Issue 30.09
Anyone who has been though a home construction project knows that things turn out better when you begin with the end in mind. Obviously, pouring the foundation of a house in the right location has everything to do with where the building will ultimately stand and putting in the plumbing has everything to do with where the walls will be located. Indeed, the best way to plan a project like this is to work backwards and decide first things first—where the building should stand and where the walls should go before pouring the foundation and putting in plumbing and electrical.
It should come as no surprise that planning for dental implants is similar—it’s best to start with a simulation of the final tooth replacement in hand to guide where to put the implanted supports during the surgery. This is best made by a specialist trained in restoring teeth that understands how teeth are supposed to fit together. This is the first step. The second step involves realizing that the mouth is a three dimensional object that needs to be studied in all three dimensions to completely understand where all the nerves and sinuses are located.
For this reason, CT scans are commonly used in hospitals when planning reconstructive procedures such as in artificial joint replacements, but now the same level of care is available for those seeking permanent solutions for missing teeth in an environment that is much more open and less claustrophobic, takes about only 10 seconds at a fraction of the radiation and cost of a conventional hospital based CAT scan. Andrus Prosthodontics in St George, UT is the only implant teeth specialty center in southern Utah and routinely provides this level of care for their clients.
Rodney L. Andrus, D.D.S, M.S., is a Prosthodontist, a specialist in the restoration and replacement of teeth. He is located at 640 E. 700 S., Suite 104, St. George, and can be contacted by calling 435-674-3100.