IMPLANT DENTISTRY

• Augmentation Procedures
• Removal of "Hopeless Teeth"
• Management of Peri-Implant Diseases

Augmentation Procedures

Dr Patterson is able to perform augmentation procedures in order to facilitate the placement of implants. In some cases, there is not enough healthy bone to support dental implants, in which case there are various procedures that can be conducted. Insufficient bone can be caused by a number of factors, including gum disease, developmental defects, dental cavities, infections and injuries.

Bone augmentation procedures work by building bone so that dental implants can be placed in a way that is stable and long-lasting. In most cases, bone or tissue graft materials are used, which can involve taking bone from elsewhere in the body, or using synthetic bone material. Once the graft has been placed, it typically takes a few months for the new material to integrate sufficiently with the existing bone as it takes time for the cells to grow and fuse together.

There are a number of bone and tissue augmentation procedures available, and Dr Patterson will advise you as to whether one of them is suited to your specific situation, such as the type and size of the implant, as well the location in which it will be placed. Some of the most common techniques include:

• Bone grafts
  During this procedure, bone (either natural or synthetic) is added to the jaw. When the bone has become strong enough and has fused with the existing bone, the implants can be placed.
• Sinus augmentation
  This procedure is generally performed when there is not enough bone for the placement of a dental implant at the back of the jaw, and involves adding bone to the area below the sinuses.
• Ridge augmentation
  In some cases, a patient’s jaw is not wide enough to support dental implants, and a bone graft can be added along the side of the jaw.