Bone Grafting
Once teeth have been extracted, the bone that supported these teeth begins to slowly shrink away, a process known as atrophy. This often leaves a condition in which there is not enough bone present for the placement of dental implants. However, through the use of advanced bone grafting techniques, bone can be preserved after the loss of teeth, and patients who would not have previously been candidates for dental implant treatment can have bone regenerated and implants placed successfully. Bone reconstruction procedures that Dr. Karras performs include:
RIDGE PRESERVATION: In this preventive procedure, bone mineral particles are placed into the defect that is present at the time a tooth is extracted. This bone mineral helps to prevent atrophy and is eventually replaced by your own, healthy, living bone. This provides a sound foundation for implant placement.
BLOCK GRAFTS: When atrophy has already occurred and the amount of remaining bone is not sufficient for the placement of dental implants, block bone grafts may be recommended. Block grafting involves removing small, rectangular pieces of bone from one area of the jaw and transplanting them to the area where implant placement is planned. The technique of block grafting is particularly useful for reconstructing areas where the bone is too thin to accommodate implants, or where bone height has been lost. The transplanted bone is secured to the new site with tiny titanium screws until it heals into the new location and becomes part of the existing bone. Dental implants can then be placed to complete the reconstruction.
SINUS LIFT: The bones of the upper jaw that are found above the back teeth (premolars and molars) contain a natural cavity that is filled with air. These hollow spaces are called the sinuses, and they are lined by a special membrane. As we get older, our sinuses get larger, often encroaching upon the back teeth, and especially into areas where upper back teeth have been lost. When this occurs, there may not be a sufficient amount of bone available for the placement of dental implants. In these cases, Dr. Karras may recommend a procedure known as a sinus lift. In this procedure, the sinus is entered below the lining membrane. The membrane is gently raised to create a space above the missing teeth, and bone, bone mineral, or a mixture of the two is placed to fill the space. This bone is incorporated into the area, allowing the successful placement of dental implants.
