Hello, and welcome back to our blog here at Pacific Northwest Periodontics. If you recall from last time, we talked a little bit about regenerative procedures and how gum grafting will help you restore lost gum tissue after experiencing gum recession or gingivitis. This time, we’re going to talk about another regenerative procedure called bone grafting. Keep reading to learn more.

What is it?

Bone grafting is a medical procedure that is used to restore lost bone in the jaw. Usually this bone is lost because of a missing tooth. Since the jawbone requires stimulation from the teeth in order to facilitate growth, when there’s nothing there, the bone is lost. This process is called resorption. Bone loss can also be caused by poor oral hygiene or if you have periodontal disease.

Why restore lost bone?

The main reason to restore lost bone is to prevent other teeth from falling out. Whether you lost your tooth due to an injury, poor oral hygiene, or any other reason, the process of bone loss will begin immediately and may affect teeth surrounding it. Bone grafting will allow that bone to regenerate and give you the opportunity to receive dental implants or another tooth replacement procedure.

Socket graft

Also known as a ridge preservation graft, this type of bone regeneration procedure replaces the space left by your tooth so that the bone does not undergo resorption. Usually, xenograft is used to fill the space. This is a bovine bone and is put through a rigorous cleaning process that won’t cause infection or other complications.

Block bone graft

The block bone graft acts as a replacement to the socket graft. If the bovine bone was not able to adequately restore the lost bone, your dental specialist will need to resort to using part of your own bone to perform the restoration. This is only usually necessary in severe cases where too much bone is lost and they’re failing to develop.

Subantral graft

Subantral grafts are used to restore the length of the upper jaw in order to support dental implants.

Dental implants

The ultimate goal of receiving a bone graft is to replace the missing teeth with dental implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution for your missing teeth and can be placed depending on your situation. If you need a single tooth replaced, you’ll need a single implant. However, if you need multiple teeth replaced, you may need two or more implants to support the teeth. If the bone is healthy enough for implants without a grafting procedure, you may be a candidate for same-day implants.

Contact Pacific Northwest Periodontics

If you have a missing tooth, don’t wait to contact a periodontist. The sooner you have a missing tooth replaced with a dental implant, the sooner you can go back to living your life, knowing that you’re at your optimal oral health. Dental implants also restore the functionality and aesthetics of your real natural teeth. Contact us today to learn more.

If you’ve never had dental implants before, it may seem a little intimidating, however, I’m here to set the record straight and give you a comprehensive overview of the process in order to demystify it a little bit. Many people avoid going to the doctor, dentist, or the like because they’re afraid of the painful and taxiing procedures that take time out of their day and result in hefty medical bills. However, when it comes to dental health, you can’t afford to waste any time! If you have missing teeth or are currently using dentures, dental implants could be the best thing you do for yourself. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of dental implants and when you should go see a periodontist, read our last blog titled, “Are Dental Implants Right For You?”

Without further ado, here is the dental implant procedure process broken down for you:

Exam & Consultation

Every dental procedure begins with a comprehensive exam and consultation. At Pacific Northwest Specialists in Periodontics and Dental Implants, Dr. Rapoport and Dr. Schuler are committed to providing you with the highest quality treatment in a comforting and friendly atmosphere. One of our award-winning periodontists will begin by getting to know you and your medical history. This will assists us in making educated decisions about what procedure will be best for you.

 

After learning about your background, our specialists will ask you about the current issue you’re facing, whether it’s missing or unstable teeth, loose dentures, or anything else. It’s important for us to completely understand your issue and any goals that you have moving forward so we can provide you with a procedure that’s right for you. We don’t just want a quick fix; we want you to have a long-term solution for your dental needs.

Exams

Exams are one of the most important aspects of any dental procedure. We don’t want to waste your time performing any exam that won’t provide us with key information about your condition and show us how we can help. Read below to learn more about our exams:

Comprehensive Digital X-rays

X-rays are essential for understanding the structure and condition of your jaw and teeth. Our digital X-rays emit very low radiation and images are produced quickly so that Dr. Rapoport or Dr. Schuler are able to start forming a detailed analysis immediately.

Digital Photos

Another helpful tool we use are intraoral and extraoral photographs. Where X-rays give us a good idea of what’s going on underneath the gums and in the jawbone, digital photographs will help us understand what’s going on on the outside.

 

Cone Beam 3D CT Scan  

The Cone Beam 3D Ct Scan, although not always needed, will give our doctors a more detailed look at your jawbone and teeth from all angles. This examination procedure helps doctors determine if bone grafting will be necessary before getting your implants.

Oral examination

In addition to using these devices to examine your mouth, a periodontal specialist will perform an oral exam in order to screen for oral cancer; better understand your bite and how that could be impacted by implants, and thoroughly assess the health of your teeth and gums.

 

 

After the initial consultation and a thorough examination, our doctors will understand everything they need to recommend a procedure, whether it’s  Same-Day Tooth Replacement, All-on-4® New Teeth in One Day, or any other solution that will improve your oral health and afford you the strong and aesthetically pleasing teeth that you deserve.

 

In addition to all of this, our doctors are always willing to answer any questions you may have along the way. We want you to feel comfortable and welcome in our office so that you don’t have to feel afraid to seek the help you need.  

Don’t hesitate to call Pacific Northwest Specialists in Periodontics and Dental Implants. It’s our highest priority to provide you with the highest quality medical care while maintaining a comforting atmosphere so that you never have to be afraid to get the help you need. Getting the right implants for your condition is essential for having a happy and healthy smile, while regaining the functionality that you once had with your natural teeth.