When to Stop Adding Dental Implants: Converting to Full-Mouth Implants Explained

Too many dental implants on the upper. Most can't be reused.

The topic I want to talk about today (regarding full mouth implants) is something I’m seeing more and more often—patients who already have several dental implants but are now losing additional teeth. This is especially common in the baby boomer age group. So, when do we stop adding implants and instead consider converting to a … Read more

Will Dental Implants Set Off Metal Detectors at Airports or Concerts?

Metal detector pat down at TSA

“Will my dental implants set metal detectors off at TSA, airports or concerts?”  This is a question I get all the time!  Let me reassure you: dental implants are unlikely to set off metal detectors, and here’s the science behind it. What Are Dental Implants Made Of? Dental implants are made from titanium, titanium alloys, … Read more

Fake Pink Gum Vs No Gums on Full Dental Implants

Dental implant bridge with pink gums and without pink gums

There is so much misinformation about having fake dental implants pink ceramic gums or having dental implants with no gums on a dental implant full arch bridge… AKA “all on 4″ /”all on 6” or “3 on 6” This video will provide a lot of information for you to understand the difference between the two. … Read more

Chemotherapy and Dental Implants – Can Cancer Patients Get Dental Implants (Special Emphasis on Breast Cancer)?

cancer dental implant xray

As a cancer survivor, replacing any teeth you lost before, during or after treatment can be an important part of regaining your health and quality of life. For many patients, dental implants are an excellent option – but the process requires some special considerations for cancer patients (i.e. is it possible for chemotherapy and dental … Read more

All on 4 and Zygomatic Implants (Full Mouth)- A Deep Dive into a Complex Case

In my years of practicing dental implantology, I’ve encountered many challenging cases, but one in particular stands out due to its complexity and the remarkable transformation it brought about — a full mouth All on 4 and zygomatic implants case. I’ll take you through a detailed look at a patient’s journey from removable teeth to … Read more

Dental Tourism – Do You Need Dental Implants?

Failed dental implants after only 2 years

Traveling to a foreign country for dental implants can lead to irreversible consequences. This is known as (dental implant) dental tourism.  My focus here is on those who travel for dental implants (especially full mouth dental implants), not for more simple procedures like crowns, fillings, or gum treatments. Dental tourism, especially for dental implants, is … Read more

15 Important Things To Know About Dental Implants (video & text)

Ramsey Amin DDS talking about 15 things to know about dental implants

Anyone considering a single, multiple or full mouth dental implants should watch this very informative video…15 important things to know about dental implants. Too many people embark on implant surgery without enough information. Learn before you make a decision and end up with a problem implant that needs to be fixed or removed. There are … Read more

Botox® for Teeth Grinding, Jaw Clenching & Dental Implants

botox® for teeth grinding...

You may have heard about Botox® for teeth grinding or jaw clenching. But why would Botox® be important while having full mouth dental implants?  In order for full mouth, immediate teeth within 24 hours to work, the implants cannot be subjected to high biting forces. Botox®, (Xeomin® and Dysport®) temporarily decreases the strength of the … Read more

Smoking, Vaping, Marijuana and Dental Implants (video & text)

person holding a cigarette

Smoking has a negative effect on dental implants and bone grafting procedures. You can either smoke or you can have teeth, but you cannot have both! Smoking anything of any kind has a negative effect on dental implant procedures. The nicotine constricts the blood vessels leading to poor healing and much higher incidence of infection … Read more

Alcohol and Dental Implants: What You Need to Know (video)

alcohol - mixed drink

The topic today is alcohol and dental implants. There’s a great majority of people who drink alcohol. Some do it in moderation. Some do it very heavily. It’s going to affect your dental implant surgery, for sure. Let’s talk about how alcohol affects it. Alcohol consumption increases the risks of dental implant and bone grafting postoperative complications…always. … Read more

Pterygoid Implants To Avoid Zygomatic Implants And Sinus Lifting

Close-up pterygoid dental implant on bridge

Pterygoid implants are often used along with zygomatic or other implants (to learn more about this particular type of implant, visit my webpage here).  They can be extremely useful to allow you to get teeth quickly and safely for the upper jaw “all on 4/6 dental implants.”  These are very specialized implants that are only … Read more

Don’t Fall For The $399 Dental Implant

3D scan of zygomatic implant

$399 dental implant. Don’t fall for it! What is the catch? Why are implants so expensive? These are these things I hear all of the time. Let’s address some of these things…especially the $399 dental implant catch and some of the advertisements you might see. Watch the video or read below (video transcription lightly edited … Read more

Infected Root Canals/ Molar Implants

infected root canal x-ray

(updated October 2024) Molars are the most common teeth to have a dental implant. It makes sense because we use the last molars more than any of our teeth for primary chewing. Why Do Root Canals get Infected? Most often molars are replaced from a root canal that did not work. The root canal tooth … Read more

Full Mouth Dental Implants for Seniors: My Mom/Dad Needs Dental Implants

Mom Dad Need Dental Implants

(updated October 2024) I love my parents. They made me who I am. My Mom and Dad mean the WORLD to me. They are seniors. If my parents needed (full mouth or full arch) dental implants I would want to be 100% certain that they would be treated with the best team and at the … Read more

No Room, Too Tight for Implants

Tight space for implant

(updated October 2024) Sometimes there is just not any room for dental implants (the space is too tight for implants). I have placed thousands of implants so I can certainly tell you that there are times that having an implant would create more problems. That being said, dental implants are still the absolute best replacement … Read more

What Dental Implants are the Best? (Video & Text)

What dental implants are best?

