For patients with insufficient bone density due to conditions like periodontal disease, trauma, or tooth loss, dentists can use several techniques to regenerate jawbone.

Here’s how dentists regenerate jawbone in order to place dental implants and why it’s important for restoring your smile.

Understanding Bone Grafting

The most common method for jawbone regeneration is bone grafting. This procedure involves taking bone tissue from another area of the patient’s body, a donor, or using synthetic materials and placing it in the jaw to stimulate new bone growth [1].

There are several types of bone grafting, including: 

• Autografts. This involves taking bone from another site in the patient’s body, such as the hip or chin. Since it uses the patient’s own bone, there is usually a higher success rate and better integration.
• Allografts. This method uses bone from a human donor that has been sterilized and processed. Allografts are generally considered safe and effective.
• Xenografts. Bone material is sourced from animals, usually bovine. Xenografts serve as scaffolding for new bone growth but require more time for the body to acclimate.
• Synthetic bone grafts. These are biocompatible materials created in a lab that stimulate the body to grow natural bone around them.

The Bone Regeneration Process

The process of bone regeneration for dental implants typically follows these steps:

1. Initial consultation. The dentist assesses the condition of the jawbone through X-rays and scans to determine the need for grafting.
2. Preparation. If bone grafting is necessary, your dentist will discuss the most suitable options based on your needs and potential sources for graft material.
3. The grafting procedure. The selected graft material is surgically implanted into the jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia, and the dentist will ensure the site is clean and properly closed post-surgery.
4. Healing period. After the bone graft is placed, the body needs time to heal and generate new bone. This time period generally takes a few months [2]. 
5. Implant placement. Once the jawbone is sufficiently healed and strong, your dentist will place the dental implant in the regenerated site. 
6. Osseointegration. Over several months, the jawbone fuses with the implant in a process known as osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the replacement tooth that, with proper care, can last a lifetime.

Benefits of Jaw Bone Regeneration

Regenerating jawbone not only makes dental implant procedures possible but also enhances the overall functionality and aesthetics of the mouth [3]. Some key benefits include:

• Improved jawbone density and structure
• Enhanced stability for dental implants
• Prevention of further bone loss
• Restoration of natural facial contours
• Enhanced chewing capabilities

Find Out If You Need a Bone Graft Before Implant Placement

If you’re considering dental implants but are concerned about bone density, it’s important to consult your dentist. They can evaluate your situation and recommend the best options for regenerating jawbone and ensuring the long-term success of your dental restoration. Ready to explore your dental implant options? Contact your dentist today for a consultation!

Sources:

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781119630678.ch9
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27133791/ 
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8158510/ 

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A dental implant is a post that’s inserted surgically into your jaw with a dental crown placed onto the end. While the crown part of this restoration will need to be replaced at some point, the implant never will, making this a low-maintenance option for people who need to replace their missing teeth.

Here’s how you can replace one, multiple, or all of your teeth with dental implants!

Replacing a Single Missing Tooth

If you have one missing tooth, regardless of where it is in your mouth, a dental implant could be a good choice for you. In order to qualify for a dental implant, your dentist will take x-rays to ensure you have enough supporting bone in your jaw for the actual implant.

In the event that you don’t have enough bone in your jaw—the body will absorb bone that’s not being stimulated by a tooth over time—don’t worry. Your dentist can still conduct a bone graft to build up your jaw bone for a dental implant.

The implant will be placed first and allowed to heal before it can support a crown [1]. In the meantime, your dentist may place a temporary crown so you won’t have to go without a tooth!

Getting Multiple Tooth Restorations

Did you know you can replace multiple teeth with dental implants? You have the option of replacing each missing tooth with a dental implant, or you may also have the option of getting an implant-supported bridge.

An implant-supported bridge supports a dental crown attached to two crowns on neighboring dental implants [2]. With this particular restoration, you won’t have to get dental implants for multiple missing teeth in a row, but can still see the benefits of dental implants for some of your teeth.

