Treatments & Procedures
Ridge Augmentation (growing new bone where teeth already lost)
Tooth loss can have a devastating effect on bone mass!
Over a period of time, the jawbone shrinkage associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition where there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants.
In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width. It also gives us a chance to more effectively restore aesthetic appearance and functionality, whether a tooth or teeth are to be restored with a fixed bridge or implants.
Jaw Bone Defects Requiring Grafting & GBR (Guided Bone Regeneration)
Periodontal Defects
Defects Following Cyst or Tumor Surgery
Defects Following Tooth Extraction
Defects Around Dental Implants
Insufficient Amount of Jaw Bone to Support Dentures or Bridges
*Photos courtesy Osteohealth
Case Studies
Patient A
Comments:
Before treatment - missing teeth #’s 6-8 resulting in severe loss of bone thickness, creating a thin, flat ridge. Ridge grafting planned as illustrated in the next photo.
Comments:
After treatment - bone graft placed one month ago to enlarge ridge to its natural size and shape before implants placed.
Patient B
1) After treatment - bone graft placed to enlarge ridge to its natural size and shape to receive implants.
2) After treatment - larger view of photo on left.
3) After treatment -with bone graft to enlarge ridge to its natural size and shape as shown in photos 1 and 2.
Patient wearing a temporary bridge until site healed completely to receive implants. Permanent crowns planned which will restore this patient’s front teeth to total health, appearance, and function.
Patient C
Different patient - after treatment another example of a bone graft to enlarge ridge to its natural size and shape. This procedure will regenerate the bone to its original size and shape as was present before teeth were lost. Implants to be placed after site completely healed.
Patient D
Fig. 1 Before
This class 1 ridge defect was the result of a tooth lost due to trauma.
Fig. 1 After
Ridge Augmentation, new bone enlarged the ridge to it's natural size and shape.
Final healing provides for sufficient ridge bulk to fabricate a natural - looking bridge.