Bone loss to the jaw is one of the most serious consequences of missing teeth. It begins as soon as a tooth is lost, when the natural stimulation for bone growth created by the force of teeth chewing can no longer occur. The result can be dramatic—the width of the bone can reduce by 25% in the first year alone after tooth loss.
In Norris Oral & Facial Surgery we provide a bone grafting procedure, so that if the bone under your gum is not tall enough, not wide enough or both, we can perform a procedure to add bone to your jaw. A procedure like this will replace bone that has receded over the years and allow patients who have been turned down on dental implants for the lack of bone to have dental implants, and then ultimately a fixed bridge that does not come in and out to replace their missing teeth.
We own our own high-tech Cone Beam CT Scanner. It allows the Oral Surgeon Specialist to get a full 3 Dimensional view of all interior structures of the mouth and jaw of the patient, including the sinus areas and bone density, and helps to make decision on bone grafting procedure.
As a substitute to using real bone, many synthetic materials are available as a safe and proven alternative to real bone material.
The following are the most common causes for jawbone deterioration and loss that may require a bone grafting procedure:
-
Tooth Extractions
-
Periodontal Disease
-
Dentures/Bridgeworks
-
Trauma
-
Misalignment
-
Osteomyelitis
-
Tumors
-
Sinus Deficiencies
-
Developmental Deformities
We Can Perform a Bone Graft
A bone graft is a process where the Oral Surgeon Specialist uses pre-packaged sterile granular synthetic substitute for bone material, to add to the patient’s own jawbone. (The patient may also opt to use bone from their own body, which must first be harvested in a separate procedure.) Once the entire area has been numbed by local anesthetic, Oral Surgeon Specialist begins by opening an incision in the gum down to the bone. Then the Oral Surgeon Specialist opens a sterile package of granular bone graft material; gently packs it in right next the patient’s jawbone; then closes and stitches the incision.
The site heals and the added granular bone material fuses entirely with the patient’s own jawbone in a process known as osteointegration, forming a stronger and denser bone base in which to insert a dental implant. The strengthened jawbone can easily support the titanium post of the implant.
We Can Perform a Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is surgery that adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars. It’s sometimes called a sinus augmentation, and involves a similar procedure as before, but in your upper jaw. The added bone is placed between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are on either side of your nose. Once any type of bone augmentation has been performed, the surgeon will then wait between four and nine months before putting dental implants in place; it depends on the natural healing rate of the patient and how quickly the bone fuses.
Confused about bone grafting and sinus lift? Below illustration may be of some help explaining the procedure.
A sinus augmentation is generally performed at Dr. Olena Norris office, under local anesthesia. However, some patients also may request oral or intravenous sedative medication as well.
Socket Preservation
After removal of tooth, the bone that holds the tooth in place (the socket), is happened to be damaged by disease and/or infection resulting in deformity of the jaw after the tooth is extracted. In addition, when teeth are extracted, the surrounding bone and gums can shrink and recede very quickly after the extraction resulting in unsightly defects and collapse of the lips, and cheeks.
These jaw defects can create major problems in performing restorative dentistry whether your treatment involves dental implants, bridges or dentures. Jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired by a procedure called Socket preservation. Socket preservation can greatly improve your smile’s appearance and increase your chances for successful dental implants for years to come.
Several techniques can be used to preserve the bone and minimize bone loss after an extraction. In one common method, the tooth is removed and the socket is filled with bone or bone substitute. It is then covered with gum, artificial membrane, or tissue stimulating proteins to encourage your body’s natural ability to repair the socket. With this method, the socket heals eliminating shrinkage and collapse of surrounding gum and facial tissues. The newly formed bone in the socket also provides a foundation for an implant to replace the tooth. If your dentist has recommended tooth removal, be sure to ask if socket preservation is necessary. This is particularly important if you are planning on replacing the front teeth.
