There are many reasons why getting bone and tissue grafts may be necessary for improved oral health. This is especially true if you are looking to get dental implants after time has passed since losing your natural tooth or teeth. The longer you go without a natural tooth, the more bone and tissue loss you are likely to experience. In order to restore that tissue, allowing you to get the implant, you need bone and tissue grafts. Here are a few important things to know about these grafts and how they can help improve your overall oral health.
What Are Bone and Tissue Grafts Exactly?Bone and tissue grafts are grafts that are put into your mouth to help those different tissues regrow. When you lose a natural tooth, the bone and tissues that once held that tooth in place no longer get used. This makes your body believe that there is no need for these tissues any longer. From there, your body begins to break down those tissues and bone so that the cells of the body no longer have that extra work. It is your body’s way of helping itself, but it is also harming your oral health. As your body breaks down the tissue and bone, you experience bone loss and resorption. This means that there is no longer sufficient tissue to hold the tooth in place. Should you decide down the line that you want a dental implant, you no longer have the ability to hold an implant securely. What you need, then, are bone and tissue grafts. This is when we take bone or other oral tissues and put them in your jaw to help it regrow. Then, once the bone and tissue grafts have healed, we can typically place your dental implant. This restores your ability to chew and speak like you did with your natural teeth. How Long Do Bone and Tissue Grafts Need to Heal? The length of time that your bone and tissue grafts need for healing depend on the type of grafts you have. Most bone and tissue grafts need a few weeks for surface healing, but then need a few months to fully heal internally. This is because the new bone and tissues need to fuse with the existing bone and tissues. This process takes time. If you only had one type of graft, you will need a slightly shorter amount of time to fully heal. Some people do not need both bone and tissue grafts. Instead, they need just one or the other. In this case, the healing often takes slightly less time. You do need to be careful during the healing process. Bone and tissue grafts are delicate. If they are not treated as such, they can get pushed out of place. This means that if they heal, they will heal improperly and could leave you needing additional procedures before implants could be placed. You need to eat the right foods immediately after getting the grafts placed. Plus, you also need to make sure you stick to a strict oral hygiene routine during that time. By keeping your mouth clean and healthy, you are far more likely to have successful grafts than if you do not tend to keep your mouth as clean as you should. When Are Bone and Tissue Grafts Necessary? Bone and tissue grafts are necessary for anyone that has gone through bone loss after losing a natural tooth. This is common, often more common than our patients realize. Even if you lose a single natural tooth, it can affect the bone that is left behind. It can also cause the teeth that surrounded the original, natural tooth to shift. This can make the bone between those teeth struggle to remain healthy. It can be too brittle when we go to place an implant, leaving you unable to get one. There are times where you may also need bone and tissue grafts to keep your dentures fitting right. If you do not want, or are not a good candidate for implants, then your best option is dentures. The problem is, dentures can leave you facing tissue and bone loss. The best answer for this is getting bone and tissue grafts to keep your gums healthy and strong enough to hold he dentures securely in place. Turn to Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry for Your Bone and Tissue Grafts When you need bone and tissue grafts, it is important that you turn to the most experienced professionals possible. In this instance, then you want to turn to the experts here at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. We have the experience you need to get the results you want. While we can do bone and tissue grafts to help you restore your smile, that is not the only service we provide. We can help with several different aspects of restoring your smile. What you need to do is give us a call. From the moment you call our office, you become a part of the family to us. We want to see you and give you a consultation, so we can determine what procedures you need to restore your smile. Then, we will explain to you why each part of the process is so important. We will explain the procedures we think you need, and why. Neglecting even one step in the process could result in you not getting the look you want in the end. Then, we can set up a schedule so you can see when your smile will be exactly what you hoped for once more. To get the best functionality and look for your mouth after losing any of your natural teeth, you need implants. Reach out to the experienced professionals here at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry to get dental implants. We can be reached by calling (972)462-9800, so call us to schedule a consultation to see if you need to start with bone and tissue grafts! META: Bone and tissue grafts allow your mouth to get back to a healthier point. Your mouth is then able to have restorative procedures, such as dental implants. If you want to find out if bone and tissue grafts would benefit your mouth, the contact us here at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today!
