Free Dental Implant Consultation
Once you start losing teeth, your jawbone can start shrinking away quite rapidly, so patients in need of dental implants may first require bone grafting to build and strengthen the jawbone again.
The function of bone is to hold your natural teeth in place, and so, unfortunately, tooth loss is associated with the onset of changes to the structure of the face that cause an ageing appearance, such as a hollowing of the cheeks and the formation of a hooked nose and chin, known as a witch’s chin.
A bone graft may be necessary to ensure there is enough bone for the dental implants to fuse into place, like building appropriate foundations for a house.
A bone graft is used as scaffolding to stimulate natural bone growth, and once the foundation is laid out we know the implants are viable.
As part of your initial consultation and diagnosis, Johann will use x-rays or a computer tomography (CT) scan to take images of your jawbone, to ensure that it is thick and strong enough for dental implant treatment. If necessary, we can then advise you on the most suitable bone grafting technique for you.
Bone grafting surgery has two phases. The first step is to harvest a graft, which differs according to the grafting type but can be from part of the patient’s body. The graft is then attached and allowed to fuse. Where possible we carry out bone grafting at the same time as implant placement, reducing the need for a second surgery.
We use different types of bone at Portmore, human (your own), synthetic or bovine bone. The type of bone we use depends on the complexity of your case, which we would discuss with you in detail prior to treatment.
Benefits of bone augmentation
- Restore a fuller look to your face
- Reverse the ageing effects of tooth and bone loss
- Secure your dental implants
