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Bone Grafting

Jan 06

Do I have to get All-On-4 if bone grafting didn’t work?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Bone Grafting

I need some advice on whether or not I will have to get all-on-4 dental implants. My current dentist was recommended to me by my former dentist. My former dentist moved to Florida. Before she moved, my former dentist had given me a referral to a periodontist for a dental implant. I have a tooth that was damaged during a root canal by yet a different dentist and the tooth had to be pulled. I never made it to the periodontist because I couldn’t afford it at the time. Now that I can afford the implant my new dentist insisted on placing it because he had training in doing implants. When I asked him how many implants he had placed, he told me that he had done hundreds of implants. He also assured me that he could do the bone grafting too. The bone grafting is done, but when my dentist tried to place the implant 3 weeks ago, he said the graft couldn’t support the implant. He recommends a dental bridge instead. I asked for time for me to think about it. I knew that I should have gone to a periodontist. I don’t think I would have this same outcome. Is there any chance that I can go somewhere else and get it done, or will I have to get all-on-4 because bone grafting doesn’t work for me? Thanks Morris

Morris

It’s unlikely that you would have this same experience with a periodontist or a prosthodontist. Some dentists, including prosthodontists, have advanced training in implantology. They specialize in bone grafting and implant surgery. All-on-4 dental implants aren’t suitable for your case. That treatment replaces a full arch of teeth—not a single tooth. Even when a full arch of teeth is needed, an experienced prosthodontist can successfully complete bone grafting.

It sounds like your dentist might have experience with dental implants, but bone grafting is a more complex procedure. He might not have sufficient experience in grafting to successfully complete your case. It’s good that your dentist isn’t trying to place an implant without sufficient bone density. That would be a disaster that leads to implant failure, so be thankful that he won’t proceed.

Your dentist wants you to have a successful form of tooth replacement. He must feel confident about producing better results with a dental bridge than with an implant. If you really want a dental implant, we suggest that you get a second opinion from a prosthodontist. He or she will examine the location of your missing tooth and let you know your options for bone grafting. All-on-4 isn’t among your options for replacing a single tooth.

Your current dentist might be willing to give you a referral. If not, schedule consultations with a few board-certified prosthodontists, compare your options and the cost, and decide which dentist will provide your implant.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 13

Bone loss from teeth loss early in life and I don’t want a partial

By Bone Grafting, Dental Implants

I have bone loss because of eight missing teeth in my lower jaw. Can I get the bone loss replaced so I can get implants? I don’t want to wear a partial. – Tom F

Tom – Bone loss can be replaced by using bone grafting. Increasing jawbone mass will ensure that dental implants are secure and won’t loosen.

There are different types of bone grafting:

Autogenous – bone is taken from elsewhere in your body (often the chin or lower jaw) and used to supplement the jawbone

Allograft – Synthetic bone is used, or human bone from a reputable bone tissue bank can be used

Xenograft – processed animal bone, from a reputable bone tissue bank, is used

After the bone-grafting procedure, there is a wait of six to twelve months, to allow time for the graft to integrate with your existing bone. The progress of your healing will be periodically checked, and you will receive updates on when you can receive dental implants.

Not only does receiving dental implants, instead of wearing a partial denture, look more pleasing, dental implants prevent further jawbone loss and facial collapse.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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Nov 13

Human cadaver bone grafting for dental implants

By Bone Grafting, Dental Implants

I am seriously considering getting dental implants in early 2013. I know that I will need bone grafting. What can you tell me about human cadaver bone for grafting? – Kyle

Kyle – Human cadaver bone for dental implant bone grafting, known as allografts, works very well. U.S. donor applicants are pre-screened for infectious diseases before they are accepted as donors. Donated bone is process and sterilized to make grafting safe.

Autogenous bone comes from the patient’s own body. Bone may be available elsewhere in the mouth or from another place in the body—usually the hip.

Xenograft bone comes from a different species, usually bovine bone, which comes from a cow.

Synethetic bone grafting is referred to as alloplast. Although this method is most convenient and the least expensive, some dentists say the success rate is not as good as the other methods.

Your implant dentist will discuss the options with you and address any concerns you have.

This post is courtesy of Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Sep 28

Why do my implants keep getting infected?

By Bone Grafting, Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants

10 years ago I received three dental implants. I have had problems with the implants since they were placed. I’ve had several infections. The oral surgeon has done follow-up surgeries but I still get infections. He says that it’s genetics and my body is predisposed to rejecting the implants, and there is nothing wrong with the implants or the surgeries he performed. He is referring me to a periodontist now. I am not comfortable with this situation. How do I know whether he is hiding something or if my body really is rejecting the implants? – Cynthia from New Jersey

Cynthia,

It is possible for a person to reject dental implants. And it is possible that surgical errors had a role in causing the infections. In order to get an accurate diagnosis, you need an examination by an experienced implant dentist.

If the implant fixtures are loose, they need to be removed. Bone grafting may be needed and after it heals, new implants need to be placed.

Get a second opinion from a credentialed implant dentist.

This blog post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVaca.

Jun 30

How do I know if I qualify for dental implant bone grafting?

By Bone Grafting, Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I’ve had eight teeth missing for over 20 years. I’ve decided to get dental implants, but I think that I will need bone grafting. I know that not everyone qualifies for it. What is the criteria? Keith C. from Beachwood, OH

Keith – If you are generally in good health, it’s likely that you will be able to receive bone grafting. This is an area where Dr. LaVacca is quite experienced, and sometimes he is able to do the grating despite certain health issues. He thoroughly reviews the medical history of his patients and makes the determination. You will be able to find a qualified implant dentist to make the determination for you.

Implant dentistry is not a recognized specialty, so check the credentials of dentists to verify that they have extensive training and certification in implant placement. Verify that he or she has membership with implant associations that are well respected, such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Without the adequate training and experience, serious implant mistakes can occur.

You can review Dr. LaVacca’s credentials on his Naperville prosthodontist web page to get an idea of what you should look for in a dentist who is qualified to do your bone grafting and dental implants.

This blog post is sponsored by implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naprville.

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