12 Comments
At Walker Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we know that success of your dental implant is directly related to the skill of your oral surgeon. You have probably already read on our website that Dr. Walker earned his D.D.S. degree and then continued his education in periodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry, as well as a Masters of Science Degree. His expertise in this field is unsurpassed, and his education continues as he keeps current in all areas of the field of periodontology
Dr. Walker and his staff will discuss with you factors such as the health of your gums, the quality and quantity of the bone available at the site, and your oral hygiene, as well as the plan for your treatment. Heavy smokers, or people with chronic diseases will need to be examined on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Walker and staff are committed to providing you the best care which provides you the highest assurance of success. What are Dental Implants? While dental care options continue to improve, millions of Americans still suffer from tooth loss. In some parts of the United states, more than 20% of working-age adults have lost six or more teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. In the past, the only options have been bridges or dentures, but dental implants now offer a long-term alternative, with proven success. Dental implants replace the roots of a tooth lost to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. They act as a screw-like anchor to hold permanent or removable replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like your own. The implants will fuse with your jawbone, allowing the replacements to feel secure and sturdy in your mouth. Once the healing is complete, the tooth will look and feel like your regular teeth. Implants fuse to your jawbone, therefore they won’t shift or slip in your mouth. This is an important benefit for eating, talking, comfort, speaking, and self-confidence. Dental implants feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures. Your implants will feel natural, look natural, and can last as long as 25 years. You can smile confidently and with pride, knowing your implant looks entirely natural. Advantages of placement Dr. Walker and his team at Walker Periodontics will discuss with you the concept of immediate placement of the dental implant. The advantages of dental implant placement is clear for most patients; and placement can be done immediately or in some cases, delayed. The difference in failure rate between immediate dental implant placement versus waiting for placement has been shown to be very low. The advantages of delayed placement is summarized as follows: there is time after the surgical procedure for the tissues to heal; and carefully monitor the healing process to determine the best time for dental implant placement. Immediate restoration is not always possible or desired. We want the best outcome for our patients, and this decision will be made with you, taking into consideration your particular dental health needs and wishes. Together we will come to a decision that best meets your physical and aesthetic needs. Success Rate Careful monitoring and the skilled surgery procedures done by Dr. Walker will assure you the best possible outcome and provide you with a comfortable and esthetically pleasing dental implant. Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures in dentistry with an average success rate of 95%. Infection is extremely rare and most surgeons take the added precaution of prescribing antibiotics to lower the risk even further. Failure, known as osseointegration failure, is rare, particularly if the oral surgeon’s instructions are followed closely by the patient. Most failures occur when a patient is either too unhealthy to receive the implant or engages in behaviors that contraindicate proper dental hygiene including smoking, drug use, or grinding of the teeth. Our skilled care team is committed to providing you with the best of care, and they will carefully assess both your dental health and your overall well-being before undertaking any procedures, thus giving you the optimum outcome for your dental implant. They will discuss any concerns or questions you may have, and will provide you with the latest in literature related to your treatment option. Rest assured that any questions you have will be treated with sensitivity, and answered promptly and clearly. Implant Material Dental implant material can consist of titanium or zirconium material design. The implant must be sturdy and robust, and the strength of the dental implant material and its design must remain compatible with the physical properties of your natural teeth. The finished product will be matched to the color of your teeth and function just as your natural teeth. A typical implant consists of a titanium screw (resembling a tooth root) with a roughened or smooth surface. The majority of dental implants are made with commercially pure titanium, which is available in four grades based upon the amount of carbon, nitrogen oxygen, and iron contained. At Walker Periodontics, we use the highest grade titanium available to ensure the highest possible success rate of your implant. Conventional Method Dental implant placement involves the removal of the tooth, then a healing period of 4-6 months prior to implant placement. Following an additional 6-8 weeks, the implant can be finally restored with a crown. A temporary removable appliance is worn during this healing process. If this method is chosen by either the yourself or your care provider, and if this is the best option for your, Dr. Walker and his staff will discuss the reasoning with you, and come to a decision that you understand, and that meets your expectations. Every patient is different, and your treatment plan will be created specifically for your and your dental surgery needs. Call and talk to the friendly staff to schedule a consultation at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry (972)462-9800. We promise to provide you with the highest quality of care in order to achieve the results you deserve. At Walker Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we know that success of your dental implant is directly related to the skill of your oral surgeon. You have probably already read on our website that Dr. Walker earned his D.D.S. degree and then continued his education in periodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry, as well as a Masters of Science Degree. His expertise in this field is unsurpassed, and his education continues as he keeps current in all areas of the field of periodontology.