(updated October 2024) I’m often asked, “What dental implants are the best?” and frankly it’s a simple, yet complicated answer. The easy answer is that there isn’t one best dental implant. But there’s much more to it. There are hundreds of implant manufacturers. Yet, it’s not so much about the screw as it is about … Read more

How Do Dental Implants Work? (video & text)

how do dental implants work

(updated October 2024) Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. They usually look like screws and they go into the jaw bone on the upper or lower or as high as the cheekbone. Essentially they are artificial roots to anchor a missing tooth or a section of teeth or all of your teeth.  Once implanted, they … Read more

Are Dental Implants Safe?

are dental implants safe text

Are Dental Implants Safe?  Dental implants have been around since the mid-1960s. Most implants are pure titanium or titanium alloy, and there are others that are non-metal, which we call zirconia implants. I’ve placed more than 10,000 dental implants.  I have never personally seen an allergic reaction to dental implant. There are some patients who … Read more

Can I Get Dental Implants Without Enough Bone? (Video & Text)

Can I Get Dental Implants without having any bone

(updated October 2024) Dental implants without enough bone….how can that be done? Is it possible? If you don’t have any bone left at all, and you’ve been told there’s just not enough bone to get implants, what are your choices? In my office, I treat the most extreme of extreme patients. So when the bone … Read more

Will Dental Implants Cure Gum Disease? (Video & Text)

Will Dental Implants Cure Gum Disease - Video

(updated October 2024) Gum disease is the process where you lose bone and gum around your teeth. It’s caused by an infection known as periodontitis. What that means is your teeth will eventually loosen up and fall out; it can be one tooth, two teeth, or possibly all of your teeth falling out. In this … Read more

Can Dental Implants be Removed? (Video & Text)

Can dental implants be removed or replaced?

(updated October 2024) About 30% of what I do is actually remove and replace failing implants. There are a couple of different ways implants can be removed: can the whole implant be removed out of the bone? And, can the crown from an implant be removed? There’s a lot of work that goes into removing … Read more

Why Do Dental Implants Fail? (video and text)

Why do dental implants fail? Video

(updated January 2025) About 30% of my practice is treating failing implants, removing them, rescuing them. Let’s talk about why, and why did your implant fail or why do they hurt?  There is no one reason why dental implants fail. Reasons can range from anatomical – not enough bone or gums – to problems with … Read more

Here’s Why You Have a Runny Nose After a Dental Implant

HERE’S WHY YOU HAVE A RUNNY NOSE AFTER A DENTAL IMPLANT

(updated January 2025) Recently a patient asked, “Why did I get a runny nose after my dental implant?” When you have an implant right in the front, the central incisor, lateral incisor teeth, those four teeth in the front, they’re close to the base of your nose. So, sometimes after having a dental implant in … Read more

Osteoporosis and Dental Implants (video & text)

Ramsey Amin video Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection, Dental Implant, Bone Graft… Do I Need Them?

(updated July 2022) Is it possible to have dental implants if you have osteoporosis? What if you took Fosamax, Boniva, Zometa, Prolia or one of the medications intended to slow down the process of osteoporosis? What if your T score is -4.2? The short answer is yes… Having dental implants is possible with osteoporosis, but … Read more

Big Bone Graft For Molars

Bone graft results

(updated January 2025) This patient presented to my office in Burbank, CA  after seeing numerous “dental implant dentists.” He was told that implants are not possible by three different providers! Bone Loss Needs Large Bone Graft The preoperative image shows that he has very skinny bone in the area where the teeth were lost many … Read more

Socket Shield for Dental Implants- What Should You Know?

Ramsey Amin video Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection, Dental Implant, Bone Graft… Do I Need Them?

“Socket shield” for dental implants is a hot topic. It’s part of a greater group of procedures called “partial extraction therapy.” Basically part of your tooth is kept rather than extracting your entire tooth!! It may sound weird to you to keep part of a tooth that is getting extracted, but it has its merits. … Read more

Dental Implant Crowns

Dizzy_Vertigo After Sinus Lift Bone Graft for Dental Implant

I prefer this method of making dental implant crowns. The accuracy is unparalleled. My patients like that we don’t have to gag them with molding material. Basically a video wand is put in your mouth rather than the big trays. My lab partner works with a corresponding software to make the zirconia teeth.

Complications- Dental Implants Break!

Xray of single broken implant

Most can’t believe that a titanium dental implant can crack or break!  It happens!  More now than in the past. Why do implants break? Some dental implants are very thin at the top. Many people believe that a conical connection type is a better connection for the abutment and tooth. The problem with that style … Read more

VIDEO -Zygomatic Immediate Load Dental Implant Planning

3D scan of zygomatic implant

In this video I describe the 3-D planning for a full upper dental implant procedure. Bone quality and quantity are discussed as well as immediate teeth made when the teeth are extracted and implants are placed. This is how I do all of my cases. This case happens to have a zygomatic implant on the … Read more

Center Front Dental Implant -Ramsey Amin DDS

Missing center front tooth

This is a great example of a difficult center front tooth dental implant .  The gum is thin and it is very scalloped.  I restored this case with a cemented  (rather than screw retained) custom zirconia abutment and porcelain crown.  The white zirconia underneath the gum line prevents the gray show through that many front … Read more

Last Molar Extracted… Do I Need A Dental Implant?

Last Molars in Contact

(updated January 2024) My last molar was extracted… Do I need a dental implant? I have received this comment/question so many times that I decided to write a quick post about it! Missing Lower Second Molar –No bite support on Upper Molar after lower was lost Last Molars Are Not Always Needed To be clear, … Read more

Sometimes Dental Implants Are Not The Best Option

Elongated dental implant teeth with expose the abutment and non-cosmetic result

Sometimes dental implants are not the best option!  I know this sounds strange coming from a dental implant specialist but for the last 20 years of my career, there are some cases that are best off not having implants.  There are disadvantages to dental implants.  There are also disadvantages to bridges as well. Sometimes the … Read more

How To Clean Dental Implants Including All on 4, 6, Zirconia Bridges

Zirconia fixed bridge (Prettau)

Dental Implants are NOT teeth.  They are a “replacement” for teeth.  Because of this, cleaning dental implants is different than cleaning your natural teeth.  The biology of the gums around an implant is very different than what is found around natural teeth. Of course you have to brush, but should you floss, Waterpik or use … Read more

Same-Day Extraction Immediate Lower Molar Dental Implants And Nerve Injury Discussion

3D scan - immediate extraction and implant.

