How Implants Prevent Bone Loss
Portland, OR
 When you lose your teeth, whether it happens as a result of facial trauma, gum disease, or because the teeth need to be extracted, the effects are all the same. One of the biggest effects of tooth loss is the resulting bone loss in your jaw. Over time, the bone continues to grow weaker, eventually changing shape. As this happens, your healthy teeth begin to sift out of alignment, throwing off your natural bite. Your facial features may also be impacted by bone loss. Your tissues lose support, which leads to sagging skin and wrinkles. Dental implants are a highly popular treatment for replacing missing teeth, but to receive this treatment, you need to have sufficient bone mass remaining in your jaw. Joe Radakovich DMD can help with bone grafting.
Bone Mass and Dental Implants
Dental implants are surgically inserted directly into your jawbone. The posts rely on a process called osseointegration. This is a natural process during which your jawbone fuses gradually to the posts, integrating them into your mouth. With successful osseointegration, the posts become strong, stable roots that support your new teeth.
However, bone loss is a natural occurrence after tooth loss. The longer you wait to replace your teeth, the more bone mass is lost. Without sufficient bone mass, the posts may not fully integrate into your jaw, which can cause loose implants and even implant failure.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that is performed to replace the bone mass that is lost from your jaw. By replacing this mass, the strength and shape of your jawbone are restored, enabling the bone to support dental implants. A bone graft may use bone from your own body, from a donor, or synthetic materials may be used. Your options will be discussed during your consultation, and we can help to determine the best type of graft for you.
Different Bone Grafts for Different Needs
There are a few different types of bone grafts, including:
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Autogenous. With this treatment, we use your bone mass, which is taken typically from your hip or tibia. While this treatment requires two separate surgical sites. You do not have any risk for disease transmission.
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Allogenic. With an allogenic bone graft, we take bone mass from a compatible donor. The tissue is screened thoroughly to reduce the risk for disease transmission, and only one surgical site is needed.
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Xenogenic. This type of graft uses bone mass from another species, usually a bovine or pig. The bone is processed to reduce the risk of disease. Like allogenic grafts, you only require a single surgical site.
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Synthetic bone grafting materials. |
How your Bone Grafting is Done
A bone graft surgery is done under a local anesthetic and sedation. The procedure begins with incisions in your gums, exposing the weakened areas of your jaw underneath. If we are performing an autogenous graft, incisions are made in the donor site, and the necessary bone mass is extracted. Your donor bone tissue is placed into your jaw, and the surgical wounds are sutured closed. Once you have healed from your bone graft, which can take several months, we can then begin the process of placing your dental implants.
After your bone grafting is complete and you have fully healed, you may then move forward with getting your dental implants. Call Joe Radakovich DMD at (503) 455-4673 today for more information and to schedule your consultation.
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