Replacing Bone for Dental Implants
The most common cause of tooth loss is Periodontitis. Think of this as the natural progression of gingivitis. If your gums continue to bleed and swell, and infection and harmful bacteria settle in it can begin to break down the root structure, gum and jaw support of your teeth. Periodontal surgery is a safe and common option here to prevent tooth loss, prevent further damage, and implant usable prosthetics. If you are concerned about your gums, speak with your Dental professionals if you notice
- Persistent bleeding
- Chronic bad breath
- Frequent gum swelling
- Sensitive or Loose teeth
- Persistent jaw and mouth pains while chewing or after eating
Tooth supporting bone is vital to successful implants. If there is a lack of supportive bone in your jaw, a periodontist may need to surgically graft additional bone. When you begin losing teeth or dental decay becomes a problem, a metal implant may be inserted into your jaw as an anchor. Typically then, osseointegration occurs where the jaw bones and gum area fuse to the implant. However if the jaw does not have enough viable bone, or the strength is compromised, a bone graft may be an option. In a bone graft, bone from another area is removed and surgically placed into the gum and jaw area. During this procedure, a Dental Surgeon, Periodontal Surgeon, or Periodontist may slice into the gum area, clean away and bacteria or other noticeable signs of infection or disease, and then place the bone. Recovery times vary, but once the graft has been accepted and set, the process of Dental implant can proceed.
Types of bone grafts
Sometimes bone grafts are used to try to repair gum disease and place new bone in order to keep your teeth. Trying to provide a healthy landscape for your teeth and roots to reattach too. In some cases the disease has progressed enough that the teeth are too far gone, in this case the graft will present a place for metal implant anchors to attach. Sometimes the bone for a graft comes from another healthy place in your jaw, your hip, or artificial bone. Depending on the health of your gums, jaw, and teeth, the graft can be placed at the same time as the anchor implant. Grafts vary on their usage and procedure, but the main types are
- Autograft- Graft where the bone is sourced from your own body, typically your own jaw bone or hip.
- Allograft- A graft which you receive from another human donor.
- Xenograft- A bone graft sourced from an animal, usually a cow.
- Alloplast- A graft which comes from a synthetic bone. Usually an amalgam of phosphorous and calcium. Discuss material option for concerns about biocompatibility in a synthetic graft.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
A guided tissue regeneration may be used in conjunction with your grafts. GTR usually uses a mesh filter inserted by your surgeon to inhibit gum growth in an area, and facilitate bone growth in its’ place. This technique is used in tandem with other methods and tissue growth factor stimulating proteins. These are fairly cutting edge technologies at the time. Ask questions about these procedures with your Dental Implant team.
Once your graft is set, and the tissue around it is strong, you can begin the process of abutment and implant attachment. The process of healing can take 6 months, give or take, and you may experience discomfort. While your gums and/or implant are healing, be very cautious and diligent in your hygiene and eating routines. Stay away from brittle crunchy foods, avoid smoking and drinking, and avoid starkly hot or cold foods. Stay in contact with your Dental Hygienist and stay on top of your hygiene routine. Make sure you are brushing well, but not too firmly on the affected areas. You want to make sure they are clean and infection free, but not irritated. You want to floss regularly, possibly after every meal. You also want to rinse and use mouthwash, being sure to gargle and spit. Maintain frequent and scheduled appointments with members of your team as you endure the surgical, healing, abutment, and further maintenance procedures.
Before your implants are necessary
If you want to avoid trips to the periodontist and bone grafts, the best way is to prevent gum disease. Speaking with your Dental professional at the onset of any gum inflammation is a good first step. You should also
- Brush 2-3 times a day, for 2 minutes each time. You do not want to be too aggressive, but you want to be firm. Studies suggest using a fluoridated toothpaste leads to successful results. Brush along your gum lines, both sides of teeth, and in between whenever possible. Be sure to brush your tongue and gums also.
- Floss between each tooth and around gums. Floss holders, and picks are also acceptable. You can also use a water pick or water flosser, but typically in conjunction with dental floss.
- Quit smoking. No chewing tobacco, spitless tobacco, smoking, cigars, or pipes. It is just a bad go. Gum disease, tooth decay, tooth staining, as well as cancers (mout or otherwise) and generally just not a good idea.
- Talk with your MD. Some contraceptives, heart medications, or other prescription pharmaceuticals can increase your chances of gum infections or disease. Make your medical and your dental health a whole process of healing and maintenance.
- Go to frequent dental checkups and routine maintenance. Catch problems before they get a chance to grow.
Whatever your case may be, the right option is out there for you. Begin by attending your Dentist consultation, discuss options, take notes, ask questions, and talk with your insurance provider. Whether you need bone grafts, have a history of gum disease, or have all your original teeth, it is beneficial to inform yourself on potential complications and procedures in your quest for Dental health and hygiene. When you attend meetings with your Dental implant team, other member of your team may be able to provide more comprehensive information on which materials are conducive to your lifestyle and physical reactions.