It is not every day I see a case like this. This patient is going to lose her lower first molar which is the one that is second from the back typically if you are missing your wisdom teeth. It is the most common tooth to be pulled mostly because it has been in your … Read more

Shaping And Forming Gum Around Front Teeth Dental Implants – Ramsey Amin DDS Reviews

Front lateral temporary implant with crown

Of the 100’s of articles I have written, this is one topic that is often not well understood by dentists or patients. So what is shaping, grooming, forming and training of gums around dental implants? Shaping the Implant Gums to Look Natural It is the process of getting the gum line around your front tooth … Read more

Upper Molars with Sinus Bone Graft and Lower Single Implants -Ramsey Amin DDS Reviews

3D scan of pre-implant surgery model

This is a nice example of basic treatment with dental implants that was well engineered. What you are looking at here are four dental implant molars that I placed in virtual 3-D. The implants are actually surgically placed in the bone but what I did was ‘overlay’ the implants that are actually there with the … Read more

Replacing Four Lower Back Teeth With Dental Implants and Bone Grafting – Start to Finish Detailed Video Review -Ramsey Amin DDS

Panoramic xray showing lower arch dental implants

This video has a lot of information on dental implants and bone grafting. There is also a lot of information on how the teeth and dental implant abutments are made in the rationale of why I did everything. You also see the sequence where three of the implants were placed in a delayed fashion and … Read more

Block Grafts From Another Person

lateral incisors block bone graft Ramsey Amin DDS (3)

This article is a follow-up to a video from 2009 that I receive a lot of questions about. Block bone grafting for dental implants is still a very successful procedure…. But a lot has changed over the years! (side note: Many people mistake the term “graft” with “graph.” The correct term is “graft”) Basics on … Read more

Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection, Dental Implant, Bone Graft

Ramsey Amin video Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection, Dental Implant, Bone Graft… Do I Need Them? 

In this short, but highly informative video, I review some of the common truths and misconceptions about antibiotics in relationship to tooth infections, dental implants and bone grafting. Are Antibiotics Required For Implants? Use of antibiotics should be judicious and carefully thought out.  Just because you have an “infection” in your tooth, it does not … Read more

Do I Need PRP/PRF/PDGF/BMP For Dental Implants and Bone grafts?

Ramsey Amin video Do I Need PRP:PRF:PDGF:BMP For Dental Implants and Bone grafts?

In this video, I described what is PRP and PRF and how to concentrate growth factors, stem cells and molecular enhancers made from your own blood to be used in dental implant and bone grafting procedures. PRP, PRF, PDGF, BMP, and others, are all abbreviations for wonderful enhancers of dental implant bone grafts. I make … Read more

“Sterile” Dental/Bone Graft Implant Surgery… Is It Possible?

sterile dental office at Burbank Dental Implants in Burbank, CA

UPDATE: This 2014 post is especially important in the age of COVID-19!!! READ THIS Dental implant surgery should be done in an “aseptic technique” which is a close modification of sterile technique.  This means that your dental implant or bone graft surgery is not just being done with the typical dental bib held by the … Read more

Complex Case Example–Tilted Dental Implant Used To Bypass Impacted Tooth and Bone Expansion for Missing Front Teeth

Large bone graft for lower molars

This patient presented to my office in Burbank by referral for dental implants from another patient. She had two dental problems. One was her 6 tooth front upper bridge was loose and had come out a few times and the second problem was her lower molar in the #19 position. After examining her, it was … Read more

All On Four Dental Implant Procedure Review: Is It The Best? –Ramsey Amin DDS

All On Four Dental Implant Procedure Review

The All on 4 dental implant procedure has become quite popular. You probably even hear about it on radio and TV advertising. Even many dentists don’t really understand it. It is sometimes advertised as the “smile and a day” procedure.   All on four is simply a treatment option for replacing all of your teeth … Read more

Computer Guided Dental Implant Surgery, Things You Need To Know

Computer Guided Dental Implant Surgery, Things You Need To Know

Guided dental implant surgery is a procedure where a surgical guide or template is made to allow me to place your dental implants in a very precise position. This is done from a 3-D scan and some serious computer software. It can often help reduce the need for a bone graft! First a 3-D scan … Read more

Extraction-Dental Implant – It Won’t Stop Bleeding! Quick, Easy, Cheap Solution

Lower back molars dental implants

Bleeding for most people it is not an issue after a routine dental extraction, bone graft or multiple dental implants.  It does occur tough ! When it does occur it can be pretty disconcerting, and can look like a whole lot of blood is coming out of your mouth. It doesn’t take but a few drops … Read more

What Dental Implant Screwdriver Fits My Tooth?

What Dental Implant Screwdriver Fits My Tooth?

What dental implant screwdriver do I use? Unfortunately dental implant abutment screws come in all different shapes and sizes. Because of that, there are many, many different screws that hold them together. There are also so many different instrument adapters to tighten and loosen dental implant components. It would be nice if there was a … Read more

Dizzy/Vertigo After Sinus Lift Bone Graft for Dental Implant

Dizzy_Vertigo After Sinus Lift Bone Graft for Dental Implant

Dizziness is a rare complication that can occur in patients that have an internal sinus lift for dental implants in the upper jaw. This is called vertigo. More accurately it is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo – BPPV. In my private practice over the last 14 years I have had extremely few patients that have … Read more

The Process of “Permanent” Fixed Dental Implant Teeth -5 Steps to Replacing All Your Teeth

“Permanent” Fixed Dental Implant Teeth

Having fixed “permanent” dental implant teeth is a process. This process can vary greatly from as short as one day and can extend up to two years. The average is a few months. Here is a 5 step summary of the process. “Permanent” is in quotations because nothing is truly permanent.  Everything can be removed if needed and … Read more

Braces, Orthodontics and Front Teeth Missing From Birth…What You Need To Know Before Having A Dental Implant

Ramsey Amin video Braces, Orthodontics and Front Teeth Missing From Birth...What You Need To Know Before Having A Dental Implant

In this video I discuss the common things that I see with patients wanting front teeth dental implants when they have had braces at the same time. Unfortunately the all too common story: there is either too much room or too little room to place dental implants for teeth that are commonly missing from birth.  … Read more

Should I Pull All of My Teeth and Get Dental Implants?

Lower arch implants with final solid zirconia bridge.

