By Peg Ashbrock
Most of us take for granted the work our natural teeth perform over the years. We seldom stop to appreciate how easily we bite into a chewy bagel, or enjoy a crunchy apple. We talk, smile and laugh with confidence; and our teeth function pain-free for decades.
That all changes when we're faced with tooth loss or experience the diminished ability of our teeth to perform natural functions. That's when we realize the tremendous value of healthy teeth in our lives, and how much they affect our chewing, our confidence, and our appearance.
Recreating and restoring what nature took away is the goal of Dr. Jack Hahn, DDS, director of the Cosmetic and Implant Dental Center of Cincinnati. He's a world-wide expert in the field of dental implants; techniques he has designed are in use all over the world.
"18 million people don't go to a dentist because of fear or lack of knowledge," he explained. "Every minute in the United State, someone is losing a tooth. This new dental implant technology is something in dentistry that you can't achieve by fillings or anything else. It has a tremendous impact on people's lives."
Dr Hahn began working with dental implant technology 30 years ago. "I had a physician colleague who urged me to look into this field. He had been reading about implantology as a solution to a family member's dental problems. He told me this is the future...this will change lives."
"I'm as excited today as I was the first time I placed an implant in someone," said Dr. Hahn.
How Implants Work
Think of dental implants as metal anchors, usually made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone to hold permanent replacement teeth or dentures. After an initial period of healing, they are used to secure first temporary and then final 'teeth'. The entire procedure from evaluation to completion will usually take from six to eighteen months.
Whether for a single missing tooth, or for replacement of all of a patient's teeth, implants are now recognized as standard treatment for a full range of dental problems, such as restoration of normal eating and speaking, increased self confidence, enhancement of appearance, and improved denture retention.
"Now we're using new bone materials where we can regenerate bone that's been lost," Dr. Hahn explained, "so we can place an implant where before it just wasn't possible. The future of dentistry is happening now. All that's being talked about in clinical journals around the world we're doing here and now in Cincinnati."
According to Dr Hahn, the Cosmetic and Implant Dental Center of Cincinnati houses a complete laboratory on site, with four expert technicians who specialize in different phases of the fabrication of teeth. "Not only do I place the implants," he said, "I make the teeth that go over the implants, using a computerized scanner so that we can use a higher-quality porcelain to get better colors. This is something that's brand new in the area."
The Cosmetic and Implant Dental Center of Cincinnati currently is also a clinical investigator for many new products coming to the market.
"We get to use materials before a lot of other centers," explained Dr. Hahn. "Today we have techniques where a patient never has to be without teeth."
Who Benefits From Implants
The implant techniques he pioneered are safe for all ages, according to Dr. Hahn. Age is not a deterrent in implants; health is the determining factor.
"Three factors contribute to a successful implant," he explained. "First the patient must be healthy. Second, a proper diagnosis must be made so the correct implant placement and procedure can be selected for each individual. And third, the implant must be treated properly by the patient and the dentist. If either is neglectful there could be complications."
The Results?
"My patients say I've changed their life," Dr. Hahn said. "They can eat foods they couldn't eat before. They're able to speak with confidence. I've had people say that I've saved their careers. Patients have told me they wouldn't trade it for a million dollars."
"In 30 years I've never had a patient say they're sorry they've had it done."
This web site is designed by OMSNet®, a subsidiary of PBHS, Inc. ©19999