Category Archives: Implants
Bone Grafting 101 + Why You Might Need It
Dental implants are rapidly gaining popularity as the most preferred tooth replacement option, owing to their durability, strength, and convenience. However, implants cannot be durable or successful unless they are firmly embedded within the jaw bone. In these cases, dentists restore the thickness of the jaw bones with the help of a bone augmentation or grafting procedure. The team at GPS fills you in on the details of bone grafting below.
Related Read: The Stress-Free Guide to the Top 3 Tooth Replacement Options
What Is Bone Grafting?
Before placing an implant, dentists sometimes have to “augment” the jaw bone by placing a bone graft where an implant has to be inserted, so that the bone possesses sufficient thickness and strength to withstand the chewing loads that the implants have to bear. This process, known as bone grafting, is performed prior to implant placement.
Bone grafting ensures that dental implants provide optimal clinical service for many decades. In other words, bone grafting provides a solid foundation and groundwork for the successful functioning of dental implants. A bone graft can either be procured from natural sources (human, bovine, porcine) or through artificial sources.
When Does a Patient Need Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is required when there is insufficient thickness or quality of jaw bone remaining to support a dental implant. This can occur in the following cases:
- Aging – Due to aging, the quality and quantity of bones gradually start to decrease.
- Disease or Inflammation – Any kind of inflammatory or degenerative disease related to the bones could damage or diminish the jaw bone.
- Tumor Irradiation – Sometimes, the process of irradiation of an oral tumor can weaken or the jaw bone or create bone loss.
Related Read: Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Regardless of whether or not you have sufficient quality or quantity of jaw bones, bone grafting allows patients to become suitable candidates for dental implants.
Want to know if a bone graft is right for you? Contact GPS Dental for more information or call us at (210) 633-3477.
Dental Implants – the Lasting Fix for Front Teeth
You’re in good company if you’re missing one or more of your natural teeth. Just under half of adults between the ages of 18 and 64 are missing at least one of their original teeth due to disease or trauma. While missing any of your teeth can hurt your self-esteem, this is especially true of the front teeth. These are the teeth that others tend to notice the most when you smile. The good news is that dental implants are the lasting fix for front teeth. The team at GPS Dental has put together this list of information about the benefits of getting implants.
Related Article: Are Dental Implants Right for You?
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental bridges and dentures replace teeth as well, but they come with one major drawback. They do not replace missing roots as implants do. This is important because roots prevent bone loss in addition to the shifting of remaining teeth. Some of the other reasons why dental implants are a great choice for your front teeth include:
- They remain in your mouth permanently and look completely natural
- No need for special cleaning as with dentures and replacement teeth secured by dental bridges
- Unlike your natural teeth, implants do not stain, decay, or require procedures like root canals
- You can feel confident smiling because you know the implants won’t fall out
- Dental implants return your full bite strength
If you have a missing tooth, dental implants are the best option for a natural looking replacement.
Related Article: Top 3 Tooth Replacement Options
