of a more serious problem like gum disease or gingivitis.
• Use what works.  
• When selecting floss at the store, pick the one you’re most likely to use.  If you haven’t looked in a while, you’ll be pleased to discover that you have lots of options.  In addition to traditional floss that comes on a roll, you’ll see floss holders, ingenious devices with a “handle” like a toothbrush. These may be easier for you to use—especially for kids.  You’ll also find individual flossers, small contraptions that look like toothpicks and can fit between your teeth.  You’ll even see different flavors, sizes, and shapes of dental floss.  Keep experimenting until you find something you like that works for you. And then stick with it.

Flossing can be time consuming, but it is well worth your time. It can save you thousands of dollars in dental work for only three minutes a day of cleaning between your teeth. Always remember to floss! If you have questions do not hesitate to call (512) 992-2822 or email us today.

Implants in One Day

Implants in one day?  Is it really possible?  Believe it or not, if you fit the right criteria, you can go from having teeth to implants in one day.  You may have seen commercials for this procedure or perhaps a friend recommended it and your interest is peaked.......well never fear, Rigby Advanced Dental is on the cutting edge of technology and offers this procedure right here in Bee Cave & Lakeway, TX.  As a trained Prosthodontist, Dr. Rigby has the extensive knowledge and experience to perform these difficult implant procedures to ensure the best possible outcome.  With that being said, there is a lot you should know about this treatment, so please before any decision has been made, thoroughly research the topic to familiarize yourself with the procedures involved and discuss you concerns with Dr. Rigby.

How does it work?

Once you have had a thorough exam, we will discuss your treatment options.  If we have decided that your teeth require removal, you may be interested in implants.  You can have implants to support your new teeth. You may not even need to wear dentures – ever.

In one procedure we will take out your remaining teeth, place implants (4 to 6 in each jaw), and place a temporary implant bridge for each jaw.  You will leave the office with your new implant bridges – they look just like teeth.

Example of Upper and Lower Implant Locations

Breakdown Model of Denture, Screws, Abutments, and Dental Implants

Expect several follow up visits and a soft food diet for the next 3 to 4 months.  After that time, we make your final implant bridges.  This healing period is designed to allow the implants to fuse to the bone and your gums to heal. It allows us to make any needed changes to the teeth for the best cosmetic outcome.  The temporary implant bridges prevent you from needing to wear a removable denture.

Upper and Lower Implant Supported Dentures

Panorex Radiograph - Showing Implants and Final Prostheses

Final Smile Immediate Implant Dentures

Important Facts:

• You can receive treatment like this right here in the Lake Travis Austin, TX area.

• A Prosthodontist has been specially trained to perform these procedures
• Involving a dental specialist in your treatment puts you in the best trained hands possible.

• There is a lot of planning that goes into this kind of treatment. 
• While the actual surgery may take place in one day, there will be several other appointments to plan and finish your implants.

• Not everyone is a candidate for this treatment, but many are. 
• There are different ways to provide the same end-result.  Sometimes it is not possible to place the temporary implant bridge on the day of surgery, but it can be placed later.  You will be able to wear at least a removable denture in most cases.

• Finances are a concern for everyone – we can help you.

Call (512) 992-2822 or email Rigby Advanced Dental for a free consultation with Dr. Rigby.  Please remember that this is a general overview for your information only; please see us or your dentist to discuss this kind of treatment.

Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth

We got thinking the other day about some of the foods that can stain your teeth and wanted to put together a handy list for our patients and friends.  These are a few we came up with.........all things in moderation of course!

• Coffee
• A morning staple for many, this energy booster is one of the worst for white teeth.

• Red Wine and Grape Juice
• If you’re an avid wine or juice drinker, nobody needs to tell you about the effects these beverages can have on your teeth. If you drink red wine, try switching to a white wine.  Another  great tip is to try swishing some water around in your mouth after you drink.

• Soda
• Dark-colored sodas are bad for your teeth in many ways, but if you find you can’t cut them out completely, try drinking them through a straw so that staining liquid is bypassing your teeth.

• Blueberries
• Blueberries are rich in two things: Antioxidants and color. Blueberries (and other dark berries) can stain your teeth, but that’s no reason to give them up for good. Try to brush your teeth after you eat them to prevent stains.

• Curry and Mustard
• Yellow Sauce = Yellow Teeth......need we say more.

• Tomato Sauce
• The base of all things Italian, red tomato sauce is one ingredient many people don’t realize can actually stain their teeth.

• Soy Sauce
• Most often found in Asian foods, this salty sauce can leave your teeth looking a little lackluster.

• Popsicles
• Ever had your lips and tongue turn red (or blue or purple or green) after you ate a Popsicle or a flavored slushy? Guess what? They do the same thing to your teeth.

• Beets
• While this reddish-purple veggie is great for your health, it sure can have a dark effect on your mouth.

A Super White Smile

You don’t have to give up everything on this list to keep your teeth white. However, you may want to cut back when you can (especially on the sugary items). Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming any of these simple pleasures is always a good idea. It’s especially important to avoid any of them after a whitening treatment, when your teeth are extra-sensitive to staining.

At Rigby Advanced Dental, we offer a wide variety of take-home and in-office teeth whitening products, we have a solution for your problem.  Please give us a call today to schedule your appointment (512) 992-2822.