Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
We now have the ability to grown bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance.
Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone can be obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Bone Graft procedures can be referred to as:
Sinus Lift Procedure
The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.
In this procedure, the sinus membrane is lifted up ward and donor bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.
If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to stabilize the implant well, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the Sinus Augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.
Ridge Augmentation
In severe cases, the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase ridge heights and/or width.
These surgeries are performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.
Call us today! We have two convenient locations, call our Dacula office at 770-831-6602 or our Lawrenceville office at 770-962-0515.