Why You Need a 3-Dimensional CAT Scan for Dental Imlants

Working as a Prosthodontist, a dental specialist in Prosthetic dentistry, for 20 years, I have seen many advances made in technology that has allowed my dentistry to get better and better.  One of the technologies that has revolutionized the field of implant dentistry is the 3-D CAT Scan.  As the name implies, this incredibly accurate x-ray allows dentists to visualize the exact shape of the bone before any implant procedure is done.  The CAT Scan allows the doctor to measure precisely the height, length and width of the bone prior to the implant surgery.  Consider the unbelievable benefit this gives to you - an incredibly successful result!  Why then doesn't every office do this for their patients?  Several reasons come to mind.

First, most offices are unwilling to make the financial investment necessary to have this sophisticated piece of equipment in their office.  While this machine (pictured to the left) probably looks very similar to a machine you might have seen in so many dental offices called a panorex, it really is completely different in that it not only takes a traditional two dimensional x-ray like a panorex, but also allows us to take the three dimensional scan we are discussing.  To the dentist, this means making a significant financial investment.  The doctor that chooses to make that investment typically understands that the benefits to both the patient (precision surgery, less invasive surgery) and the doctor (higher rate of success, ability to utilize a surgical guide) will far outweigh the upfront costs with savings on the back end.  Secondly, many doctors are unable to properly determine how the interpret the scans and unwilling to learn.  Take a look at the picture just below which depicts what a traditional 3-dimensional image looks like.  There is a learning curve for the doctor to have the knowledge to interpret these images accurately for the patient.  Finally, many doctors are stuck in their ways and unable to change.  This is something many of us, regardless of chosen career, may have difficulty with but with change comes growth and the ability to ultimately provide a significantly better and more predictable outcome for our patients.

In my opinion, a 3-D CAT Scan should be done on every patient no matter how simplistic the implant procedure is.  It gives the doctor the most precise information prior to surgery which makes the procedure the most predictable yielding the best results for the patient.  Having a 3-D CAT Scan done prior to any implant surgery also allows the fabrication of a surgical guide allowing the implants to be placed WITHOUT cutting the gums open and then having to stitch them closed.  The surgical guide is a template which is placed in the mouth and held in place, which controls precisely how the implant area is prepared.  It controls the exact length, width and depth which the implant is placed and eliminates any variable that would allow improper implant placement.    This makes the healing after the procedure very routine and easy for the patient and subsequently a successful implant treatment result.

Surgical Guide or Template

By: Dr. Michael Ramer

Why Does My Dentist Cost So Much

I am often asked the question - "Why does dentistry cost so much?"  Giving an honest answer to a patient that they understand and doesn't seem suspect can be difficult.

Check out this great article from CBS MoneyWatch.com (click the red link).  It explains, in detail, from a patients perspective what we try to educate patients about all of the time.  Great Reading!

By:  Dr. Michael Ramer

What Does A Dental Crown Cost?

A crown is not a crown is not a crown is not a crown.  Making reference to a famous quote by Gertrude Stein, the point made here is not all dentists work is the same even though it has the same procedure name.  On a daily basis, people call my office asking for fees for different types of treatment and while I understand patients having to be consumers, I also know that people think they are routinely getting the same quality for varying fees from different dentists and that is the fallacy.  For example, if you wanted to buy a Black & Decker toaster oven and compared the price at Walmart and Kmart, you at least know for sure that you are getting the same item, but that is rarely the case for dental care.

Dentists who charge less for their procedures may use cheaper materials or they may have to sometimes see 5 to 6 patients at the same time or find labs in foreign countries where they may use inferior metals and porcelains all in an effort to save themselves costs many times at the patient's expense.  All these things can affect your outcomes, causing dental work that doesn't fit, is uncomfortable and will need to be redone prematurely.  Having faulty dental work can also cause you to need other dental work to correct it.  Additional root canals, gum surgeries or even extractions of teeth are possible consequences as a result of not having the work done right the first time.

I am a spouse, a parent and a businessman as well so I fully understand that you always have to watch what you spend, but as a healthcare provider, I also know a compromise should not be on your health.  Spend carefully, but wisely.  Spending less, but having to redo faulty work always costs you more in the end.  Make sure that whatever you spend on your dental care is a wise investment and remember not to be penny wise and pound foolish.

By: Dr. Michael Ramer

Dental Implants - Your Questions Answered

So much of my conversations with patients these days revolve around Dental Implants. Although Dentists have been placing Dental Implants for around 30 years in the United States, only over this past decade have they become not only the standard of care, but the preferred treatment.  That's why today I've decided to address some of the most commonly asked questions patients have.  If your question isn't answered here, please feel free to respond with more and I'll be happy to answer those as well.

Will dental implants work for me?

Almost all healthy adults of any age are candidates for dental implants.  The main limitation is the amount of bone available.  Dr. Ramer is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

How successful are dental implants?

Dental implant success is a proven, long-term solution with more than 30 years worth of clinical success.  It is incredible that success rates worldwide are consistently in the range of 95% with many areas of the jaw approaching success rates as high as 99%.  This would make dental implants one of the most successful medical/dental treatments available.

Will my dental implant restorations feel natural?

The use of dental implants allows patients to replace lose teeth that not only look and feel like natural teeth, but allow patients to function just like natural teeth.

Are dental implants painful?

Patients can have dental implants placed under local anesthesia and most people describe their discomfort after the procedure as similar to a tooth extraction.  With the use of our state-of-the-art 3D CAT scan machine, Dr. Ramer is able to perform many surgeries with a unique guided, flapless implant procedure making the placement of dental implants even easier than before.

How long do implants take?

Generally, the time for implant procedures varies depending on whether they are placed on your upper or lower jaw, but generally, implants take 2-3 months to heal in your lower jaw and 4-6 months in your upper jaw.

If I am already a denture wearer, can I use my current dentures if I have dental implants placed?

In many cases, if your current dentures fit well and if your biting is current, your existing dentures can be used without having to remake them.  If, however, your existing dentures are not correct or if you are unhappy with how they look, either correcting them or remaking them is necessary.

As a member of the Academy of Osseointegration I look to stay on the cutting edge of the field of Implant Dentistry.  With years of training in the field, I am well trained and proficient at both the surgical placement of dental implants and the restoration of them.  Make sure if you are considering having Dental Implants done, you  are having them done by a qualified, well-trained Dentist to ensure success!

Author:  Dr. Michael Ramer

Funny, yet relevant!

Enjoy,

Dr. Ramer

Act before it is too late!

I have heard hundreds of times over my years of practice from my patients, "Dr. Ramer, nothing hurts so there can't be anything wrong."  Unfortunately for my patients, that type of thinking is their worst enemy. Consider this, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even cancer may not hurt until it is too late and I am sure that we would all admit that they need to be treated even though they don't hurt.  The same is true in the mouth.  Many times decay (cavities), periodontal disease (loss of gum and bone around the teeth) and occlusion issues (a poor or worn bite) all go undiagnosed not because the dentist was not capable of findings the problems, but because the patient did not see the need to seek regular dental care because they decided that since nothing hurt, there couldn't be a problem.


One of the greatest investments a patient can make for their mouth is to make sure they invest in preventative dental care.  Simply said, make sure you go to the dentist at least twice a year to have your teeth cleaned.  Having harmful bacteria cleaned from your mouth professionally by a hygienist in conjunction with proper brushing and flossing at home can potentially eliminate having many problems in the mouth.  It is the old expression....an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, so don't delay.  If you are overdue, schedule your appointment today and don't wait until it hurts or you may be in store for more than you bargained for.