(updated July 2024) “I need new teeth. Can I replace all my teeth with dental implants?” This is a question I hear often. Worse yet, some people say should I pull all of my teeth and get dentures? Most of the time the answer is no! BUT…sometimes it IS better to pull your remaining teeth … Read more

All-on-Four Dental Implant Procedure -Ramsey Amin DDS Explains Pros and Cons

All-on-four is a dental implant technique specific to people missing all of their teeth and who want to avoid dentures.  Many patients that see me in Burbank ask me about “All on Four” dental implants.  Sometimes they call it “All Over Four.”  The all-on-four implant procedure has few advantages, but several disadvantages. All-on-(or over) four … Read more

Solid Zirconia Custom Dental Implant Crowns and Abutments Instead of Metal

Zygomatic dental implants After 3

There has been quite the evolution in dental implant crown material options. Solid zirconia (not zirconium) is beginning to phase out older methods. Traditional porcelain overlaid over metal used to be the only really good option for your back teeth. For back teeth, a custom abutment is not as commonly needed as it is for front … Read more

Disadvantages of Dental Implant Abutments – Burbank Board Diplomate, Ramsey Amin, Reviews

dental implant diagram

Dental implants are typically made of three pieces. The three parts are the dental implant itself (the part in the bone), an abutment, and the crown or teeth on the implants. There are some abutment disadvantages, and some have more than others. An abutment for the dental implant process is needed regardless, unless the implant is … Read more

Burbank Implant Dentist Explains: Immediate Front Tooth Replacement with Bone Expansion Grafting

Missing center front tooth

This is a dental implant immediate tooth replacement case that I did in my Burbank office a few days ago. There are many details that make this dental implant unique. He only lost this tooth about six months ago, and the bone had already shrank, causing an indentation defect on the critical outer wall of the bone. … Read more

How to Fix a Broken Dental Implant Screw – A Case Report-Burbank Dentist Ramsey Amin, DDS Explains

dental implant screws

In the last 11 years of placing dental implants in Los Angeles I have only ever had to remove a broken screw on old implants placed 25-30 years ago. Dental implant abutment screws really don’t break anymore! They used to break when cheap dental implants were used that had an “external hex” as opposed to … Read more

Learn more about dental implants!

Ramsey Amin video Learn more about dental implants!

Have you heard about dental implants, and you are excited to learn more about them? Well, you will be happy that, in this video, Dr. Amin will explain important details about the abutments used in dental implants cases. In the video, you will learn about two major classifications of abutments: pre-fabricated and custom abutments. Dr. … Read more

Dental Implants to Replace Baby Teeth

after initial ortho

If you are reading this post you are probably one of a small percentage of adults that has a baby tooth without a permanent tooth below.  As an adult with a baby tooth,  the tooth is often lost between the ages of 20 and 45 and must be replaced with a dental implant. A baby … Read more

Do you take Fosamax, Actonel or Boniva? What You Need To Know Before Having Dental Implants

(updated July 2022) Dental implants can be problematic if you take Fosamax, Actonel or Boniva. So can you get dental implants if you have osteoporosis? Contrary to popular opinion, having osteoporosis does not mean you cannot have dental implants, sinus lifts or bone grafts. If you’ve taken those medications  (called bisphosphonates) to treat osteoporosis, you … Read more

Full Mouth Dental Implant Reconstruction -Audio Explanation With Burbank’s Ramsey Amin, DDS

Full mouth dental implants reconstruction

Full mouth dentistry with dental implants and crowns can get very complex.  I treated this patient in my Burbank office with nine dental implants and a total of more than 20 crowns. The full mouth dental reconstruction involved the upper and lower teeth and opening the bite to be taller. The three minute audio recording … Read more

Burbank Dental Implant Specialist: Review of Immediate Dental Implant Considerations

Xray of upper dental implant

  Immediate dental implants are those that are placed at the same time the tooth is extracted.  In my Burbank dental office, I have been placing immediate implants for the last eleven years. Typically immediate implants can be done for almost any tooth from the middle bicuspid area forward.  I also place immediate implants into … Read more

11 Considerations for Full Porcelain Dental Implant Crown Materials –Review by Burbank’s Ramsey Amin, DDS

Porcelain dental implant crown

Full porcelain dental implant crowns (also referred to as porcelain teeth implants by some people) can be made of many materials.  All porcelain dental implant crowns can be zirconia, feldspathic, leucite, alumina, lithium disilicate (E.max) or several other types. Most of my Burbank patients usually tell me they thought there was only one type of … Read more

Thin Receding Gums And Dental Implants – What’s Important? Video by Ramsey Amin, DDS

After picture of gum graft on canine tooth #11

Thin gums area major cause of gum recession and can cause problems with dental implants too.  You are genetically given the thickness of your gums.  When it comes to dental implants…the thicker the gums the better.  This is also true for natural teeth.  This video explains some of the important issues. When someone has receding … Read more

2 Dental Implant Complications You Should Know – Video by Burbank’s Dr. Amin

Dr. Ramsey Amin DDS

A patient in my Burbank office asked me about the long-term with implants. Dental implant complications can occur.  Most focus on the surgery, but what I am talking about is what happens later down the road. Later, meaning after the crown, bridge or full implant restoration has been attached to the implants. This video reviews … Read more

Rationale and Costs –Immediate Same Day Extraction and Back Tooth Molar Implant vs.Waiting

Xray of back molar dental implant

Back molar teeth can have immediate implants!  This means that the same day a molar is extracted, an implant can be put in the socket.  When it is possible, this saves you money by avoiding the cost of a second procedure or bone graft.  Besides cost, it also saves you time because you don’t have to “extract, then let it heal for 2-4 months.”  You want your tooth as soon as possible!

In order to do an immediate implant for a back molar tooth a large, wide diameter implant must be used.

Super Wide Diameter Implants (6.0mm and larger)
-reduces or eliminates the need for bone grafting in back tooth extraction sites
-enables proper emergence contour of the final crown  Ramsey Amin Wide immediate dental implant

-reduces stress delivered to the implant-bone interface as well as throughout the rest of the implant

-Ideal for “rescuing” teeth implants where smaller-diameter implants have failed

Less invasive
-Shorter treatment time
-Prevents bone shrinkage.

-Following an extraction, bone width decreases 25%-40% in the first year!