A Whole New Smile with Dental Implants

If you’re missing all of your natural teeth, you may qualify for dental implants. You won’t necessarily have to get implants for each and every one of your missing teeth. You have the option of getting all-on-four dental implants.

All-on-four dental implants consist of between four to six implants placed at particular locations in the jaw which support a permanent fixed restoration that attaches to the actual implants. The benefits of all-on-four dental implants include a lower cost with the benefits of dental implants.

This restoration, just like with single dental implants, has a high success rate and is considered a viable option for patients who want to replace all of their missing teeth with dental implants [3].

Are you missing some or all of your natural teeth and looking for a replacement? It’s hard to come by a better replacement than dental implants. These sturdy, permanent restorations can give you a beautiful, functional smile with a range of options to suit your preference and budget. Ask your dentist about replacing your missing teeth with dental implants today!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/i/implants
2. https://www.perio.org/consumer/multiple-tooth-implant
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4253293/

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Sinus lifts take place in the rear of the mouth near the molars, as the upper jaw typically
doesn’t have as much bone as the lower jaw, and tooth loss is likely to increase the loss of bone in these areas.

If you’re missing a tooth and want to be considered for a dental implant, how can you know if you’ll need a sinus lift beforehand? Here are a few reasons why someone might need a sinus lift before dental implant treatment.

You’ve Been Missing Teeth for a While

People who have been missing teeth in their upper jaw are more likely to have lost bone over a period of time.

The roots of our teeth are constantly stimulating our jaw bone, allowing it to stay strong and healthy. For people who have missing teeth, the jaw bone is no longer being stimulated, and the body begins to reabsorb it as a result.

Once teeth are lost and alveolar bone—the bone that supports the teeth—is lost, it can’t be regenerated, although you can grow new bone with the application of dental implants [1]. However, in order for dental implants to be successfully placed, there must be enough bone in the jaw to support the implant initially.

You’ve Had Gum Disease

If you’ve had gum disease at some point in the past, especially if it was a more aggressive form, you may have sustained bone loss in your jaw. In addition, people who have advanced gum disease are more likely to lose teeth as a result.

While people who have active gum disease will need to receive treatment before they can qualify for dental implants, this doesn’t mean that gum disease hasn’t already impacted the bone in your jaw. Only your dentist can tell with x-rays what the state of your alveolar bone is.

Fortunately, sinus lifts can greatly increase the success of dental implants in patients with lacking jaw bone [2].

Your Maxillary Sinus Is Too Close to the Jaw

Everyone’s sinuses are shaped differently. If the size and shape of the maxillary sinus—the sinuses closest the nose—are too close to the upper jaw, you may not be able to get dental implants without a sinus lift, even if you do have enough bone in your jaw to support a dental implant.

Sinus lifts are often the best choice for people who aren’t able to get shorter dental implants [3]. Your dentist can let you know what your options are based on your exam and x-rays during your consultation for dental implants.

While dental implants are an excellent choice for missing teeth, without enough supporting bone, the implant is more likely to fail. Your dentist or oral surgeon will make the best recommendation for you to ensure your dental implant procedure is as successful as possible.

Ask your dentist if you’ll need a sinus lift before qualifying for dental implants during your next appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15850992
2. https://www.perio.org/consumer/sinus-augmentation
3. https://file.scirp.org/pdf/OJST_2016122916515007.pdf

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It’s never too late to make your smile the most stunning thing about you. Your teeth are there for life—shouldn’t your smile be just as dazzling as you are? Here’s how you can improve your smile’s appearance to make you glow again!

Teeth Whitening

Many people don’t realize that our tooth enamel is actually porous. This means that over time, teeth will discolor and stain based on what we eat. For instance, if you enjoy red wine, coffee, or tea frequently, your teeth are likely to look dull or have a slight brown or yellow tinge to them. Teeth whitening is a simple procedure that takes only an hour. You can customize your shade of white, from subtly luminous to a dramatic difference based on your preference. You’ll be amazed at how much white teeth increase your confidence!

