When you lose natural teeth, then this could lead to the loss of jawbone structure too. Over time, this complicates your ability to replace missing teeth with dental implants. However, we can rebuild your smile with jawbone grafting, also known as ridge augmentation. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa , CA, oral surgeons explain how we help make your smile implant ready.
The Loss of Your Jawbone Tissue
When you lose one or more of your natural teeth, the body notices. Since the jawbone around each missing tooth no longer has a root, the body stops sending doses of calcium and phosphorus to it. Without these nutrients, the bone tissue begins to break down, over time resulting in the loss of mass and density. This means further tooth loss is possible, and after enough time, premature aging could occur, as you develop sunken cheeks, a ptotic chin, and other complications. Which means if you want dental implants to address your tooth loss, you may run into a few issues.
Complications for Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants are biocompatible titanium posts that look like small screws. We insert them into the jawbone, guiding the placement process with digital technology. The body accepts them as natural roots, resuming the flow of nutrients to preserve the overall density. However, lack of mass and density due to tooth loss could mean there isn’t enough to support one or more new roots. However, we could rebuild the lost portions with a ridge augmentation, also known as jawbone grafting.
The Grafting Procedure
First, we will take detailed digital x-rays and iCAT images, so we can plan the procedure with precision and accuracy. We then administer sedation to ensure you remain calm and comfortable. Bone tissue taken from the back of the jaw or the hip will be used to fortify the areas of the jaw missing structure. We could also use tissue form a donor, or employ a synthetic option. After the area heals, you will have enough tissue to support new roots. We could then replace individual missing teeth or attach a full or partial denture to return function, health, and beauty to your smile. In addition, we could also discuss implant options that require less structure, such as the All-On-Four or Trefoil options, which could need as little as three to four post per arch to support a durable and lifelike denture.
If you have any questions, then give us a call today!
Do You Need Ridge Augmentation?
We want to help you rebuild and restore your smile to make it ready for dental implant placement. To learn more about our oral surgical procedures, then schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