Considerations
-Size of tooth being replaced.  The average measurements of back teeth indicate use of a 7.0mm implant. Tooth size varies by type of tooth as well as your genetics

-Nerve position is critical

Increased initial stability (tightness when first placed)
-When the diameter of the root is less than that of the implant, the resulting primary stability is greater. This is important for the

Read more

Implant Bridges – Upper Back Teeth Case Example

Missing upper and lower molars

Many people lose all of their back teeth on the upper or the lower jaw. Implant fixed bridges can replace your back teeth. My patient had broken the teeth on her upper bridge.  When that happens, the whole bridge fails and the teeth need to be extracted. The other side had no teeth at all. … Read more

Immediate Dental Implant Video by Burbank’s Best Dentist 2010

Immediate Dental Implants

Immediate dental implants are amazing.  Your tooth can be replaced in about an hour. This patient found me from the Burbank Leader Newspaper Best of Burbank issue (Best Dentist). He had a Maryland bridge for his front tooth that kept falling out.  It was also very unattractive to him. Using intravenous sedation, a dental implant … Read more

Connected Dental Implant Teeth or Separate Crowns …What is Best? Dentist –Ramsey Amin, DDS Explains

Xray of Full Mouth Dental Implants with fixed bridge

The best dental implant teeth crowns can be made in a variety of ways.  The teeth can be made separately, like natural teeth or connected as bridges. This post refers to having more than one implant next to another. In my Burbank dental implant practice, I restore the crowns or bridges for dental implants in … Read more

Pockets Around Dental Implants

periodontal disease

Dental implants have “pockets” around them just like our teeth do.  Healthy pockets around teeth are 2-3 millimeters while implants have pockets that can be healthy up to 6mm. Warning signs of deep pockets and gum disease include the following: Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth Bleeding while brushing, flossing, … Read more

Broken Tooth – Slanted Dental Implant Crown Fixed

Broken upper premolar

The first picture tells the whole story.  My patient came to see me in Burbank and she said "I have loose crown and I hope it is savable."  She had another tooth break about a year earlier. What you are looking at is a broken tooth.  Actually the root is broken. So it wasn't the … Read more

Board Certified Dental Implant Specialist? Burbank’s Ramsey Amin DDS Explains

ABOI award by Burbank Dental Implants: Ramsey Amin DDS

Dental implant specialist??? Burbank's Ramsey Amin, DDS is a credentialed member in both of the organizations mentioned below: AAID wins legal battle in California; Credentials ruled bona fide by U.S. District Court Judge John Mendez of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California on Friday, October 15, 2010 ruled unconstitutional the California … Read more

Apicoectomy Failure – Burbank Dental Implants Success Video Testimonial

Center front dental implant

Apicoectomy root canal procedures can and do fail leaving a bone defect. This bone defect can become problematic when having a dental implant. Even though a root canal and an apicoectomy can “save” a tooth, sometimes they are still lost.  My patient came to my dental implant office in Burbank after realizing that her front tooth could not … Read more

Types of Tooth Implants – Burbank Expert Explains the Differences

different size of implants

There are many (about 175) manufacturers of dental implants.  The good thing is that most of the implants available nowadays are of good quality. That being said, some are much better than others though. Implants vary in many respects.  Most root form implants are shaped like screws.  Some are tapered and some are straight. Some … Read more

How Do You Know If Your Dentist is Really Good?

Image of Dr. Amin working on a patient

How do you know if your dentist is really good? There is an easy way to know! Does your dentist wear these? Most good dentists, wear a head light and loupes to enhance their vision. Although my vision is 20/20 without glasses, I could not practice dental implant dentistry in Burbank with the same precision without magnification and … Read more

3 Myths About Tooth Implants -Pain, Expense and Time – Burbank Dentist Explains

dental implants Burbank CA

Dental tooth implants have been in use for more than 40 years!  Even though they are quite common, there are three “myths” that I hear potential patients describe all the time. 1. Dental implants are painful! 2. Dental Implants are expensive! 3. Dental implants take a long time! 1. Dental implants are painful! FALSE! In my more … Read more

Burbank Expert Dentist Explains -Dental Implant Impression Molding Considerations

Dental implant impression

In order to make even one dental implant tooth or a whole mouth full of implants, an impression or “mold” must be made. Gagging is sometimes an issue for some. I have developed many techniques over the last decade to eliminate and/or greatly reduce gagging. Some techniques use a “triple impression tray,” specially timed flavoring, … Read more

Burbank Dental Implant Specialist Case Example – Lower Front Tooth With Temporary on Abutment

Single lower lateral implant with crown

This 24 year-old female came to see me at my Burbank office.  She already had an implant, a custom abutment and a temporary crown on her lower front tooth. She was ready to be fitted with the real crown. The temporary on the dental implant custom abutment did not look very good at all.  Neither … Read more

Burbank Implant Dentist -Video Series 2 of 9 – Replacement of Upper Lateral Teeth

Missing lateral teeth

Filmed in Burbank -Part 2 of 9. This is the second of a nine-part series that specifically discusses dental implant replacement of “specific” teeth. Every tooth in your mouth is very unique! The upper lateral incisor natural teeth are the small, side teeth just next to your two big front center teeth.   This tooth implant has so many details … Read more

Burbank Implant Dentist -Video Series 1 of 9 – Replacement of Upper Center Teeth

Filmed in Burbank -Part 1 of 9. This is the first of a nine-part series that specifically discusses dental implant replacement of specific teeth. Every tooth in your mouth is very unique! The upper central incisor natural teeth are the big, center teeth that dominate the smile.  Replacing just one of these teeth is the … Read more

What To Do if Your Teeth Are Knocked Out

what to do if your teeth are knocked out

Here is a great overview featuring a dental collegue of mine:

Chicago Blackhawks star Duncan Keith’s dental misfortune on the ice is an occupational hazard for hockey players, but teeth also can be lost in accidents, sports mishaps and falls that can happen to anyone. So what should you do when one or more of your teeth are suddenly knocked out?

The obvious advice is get to a dentist right away, but the type of injury suffered will influence how the damaged teeth can be treated, according to Joseph Orrico, DDS, president-elect of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), www.aaid.com, who practices in Elmwood Park, Ill. and played semi-pro hockey.

