Bone Augmentations
Bone augmentation or bone graft describes a variety of procedures used to build up bone in areas that dental implants will be placed in. Typically these procedures include grafting bone or bonelike materials to the jaw, this can be your own bone or processed bone materials. The dental implants will be placed several months after the procedure, allowing enough time for the grafted material to fuse with the existing bone.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to your upper jaw where your molars and premolars are located to allow for the insertion of dental implants. To make room for the addition of bone, the sinus membrance needs to be ‘lifted’. Patients may need a sinus lift for a multitude of reasons, ranging from molars or premolars that may have been lost or removed that resulted in bone loss, bone loss due to periodontal disease, or the sinus may be naturally too close to the jaw anatomically.
The tissue where the back teeth are located is raised, exposing the bone where a small window is opened. The membrane on the other side of the window that separates your sinus from your jaw, is gently pushed up and away from your jaw. Bone-graft material is placed in the space where the sinus was. The amount of bone used will vary, but usually several millimeters of bone is added above the jaw.
The implants will be placed a few months after the procedure, allowing for enough time for the grafted material to mesh with your bone.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration is a surgical procedure that uses barrier membranes to help direct the growth of new gum tissue.
Your doctor may recommend this procedure when the tissue supporting your teeth has been damaged due to periodontal disease. Guided tissue regeneration may be able to help restore tissue that has been lost.
During this procedure, your doctor will fold back the tissue and remove the disease-causing bacteria. Membranes, bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body’s natural inclination to rebuild that tissue.
Eliminating existing bacteria and regenerating bone and tissue helps to reduce damage caused by the progression of gum disease. With a treatment of daily oral hygiene and professional care, you’ll increase the likelyhood of keeping your teeth healthy– and decrease the chances of illnesses associated with gum disease.