Different types of dental implants are an increasingly popular choice for replacing missing teeth; however, not all individuals who have lost a tooth due to a physical injury, illness or trauma are eligible for this treatment.
A crucial requirement for a successful dental implant treatment is the presence of sufficient healthy bone to secure the implant.
If this is not the case, the experienced dentist at Killara Dental may advise undergoing a bone graft procedure. This will ensure the proper support for the dental implant and ultimately lead to a radiant smile.
Why do you need a dental implant?
They can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth or to stabilise dentures.
If you are missing teeth or have badly damaged or decayed teeth that cannot be restored with other treatments may be good candidates for dental implants.
What are the advantages of a dental implant?
Dental implants can offer several benefits over other tooth replacement options. Some of these benefits include:
Improved appearance
Dental implants look, feel and function like your natural teeth, allowing you to smile, speak, and eat confidently.
Increased comfort
Dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, which provides a stable base for the replacement teeth.
Long-term durability
With proper care, dental implants can last decades, sometimes even a lifetime.
Easy maintenance
Caring for dental implants is no different to caring for natural teeth. Simply brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Better oral health
Unlike traditional dental bridges and crowns, dental implants do not require reducing healthy teeth to support the replacement teeth. This helps to maintain the health and integrity of your natural teeth.
Improved jawbone structure
A missing tooth can lead to a 25% loss of healthy bone tissue within the first year and cause further degradation as time passes. Dental implants fill the space of a missing tooth and are anchored to the jaw, which sends signals to the body to preserve the bone tissue and maintain jawbone health.
Why is a bone graft a common pre-dental implant treatment?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that adds bone material to an area of the jaw that lacks sufficient bone mass.
This is a crucial step in the dental implant process because dental implants rely on a strong and healthy jawbone to provide stability and support. For a dental implant to be successful, the jawbone must support the implant and integrate with it to create a secure and stable base for the replacement tooth.
If you do not have enough healthy jawbone, a bone graft can be performed to add new bone material to the implant site. The bone material used can be taken from another part of the person’s own body, or it can be a synthetic or donated material.
The bone grafting material will then fuse with the existing jawbone over time, creating a solid base for the implant to be placed.
It is important to note that the suitability of a bone graft material will depend on your individual needs and the specific procedure performed. Our highly capable dentists will take your dental and medical history, examine you physically and run diagnostic tests to determine which type of bone graft is best for you.
Autogenous bone graft
An autogenous bone graft involves taking bone from one part of the patient’s body and transplanting it to the jaw bone, where new bone growth is needed. This type of graft is considered the gold standard as it provides structural support and promotes bone growth.
Xenogenic bone graft
A xenogenic bone graft involves taking bone from an animal and transplanting it into the patient. The animal bone is processed to remove all cellular material, making it a non-living transplant. Xenografts are commonly used in dentistry for jawbone reconstruction.
Allograft bone graft
An allograft bone graft involves taking bone from a human donor and transplanting it into the patient. The bone is processed to remove all cellular material, making it a non-living transplant. Allografts are a popular alternative to autogenous bone grafts because they eliminate the need for a second surgical site to obtain bone.
Alloplast bone graft
An alloplast bone graft involves using synthetic bone graft substitute materials, such as ceramics or biodegradable polymers.
These materials can provide support to the area where new bone growth is needed and can also promote bone growth through a process called osteoconduction.
Alloplasts are commonly used in spinal surgeries, maxillofacial surgeries, and orthopaedic fractures.
Bone grafting procedure: what to expect
If you are looking up bone grafting procedures, you are likely considering dental implants. Our dentists at Killara Dental have years of experience in restorative dentistry and will be happy to talk to you about dental implant and bone grafting procedures.
Before Bone Grafting Surgery
Before deciding on a bone graft procedure for dental implants, our qualified and experienced dentists at Killara Dental will determine your suitability for a dental implant and, once that has been established, will chalk out a treatment plan that could include a dental bone graft if you have jaw bone loss.
You should ask our friendly and caring dentists any questions you have about the procedure so you know exactly what the treatment entails and plan for post-operative care. They will take the time to answer your questions and put to rest any anxiety you may have regarding dental implant surgery.
You will also need to get other pre-treatments, such as dental cleaning, out of the way and follow any instructions given by your dentist before surgery, such as avoiding eating or drinking after midnight the night.
During Bone Grafting Surgery
On the day of your surgery, it is important to arrive on time at our clinic in East Killara and to bring any necessary documentation with you.
Depending on the type of graft being used, an appropriately sized incision will be made into the gum tissue to access the area that needs enhancement.
After preparing the area, our highly competent dentist will then apply donor bone material or synthetic materials, as well as a special membrane that helps keep everything in place while the new tissue grows and integrates with your existing bone structure.
The site will be stitched up once the graft is completed.
After Bone Grafting Surgery
Once the procedure is complete, you will be given post-operative instructions that should be followed closely.
These may include avoiding certain types of food and drinks and taking medications as prescribed by your dentist. It is also important to keep the graft site clean by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once daily. You may also need special medications or rinses to promote rapid healing.
Typically, it takes several weeks for the area to heal before the dental implant can be placed.
Our dentist will also provide additional advice, specific to your case, on how best to care for yourself during recovery.
Remember, bone grafting for dental implants is a surgical or invasive procedure and, like any invasive procedure, carries risks.
Before, during and after the surgery, it is important to follow all instructions our knowledgeable dentists provide to promote rapid healing and reduce any risks associated with the procedure.
With proper care and attention, you will have a strong, healthy base to secure your dental implant and enjoy a beautiful smile for many years to come.
Regain Your Smile with Killara Dental’s Comprehensive Dental Solutions
At Killara Dental, we offer comprehensive dental implant treatment, including bone graft procedures. We use advanced technology and modern strategies for more effective healing, making us the perfect choice to replace missing teeth with dental implants.
Our team of experienced dentists have over 20 years of combined knowledge and expertise in performing successful implant treatments. With our state-of-the-art facilities and comfortable atmosphere, you can be sure you’re in good hands at Killara Dental.
So don’t wait any longer – book your appointment or call us on (02) 9100 0831 today!
References
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): Stages, Symptoms & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24156-osteonecrosis-of-the-jaw
Bone Grafting | Johns Hopkins Medicine
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bone-grafting