Archive for the ‘Dental Implants’ Category

SUPPORTIVE PERIODONTAL THERAPY ENHANCES LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF IMPLANT THERAPY

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Why patients with periodontal disease and dental implants should have a periodontist who does plaque and bleeding scores.  

History of periodontitis has been described as a risk indicator for peri-implantitis.  Risk assessments of implant therapy in well-defined patients are necessary to clarify this clinical relevance.  Roccuzzo et al. conducted a 10-year prospective, three-arm cohort study on implants in periodontally compromised patients.  One hundred twelve partially edentulous patients were divided into periodontally healthy patients (PHP), patients with moderate chronic periodontitis (moderate PCP), and patients with severe chronic periodontitis (severe PCP).  Two hundred sixty-four titanium plasma-sprayed implants were installed to support fixed prosthesis after successful completion of initial periodontal therapy.  Eleven patients (18 implants) were lost at the 10-year follow-up.  Clinical measures, radiographic bone changes, and adherence to supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) were recorded in 101 patients with 246 implants, (28 PHP, 37 moderate PCP and 36 severe PCP) at the 10-year follow up.  Results showed that 18 of the 246 implants were lost due to biological complications.  Full-mouth plaque score was similar in the three groups, but full-mouth bleeding score was higher in severe PCP.  The survival rate was 96.6%, 92.8%, and 90%, respectively, for PHP, moderate PCP and severe PCP.  Although there were no intergroup differences for mean bone loss,  (.075 +/- 0.88 mm in PHP, 1.14 +/- 1.11mm in moderate PCP, and 0.98 +/- 1.22mm in severe PCP), the percentage of sites with bone loss greater than or equal to 3mm indicated a statistically significant difference between PHP (4.7%) and severe PCP (15.1%).  A significantly high proportion of PCP who did not adhere to SPT had bone loss (11 of 18 patients) and implant loss (nine of 18 patients).  The authors concluded that patients with a history of periodontitis, especially those who do not adhere to SPT, are at a higher risk for implant loss and bone loss.  In summary, the results showed the importance of compliance to SPT in enhancing the long-term outcomes of implant therapy, particularly in subjects with periodontitis.  

Complete article can be found the Journal of Periodontology, Volume 81, Number 6, June 2010, page 797.

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This Is Why We Do What We Do

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

June 8, 2010
Dear Dr. Mark, 

How can I express my gratitude for the success that we have achieved?? My primary goals were to save my teeth and hopefully achieving better health and functionality.  I believe that we have done that.  Of course diligent care will always be required, but anything worth having takes some measure of work.  The ribbon on this whole package is the absolute beautiful smile that I now possess. 

My husband says his baby never looked so good.  Such a wonderful compliment.  I catch my co-workers staring at my smile.  People that I have not seen in sometime ask me “what is different about you?” 

My case was challenging and in some ways the entire process intimidated me, mostly from the disruption to my life and the potential of time away from work.  Neither proved to be true – I did miss a little time from work, but this was minimal; as to the disruption of my life this too was exaggerated in my mind.  Some dietary changes were definitely in order but short lived – if memory serves, my first surgery was March 11 2009 and by the end of May 2009, I was able to have a filet mignon, albeit cut in very small bites. 

Dental surgery.  Dental implants.  Since I have had all of this work done, many friends and co-workers who have been advised to have an implant or two, have come to me asking questions.  I fortunately, have never been afraid of “the dentist” and while the surgery is not without some downsides, it is not as difficult as some imagine.  I believe one of the major reasons for my success lies in your skilled hands and those of your staff.  All through the process you and your staff cared about my well being – on every level.  My husband is amazed that you personally call and check on your patients – even on weekends.  The care that you and your staff provided minimized any distress or discomfort that I experienced. 

The other important ingredient for success is to have a good team.  At your recommendation, Dr. Matthew LaNeve became my dentist and the professional who completed the process by making the crowns.  I have come to feel the same about Dr. Matt as I do you – he exhibits all of the qualities that you have; utmost concern for the patient on all levels and of course his dentistry is comparable to artistry.  I thank you and Dr. Matt for all the consultations and time you invested. 

Mark, thank you for the excellent care, the professional guidance and genuine concern for me as your patient.  I sing your praises to anyone who asks.  Your staff – well, they know how I feel about them.  Where else does a patient go and get hugs – most importantly, would I go through the process again? You betcha.  Thank you.

My Very Best Personal Regards,

 S. B.

Would you like to view some additional testimonials for Dr. Mark Weingarden?

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