Tooth implants don’t have to be something to fear anymore
By Patricia Nugent
Over the past 35 years, investing in emerging technology has been a hallmark at Aerni Dental. Dr. William Aerni researches advancements in his field and introduces them to the practice after clinical trials have proven them effective.
The latest breakthrough is the X-Guide 3D Navigation for dental implants. Less than 1 percent of implant surgeons nationwide have this advanced implant technology. Dr. Aerni is now using this technology to help his patients who are suffering with missing teeth. This new technology allows a 360-degree single view of a patient’s anatomy during implantation.
“This fully guided technology was initially developed for neurosurgeons,” he explains. “The improved navigation during implant surgery helps in the accuracy of the implant placement, meaning position, angle and depth. It’s incredibly precise—in fact 11 times more accurate than doing the procedure freehand. X-Guide allows me to create angles that are within fractions of a degree.”
What does the enhanced navigation mean to the patient?
“We are seeing less invasive implantations, with shorter procedure times, smaller incisions, less discomfort, faster healing and better esthetic outcomes,” he says. “Patients leave our office after implantation and go about their day.”
The Pursuit of Excellence
Dr. Aerni is too modest to mention that he’s residing in rare company in terms of his specialty skill with dental implants, which he’s been perfecting since the early 1990s.
As a graduate of the Midwest Implant Institute at Case Western Reserve University, he earned the Robert James Award for his “personal devotion and dedication to the pursuit of excellence in general dentistry and implantology.”
Today, dental implants account for about one-third of his practice.
Other Breakthroughs
Last year Dr. Aerni introduced the FDA-approved LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) to his practice. The procedure treats gum disease by eliminating the inflammation and bacteria in the infected pockets, which allows for new growth of the patient’s bone. This is a regenerative procedure without any foreign grafting material needed.
“Compared to traditional treatments for gum disease, which includes incisions, bone grafting, biologics and sutures, LANAP is a minimally invasive modality with excellent outcomes,” he says.
In addition to X-Guide and LANAP, another cutting edge treatment Dr. Aerni works with is Tip-Edge braces, an inviting alternative to clear braces that many teens and adults opt for. Tip-Edge can be used for the more complicated orthopedic cases. Ceramic brackets can be used to match the color of teeth and are less conspicuous.
“They allow us to create a more comprehensive orthopedic correction if needed,” he says. “Patients are in braces for less time and less money than traditional braces.”
An Ounce of Prevention
Even though he specializes in high-tech treatment protocols, Dr. Aerni says his main focus with his patients is to create an environment focused on preventative care. “Working together with our patients’ help allows my team to have many success stories,” he says.
“I probably say this 15 times a day: Our focus is mainly on preventive care,” he says. “I would much rather not see people again for procedures such as implants or gum disease. Decay, disease and missing teeth are far more easily prevented than treated.”
Along with his team of seasoned dental hygienists, Dr. Aerni takes time to educate patients at each visit about the importance of preventive care, hopefully saving them pain and expense in the future.
“We look at the overall health of the patient first, and consider that through their long-term oral health,” he adds.
Aerni Dental is located at 11177 Pearl Road, in Strongsville. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The Aerni Dental team offers the full spectrum of dental care from general preventive dentistry to dental implants, same-day crowns, orthodontics and cosmetic enhancement. Call 440-390-3690 to discuss the many options available or visit AerniDental.com.