Dr Featherstone – General & Cosmetic Dentist – Las Vegas & Henderson, Nevada

Introduction

Dr. Featherstone  is an Associate Fellow of the  American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dental implants have been placed and restored by Dr. Featherstone since 1982.  Only about 1% of dentists offered the service at the time. Now, implant dentistry is mainstream and the standard of care to replace missing teeth. However, other options such as bridges, and partial dentures are available, as explained below.

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Implant to replace a tooth or teeth

Definition

For a single tooth, a dental implant is screwed in the jaw bone like a carpenter places a screw in wood. There are three parts (see illustration at right), the first two made of titanium: 1.  implant root 2. abutment (part that extends the implant into the mouth) and 3. crown which is cemented onto the abutment.

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Cost of Single Tooth Dental Implants

1. Implant: $1760       2. Abutment: $615      3. Crown: $1114

Fees may vary according to types of implants, abutments, crowns and insurance.

Benefits

• For most situations, the surgical placement is comfortable. It’s like having a filling done.
• Bridges made on natural teeth often decay. Half are replaced in 10 years. Implants can’t decay.
• Brushing and flossing an implant tooth is the same as for natural teeth. Bridges require a floss threader.
• You may have heard negative stories from the early days of implants, but today’s implants are rarely rejected by the body, and are 95% successful long term. With proper care and correctly engineered bite, they will last indefinitely.
• Dental implants are safe. The risks are low, especially when we use computer guided surgery.

Procedure

1. From an impression, we make a plastic tray to fit over your teeth.
2. On the next visit, we fit the tray and instruct you how to use it during a CT scan.
3. Your CT scan is taken by a radiologist at a nearby facility. They send us a CD. We study your bone revealed in 3D on our Nobel Biocare software, and install your “cyber” implants in your “cyber” bone in the best and safest positions possible.
4. On the third appointment, we numb your mouth using our distracting lip-shaking technique. If you are panicked about numbing, we offer nitrous oxide for relaxation. You’ll find out why it used to be called laughing gas! Or you can come in an hour early and take a couple of blue pills, feel wonderfully sleepy and dreamy, and not even remember what happened the next day!


Implant Guide (Click to enlarge)

5. During this appointment, the surgical guide is placed in the mouth (see illustration at right). We make spaces for and install the implants using our implant guide to guarantee the exact, safe positions. Most often there is no cutting of the gum and no sutures, so there is little discomfort afterward. It’s often possible, and preferable to have a temporary tooth put on the implant in the same day!
6. Two or three months later, the permanent crown is made, just like a normal tooth.

M.L.’s Story

M.L. is a busy executive who had worn a pesky “flipper” replacing a front tooth for a number of months. Sometimes the flipper would flip down when eating or speaking, so it was time the stop the embarrassment. We followed the procedure outlined above, except a graft of gum tissue was added at the time of the implant placement. He will tell you that “It really wasn’t uncomfortable.” The temporary crown had been made in advance, and fitted on the implant. Four months later, M.L. returned to replace the temporary crown with a porcelain one. In addition, we readied his other three front teeth for veneers, and in 4 weeks, he returned for completing the job. He’s very happy with a new smile and an implant tooth that feels just like a real one. Another patient, Joanie, with multiple implant teeth is waiting to tell you her story. Just click Videos.

Time

It takes 3-4 months from placement of the implant and temporary crown to making the final crown. If bone grafting is needed, then 11-12 months is required for both bone and implant healing.

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Implants to replace all teeth (Teeth in a Day TM)

Definition

Teeth in an Hour TM is a system for getting implants in the bone and affixing a denture in one appointment. The denture is made of denture teeth and pink plastic surrounding a metal bar with holes and a seats for screws. Four to six implants are installed in precisely predetermined positions with a surgical guide, so that the denture can be screwed down solid.

Benefits

• Throw away your adhesives, because this denture is as solid as teeth.
• Bite apples, corn on the cob, eat ribs, and live life.
• No impinging on delicate gum areas.
• Very high success rates
• There is very little discomfort after the numbing wears off because there is no cutting except the holes for the implants and therefore no sutures.
• You may have heard negative stories from the early days of implants, but today’s implants are rarely rejected by the body, and are 95% successful long term. With proper care and correctly engineered bite, they will last indefinitely.
• Dental implant placement is safe. We have reduced the risk of injury to almost nothing with the use of computer guided surgery which we use on every Teeth in an Hour case.

Procedure (Click here for more information from Nobel Biocare)

1. After a complete examination with radiographs, we install markers on your well fitting denture or on a duplicate denture, and instruct you how to use it during a CT scan.
2. Your CT scan is taken by a radiologist at a nearby facility. They send us a CD.
3. We study your bone revealed in 3D on our Nobel Biocare software and install your “cyber” implants in your “cyber” bone in the best and safest positions possible.


