At Advanced Implant & Perio we specialize in dental implants and Periodontics.
A common condition, tooth loss, affects over 125 million Americans. Sadly, the difficulties associated with missing teeth are socially crippling. These people often avoid social gatherings that center around food which may be difficult to eat. You need not live with the embarrassment of missing teeth any longer. The answer may be Tooth Replacement Therapy.
Major and minor bone grafting
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In the past, most of these patients were not considered candidates for placement of dental implants.
We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures are referred to as:
Sinus lift procedure
This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw. Dr. Schroering has performed over 150 of these procedures in the last 5 years. He presented a paper in Geneva, Switzerland at the Euro-Perio 2000 meeting because of his unusually high success in this area. He is one of the most experienced practitioners world wide in performing sinus lift procedures.
Ridge-augmentation
In severe cases, the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width.
Nerve-repositioning
The inferior aveolar nerve, which gives feeling to the lower lip and chin, may need to be moved in order to make room for placement of dental implants to the lower jaw.
These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual's condition. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth
These surgeries are performed in the out-office surgical suite under I.V. sedation. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.
