Bone grafts
Over time, the bone of the jaws in the position where a tooth was present is absorbed and reduced. This often creates a situation where there is poor quality and quantity of bone to place an implant.
It is now possible to have bone in any area. This way we can place implants in any area that is needed and restore the site both aesthetically and functionally.
Where the bone grafts are used;
Bone grafts are used in areas where we want to implant and there is not enough bone quantity and quality. This may be due to previous extractions, gum inflammation or injury.
The graft is obtained either from the graft donor banks or the patient himself (e.g. jaw or pelvis or skull). Special absorbable membranes are still used which protect the bone graft and promote bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Large bone grafts are usually used to correct large jaw defects. These deficits can be the result of injury, oncological surgery or congenital abnormalities. In large deficits, bone is drawn from the patient himself possibly from the pelvis, skull or tibia. These operations are performed under general anesthesia and require hospital admission.
Sinus lift
The maxillary sinus are located behind the cheeks and above the upper teeth. The sinuses are like empty rooms that have nothing (air). Some roots of the upper teeth may extend up to the sinus. When these teeth are removed, there is only one thin bone wall that separates the sinuses from the mouth. The implants need bone to hold them in place.
When the bone wall is thin, it is impossible to place implants in the bone. There is a solution to this situation and it is called sinus lift. The surgeon, after entering the sinus and recognizing the membrane, lifts it and places a graft below it. After a few months the implant is incorporated into the jaw and the implants can be implanted and fixed.
With this membrane, patients who were previously unlikely to have dental implants and whose only choice was artificial dentures, have the option of implant placement.
If there is a small but sufficient amount of bone between the alveolar ridge of the upper jaw and the floor of the sinus, lifting of the sinus and implant placement can be done in the same procedure. Otherwise, there is a wait time (4-6 months) after surgery for the graft to incorporate and then an implant can be placed
Alveolar crest augmentation
In many cases, the alveolar crest has been absorbed. It is then necessary to insert a bone graft to increase the dimensions of the crest, both in height and width. We then wait for the graft to incorporate and then an implant can be placed
Nervous displacement
The lower alveolar nerve, which senses the lower lip and the chin, may need to be moved to create space for implant placement in the lower jaw. This operation is done in the posterior region of the lower jaw. Because it is considered an operation that is likely to create a feeling of numbness in the area (which can sometimes be permanent), other alternatives (e.g. implantation of shorter implants) may be used.
Bone donor areas
There are several areas of the body that can be used as graft donors. The area of the ramus and chin of the lower jaw may be used intraorally. Other donor sites (extraorally) are the iliac crest (pelvis), the skull, or the tibial area (below the knee). In many cases grafts from a graft bank are used, which is placed in the patient to promote bone formation by the patient himself. These procedures are performed either under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia.
Feel free to arrange an appointment to find out what is best for you.