Implant Guide (Click to enlarge)

4. We order your implant guide which is a duplicate of your denture, only with metal sleeves that guide the drills to make space for the implants.
5. Implant Guide (Click to enlarge)On the main appointment, we recommend that you come in an hour early and take a couple of blue pills, feel wonderfully sleepy and dreamy, and not even remember what happened the next day! We numb your mouth using our distracting lip-shaking technique. Many find it comfortable without the pills.
6. We make spaces for and install the implants using our implant guide to guarantee the exact, safe positions. Most often there is no cutting of the gum and no sutures, so there is little discomfort afterward.
7. We screw down your denture, and ask you to eat soft food for a period of time to allow the implants to adjust.

Rick’s Story

Rick is a busy contractor. He had loose, long teeth that could not be saved, and it was painful to eat. He had heard about full arch implant treatment, and called us after seeing our website. Of course, Rick wanted an improved appearance, so we recreated his smile with Photoshop as described in our smile gallery (Eric’s Story). It was necessary to remove the teeth and provide Rick with a temporary denture to allow healing. He was never without teeth. Since he is so busy, he waited 10 months to come back for his new teeth. By that time, he was tired of using adhesives. He had the CT scan done, and we found 6 places for implants, to ensure very strong teeth. His appointment went without a hitch… six implants and new teeth in about 2 hours. He will tell you that he had no pain, and took no pain pills afterward. He was asked to eat soft foods for six weeks, and when he came in for a check up, he reported some cheating on that, but his radiograph showed implants had healed very well. “They have been great,” he says.

Time

If everything is right, the new denture can be completed in 3 or 4 weeks from the initial examination. If rebuilding bone is necessary, 8 months or more healing time is necessary. (More on Teeth in an Hour at  mynewsmile.com)

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Cost of “All-on-Four” or “Teeth in a Day”

We believe that implant treatment time has been reduced sufficiently to allow moderation of costs. Many heavily advertised clinics charge $50,000 – $60,000 for upper and lower “all-on-four” implant dentures. Dr. Featherstone, who has been surgically placing and restoring implants since 1982, can complete your case for $30,000 – $35,000, for 80 % of cases. This is a big win-win for you and us.

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Bridge

Description

A bridge replaces a missing tooth with the same materials as a porcelain crown. You can’t take it out, because it is cemented into place. The false tooth is attached to a pier, or abutment made on adjacent teeth.

Benefits

• The bridge looks like teeth because of careful matching, and the false teeth appear to grow from the gum, like normal. The gum is developed to receive an “ovate pontic,” which is the part that sinks into the gum a little. For more information on this, click mynewsmile.com.
• Works well when an implant is not chosen.
• A bridge is non-removable. Brush just like teeth, and floss by threading it under the false tooth with a plastic loop.

Procedure

1. We numb your mouth using our distracting lip-shaking technique. If you are panicked about numbing, we offer nitrous oxide for relaxation. You’ll find out why it used to be called laughing gas! Or you can come in an hour early and take a couple of blue pills, feel wonderfully sleepy and dreamy, and not even remember what happened the next day!
2. Decay is removed.
3. Undercuts are repaired with a bonded base or buildup.
4. An impression is made with a rubber like material.
5. A temporary bridge is made until the laboratory returns the restoration.
6. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the restoration.
7. You will return for your seating appointment in 3-4 weeks. The bridge is checked for fit, then bonded to your adjacent teeth.

Lexi’s Story

Lexi was a vibrant high school student at the time she finished braces. She was cheated out of lateral incisors by her genetics. The orthodontist made just the right spaces for implants, but she was  too young for it. So, we chose a conservative alternative, a special kind of bridge for both sides. Our goal was to make the teeth look like they were growing out of the gums: natural looking. However the gum was deficient, so she was referred to a periodontist for plumping up the area. Immediately after that visit, we gave her a clear plastic tray to wear with false teeth attached which pressed into the gum area to look like it was growing out of the gum.  When we seated her bridges, the false teeth fit right into the gums for a natural look. Lexi is waiting to tell you her story in our Videos section.

Time

Most bridges require 2 or 3 appointments for a total time of about 4 weeks. With advance notice, this can be shortened. (More on bridges from mynewsmile.com)

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Two-Implant Dentures

Definition

Two implant dentures is a new set of upper and lower dentures, but with two implants in the lower jaw. The lower denture snaps into the two implants, holding it in place. Note: Marilyn’s change of appearance is due to a change in the characteristics of her new dentures, unrelated to the implants.

Benefits

• That pesky lower denture which used to float around the mouth, now snaps in to stay put.
• Food is less likely to gravitate under the denture
• The risk of pinching the gums when biting on the tipped denture is gone.
• The snap on denture is 100 times better than the floater, but only 4 times the cost.
• You can add 2 more implants later for increased function and comfort.
• Dental implants are safe. The risks are low, especially when we use computer guided surgery.

Implant Procedure

1. After a complete examination with radiographs and photographs,  and a consultation to explore your past problems and appearance needs, we install markers on your well fitting denture or on a duplicate denture, and instruct you how to use it during a CT scan.
2. Your CT scan is taken by a radiologist at a nearby facility. They send us a CD.
3. We study your bone revealed in 3D on our Nobel Biocare software and install your “cyber” implants in your “cyber” bone in the best and safest positions possible.
4. We order your implant guide which is a duplicate of your denture (see illustration at left), only with metal sleeves that guide the drills to make space for the implants.