Dr. Walker and his staff will discuss with you factors such as the health of your gums, the quality and quantity of the bone available at the site, and your oral hygiene, as well as the plan for your treatment. Heavy smokers, or people with chronic diseases will need to be examined on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Walker and staff are committed to providing you the best care which provides you the highest assurance of success. What are Dental Implants? While dental care options continue to improve, millions of Americans still suffer from tooth loss. In some parts of the United states, more than 20% of working-age adults have lost six or more teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. In the past, the only options have been bridges or dentures, but dental implants now offer a long-term alternative, with proven success. Dental implants replace the roots of a tooth lost to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. They act as a screw-like anchor to hold permanent or removable replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like your own. The implants will fuse with your jawbone, allowing the replacements to feel secure and sturdy in your mouth. Once the healing is complete, the tooth will look and feel like your regular teeth. Implants fuse to your jawbone, therefore they won’t shift or slip in your mouth. This is an important benefit for eating, talking, comfort, speaking, and self-confidence. Dental implants feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures. Your implants will feel natural, look natural, and can last as long as 25 years. You can smile confidently and with pride, knowing your implant looks entirely natural. Advantages of immediate placement Dr. Walker and his team at Walker Periodontics will discuss with you the concept of immediate placement of the dental implant. The advantages of immediate placement of the dental implant are clear for most patients. The different in failure rate between immediate dental implant placement versus waiting for placement has been shown to be very low. The advantages are summarized as follows: there is only one surgical procedure for the patient; the treatment time is shortened as there is no need to uncover the implant, and importantly, immediate restoration is possible. The psychological impact of having an esthetic tooth replacement that stays in your mouth while the implant heals cannot be overstated. Success Rate Careful monitoring and the skilled surgery procedures done by Dr. Walker will assure you the best possible outcome and provide you with a comfortable and esthetically pleasing dental implant. Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures in dentistry with an average success rate of 95%. Infection is extremely rare and most surgeons take the added precaution of prescribing antibiotics to lower the risk even further. Failure, known as osseointegration failure, is rare, particularly if the oral surgeon’s instructions are followed closely by the patient. Most failures occur when a patient is either too unhealthy to receive the implant or engages in behaviors that contraindicate proper dental hygiene including smoking, drug use, or grinding of the teeth. Our skilled care team is committed to providing you with the best of care, and they will carefully assess both your dental health and your overall well-being before undertaking any procedures, thus giving you the optimum outcome for your dental implant. They will discuss any concerns or questions you may have, and will provide you with the latest in literature related to your treatment option. Rest assured that any questions you have will be treated with sensitivity, and answered promptly and clearly. Implant Material Dental implant material can consist of titanium or zirconium material design. The implant must be sturdy and robust, and the strength of the dental implant material and its design must remain compatible with the physical properties of your natural teeth. The finished product will be matched to the color of your teeth and function just as your natural teeth. A typical implant consists of a titanium screw (resembling a tooth root) with a roughened or smooth surface. The majority of dental implants are made with commercially pure titanium, which is available in four grades based upon the amount of carbon, nitrogen oxygen, and iron contained. At Walker Periodontics, we use the highest grade titanium available to ensure the highest possible success rate of your implant. Conventional Method Alternately, the conventional method of therapy takes much more time. It involves the removal of the tooth, then a healing period of 4-6 months prior to implant placement. Following an additional 6-8 weeks, the implant can be finally restored with a crown. A temporary removable appliance is worn during this healing process. Conversely, a patient having an immediate implant following tooth removal will have an esthetic tooth restoration the day the tooth is removed. Importantly, an immediately placed implant and temporary tooth preserves the tissues and prevents the natural collapse of the jaw bone which is seen immediately following the removal of a tooth. Occasionally, the conventional method is chosen by either the patient or the care provider, and if this is the best option for your, Dr. Walker and his staff will discuss the reasoning with you, and come to a decision that you understand, and that meets your expectations. Every patient is different, and your treatment plan will be created specifically for your and your dental surgery needs. Call and talk to the friendly staff to schedule a