If a patient has been using dentures for a few years, it may be likely that they have suffered significant bone loss which can make dental implant surgery risky, if not impossible, to perform. However, it is possible to replace some of the bone that has been lost with a clinically proven procedure called bone grafting, this procedure will ensure that the dentist is able to place dental implants in Melbourne successfully as the bone will have been encouraged to grow back thanks to the graft, The process is lengthy but necessary and is a sure way of maintaining the overall structure of the face.
How does bone grafting work?
It is best to use a patient’s own tissue to perform a bone graft as the body is far less likely to reject it when compared with foreign tissue like animal bones that have been used in the past. In the case where a harvesting surgery is not possible, a synthetic graft that is grown in a lab may be used in place of natural bone. However, in the case where a patient’s own tissue may be harvested, a surgical procedure that is performed in a hospital will involve taking a small piece of bone from either the chin or hip. This piece of natural tissue will be expertly placed by the dentist into the jaw where more bone mass is required and once the surgery is over patients will have to wait for a few months in order for the new piece of tissue to fuse with the existing jawbone encouraging it to grow, thus giving it the size and strength to handle the placement of an implant.
Dental Implant surgery
Dental implants may be placed only once the new bone has grown enough to support them, an All-On-Four surgery can be done to support a full set of teeth both on the top and bottom rows where 2 implants are at the top and 2 at the bottom. During surgery, an implant dentist will carefully drill into the jaw in the space where the implant will best fit, then a titanium screw is inserted into this freshly drilled area, this is what new bridges and/or dentures will eventually be secured to after another waiting period. Finally a permanent set of teeth may be attached to the implants in order for the bone to heal and properly grow and mesh with the titanium.
Permanent teeth
While a patient is waiting for the healing to take place, they will be provided with a temporary set of dentures that do not interfere with the fresh implants, but once the implants are stable enough, a permanent set of teeth can be secured to them.
Benefits
The future stability of a patient’s jaw bone is ensured by the placement of dental implants as the titanium does not waste away or tarnish like real teeth thus providing support to the patient’s facial structure for the rest of their lives.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
