When you lose a tooth, the bone located at this area of your jaw erodes. Patients need enough jaw bone to support the implants. If this is the case, a highly effective procedure called bone grafting can be performed. This procedure has a very high success rate.
Bone augmentation is a collective phrase used to describe a range of procedures designed to build additional bone for a patient to become eligible for dental implants.
More about bone grafting…..
If possible, we would aim to use the patient’s own bone and this would come from the chin or the rear part of your lower jaw. If it is not possible to obtain enough bones from these areas, we may need to take bone from your tibia, chin or hip instead. A 3D image of your bone will be drawn up (via a CT scan). An anaesthetic will be applied to the area where the augmentation is required and from the area where you are having bone removed. A small incision will then be made in your gum at the location of the prospective implant so that your dentist can ascertain how much bone is needed. Once the procedure has been performed, a membrane may be placed over the graft once the incision has been closed. You will be prescribed antibiotics and may be prescribed painkillers though in many cases over-the-counter medication is sufficient. It will take around 6-9 months for the area to heal before your dental implants can be placed.
Once your bone has been grafted, you will need to wait a few months for the material to fuse with your existing bone.
What about for several missing teeth ?
You can also build up bone for several missing teeth that need several implants. You will need a lot more bone graft material if you are having more than a single implant placed.
If you would like more information about bone grafting at Cliftonville, please do not hesitate to contact us.