Bone Grafting Prepares a Compromised Jaw for Dental Implants
If you have experienced bone atrophy following tooth loss, Dr. John S. McIntyre in Brooklyn, NY, can perform a dental bone graft in preparation for dental implant treatment. For the right candidates, dental implants are the best means of supporting dentures and other restorations, but they require sufficient bone tissue for support. Dr. McIntyre is an oral surgeon who can provide the treatments necessary to fully restore your smile following tooth loss. In addition to bone grafts, he provides socket preservation, a means of preventing bone atrophy following tooth extraction.
Restoring the Jaw
Following the loss of a tooth, the surrounding bone tissue will begin to recede. Dental implants are the only treatment known to stop - and, to a degree, reverse - this side-effect. However, if bone recession becomes too advanced, the jaw may no longer be able to support an implant. In this case, donor tissue can be used to replace lost tissue and restore a foundation for dental implants.
Dr. McIntyre is an oral surgeon who can provide the treatments necessary to fully restore your smile following tooth loss.
If you are interested in replacing lost teeth with implant-supported restorations, Dr. McIntyre will take x-rays to assess the health of your jawbone and determine if a bone graft is necessary.
Your Bone Grafting Procedure
Local anesthesia will be administered to numb your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. A small incision will be made in the gums to access the treatment area. The bone graft material will be placed, and may be secured with small screws. A thin membrane will be placed over the graft to foster healing, and sutures will be used to close the incision. Dr. McIntyre will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication. You will receive detailed post-operative instructions to minimize any risk of infection and help you experience a successful recovery.
Although everyone heals at a different rate, it typically takes about four to six months for a bone graft to fully integrate with the jaw. Once Dr. McIntyre has confirmed that this integration was successful, he can begin planning your implant placement surgery.
Sinus Lift
Dr. McIntyre also provides sinus lift surgery, a special variation on bone grafting designed to replace lost tissue in the upper jaw and prevent the implants from disturbing the soft tissues of the sinuses. During your evaluation, he can use x-rays to determine if a sinus lift is necessary prior to implant placement.
Socket Graft: Ridge Preservation
In addition to ridge augmentation, Dr. McIntyre can perform a socket graft at the same time as a tooth extraction. This involves transplanting bone tissue directly into the socket to allow the placement of dental implants or bridge restorations. Performing this type of graft gives you the best chance of successful healing without the need for additional regenerative procedures in the future.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in dental implants, but have been told you have insufficient bone tissue in the jaw, schedule an appointment with Dr. McIntyre to find out if bone grafting is right for you. Contact us online, or call our office at (718) 638-2200.