“Sometimes teeth are completely knocked out — roots and all, so in those cases place the tooth or teeth in a container of cold milk and get to a dentist within thirty minutes for a reinsertion procedure,” said Orrico. “There’s a short window of opportunity in which the remaining living tissue on the root surface can be kept alive. Milk has a neutral ph balance and is fortified

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Burbank Dental Implant Dentist Discusses Best Angle of Surgical Dental Implant Placement

Center front dental implant with crown

As I have mentioned many times before, the precise, best placement angle of your implant is the most critical factor in having dental implants. It makes all the difference between a beautiful tooth that can’t even be noticed from your other teeth, compared to a tooth that obviously is fake and malformed. Here is an example of … Read more

15 Dental Implants by Ramsey Amin, DDS -Burbank, Patient Video Testimonial

Smile of bad and missing teeth

Frank is a great patient that I have known for many years.  He had the misfortune of having severe gum disease and decay that required the eventual removal of all of his teeth. His passion is playing the saxophone which he said you really need good teeth to play well. Listen to his experience.  He decided … Read more

Dental Implants With Just One Surgery? – Expert Dentist, Dr. Ramsey Amin Explains

xray of two dental implants

Traditionally most dental implants were placed using a two stage surgical technique.  That means you would have two surgeries for just one implant! The first surgery would be to place the actual implant in the bone.  At that time the dental implant would be covered by the gum so it is not visible.  That is … Read more

Root Canal Apicoectomy Failure – Relation to Dental Implants (Ramsey Amin DDS – Burbank, California)

dental implants xray by Burbank Dental Implants: Ramsey Amin DDS

If you have a root canal and now need a dental implant there are some very important issues to be aware of.  This is especially important if the tooth to be extracted is in the upper front area. It will have consequences on the final result and cosmetic appearance of the implant. A previous failed root … Read more

Burbank Dental Implant Update – Photo Series Shows an Implant Fusing to the Upper Jawbone

Xray of center front dental implant

This is a great visual example of an implant fusing or “osseointegrating” to the jaw.  You can easily see the difference. This lovely elderly woman came to see me with a tooth that broke down to the gum. In one appointment. I extract the remaining root and placed an immediate dental implant into the socket … Read more

The Process of Having a Dental Implant – Video by Leading Burbank Dental Implant Dentist

The process of having a dental implant is very unique for each situation. This video, that I made in my office in Burbank, will help you understand the basics of what is involved. It explains how the procedure is done and sequenced. A dental implant can be completed in as short as one single appointment … Read more

Fixed Dental Implant Crown and Bridge Materials Options: An Overview By Burbank Dental Implant Expert, Ramsey Amin, DDS

This post is intended toward dental implant crown and bridge restorations that stay in the mouth and are not removable.  Denture implants called overdentures are not “fixed”, they must be removed daily. All materials have advantages and disadvantages.  The following is a summary of the materials that can be used.

Dental Implant Restorations:  Crowns and Bridges
There are basically four options that I use:

 Full Cast Gold (High Noble Metal) Made of a gold alloy, full cast gold is the longest lasting of any of the laboratory-processed materials. The alloy consists of gold, silver, palladium, and sometimes zinc, copper, and platinum. Although it is a very strong material, the yellow color makes it not as esthetically pleasing as other options.

 Full Cast Noble Metal Similar in properties and qualities to full cast gold, this material contains mostly palladium plus silver, gold, and other trace metals.  Full cast noble material is more silver in color than a full noble metal.

 PFM -Porcelain Fused to Gold (High Noble or Noble Alloy Metal) This material is very esthetic and can last 5 to 20 years. The gold substructure is covered with porcelain, which can wear opposing teeth or fracture under forceful biting or grinding. The porcelain can be applied to just the surface of the crown facing on cheek.  The result will not be as esthetic, but will last longer. A night-guard may be recommended for protection.

 All Ceramic or All Porcelain (Zirconia) This is the newest technology in laboratory-processed restorations and is considered very esthetic.  They look very real. No metal is used in the process, and therefore no metal will ever be visible. It is excellent for restoration of front and back teeth. The same cautions exist as with any porcelain or ceramic material: it can wear opposing natural enamel, and a night – guard may be recommended for protection from bruxing or grinding.  Some processes in fabrication of the all ceramic or porcelain crown are actually controlled by a computer!

All the above take at least two appointments to finish.

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Why Even Have Missing Teeth Replaced? – Dental Implants, Etc…

Collapsed-bite-need-for-dental-implants

Do I need all of my teeth? 2021 UPDATE TO THIS POST –MUST WATCH SHORT VIDEO Do I really need full mouth implants (full arch dental implants) or just a single implant? What should your missing teeth be replaced? Well, your mouth, jaw, and body developed together over millions of years. They are designed to … Read more

Keeping a Space Between Front Teeth –Bridge vs. Dental Implants

Gap between upper center front teeth

Many patients I have met over the years in my Burbank, California office have spaces or “gaps” between their front teeth that they like and WANT to keep.  Madonna and David Letterman have a space between their front center teeth.  It is part of their character and I doubt they would want to close it … Read more

PRP – For Accelerated Healing Of Dental Implant Procedures

Single lower lateral implant with crown

This is a great report on the use of PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) for dental implants and bone grafting.  The author referenced is an expert on the topic.  He has the same credentials in implant dentistry as I do, which is the highest achievable.  We both carry the prestigious title: Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry.

I also use PRP in my office and have had similar great sucess. I especially like the part about how it was used by an NFL team! Read this post to learn more about PRP.

SOURCE American Academy of Implant Dentistry

An exciting treatment gaining acceptance in orthopedics and sports medicine, called platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP), is showing strong potential for accelerated healing of dental implant procedures, according to a prominent dental researcher and editor of the Journal of Oral Implantology.

James Rutkowski, DMD, PhD, reported at the recent annual scientific meeting of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry that platelet-rich plasma therapy can accelerate bone and tissue growth and wound healing and help assure long-term success of dental implant placements.

