Bone Regeneration
Periodontists are able to restore or regenerate missing bone and tissue around the teeth that has become unattached due to long term periodontal disease. If you have lost a tooth and the supporting bone due to disease or trauma, bone regeneration/augmentation can restore the bone that has been lost.
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) is a procedure that is able to regenerate lost periodontal structures (connective tissue, bone and periodontal ligaments) that support our teeth. This is done using membrane, which is often combined with bone grafts and/or stimulating proteins.
Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a procedure that can attempt to regenerate bone prior to placement of implant. This is done by using bone grafts and membrane that keep tissue out and allow bone to grow.
Sinus Lift Augmentation
The sinus is located behind your cheek and on top of the upper teeth. Your sinus is like an empty room that has nothing in it. Some of the roots of the upper teeth extend up into the sinus. When these teeth are removed, often there is a thin wall of bone that separates the sinus and the mouth. A dental implant that is to be placed needs bone to hold them in place. When the floor of the sinus is very low, it is impossible to place a dental implant. A sinus lift augmentation lifts the floor of your sinuses to where they once were and recreates the bone that was once occupied by the roots of your teeth. This makes it possible for many patients to enjoy the benefits of dental implants compared to wearing an uncomfortable removable denture.
SINUS LIFT X-RAY
SINUS LIFT X-RAY WITH IMPLANT
SINUS LIFT X-RAY WITH CROWN
SINUS LIFT X-RAY WITH CLINICAL CROWN
Socket Preservation
Sometimes it is necessary to remove teeth due to infection, pain, a fractured tooth or even bone loss. The bone that holds teeth in place (the socket) can be damaged by disease or infection resulting in deformity of the jaw after the tooth has been extracted. When teeth are extracted, the bone and gums can shrink and start to recede very rapidly after the extraction. The result of this is unsightly defects and collapse of the lips and cheeks.
The result of jaw defects can create major problems for restorative dentistry. Treatment that involves dental implants, bridges and dentures, decreases the chance of successful results. Jaw deformities caused from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired by a procedure called socket preservation. This procedure can greatly improve your smile and increase your chances for successful dental implants for years into the future.
There are several techniques used to preserve bone and minimize bone loss after an extraction. A common method is when a tooth is removed and the socket is filled with bone or bone substitute. Then, it is covered with gum, artificial membrane, or tissue stimulating proteins to enhance your body’s natural ability to repair the socket. The socket can then heal eliminating shrinkage or even collapse of the surrounding gum and facial tissues. New bone in the socket also provides a foundation for an implant to replace the missing tooth. If Dr. Ramos were to recommend tooth removal, she will be sure to let you know if socket preservation is necessary for you. This will be important if you are planning to replace any of your front teeth.