Bone
Grafting
When teeth are removed, the bone that once surrounded them often resorbs. Sometimes this can be so extensive that an implant cannot be placed in the remaining bone. In such scenarios, a bone graft is placed in the defective area to regrow the missing bone. This is called bone grafting. The materials used routinely at The AIDER are xenografts (animal origin). This bone is extremely reliable and effective at encouraging your bone to regenerate and it is very safe. It also means we don't have to use bone harvested from your body which leads to less pain and a more rapid recovery. The bone grafts are left in place for several months and at this point a scan is taken to determine the quantity and quality of new bone prior to implant placement.
Socket Preservation
An extracted tooth leads to bone loss. A way to counteract this unwanted process is to do what is called a socket preservation. This procedure involves extracting the tooth very gently to preserve as much bone as possible. Next, the empty tooth socket is filled with a bone graft material and the socket closed with stitches. Over the next few months this graft gradually turns to your bone. At this point there should be enough bone to place an implant.
Watch patient information video from Geistlich Biomaterials (copyright)
Ridge Augmentation
A common clinical scenario in an area of missing teeth is that the bone ridge is too thin to place implants. A modern solution to this problem is to do ridge augmentation. A small amount of gum is lifted back and a bone graft is placed on the existing bone. A resorbable membrane is placed over this to aid healing and bone regeneration. Bone cells migrate into the grafted area and form new bone over many months. The area is now ready for implant placement.
Sinus Lifts
The maxillary sinuses are air filled chambers above your upper back teeth and below the eyes on either side. When upper molar teeth are extracted, often the sinus will expand downwards into the space once occupied by the tooth. This is a process known as pneumatisation and occurs quite commonly. Consequently, not enough bone height is available to place an implant.
There is a solution and its is called a sinus augmentation, or more commonly a sinus lift procedure. The thin membrane of tissue which encloses the inside of a sinus is gently lifted up with special equipment. A bone grafting material is then placed between this membrane and the bony floor of the sinus. Several months of healing allows this bone graft material to be transformed into your bone. At this point an implant may be safely placed into this area as per the normal procedure.
Watch patient information video from Geistlich Biomaterials (copyright)
WARNING:
Any surgical procedure carries risks which also may depend on your general health. This will be discussed with you prior to any surgical intervention. Not every patient is suitable for receiving dental implants. When a patient is found not to be suitable candidate for dental implants no treatment is performed. Results of individual treatments may vary.
Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner such as your dentist or your doctor.
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