Dr Hunt has been placing and restoring dental implants for close on fifteen years. He was one of the original members of the implant team at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine and more recently he was Director of Implantology in the College of Dentistry at Nova SouthEastern University in Florida. In the last few years, dental implants have become an increasingly large part of his practice. Dr Hunt not only places but also restores the implants. This speeds and simplifies the whole process and ensures that it can be performed more economically.

Dr Hunt is firmly convinced that in the next few years, most teeth that are missing or lost will be replaced by implant supported restorations rather then removable appliances, adhesive or conventional bridges. It is also becoming more and more obvious that it is necessary to diagnose and intercept situations which will lead to progressive breakdown of the bony housing which supports the teeth. Such situations would include deep fractures, furcation involvements, root caries and failing post and core restorations. Interceptive implant therapy can often be simpler, more predictable and more cost effective than endless rounds of conventional restorative/periodontal therapy.

Although Dr Hunt has worked with a wide variety of dental implant systems, he now works almost exclusively with the Camlog design. Indeed, he is the national lecturer for this system and within the last year has spoken on their behalf at the national meetings of the Academy of OsseoIntegration and the Academy of Periodontics. The Camlog system is among the most modern of the major implant systems and has all the advances of modern research and design built in. These features make the placement and restoration process simpler, faster and much more reliable and predictable than is the case with conventional systems.

More about Dental Implants

Great improvements have been made in maintaining natural teeth, but there are still certain situations where teeth may need to be removed. These include teeth that have extensive decay, deep fractures, periodontal infection or hopeless root canal situations.

There are many ways of replacing these missing teeth. Removable dentures, fixed bridgework and bonded bridgework all have their place and Dr Hunt will discuss their indications and limitations with you.

Over the last few years a new alternative has become available – Dental Implants. These metal devices are positioned down into the jawbone - they actually fuse with the bone - they then project through the overlying gum to anchor crowns, bridges or removable dentures. They are the closest possible replica to the natural tooth.

With Dental Implants dentists can offer solutions to tough dental problems that were unthinkable only a few years ago. Even people who miss the majority or all of their teeth can now have a solid, fixed, reliable and aesthetic solution based on dental implants.

As with any technology, there are some limits, even with dental implants. There needs to be sufficient jawbone left to anchor the implant. The implant site needs to be free of infection. People who smoke or who have some adverse health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, may reject the implants. Dr Hunt can advise you whether implants may be suitable in your situation.

Dr Hunt is fully experienced with both placing and restoring dental implants. He looks forward to answering any questions you might have about them.

What exactly are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are devices secured to the jaw bone, which pass through the gum and which support a restorative device. Most dental implants have three parts:

The Advantages of Dental Implants

The main goal with tooth loss is always to restore a natural function and appearance as well as to provide a durable result. The fewer teeth there are, the more difficult it is to achieve this goal.

With conventional restorative processes it may be difficult to provide a long term result. Wear and tear, accompanied with the progress of caries and periodontal disease, may mean that restorations frequently have to be replaced and/or extended. In time, the jawbone and gum supporting removable dentures tend to shrink, so dentures loosen.

In many of these cases, dental implants offer a better solution, especially when there is relatively little shrinkage of the jawbone available to support the implant. Even in those cases where the jawbone has shrunk considerably, there may still be room for inserting some implants. It may also be possible to rebuild lost jawbone prior to implant placement.

What is involved?

Dr Hunt will examine your mouth thoroughly. If periodontal disease exists around the teeth or there are any cavities, these will need to be treated first to make sure there is no infection present. In the case of other health problems, a consultation with your physician may be necessary. Special radiographs to determine the available volume of jawbone may be required.

Depending upon the number of implants being placed, the implantation process usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes. Antibiotics and pain tablets are usually prescribed. Any stitches which have been placed will need to be removed a week or so later.

After the healing phase, an impression is made to reproduce the position of the implant as it sits in the mouth. The connection device is then customized to the particular situation and the final restoration is constructed. Depending on your situation, several appointments may be required to complete the work.

More quality of life with implants

Most people with implant based restorations experience an increase in self-confidence and an improved quality of life. Your teeth will feel more natural in appearance, function and comfort. The stability of the restoration allows you to eat, speak, and laugh once again to your heart’s content. You can enjoy life more.

How durable are dental implants?

Dental implants have now been used for more than a quarter century. Although a few may fail, due mainly to infection, the vast majority remain functional and useful for many years. Even if the restoration needs to be replaced, it should still be possible to use the underlying implant. A great deal of the responsibility for the long-term success of your implants depends on you.

How much do they cost?

Every mouth is different, so each situation needs to be individually evaluated and estimated. Be aware that the implant and its restoration are charged for separately. Separate charges may also be made for specialized radiography and/or bone grafting and soft tissue augmentation.

Increasingly, private health insurance companies are covering a portion of the expenses. However, it is usual that most of the fee will have to be paid out of your own pocket. Dr Hunt will give you a full estimate before starting any work.

Case Report: Rehabilitation with Implants and natural teeth

Dr. Peter Hunt has been providing cosmetic & restorative dental treatments as a Philadelphia, Pa dentist since he opened his office up in 1981. Placing and restoring implants for close to fifteen years, Dr. Hunt now works almost exclusively with the Camlog design. The dental office is located on 266 South 21st Street, just off Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.