consultation at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry (972)462-9800. We promise to provide you with the highest quality of care in order to achieve the results you deserve. If you want a bigger, more brilliant smile, you may want to find out if crown lengthening would be the best procedure for you. It can be done for both restorative reasons, and for cosmetic reasons, but it will leave you with a more brilliant smile than when you started. You can also have better oral health if you get it done. The procedure takes only a little bit of time, and the results are instant. It may be one that you should speak with us about, since it can give you such a drastic improvement in the smile you show the world. What Exactly Is Crown Lengthening?When you look in the mirror and smile, what do you see? Do you see more gums than teeth? If so, you may be the ideal candidate for a crown lengthening procedure. This procedure removes excess gum tissue, exposing more of the crown of your tooth, which is where the name came from. It allows you to have a brighter smile because more of each tooth shows when you do smile. You can have this procedure done to just one tooth if only one seems to have more gum tissue than the rest. Alternately, you can also have this done to numerous teeth or your entire mouth. It is up to you and the experts here at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry to figure out what is best for your situation. During the procedure, you will get some of the excess gum tissue removed. You will also have the bone that holds that specific tooth reshaped so that it can better hold your tooth in place with the new gum structure. You will not feel anything during the procedure, as the area is totally numb before anything begins. It can also be done with the help of oral sedation, if you want a little extra reassurance. This procedure is quite common, and is done for a wide variety of reasons. If it is brought up to you as a potential option, it is important you find out what the goal of it is for you. Why Would One Need to Get Crown Lengthening?There are two main reasons to get crown lengthening. The first is purely cosmetic. If you want to see more of your teeth and less of your gums, then crown lengthening is the only way to be able to do that. By removing some of the excess gum tissue, you show off more of your teeth and get a brighter smile out of it. This is common, and can go a long way towards giving you a smile you can be proud to show off. The other reason that people get crown lengthening done is to help restore their oral health. When you have a tooth that broke below the gum line, you need to remove some of that gum tissue to restore the tooth. The same goes if your tooth had decay on it. The only way to restore that tooth is to remove a bit of that extra gum tissue with a crown lengthening procedure, and expose more of the tooth. Most tooth restoration procedures require at least 2 millimeters of tooth surface to attach the restoration to. If there is not at least those 2 millimeters of healthy tooth, the tooth may not be able to be restored, leaving you to face the effects that come with an extraction. Are There Any Downsides or Risks of Crown Lengthening? There are a few downsides of having crown lengthening done, but none of them are big if you do everything you can to care for your mouth after the procedure. First, you may have some discomfort. This can easily be managed by taking a schedule of over the counter pain relievers to keep the inflammation down. If the pain gets to be more than what over the counter medications can assist with, call us to find out about more powerful medication. Second, your mouth will be swollen for a little while after the procedure. So long as you are following the post-op instructions we gave you, then this will go down in a few days. It is very important that you do the salt water rinses and keep your mouth clean immediately following the procedure. You can go back to work typically the day after having crown lengthening performed. However, you still need to be careful to eat soft foods for an extra day or two. Finally, there is a risk for infection with crown lengthening. The risk is quite low if you keep your mouth clean. That is why we tell you how to maintain your oral hygiene routine after the procedure is done. If you go through and brush gently, floss, and rinse, then in 1-2 weeks, your gums should be healed, and you should ready to show your smile off to the world. Turn to Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry When You Want Crown LengtheningWhen you decide that crown lengthening is something you want to find out more about, then it is important that you talk to us. We can help explain the procedure to you, and give you an idea of what your smile will look like when the procedure is complete. It is a very common procedure we perform regularly. We can explain the benefits that could come along with having the procedure done in detail if you want to know about them. Whether you are choosing crown lengthening for cosmetic or restorative purposes, we can help. Just give us a call here at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today, and let us work with you to help you get the healthy, brilliant smile you were hoping for. To get that big, contagious smile that others cannot help but smile back at when you show it, there are a few procedures you can have done. By turning to the experts at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, you can explore your options. Call (972)462-9800 today, and let us see if the right procedure for you is crown lengthening.
