Bone loss in the jaws and around the teeth may be the result of missing teeth, a congenital anomaly, periodontal disease, or trauma. More than just a detriment to oral health and function, bone loss can also affect one's appearance by nature of the defect, or diminished support for the natural contours of the face.
By performing grafting procedures, Dr. Low can help restore the bone to its original dimensions to improve facial esthetics, rebuild tissue support, and restore function. Bone grafting also facilitates the successful placement and longevity of dental implants.
A bone graft essentially provides the platform or "scaffolding" for new bone growth to occur. Today, bone graft materials come from a variety of sources. Bone for a graft might be collected from another area of the body, harvested from other natural sources, or made of synthetic materials. The choice depends upon the specific needs of the case.
How the graft is performed also varies. While socket preservation involves the placement of a bone graft directly into an extraction site, onlay grafts are laid directly over the area of boney defect. And, in cases where large boney defects are present, an autogenous graft using the patient's bone may be indicated. The exact size of the defect determines from what part of the body the autogenous bone will be obtained.
Several types of grafting procedures are performed depending upon the particular needs of the case.
When a tooth is extracted, the natural stimulation to the underlying bone generated by the forces of biting or chewing is lost. As a result, bone width in and around the extraction site can be reduced by as much as 25% in the first year following tooth loss.
Ridge preservation is a procedure designed to retain the soft tissue and bone structure at the site of an extracted tooth. After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. Maintaining adequate bone and supporting the soft tissues following tooth extraction with a ridge preservation procedure facilitates the successful placement of a dental implant.
The bone that surrounds the roots of the teeth is known as the alveolar ridge. A ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to restore the normal height and width of the alveolar ridge after it has been diminished over time due to tooth loss, denture wear, or trauma. In the presence of a reduced and narrowed alveolar ridge, the primary consideration is how it potentially affects the placement of a dental implant or another dental prosthesis.
A ridge augmentation procedure is performed by placing bone graft material into the tooth socket immediately after a tooth has been removed, or in an existing deficient area as a means to rebuild the shape of the gums and jaw. While in certain situations, dental implants can be placed at the time of a ridge augmentation procedure, they are more often placed after sufficient healing has occurred. By this time, the bone graft has successfully fused with the existing bone, and new bone has formed.
In addition to bone grafting for purposes of ridge preservation or augmentation to allow for dental implants, aesthetic ridge augmentation procedures to restore the natural contours of the bone are sometimes performed in preparation for fixed bridgework to achieve a more cosmetically pleasing result.
To guide tissue regeneration as well as protect the graft and promote healing, Dr. Low may place specialized membranes and biologically active materials over the grafting material.
For patients lacking a sufficient amount of bone for a dental implant to replace a maxillary back tooth (upper back tooth), a procedure, which is known as a "sinus lift" is performed. During this surgical procedure, the sinus membrane is lifted, and bone graft material is added between the jaw and the floor of the sinus to provide the needed bone height to support a dental implant successfully.
Depending upon the needs of the case, one of two types of sinus lifts may be performed:
Highly recommend Above and Beyond! Dr Low, Jessi, Lisa/front office are an amazing team, dedicated to taking great care of their patients. Clearly a quality patient centric practice you can have confidence in!
Going to the dentist is rarely something you look forward to, however Dr. Low and his team do a fantastic job of making sure it's not something you have to dread. Over five years of service, I've received root canals, fillings, crowns, deep root scaling - you name it; and not only has all of the work held strong, the experience was the best I've had anywhere. The staff treats you like family, and they're always friendly, personable, and concerned for your comfort. Hard to imagine there's anywhere better in Clark County
I've being going to Above & Beyond for many years now and continue to get amazing service. The recepetionists, hygienists, and Dr. Low are professional and very friendly. They explain questions or concerns thoroughly and I have never felt pressured when making decisions.
Amazing team who really keep my personal goals of quality care in prolonging the life of my teeth and setting attainable goals to get them back to great health. They paid close attention to my hopes of keeping it affordable since I’m a single mom of one, my teeth have been the last of my priorities for the last three years due to finances. Thank you Above & Beyond Dentistry & Implants! Looking forward to a life long relationship with you all.
Dr. Low and his staff care about their patients and make you feel comfortable during your time with them. They make your dental experience as painless as possible.
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