Cosmetic Dentistry

There are several types of cosmetic dentistry besides teeth whitening that can improve your smile. If you have gapped teeth, consider dental bonding. Dental bonding lasts several years and is an excellent choice for gaps, chips, and and even decay. Dental crowns are another great choice for improving your smile—these are best for broken teeth or teeth that have unusually large cavities.

Dental veneers can effectively change the color and shape of your entire smile. From uneven teeth to chipped and crooked teeth, veneers can totally transform your current smile to the smile of your dreams. Talk with your dentist about which cosmetic dentistry options are right for you!

Braces

It’s never too late to correct problems with your smile. Misaligned bites can not only create crooked teeth, but can even lead to bigger problems such as teeth grinding and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Correcting your smile with braces is becoming a more accepted options for adults—in fact, nearly 50% of all people that have braces are over the age of 18! If you’re self-conscious about having braces, talk to your dentist about Invisalign to correct your smile.

Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth is crucial. Even one missing tooth can affect the appearance and function of your entire smile. The longer you wait to replace your missing tooth, the more the surrounding teeth will shift to compensate for the loss. Dental implants are often your best choice when it comes to replacing missing teeth. This is because they stimulate your jaw bone to hold your teeth in place, minimizing any change you experience in your smile.

Remove Amalgam Fillings

Get those silver fillings out and white fillings in! If you’re tired of seeing your silver fillings and wondering what others think, you can talk to your dentist about removing them. Today, there are many options for dental fillings that don’t involve silver amalgams. Creating a more cohesive white smile can help you feel stunning again!

When you’re ready to stop compromising on your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Talk to him or her about your fears and concerns. Together, you can have a private consultation about what your best options are for creating your perfect smile. You’ll never look back!

Image courtesy of stockimages at freedigitalphotos.net

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Restores Full Functionality

When you have missing teeth, food can become a problem. You may not be able to enjoy the foods you were once able to enjoy. Dental implants can restore full functionality of your mouth. They’re firmly implanted in your jaw bone with a titanium screw and finished with a crown on the end that perfectly matches your natural teeth. They’re so strong that they mimic your natural teeth when it comes to function, and no one will be able to tell the difference between your implant and your natural teeth.

Dental implants restore your smile and enable you to speak properly again. Our teeth help us to correctly pronounce words. If you’re missing a few teeth, you may have had trouble speaking like you used to. This can add to the embarrassment you feel about your smile. With dental implants, not only will your smile be restored, but your speech will as well!

Helps Retain Facial Appearance

When you’re missing some teeth, you risk losing bone in your jaw. Your jaw bone is constantly being stimulated by the roots of your teeth, therefore encouraging healthy, strong bone. When your teeth are missing, the bone is no longer being stimulated, and therefore doesn’t grow. Over time, your cheeks can begin to look hollow and your chin may even begin to tilt up.

When you have dental implants, the implant stimulates your jaw bone, which can actually encourage new growth as your body accepts the dental implant. Your face can retain its shape and fullness well into old age. You need adequate jaw bone to be a candidate for dental implants, so the sooner you seek treatment, the better!

Fast and Easy Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are a simple, safe procedure that has an extremely low risk of rejection or infection. Your dentist can determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants with an oral exam and x-rays. Patients should be in good health and have enough bone in their jaw to receive dental implants. Your oral surgeon will place the implant in your jaw during a procedure. After your implant heals, you’ll receive a custom dental crown on the end. You’re done!

Dental implants can change your life. You’ll never have to worry about a partial denture falling out, getting food stuck in the spaces between your teeth, or watching your facial structure change over time. Dental implants can give you the confidence to smile again and enjoy the things you used to enjoy without worrying about your smile. Ask your dentist if you’re a candidate for dental implants today!

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