Bone grafting and dental implants with our dentist in Clapham
Dental implants are one of the most popular methods of replacing missing teeth. They are small titanium screws that are strong, resilient, non-corrosive and biocompatible, which means that they integrate with the body quickly and easily, and are designed to last for the rest of your life. The process of using dental implants to replace your missing teeth can take between four to six months, which is why it is important that you speak to our dentist in Clapham as soon as possible so that treatment can begin.
To start with, you need to find out if dental implants are suitable for you. Our dentist in Clapham will assess your dental health, your overall wellbeing, examine your teeth, gums and bone and decide the best method of replacing missing teeth for you. Most people are suitable candidates for dental implants. However if not, there are other options, for example bridges and dentures. We will also take into consideration your budget and give you an estimated cost to help you make an informed decision.
If dental implants are suitable for you then you will undergo X-rays and 3D scans of your mouth to create a digital image of your teeth. Our dentist will be able to see whether you have sufficient healthy bone and gum to hold the implant in place. Bone loss occurs as a result of tooth loss, as the bone is no longer needed as a means for support and begins to decay. Bone loss also occurs in older patients, for example during osteoporosis.
Bone grafts and sinus lifts
If you have suffered from bone loss, you will need to undergo bone grafting. This can be carried out before the implant surgery or in minor cases it can be carried out at the same time as the surgery. Bone is taken from another part of the body, usually the hips, tibia or back and fused to the existing jawbone, this is known as an autograft and is the preferred option because it promotes faster healing. In some patients a synthetic bone material is fused to the existing bone in your jaw. This is known as an alloplast. Bone grafting helps restore the health and density of your jawbone to make sure that the implant can fit in place.
Some patients require a sinus lift before dental implant surgery. A sinus lift is a common type of bone graft which is used to increase the bone density underneath the upper jaw for patients who need to replace missing upper premolar and molar teeth. A sinus lift helps hold your implants in place, but it also helps preserve the health of your remaining teeth and prevents complications in the future.
Our dentist in Clapham will determine how the implant will need to be positioned, the length and width of the implant and how many implants you will need to replace your missing teeth. A single implant can replace up to 3 adjacent teeth, whilst an all-on-4 procedure can replace a full arch of teeth. Speak to our dentist today to find out more.