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The Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeon Difference
Unlike bridges and partial dentures, implants help replicate not only the crown but also the root of the lost tooth. This allows it exceptional stability, longevity, and esthetics. The other options are, in essence, unsupported crown replicas that are bonded or clasped to adjacent teeth.
The implant itself is a medical-grade titanium screw that must be placed expertly into the gums and jawbones so that they:
Avoid the nearby structures like nerves, vessels, sinuses, and roots.
Do not fracture the surrounding bone.
Enter at an appropriate angle so that they can bear the forces of chewing.
Oral-maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified because of their extensive training in surgeries of the bones, sinuses, and nerves as well as teeth and gums.
The Anatomy of a Dental Implant
A dental implant restoration consists of two main parts: the implant and its crown. The implant is the titanium screw and requires surgical placement into the bone. The crown is the white portion that provides the chewing surface and an esthetic appearance. The abutment serves as the connection between the two.
Patients with few or no teeth may consider a specialized implant-supported dentures. These are often fabricated with internal metallic reinforcing bars and afford greater stability. The reinforcing bars are then secured to the jaws via 4 to 8 implants.
Denture treatments in conjunction with implants are often referred to as "All-on-4" or "All-on-X" in reference to their use of 4 or more implants.
No More Loose Dentures
All-on-X treatments are beneficial because they can almost completely restore a toothless jaw using just 4 to 8 implants. These restorations are typically enough to return the patient to a regular diet and esthetics.
In many ways, oral-maxillofacial surgeons have greater flexibility in implant or All-on-X treatments because of they specialize in reconstructive surgeries of the entire jaw and face.
They are capable of complex procedures such as removing teeth and replacing it with an implant at the same visit, sinus lifts, distraction osteogenesis, and versatile bone grafts from a variety of sources including other parts of the body that contain adult stem cells.
A Doctor who Educates Doctors
In addition to his job daily as an implant and bone graft surgeon, Dr. Sun continues in his role as an experienced educator to dentists, residents, and students on various aspects of implant and bone graft surgery.
His most recent courses include:
Immediacy in Surgical Implantology taught at Pomona, CA
Upcoming lecture on "Digitalization of Implant Therapy" at San Jose, CA
His scientific and periodic publications on implantology include:
"Determination of a Low-Risk Mandibular Symphysis Graft Donor Site" on the Journal of California Dental Association
"Demystifying Implant Treatments in Edentulous Patients" feature article on General Practice News
"Implantology & Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw" feature article on General Practice News
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