Dental Implants
July 27, 2024
Specialist Gummy Smile Corrections
July 29, 2024Advanced Bone Augmentations
Bone deficiency is commonly seen in many individuals requiring dental implants or other prostheses. This can be caused by the absence of permanent teeth during development, early loss of teeth, destruction from serious pathologies and others.
Management of these deficiencies involve advanced horizontal and vertical bone augmentation involving techniques such as guided bone regeneration (GBR) and sinus lifts.
We also perform procedures termed socket preservation or alveolar ridge preservation immediately after teeth removal to prevent excessive reduction of width and height of bone after extraction. These usually involved placement of bone graft materials and sometimes, collagen membranes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my first visit for a bone augmentation consultation?
Our specialist periodontist will first get to know you and understand your concerns and expectations. He will then perform a detailed assessment and examination. He will need to take focused and current xray(s) to better diagnose and prognose. He will then discuss with you about the techniques of proposed treatments and costs. You are able to ask him the doubts and questions you might have. We spend over an hour on these visits.
What is GBR?
Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a technique we use for horizontal and vertical bone augmentation with bone graft materials and different types of membranes. It can be done as a staged procedure or simultaneously as dental implant placement.
What is sinus lifting surgery?
Sinus lifting surgery in the upper jaw when the maxillary sinus floors are low-lying and there is insufficient bone height for dental implant placement. It is performed in a crestal (minimally invasive) or lateral (traditional) approach. The choice of technique depends on the amount of available bone. Osseodensification is also done to aid in sinus lifting.
Is the treatment painful?
We place good topical anaesthetic gel before giving the local anaesthesia and are consciously gentle throughout. There will still be a small “pinch” while local anaesthesia is placed but once the anaesthesia has started working, the procedures should be relatively pain-free. The experience differs from person to person but our specialists and dentists will advise you prior and are conscious of any changes or cues you give during the procedure. Post-operatively, you might experience a down-time (pain and swelling) for 5-10 days. Large swellings and bruising is to be expected especially when the defect is larger and the procedure performed is more complex. Pain is usually well controlled with the painkillers and anti-inflammatories we prescribe after.
Do I need this treatment?
New studies show that the choice of using shorter and narrower dental implants now is an excellent alternative to avoid complex bone augmentations. We try to be as minimally invasive as we can but there are situations or conditions where this treatment is necessary to create a strong foundation for short and long-term stability and health.
What post-operative care is needed?
The first 24 hours involve care to prevent over-bleeding. We advise that you avoid hot food and drinks, rigorous rinsing and gargling, straws and sucking actions for the first 24 hours to prevent over-bleeding or reactivation of bleeding. You will need to be on a soft diet, avoid strenuous exercises for the next 3-7 days. We also recommend that you complete the dose of anti-inflammatories, antibiotics (when necessary) and antiseptics which we prescribe. You will need to resist the urge of touching the surgical site with your tongue, finger or any other objects during the healing period.
