Coming Innovations Transalveolar Dental Implant Technology
When dental implants were invented, they represented a huge leap for patients missing teeth. Replacement options then, such as dentures, were significantly inferior substitutes for the real thing. Implants offered patients a chance to regain natural-feeling function that was previously not possible.
Unfortunately, decades of use have shown that traditional dental implants simply don’t work for all patients. The usual method absolutely requires enough of the bone that anchors teeth (alveolar bone) to secure implant posts. When it isn’t there, attempting an implant means a lengthy process of staged bone grafting that doesn’t always succeed. Only in select cases is it possible to truly replace a missing tooth or teeth in one procedure with existing technology.
What Does This Mean?
For some patients, traditional dental implants aren’t a true option. This can include:
- Elderly patients, who may not generate sufficient bone even with grafting, or who may not do well with multiple procedures
- Patients with extensive bone loss
- Patients with congenital conditions in which teeth and the underlying bone fail to form
The Next Generation of Implant Technology
For 40 years, there have been no new conceptual advances in dental implants. That has changed with the introduction of Transalveolar Dental Implant (TDI) Technology. Newly patented by Dr. Hale, this system was inspired by his long experience in craniofacial trauma reconstruction and his dissatisfaction with the limitations of existing solutions.
Instead of relying on a single screw set into the alveolar bone, TDI provides stability by relying on the strength of bone resistant to resorption (bone loss). It typically uses customized 3D-printed titanium components to anchor implants to cortical bones of the face (facial pillars) with contoured plates. These plates are individually designed for each patient with advanced digital systems, so each restoration is truly unique. The process allows successful replacement in one procedure, whether you’re replacing a single tooth or a full arch. This immediately restores function and preserves gum tissue, bone, and existing spacing, which can all be negatively affected by drawn-out staged procedures.
note: TDI Technology is currently under development and not yet available.