Implant Guide (Click to enlarge)

5. For implant placement, we recommend that you come in an hour early and take a couple of blue pills, feel wonderfully sleepy and dreamy, and not even remember what happened the next day! We numb your jaw using our comfortable lip-shaking technique. Many find it comfortable just to be made numb.
6. We make spaces for and install the implants using our implant guide to guarantee the exact, safe positions. Most often there is no cutting of the gum and no sutures, so there is little discomfort afterward.

Denture Procedure (If you are happy with a recently made set of dentures all you need is the two implants, and the snap-on system. Skip steps 1-6).

1. After 3 months healing time, preliminary impressions are taken which lead to lab fabrication of custom impression trays. In many cases the healing time can be skipped.
2. With a gel-like material, we make impressions of your jaws.
3. We fit wax blocks to record proper tooth position, bite opening. We use a measuring device to install the blocks on a machine. See Eric’s Story at the bottom of Smile Gallery for more information.
4. Next, you visit us to evaluate your bite, and the color and position of teeth set in wax. You can spend all the time you need looking in the mirror to be sure your smile is just perfect!
5. After a week, we fit your new dentures by adjusting the teeth and denture base. You’ll love your new smile!
6. Finally, we convert your denture into a snap on implant denture in an hour! Very little discomfort after.
7. Adjustments are sometimes necessary to relieve tenderness under the denture.

Marilyn’s Story

Marilyn drove a couple of hours to consult with us about a new set of dentures. Her complaint was that the lower denture was loose and uncomfortable. She also wanted whiter teeth. We discussed the amazing improvement that 4 implants with new dentures would be for her. However, financial constraints limited her. Even though is was a strain on the pocketbook, she agreed to 2 implants. The CT scan on the Nobel Biocare software showed that some revision of  bone was necessary at the time of installation of Marilyn’s implants. That required sutures and healing time. After that surgery, Marilyn waited 3 months, and returned for her new dentures. She looked at her new smile in amazement. She said,  “I had no idea how this would change my looks!” At her last adjustment appointment, both the upper and the lower dentures were tight. She’d be happy to tell you that, “Despite some misgivings, it was well worth the cost. I can eat almost anything now.”

Time

If the plan involves new dentures, six weeks to 5 months is needed. If an existing denture can be used, the implants can be placed along with the abutments and attachments and your denture snaps in immediately.

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Cost of Denture Implants

If mini implants are used with existing dentures, the fee can be as little as $1500 complete, including two implants. See this link for how mini implants work. If standard implants are required, the fee is $1760 each or $3520 .

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Cost of Dentures

The fee for each arch, upper or lower is $1399. We only use premium Ivoclar teeth and and expert laboratory.

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Partial Denture

Definition

A partial denture is made of a chrome cobalt metal frame, with denture teeth and pink plastic. It is used when teeth are missing on both sides of the jaw. As an alternative to implants, it is less than ideal.

Benefits

• Lower cost than implants or multiple bridges.
• Fills in space to keep teeth from moving.
• Provides some improvement in chewing ability.
• Works quite well when a back tooth remains on both sides and used as anchors.

Disadvantages

• It’s hard for most people to get used to the bulk of the metal.
• Plaque and food are often trapped around the hooks and struts.
• If one side has no back tooth, biting forces pinch the gum between the plastic and bone. Biting force must be reduced to avoid pain. Chewing food takes longer.
• The hooks sometimes break, and need to be repaired, or the denture replaced

Procedure (List of Appointments)

1. We make a preliminary impressions
2. A final impression is made with custom carrier and a material with honey-like consistency which sets like rubber.
3. We fit the  metal framework.  We have you bite into wax blocks  so that the new teeth can be fitted to existing teeth.
4. You will get to try in the denture to test the bite, look at the color of the teeth, and evaluate the overall appearance. Changes can be made.
5. Finally, we fit the  new partial denture by adjusting the teeth to fit the bite, and adjusting the pink plastic to fit the gums.
6. Adjustments are sometimes necessary to relieve tenderness under the denture.

Jo’s Story

Jo had had enough of her existing partial denture. Hers is a story of frustration that is often repeated when a partial denture is accepted as the only option. Jo is missing 5 teeth starting in the center of her upper, and backwards on the left of the top photo. You can see the hooks holding the denture in on the right and left side of the photo. Jo’s problem was that a hook could not be made on the real central incisor, because, well, it just wouldn’t look good. The denture kept slipping downward, which was very embarrassing during business lunches.  So, Jo was forced to use adhesives, which is really uncomfortable and bothersome. We discussed alternatives at length, including replacing all 5 teeth with implants, but that was deemed too costly. So, we settled on two implants to screw down a new partial denture with no hooks at all. Now she never worries about the teeth slipping down. She loves her new smile, which was also improved with a veneer on the tooth on the right side of the photo. She’ll be glad to tell you, “Yes, it was worth it.”

Time

A regular partial denture requires 5 or 6 appointments over 5 or 6 weeks. (More on partial dentures from mynewsmile.com)

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