New Technology Improves Dental Implant Candidacy

In the past, patients needed adequate bone mass to support traditional dental implants. Bone atrophy is a common side effect of tooth loss. It also accompanies patients who have suffered from diabetes, gum disease, and osteoporosis. Now, with new technology, patients with significant bone loss can receive dental implants when our oral surgeon embeds them into the zygoma (cheek) bone.

Bone Density and Implants

When a bone mass is sparse, bone grafting was normally needed to regenerate new tissue in the jawbones. A graft involves placing bone from another part of the body or from a tissue bank over an area of the jaw where the bone has deteriorated. While bone grafting could increase the likelihood of successful implantation for many patients who otherwise wouldn’t have been candidates for dental implants, it involves a person undergoing another surgical procedure prior to implantation.

Fortunately, our oral surgeon can place dental implants where the bone is sparse without the need for grafting treatments. Utilizing the zygomatic method, implants can be placed into the cheekbone instead of relying on the health of bone in the upper mandible. This technique of placing implants is also beneficial for patients who would require a sinus lift procedure to thicken the ridge of the upper jaw. Since the bone near the back molars in the upper jaw tends to atrophy faster than other areas of the face, zygomatic implants are useful for replacing back teeth.

Why Choose Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered the ideal tooth replacement method for a few reasons. Implants are biocompatible and support all the structures in the oral cavity. By keeping bone stimulated, a dental implant can actually slow down the process of bone atrophy while also keeping neighboring teeth supported in an upright position. Lastly, dental implants and their restorations last much longer than bridges or dentures.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

If you are reviewing your tooth replacement options, we invite you to schedule a dental implant consultation with our oral surgeon. Our practice utilizes the latest techniques and technology to provide excellent oral care. For more information, contact Stonebriar Facial & Oral Surgery at 214-618-3070.