If you are an Aurora man or woman who is missing one or more teeth, you know all too well the effect their absence can have – both cosmetically and medically. Not only does a full set of teeth give you confidence and pride but having all of your teeth provides your jawbone with the sufficient stimulation needed to keep your bone healthy and strong. When patients of Dr. Ivey have a missing tooth or missing teeth, one of the first things he checks during your initial consultation is the health of your jawbone and surrounding tissue. When teeth are lost and not soon replaced, the jawbone is no longer stimulated by the tooth root that was once there. It recognizes the loss, and the bone and gums begin to weaken and recede. Keep reading to learn more about dental implants and why bone grafting is often required during the dental implant placement process.
Why Dental Implants?
Historically, dentures and bridges have been the go-to solution for missing teeth. While these options are still popular, they are often not the ideal option available in today’s advanced dental world. Dentures, for instance, have many issues – one of which includes their tendency to slip and slide when eating and talking. This is because it’s nearly impossible to get a perfect fit with dentures. Once your new pearly whites have been fitted, they may feel secure for a while, but because your jawbone has lost the stimulation it needs from your tooth root system to stay strong and healthy, it will continue to shrink and weaken, making your once secure dentures take on a life of their own.
Likewise, dental bridges were once considered the best option for Aurora patients who were only missing a few teeth. Dental bridges are literally a bridge between one or more missing teeth, and they consist of two or more crowns that sit over the supporting teeth on either side of the gap. While dental bridges can restore the appearance and functionality of your smile, the bridge merely rests on top of the gum and does not stimulate or strengthen jawbone tissue.
Dental implants, however, have proven to be the best option for most of Dr. Ivey’s patients in the Aurora area. Not only do dental implants provide you with a new and complete smile, but only dental implants have the ability to strengthen your jawbone and surrounding tissue. Dental implants are also stronger and last longer than other dental replacement options, so the need to have a repair or a new fitting doesn’t exist.
What Is Bone Grafting and Why Is It Required?
The dental implant procedure is a lengthy one, but well worth the wait. During your visit to Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Ivey will examine your entire mouth, especially your jawbone. Because dental implants are placed in the jawbone of his Aurora patients, it is imperative that there be adequate jawbone tissue available to ensure a successful implant placement. If your jawbone is not thick enough or is too soft, a dental implant will not be secure and will likely fail. If he determines there is not enough available jawbone tissue, Dr. Ivey will perform bone graft surgery to build up the jawbone in preparation for the needed dental implants.
During the bone grafting procedure, Dr. Ivey will remove a bone from another part of your body, or use donor tissue, and surgically place it where your jawbone lacks density and structure. Once the bone grafting procedure is complete, you will need to wait several months before having your dental implants placed. This is to ensure that your bone grafting has been successful and has grown enough to support your dental implants.
Call to Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Ivey Today!
If you’ve got missing teeth, and you’re worried about jawbone loss, Dr. Ivey and Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery are here to help. With advanced training and years of experience with dental implants and bone grafting, Dr. Ivey will be able to restore your lost jawbone and your beautiful smile.
To schedule an appointment for an initial consultation with him today, call his office in the Aurora area at (303) 493-1933.