Dental Implants materials—what are they made of? You probably have heard of dental implants. They’re among the most versatile equipment available to restorative dentist practices, such as Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. They come handy in replacing missing teeth and restoring a natural, healthy smile. This is vital because gaps can cause a shift in the rest of your teeth. They can also result in severe bite issues from crooked teeth. But the question is what is a dental implant made of? What do we mean by dental implant materials? Let’s explore what makes up the best dental implant materials used in today’s dental implant world. The most common types of dental implant materials For so many years, virtually all dental implants were derived from one material called titanium. But with the advent of technology, more and more dental implants are now made from different dental implant materials. These materials have seen extensive research, critically considering the physical and chemical properties that affect their clinical applications. Such properties include the microstructure and the surface composition of an implant. Preferably, dental implant materials should appear biocompatible. They should also be resistant to both corrosion and fracturing. Dental implant materials can consist of titanium or zirconium material design. Notwithstanding the dental implant materials, they must be sturdy and robust. The strength of the dental implant materials and its design must remain compatible with physical property. Below are the common types of dental implant materials used in making dental implants today.
What makes some dental implant materials better than others?As discussed earlier, the two primary dental implant materials are titanium and zirconia. Each of these two dental implant materials has their unique features.
For instance, titanium has been tested and provided a high success rate in both medical and dental procedures. Its versatility set it apart from the zirconia. As a metal, titanium has been the first choice in all forms of bone and plate implant. Millions of patients have reaped the benefits of titanium. Below are reasons why titanium remains better than zirconia as the most efficient dental implant materials in history.
If you are still not sure what dental implant materials to use, we can help you. At Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we can take you through the pros and cons. Call us at (971) 462-9800. What are dental crowns? There are times when teeth need to be extracted. For instance, if your teeth are suffering from massive decay, it has to be extracted and repaired using crowns. Now, this might have got you wondering; what are dental crowns? Dental crowns, which are also known as caps are used for covering misshapen or decayed teeth. They are very helpful in restoring the tooth size, shape, and proper functioning. Dental crowns have the power to restore the beauty of your decayed or chipped teeth through the process of placing porcelain, a metal shell, or gold over the affected tooth or teeth. However, like your teeth, taking care of your crowns is very essential, if you want it to stay healthy and functional for years to come. At Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we just don’t take care of your teeth; we take care of your smile also. Quality oral health is critical to your overall health and your sense of self-confidence. We can help you: call us at (972) 462-9800. Do you have temporary crowns? Here are helpful tips for taking care of your crownsIf you are visiting us for the first time at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, the help we render in taking care of your crowns will include an examination of your tooth, creating its impression, and where necessary, placing a temporary crown. A temporary crown is to help in preserving the tooth until placement of a permanent crown is complete. Typically, the process will take 2 to 3 weeks to complete a turn-around time. This temporary crown needs to be cared for with all due diligence. Here are tips to ensure you are taking care of your crowns.
Permanent Crowns: here is how to ensure you are taking care of your crowns permanentlyAfter we have provided you with a final crown at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we strongly advise you follow the same rules mentioned earlier when taking care of your crowns temporarily. This is more important during the first period after the placement. That is, you should avoid eating or chewing hard object, refrain from biting with force, use floss and brush your teeth gently. During the week, make sure you rinse your mouth with warm and salted water. If you feel any form of hypersensitivity after the procedure, get yourself some over-the-counter pain relievers, especially if a tooth below the crown has a nerve, which will cause you to feel sensitivity towards cold or hot for a while. At Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we recommend some rules you can follow to ensure you are permanently taking care of your crowns after recovery. Here they are:
How Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry (972) 462-9800 helps in taking care of your crowns |
Stephen S. Walker, D.D.S., M.S.Dr. Walker is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology. He grew up in Dallas and attended Baylor College of Dentistry. While at Baylor, he was a member of the Odontological Honors Society and was selected to receive the Oral Biology Award and Merritt-Parks Award in Periodontics. Archives
July 2018
Categories |