"What could be better than using the body's own regenerative powers to grow bone and soft tissue safely and quickly? For dental implant procedures, PRP treatments can jump start bone growth and implant adherence in just two weeks, which cuts down the time between implant placement and affixing the permanent crown," said Rutkowski.

Platelet-rich plasma is obtained from a small sample of the patient's own blood. It is centrifuged to separate platelet growth factors from red blood cells. The concentration of platelets triggers rapid growth of new bone and soft tissue. "There is very little risk because we are accelerating the natural process in which the body heals itself," said Rutkowski. "PRP speeds up the healing process at the cellular level, and there is virtually no risk for allergic reaction or rejection because we use the patient's own blood."

Rutkowski noted that some orthopedic physicians have been using PRP with success for painful and hard to treat injuries like tennis elbow, tendonitis and ligament damage. An avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Rutkowski couldn't resist mentioning that PRP was used in 2009 pre-game Super Bowl treatment for two Steeler players (Heinz Ward and Troy Polamalo), and both were instrumental in the team winning its 6th Super Bowl.

For dental surgery applications, Rutkowski explained that PRP is mixed as a gel

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Video Testimonial -Dental Implant – Chris F.

Xray of single dental implant

Chris had a very unique situation.  He had an unusual dental implant placed 10 years ago that needed to be replaced. A sinus bone graft was necessary in order for me to not penetrate the sinus that sits above the upper back teeth  Here was his situation in pictures.  The original implant had lost almost all of … Read more

10 Things You Should Know About Dental Implants

Xray of two dental implants

Dental implants have been around since the mid 1960's. A dental implant fuses to your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Dental implants preserve bone mass and prevent bone loss  Most dental implants are made of titanium. Dental implants have special surface textures to allow them to heal. Dental implants are not painful. Some dental … Read more

Immediate Dental Implants…Things To Consider

Panoramic xray of full mouth dental implants

“Immediate loading” is a hot topic in implant dentistry.

In its most basic definition, it means you will have a tooth on your dental implant within 24 -48 hours of surgery.

Here is an example of the entire lower jaw replaced with nine implants and an immediate bridge:

X4925368

Every patient that I have treated has always wanted his or her teeth right away. You really should weigh the risks versus benefits of this procedure.

Immediate teeth work best for teeth in the front of the mouth.  It also works very well if you are missing all your teeth and is most successful if you are having implants for your whole lower or upper jaw.  The use of zygomatic implants also allows for same-day teeth in people that are missing all upper teeth even when they have soft bone.  When the dental implants are put in, I would make a temporary tooth or whole set of teeth right on the spot.  You would walk out of my office with teeth not gaps. The temporary teeth will look, feel and work like your regular teeth.

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VIDEO -Hard or Soft Bone – What is Better for Dental Implants?

dental implant

Most people think bone is just bone!  Actually, in the mouth it can be as hard oak wood or as soft as Styrofoam!!! Your success with the dental implant procedure has got a lot to do with this.  The techniques of placing the implants into each type of bone is very different.  This video should help … Read more

Do I Need Custom Dental Implant Abutments?

molars replaced with dental implants

There is a lot of confusion with patients that have come to me for 2nd opinions. The question is whether or not their dental implants need custom abutments or not. I will try to make this as non-technical as possible. If you are confused, comment below. Most implants have three pieces. The implant that goes … Read more

Video – How Long Do Dental Implants Take to Heal?

how long do dental implants take to heal?

Dental implants can require some time to heal before they become integrated to your jawbone.  Teeth can be made on the implants on the same day that the implant is placed, or a few months later. It is quite variable.  Having a bone graft may or may not prolong that time. This video taken at … Read more

Dental Implant or Root Canal – Cost and Value Comparison

Amalgam fillings and decayed lower molars

Although I am considered a dental implant specialist by a credentialing board and my peers let me first start by saying that saving your natural teeth is my FIRST priority. Dental implants are fantastic, but they are a close “second” to your natural teeth. The question is more about “restorability” of your remaining tooth when deciding … Read more

Dental Implant Maintenance…OVER-DENTURE VS FIXED BRIDGE

Snap on overdentures

Fixed bridges are attached to your dental implants much like your natural teeth are connected to your bone. Because they are most similar to teeth, they do require some maintenance. Most importantly is your daily routine at home. You must brush and floss your implant fixed bridge. You will also need to have regular x-rays … Read more

Fixed Dental Implant Bridge vs. Implant Denture – What is the REAL Difference?

Fixed dental implant bridge

There is a common mistake that I hear from patients on a regular basis. Often times, I see patients for second opinions for dental implants to replace all of their teeth. They tell me they are having all their teeth removed and having a “bridge.” When I dig deeper or reference their paperwork, they are … Read more

Orthodontic Dental Implants…They Help With Braces Too!

tilted molars

Orthodontic Dental Implants??? Yes you read that right…temporary dental implants to make braces go faster and easier! They are called “Temporary Anchorage Devices” or “TADS.” They are essentially tiny screws that are placed very shallow on the outside part of the jaw in between your teeth.  Rubber bands or wires are attached to.  TADS can … Read more

Nerve-Repositioning for Lower Dental Implants

Nerve-Repositioning or “Nerve Lateralization” is reserved for the rarest of cases, but is extremely useful in the right situation. This is a procedure that I perform.

It is only done to replace the lower back teeth with a very unique situation.  You may need this procedure if the bone is not “tall” enough to have an implant.  There also needs to be a lack of space from in-between you top and bottom teeth

Lower Back teeth with implants healing:

IMG_0112

Here is a picture of a patient with a lot of space between the bottom and top teeth:

IMG_8311

This space can be built back with bone with some difficulty.

This is a picture of a patient that has very little space:

LEFT

It is more desirable to have less space, which means you have more bone.

A CT scan is required for this procedure.  Below are some example images.

