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Titles/Summaries of Future Articles on Topics of Interest- Articles Coming Soon!

The Role of the Prosthodontist in Dental Implant Treatment

Due to the explosion of information and technological advances, more and more complex dentistry is being performed using the concept of a "team approach." A team approach means that several dentists, each with specialized knowledge and skill, work together to in a coordinated fashion to obtain a particular result. Nowhere is this approach more valuable than in dental implant treatment.

Dental Implants for Patients without Teeth

The purpose of this article will be to review the types of tooth replacement options available to patients who have lost, or face the prospect of loosing, either all their upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. The two major reasons why people without teeth pursue to option of dental implants are (1) to stabilize a current removable denture that is not satisfactory, or (2) to avoid having to have a removable denture in the first place. The best treatments for each of these options will be reviewed.

Bruxism

Bruxism refers to grinding or clenching of the teeth. If it occurs during the night only, it is called nocturnal bruxism. If it occurs during both night and day, it is called diurnal bruxism. It used to be thought that bruxism was caused by imperfections in the way the teeth come together. Today, bruxism is recognized and classified as a type of sleep disorder. Bruxism is very common. More often than not, the patient is not aware of the occurrence of bruxism. The dental treatment strategy is simply to prevent wear of the teeth, and jaw muscle soreness. This is accomplished with plastic-type appliances that clip onto the teeth, usually called night guards.