Dental implants are a revolutionary new way to achieve a beautiful smile if you are experiencing crooked, damaged, or missing teeth. However, if you have infected or missing bone tissue, the success rate of dental implants decreases should you even qualify to receive them.
Fortunately, there are several options that can remedy this problem, including bone grafting!
What Is Bone Grafting And What Does It Involve?
No matter the reason, whether trauma or gum disease, bone loss can be a significant hindrance in enjoying daily life. It can cause decreased dental and tooth functioning, diminish your look and smile, and cause discomfort when attempting to execute activities that may involve your oral environment, including speaking, eating, or drinking. It can also cause a resorption process in the bone to occur that will lead to thinning and weakening of the bone, placing the rest of your teeth at risk for shifting out of place or falling out.
When there is little bone tissue that can be used as a foundation for dental implant placement, bone grafting can be a great option to make sure you can receive implants and a new smile. Bone grafting is a revolutionary procedure that helps to rebuild healthy jawbone, ensuring better dental functioning and improved overall health.
The procedure is often described as the link between missing bone or teeth and a permanent tooth replacement options such as dental implants. A dentist will evaluate the overall state of your teeth and gums to create a customized treatment plant just for you that will incorporate the best bone grafting option for you.
Typically, bone grafting includes two main types:
- Allograft: bone is sourced from a deceased donor or a cadaver that has been cleaned and stored in a tissue bank
- Autograft: bone is sourced from a bone inside your body, such as your ribs, hips, pelvis, or wrist
During the procedure, a dentist will place you under general anesthesia so that you will be asleep during the process; helping to minimize any potential pain throughout the process. An incision in the skin above where the graft will be placed in made and then the donated bone is shaped to fit the area exactly.
The graft is then help in place by various tools, including:
- Pins
- Plates
- Screws
- Cables
- Wires
The incision is then stitched closed and any necessary bandages are placed. Then, the healing and recovery process begins, which can range anywhere from two weeks to more than a year.
A dentist can give you the best advice during this time to ensure maximum healing is obtained. Once healing is complete, the dental implants that will act as permanent tooth replacement can be placed.
This is why it is so important to choose the most knowledgeable team to execute this procedure. Dr. Alexander Volchonok and the fabulous team at AV Periodontics have extensive experience in bone grafting and other restorative procedures to be able to ensure each process is as seamless and comfortable for you as possible, with the use of advanced technology and sedation dentistry, including:
- Laser periodontal surgery
- 3D cone beam imaging
- Guided implant surgery
- Digital smile design
- Syringe-free Wand anesthesia
- Plasma rich growth factors
- Piezo surgery
- Invisalign
- And more!
Are You Considering Getting Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a great way to achieve a brand new smile. Not even missing bone tissue can stand in the way of a new look and dental restoration!
Reach out for more information on the bone grafts you need to get for your dental implants with our doctor, Dr. Alexander Volchonok, DMD, MS, so that you can have the confidence you need to smile again and show off all your pretty teeth. Schedule your next appointment in our offices by New York, NY and Greenwich, CT today!