Bone Regeneration and Implants: Rebuilding for Lasting Tooth Replacements
Dental implants are one of the most significant procedures used in modern dentistry. They replace missing teeth, and if cared for properly, implants can last a lifetime. They also don’t have to be removed periodically, like dentures. According to Medical News Today, dental implants enjoy a success rate of more than 95 percent. Unfortunately, not everyone with missing teeth is a good candidate for dental implants.
If your jaw lacks the proper amount of structure, you won’t be able to receive a dental implant. In cases like this, we can sometimes use a bone grafting procedure. This is a process in which bone structure is added to the jaw until it is thick enough to support an implant. Here’s more information about bone regeneration and implants from Vero VIP Implants & Periodontics.
What is a Bone Graft?
A bone grafting procedure can be done to add volume and thickness to a person’s jawbone. There are four different types of materials used in modern bone grafting procedures:
- Autogenous – Uses material from your own body
- Allograft – Uses material from a human tissue bank
- Xenograft – Uses material from an animal tissue bank
- Alloplast – Uses synthetic material created in a laboratory
Jaw loss and deterioration can happen for several reasons, but one of the most common ones is periodontal disease. If left untreated, an ongoing infection in the gums can gradually degrade the support system for your teeth. If you have periodontal disease, Dr. Brown may want to attack that problem first. Once the gum infection is cleared up, the bone grafting process can begin.
How a Bone Graft Functions
During the procedure, an incision in the gum is made, and the bone graft material is put in place. The incision is closed and then your body’s natural healing process takes over for several weeks.
The graft material allows your bone tissue to grow and regenerate around it. Once the process is complete, the ridge in your jawbone where the graft was placed has thickened to the point where it can now receive an implant.
Types of Bone Grafts
There are four different types of bone grafts used in modern dentistry.
A ridge preservation bone graft, sometimes called socket preservation, is done immediately after the patient has a tooth extracted. This fills in the space left by the missing tooth and prevents the sides of the sockets from caving inward.
A ridge augmentation bone graft thickens the ridge of the jawbone. Once enough volume is added to the ridge, it can support a dental implant.
A periodontal bone graft is sometimes done when a patient has lost a lot of bone structure around a tooth from periodontal disease. Your periodontist will first work with you to clear up the gum infection. A bone graft is then done to support a tooth that may have lost too much bone structure around its base.
A sinus lift is the most complex bone graft procedure. When a patient is missing their upper back teeth, it can cause the maxillary sinuses to drop into the space where the tooth roots used to be. A sinus lift procedure raises the sinuses back up into their proper position. A bone graft is then placed to prevent the sinuses from dropping back down and to provide space for dental implants.
Recovery Time After a Bone Graft
You will probably feel back to normal within two weeks after a bone grafting procedure. However, it can take between three and nine months for the full healing process to take place. The dental implant process can only begin once the bone graft has fully integrated with your jaw.
Most of Dr. Brown’s dental implant procedures are performed using a technique called guided implant surgery. This highly effective procedure ensures that the patient’s implants will be a lifelong success. During a consultation, we can answer any questions you have about the procedure.
If you want to learn more about dental implants to fill any gaps in your smile from missing teeth, contact us at Vero VIP Implants & Periodontics to schedule an appointment.