Lacking sufficient bone density in your jaw can prevent you from receiving dental implants. Bone augmentation procedures can rebuild your jaw’s structure, making implant placement possible even if you’ve experienced bone loss. At Club K Dental, we offer advanced bone augmentation techniques to help restore your oral health and prepare you for successful implant treatment.
We understand the frustration and anxiety that come with being told you’re not a candidate for dental implants due to bone loss. Our experienced dental team specializes in bone augmentation procedures that can help overcome these challenges. Through various techniques, including bone grafts, ridge augmentation, and sinus lifts, we may be able to build up your jawbone to safely support dental implants.
Bone augmentation is a dental procedure that rebuilds or replaces lost bone in the jaw. When teeth are missing for an extended period, the jawbone gradually deteriorates because it no longer receives stimulation from tooth roots. This process, called resorption, can create complications for dental implant placement.
The goal of bone augmentation is to increase bone volume and density in areas where it has diminished. This is accomplished by adding bone graft material to the deficient area. The graft serves as a scaffold for your body’s natural bone to grow on and around. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, bone grafting procedures have success rates of 85-90% when performed by experienced dental professionals (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2023).
Different types of bone graft materials may be used depending on your specific needs. Each option has unique benefits, and our dentists will recommend the most appropriate choice for your situation.
There are several reasons you might require bone augmentation before getting dental implants. Understanding these factors can help you recognize why this preliminary step may be necessary for your treatment plan.
Tooth loss is the primary cause of jawbone deterioration. When a tooth is extracted or falls out, the bone that once supported it begins to shrink. In fact, research shows that up to 25% of bone width can be lost within the first year after tooth extraction (American Academy of Periodontology, 2022).
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can also damage the underlying bone. As this condition progresses, it destroys both soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Without intervention, periodontitis can lead to significant bone loss throughout your jaw.
Some patients naturally have thin jawbones or small sinuses that leave insufficient space for implant placement, particularly in the upper jaw. In these cases, procedures like sinus lifts can create additional space for implants.
Trauma from accidents or injuries might damage portions of your jawbone, necessitating reconstruction before implants can be considered. Each of these scenarios requires specialized treatment to restore bone volume and create a solid foundation for implants.
Several bone augmentation techniques are available to address different types of bone deficiencies. The right procedure for you will depend on the location and extent of your bone loss.
Socket preservation is performed immediately after tooth extraction. This procedure involves placing bone graft material directly into the socket to maintain the bone’s shape and volume. By preventing the collapse of the socket, it preserves the area for future implant placement.
Ridge augmentation rebuilds the alveolar ridge, the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth. This procedure is typically used when the jawbone has receded or collapsed following tooth loss. A small incision is made in the gum to expose the deficient bone area, and graft material is added to increase width and/or height.
A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars. The maxillary sinuses are above your upper teeth, and sometimes the sinuses are too close to the jaw for implants to be placed. This procedure lifts the sinus membrane and adds bone graft material between your jaw and sinuses.
This technique uses special membranes to direct the growth of new bone. These membranes act as barriers, protecting the bone graft material from fast-growing soft tissue cells that might otherwise invade the area.
Recovery from bone augmentation varies depending on the specific procedure and your individual healing capacity. However, understanding general recovery guidelines can help you prepare.
Most patients experience some swelling and discomfort in the days following surgery. These symptoms can usually be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications. We may also recommend cold compresses to reduce swelling and antibiotics to prevent infection.
It’s important to maintain a soft food diet during the initial healing period to avoid putting pressure on the surgical site. Foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and pasta are good options. As healing progresses, you can gradually reintroduce firmer foods.
The complete healing and integration of bone graft material typically takes several months. During this time, new blood vessels form within the graft, and your body gradually replaces the graft material with natural bone.
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress. These visits allow us to assess when the bone has matured enough to support dental implants.
At Club K Dental, we believe everyone deserves a complete, functional smile. Our team has extensive experience in bone augmentation procedures, helping countless patients overcome bone loss challenges to achieve successful implant results. We use the latest technologies and techniques to ensure precise, comfortable treatment with predictable outcomes.
Our approach to bone augmentation is always patient-centered. From your initial consultation through your recovery and beyond, we provide comprehensive care in a comfortable, supportive environment. For personalized information about how bone augmentation may help restore your smile, fill out our contact form.
At Club K Dental, we offer a distinctive dental experience that you won’t find anywhere else. We are a Mercury-Free, Mercury-Safe, Biologic office committed to holistic dental care. Our practice focuses on finding and preventing the root cause of disease or damage rather than simply treating symptoms. We offer specialized services including Allergy Elimination through NAET, Ozone Therapy, and SAFE Amalgam removal. We work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, holistic care that addresses your overall wellness, not just your dental health.
Your first visit with us will be approximately 90 minutes, during which we conduct a thorough assessment of your dental and overall health. We’ll take a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) or 3D radiograph to examine your airway, bone structure and density, teeth, sinuses, and other anatomical landmarks in your upper and lower jaws. We also perform a Vitamin D test and a Saliva pH test to gauge your overall health status. You’ll receive a dental cleaning using ozonated water and meet with Dr. Knapton to discuss your health goals and treatment options. This comprehensive approach enables us to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) is a non-invasive, drug-free method for treating allergies. This holistic approach helps identify and eliminate allergic reactions through a combination of techniques derived from traditional Chinese medicine, kinesiology, and chiropractic principles. Dr. Knapton is certified in NAET and has personal experience with its effectiveness. He sought NAET treatment for his own hands that were cracking and bleeding, with remarkable results after conventional treatments failed. He has also successfully treated his children for allergies using NAET, resolving his son’s sandpaper skin and his daughter’s persistent leg rash.
Our SAFE Amalgam Removal process adheres to strict protocols to safeguard you from mercury exposure during the removal of old mercury fillings. As members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), we adhere to scientific safety measures throughout the procedure. This includes using specialized equipment to minimize mercury vapor, providing oxygen during the procedure, using a rubber dam to isolate the tooth, and employing high-volume suction to capture particles and vapor. We follow these protocols to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful substances while replacing your amalgam fillings with biocompatible alternatives. After removal, we may recommend detoxification support to help your body eliminate any mercury that may have accumulated in your system over time.