The orange line in this image is where the nerve is. You don’t want the

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Piezosurgery for Dental Implants and Bone Grafting

Panoramic xray of missing upper molars

Piezosurgery® is an exciting modality that enables me to cut bone without harming soft tissues. It is amazing. I have used it for 3 years now and it is just incredible.  It can cut bone, but it can't cut skin, gums, nerves, etc!  Unbelievable, but true. Piezosurgery utilizes high frequency ultrasonic vibrations—which allow the bone … Read more

Video – Sinus Lift Bone Graft for Dental Implants

sinus lift bone graft video

Sinus lift bone grafts are done when you need dental implants for your upper back teeth, but don't have enough bone. The procedure has been done since the mid 1970's. I was personally trained by the inventor of this procedure, Dr. Hilt Tatum This video is intended to give you some insight to why and … Read more

Digital X-rays During the Placement of Dental Implants

implant x-ray

(updated January 2025)

I was at a dental meeting recently at USC Dental School with about 200 dentists that place dental implants.  The topic of x-rays during implant surgery came up…and I could not believe what I heard.

Some background information

When placing an implant into the jawbone, it is necessary to take x-rays in between steps.  This allows me to guide the implant into an ideal location, which is extremely important.  Furthermore, taking x-rays during dental implant surgery allows me to see how deep I am. 

The vital nerves, arteries, sinuses and bone depressions are at the deepest part of bone, so taking multiple x-rays adds safety and predictability to the procedure.  It does add time to the procedure, but does not increase your cost.

An example

Here is an example of the process that I do for my patients to ensure good outcomes (follow the series of x-rays until the center implant is placed):

example of digital x-ray by Ramsey Amin, DDS of Burbank Dental Implants             digital x-ray image by Ramsey Amin, DDS of Burbank Dental Implants             digital x-ray stages by Ramsey Amin, DDS of Burbank Dental Implants   

digital x-ray by Ramsey Amin, DDS of Burbank Dental Implants

The position of the implant is checked and re-checked…perfect!

 

What I could not believe was the majority of the other dentists in attendance do not take x-rays along the way!!!!!!!!

The top two reasons were:

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How Many Dental Implants Do I Need Under My Denture?

Bar connecting 4 implants for an overdenture

In this post I am specifically talking about overdentures, not fixed implant bridges. Most commonly, a lower denture is supported with two to four implants underneath it.  The more implants you have the more stable the denture is. If I gave you a stool with two legs, could your sit on it?  Yes you could!  … Read more

How to Choose an Implant Dentist Specialist

ABOI award by Burbank Dental Implants: Ramsey Amin DDS

UPDATED 2024 You may have noticed that there are many dentists who claim to be “experts” in dental implants.  Even if they do not claim to be “experts,” many dentists still say they “do implants.”  The average dentist may be involved in 1-10 implants per year.  I typically see 4-5 cases per day.   What qualifications … Read more

How Long Have Dental Implants Been Around?

Believe it or not, the history of dental implants begins more than 1300 years ago with the ancient Mayans. Back in 600 AD, a young woman was missing some of her lower teeth. The same as any modern woman, she wanted her smile beautified.

She received what is perhaps one of the world’s first dental implants. It was made from pieces of shell shaped to resemble teeth.

Similar discoveries were made when excavating ancient Egyptian artifacts. The Egyptian implants were made from shells and ivory.

It was decades after these archaeological discoveries before the modern world caught up with the Mayans’ dental technology.

Dental implants, as we know them today have been around since 1965!  They were invented by a Swedish scientist named PI Branemark somewhat by accident. 

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What is a “Block Bone Graft” Associated with Dental Implants? — Video

block bone graft video

UPDATE TO THIS POST —-CLICK HERE Many patients have come to me for second opinions about bone grafts. Specifically, they were told they need a "block graft" or "onlay graft." Although this procedure is popular and works well, there is not a lot of patient information available about it. This video should give you a … Read more

What Is The Best Dental Implant?

dental implants Burbank CA

There are approximately 150 different dental implant manufacturers. Luckily, most dental implants are well made. The best dental implants are manufactured to very strict tolerances such as airplane engines would be made. All root form dental implants are made of titanium. Some implants differ in the type of titanium alloy used. Some dental implants are … Read more

Is Old Age a Problem With Dental Implants?

man eating apple

Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Age is rarely a consideration in dental implant treatment. I … Read more

Teeth Grinding Related to Dental Implants

Flattened down teeth

Teeth grinding can be detrimental to dental implants.  In fact, it is one of the worst things and can actually cause the implant(s) to loosen and fail. Our jaws can generate a tremendous amount of power. Typically we don’t use or need all that force to chew foods.  Grinding of teeth is different than clenching.  … Read more

Blood Thinners and Dental Implants

Panoramic xray of full mouth dental implants

I treat many patients who take blood thinners on a regular basis.  The concern with taking a blood thinner during implant treatment is continued bleeding. The most common blood thinners are Aspirin, Warfarin (Coumadin), and Plavix.  These blood thinners are taken for a variety of cardiovascular reasons.  Coumadin and Plavix are the stronger medications.  Aspirin … Read more

Dental Implants –Do I Have To Be Without Teeth While They Heal?

flipper stayplate

(updated July 2024) “Do I have to be without teeth while my dental implants heal?” It’s a common question my patients ask.  No! This is one of the most common questions I get when presenting treatment (single implants, full arch dental implants, etc).  Due to the nature of bone healing slower than skin, a waiting … Read more

Mini Dental Implants – Myths Dispelled

different size of implants

Mini implants are just smaller versions of regular sized implants.

They are marketed as being painless and simple which is no different than a regular dental implant.  Unfortunately, they have been marketed to a certain subset of dentists who don’t want to do surgery or have any experience in surgery.  Because of this they are marketed as being placed without an incision.  This marketing of only the benefits has completely overshadowed some of the risks that are rarely discussed.

Placing implants without an incision is MUCH more dangerous then placing implants with an incision.  The reason is because the dentist is working blindly and can easily perforate the bone, which could even lead to a life-threatening situation. 

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Do Full Mouth Dental Implants Hurt?

dental implants Burbank CA

Many of my new patients (and current patients) ask if full mouth dental implants hurt. My answer is…usually not! Since the jawbones have few nerve endings, the placement of dental implants causes only minor surgical discomfort – perhaps equivalent to having a tooth pulled. Most of my patients only need Advil or Tylenol after the … Read more

Dental Implants…What are they?

Dental Implants diagram

Implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. These anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for porcelain teeth or they can strengthen your denture. Small posts called “abutments” are then attached to the implants, which protrude through the … Read more