Needs for bone and soft-tissue augmentations
A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone and gum where the implant is to be placed.
Extraction and ridge preservation
To avoid the natural shrinkage of the ridge after an extraction (30 % to 70 % of the bone can be lost after an extraction), grafting the extraction socket with bone or PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) have demonstrated to significantly reduce that physiologic resorption.
Bone augmentation (bone regeneration)
Ridge deficiencies as a result of past infections and/or tooth extractions can leave you with an inadequate amount of bone in which to place dental implants.
- To correct the problem, the void is filled with bone or bone substitute to build-up the ridge. Bone augmentation can be carried out prior to or at the time of implant placement.
- The bone defect is filled with bone or bone substitute to reconstitute a volume of bone compatible with implant placement.
Sinus augmentation (sinus lift)
The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most challenging areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the maxillary sinus. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, using either the lateral flap technique or a trans-crestal technique. Sinus Lift Procedure overcomes this problem by raising the sinus floor lining (the membrane) and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.
Soft tissue augmentation
Healthy teeth are surrounded by two types of tissue: gingiva and mucosa. Mucosa is like cheek tissue, it is weak and loose and does not adhere to the roots of the teeth or the underlying jawbone very well. In comparison, gingiva is a strong keratinized tissue that is firmly attached to the teeth/bone. Having an adequate amount of keratinized tissue is important around implants: evidence suggests that the peri‐implant soft tissues are key to maintaining long-term peri‐implant health and aesthetics. When needed, soft-tissue augmentation can be carried out prior to or at the time of implant placement or within the implant-healing phase.
Necessary follow-up and self-care
Just like natural teeth, dental implants and appliances must be maintained daily in a clean, hygienic manner (brushing and interproximal cleaning). Regular professional cleaning visits are necessary to prevent peri-implant disease from occuring.
Also learn about : Extraction of wisdom teeth
