Can Missing Teeth Always Be Replaced With Dental Implants In Richmond?
When we loose a tooth a natural process known as bone resorption begins. Bone tissue that once supported the tooth root is no longer stimulated and just like a muscle that’s no longer utilised it starts to waste away, causing a thinning of the gum and a reshaping of the jaw. In many cases, too much bone resorption makes it very difficult for a patient to have conventional dentures, so what other options does the patient have? Can missing teeth always be replaced with dental implants? In Richmond for example, here at Sheen Dental, we’ve spent years fitting thousands of implants in patients and we have the answer….
Juts like conventional dentures need bone to support them, so dental implants also need sufficient bone mass in which to place the implant. If the surrounding bone tissue is too shallow or is in a poor condition then any newly placed implants are likely to fail. The trouble is that in many patients who have suffered long term tooth loss, insufficient bone mass is often the case.
So what can be done?
The dental surgeon (periodontist) can carry out a procedure known as a bone graft. It’s a relatively straight forward process that’s carried out in the dental practice and is something that any surgeon worth their salt has done many times before. Natural or synthetic bone tissue is taken and secured onto the implant area to build up the bone mass. A period of recovery time is then needed for the bone tissue to fuse and grow. This can be anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months depending upon the healing capabilities of the individual. Once this is done and the surgeon is happy, the area is ready to take a dental implant.
Can this be done for anyone?
In most patients bone grafting is a good option, however there are a few exceptions. For instance, in those who have undergone radiotherapy, or those who suffer with cancer of the jaw or mouth, bone grafting might not be possible. The same applies for those with uncontrollable diabetes, or those that continue to smoke heavily. That said, even in some cases, particularly the latter two, bone fusion and implantation could still be a possibility if the patient learns to control their diabetes or to stop smoking for the duration of the surgery and healing processes.
The bottom line is that every case should be considered and it’s never a black and white ‘yes’ or ‘no’ situation. For this reason if you’re considering dental implants in Richmond, then come and talk to Sheen Dental. Book yourself a free, no-obligation consultation by phoning 020 8876 5277 or alternatively contact us via the form on our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk. Dr Harmit Kalsi and the team look forward to welcoming you.