Bicon’s unique plateau design follows sound bioengineering
principles which allow for the use of short implants.



If you are missing one or more teeth and wish to eat your favorite foods,
increase your chewing ability, and improve your appearance, speech, and
self-esteem, then you are a candidate for dental implants. A dental implant
replaces the root of a missing tooth and is made from surgical-grade titanium
alloy (Ti 6Al-4V ELI) to exacting specifications. Initially, the implant is placed
into the jawbone either immediately after the loss of a tooth, or after an
extended period of time. If there is insufficient bone, various bone enhancing
procedures can be performed prior to the implant placement. An abutment,
which acts as a base for a prosthetic tooth replacement such as a crown, is
inserted into the implant at the time of implant placement, or subsequently
after a period of healing.
In the past, dentists would try to keep or replace teeth with reatments such
as root canals, bridges, and fixed or removable dentures. nfortunately, a
significant number of root canal treated teeth fail, bridges require that healthy
adjacent teeth be cut down and removable dentures can often be unstable
and require the use of sticky adhesives. Dental implants are a solution to
these problems, and many of the concerns associated with natural teeth are
eliminated, including dental decay.
Am I a candidate for a dental implant?
The placement of a dental implant is typically completed in less than an hour,
as an office procedure with only local anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort
is normally less than that of a tooth extraction. For aesthetic reasons, it is
often possible to have a fixed transitional restoration immediately after implant
placement so that you are never without a tooth. After a period of three to six
months of healing, the temporary healing abutment is removed from the
implant and a final abutment is inserted into the implant. A crown or
removable denture is secured to this abutment as the final restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental implant?
The Bicon dental implant serves as the replacement for the root portion of a
missing natural tooth. It is machined from surgical-grade titanium alloy (Ti 6Al-
4V ELI) to exacting specifications. A dentist places the implant into either the
upper or lower jawbone. After a period of time, the implant integrates with
the bone and becomes a secure anchor for a replacement tooth, a fixed
bridge, a removable partial, or a complete denture.
Am I a candidate for a dental implant?
If you are missing one or more teeth, then you may be a candidate for a
dental implant. Your dentist will be able to discuss your individual clinical
situation. Dental implants will allow you to smile, speak, and eat with
confidence and comfort.
Can a Bicon implant be used as an alternative to root canal treatment?
YES! Not all teeth are good candidates for root canal treatment. Root canal
treated teeth are susceptible to decay and fracture, while implants are not
susceptible to decay and almost never break. Bicon implants are an excellent
and prudent alternative to the root canal, post and core, crown lengthening,
and crowning procedures. Often, the cost of saving a tooth with a variety of
treatments can exceed that of the placement and restoration of a Bicon
implant.
Is the implant ever rejected by the body?
The implant is machined from surgical-grade titanium alloy (Ti 6Al-4V ELI),
which is a biocompatible material. However, there is a slight possibility that it
will not integrate with bone. If this were to occur, the implant would be
replaced with another one. It is highly unlikely that the second implant would
not integrate.
What if I smoke?
Smoking can inhibit proper healing of an implant. However, this does not
prevent smokers from having implants successfully placed and restored. You
should speak with your dentist for more specific information relating to your
dental needs and the effects of smoking.
How much pain will I experience?
Usually minimal to none. While undergoing treatment, you will receive local
anesthesia. (Some clinicians may choose to use other forms of anesthesia.)
You may have mild post-surgical soreness for up to 72 hours. An over-the-
counter pain reliever will alleviate the discomfort for most patients.
What will the appearance of my mouth look like during my treatment?
During treatment, your dentist may be able to provide you with a transitional
prosthesis that will have the look and feel that you need during this period of
healing. With the Bicon implant, it is often possible to have a fixed transitional
tooth immediately after the placement of the implant.
How much time is required to have an implant procedure?
A single dental implant placement is usually completed in less than an hour as
an office procedure with local anesthesia. The implant is then allowed to heal
with the bone for a minimum of eight weeks. If you have poor quality bone
and bone-grafting procedures are necessary, the overall process can take up
to 12 months or more. Your dentist will determine which surgical procedure
is best for you.
How much will it cost and does insurance cover implant treatment?
Costs vary depending upon the clinician you choose for your treatment and
upon your individual dental needs. In general, implants are not covered by
insurance. Detailed questions about your individual needs and how they relate
to insurance should be discussed with your dentist or your insurance provider.
Why choose Bicon?
The simple and elegant design of the Bicon implant has a bacterially-sealed
connection with the possibility for 360 degrees of universal abutment
positioning. The design provides your dentist with the unique clinical flexibility
of utilizing shorter implants with extra-orally cemented crowns or the
screwless and cementless Bicon Integrated Abutment Crowns™. With either
technique you can almost always be assured of a natural looking gum line and
a beautiful smile. Bicon is known for the finest aesthetics.
How do I properly maintain the implant once treatment is completed?
Ironically, dental implants require less maintenance than a natural tooth.
Simply brush it as though it were a natural tooth.
How long does an implant last?
The first Bicon implants were placed in 1985. There is no reason why an
implant cannot last a lifetime. However, specific situations such as facial or
occlusal trauma can negatively impact their longevity.
What is a sinus floor bone augmentation?
When an upper posterior tooth is lost, the floor of the maxillary sinus drops
down into the space formerly occupied by the root of the lost tooth. In order
to place an implant, it is often necessary to put the sinus floor back up to
where it originally was by adding a synthetic bone substitute. This procedure
is called a sinus floor bone augmentation or a sinus lift.
What is a ridge split?
After the loss of a tooth, the bone formerly around the tooth is resorbed —
often leaving a very narrow ridge of bone. In order to place an implant, the
ridge of bone is split as though it were a piece of corrugated cardboard being
expanded to provide a wider space between each side. For the upper jaw,
this is accomplished at the same time that the implant is placed; the lower jaw
requires a second surgical visit approximately three weeks later.
What is a bone graft?
A bone graft is a surgical procedure for adding height or width to a jawbone
in order to increase its volume for the placement of an implant
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