Many patients are candidates for dental implants, thanks to onsite bone grafting

At the practice of Sanjay Dhir, DDS in San Diego, California, many patients who otherwise would not be candidates for dental implants elsewhere can rebuild and complete their smiles with this “gold standard” form of tooth replacement. Dr. Dhir has advanced training in various complex and advanced treatments, including surgical procedures such as bone grafting. The process of taking bone from another part of your body and transferring it to the jaw (or implant site) is a necessary form of preparation for implants among those who have sustained significant bone loss or resorption. 

The problem: Lost bone

Resorption occurs when teeth are not available to provide stimulation to the surrounding, supportive bone. As with muscular tissue during periods of inactivity, bony tissue can retreat when it doesn’t get “exercised” from the teeth and from basic functions such as chewing and grinding down food. Dental implants require adequate bone density and height to support prosthetic teeth, such as dentures properly. That is because they are placed in the jawbone and, once joined to the surrounding bone, implants function like natural tooth roots. To properly stabilize the new teeth connected to them, implants must have sufficient bone to integrate to around them.

The answer: Bone grafting

Dr. Dhir can rebuild the bone that was lost in the jaw. So, even those who have traditionally not been considered good candidates for implants, or those who may be precluded from implants at other dentists’ offices, can benefit from implant-retained crowns, bridges, and dentures. It is a terrific differentiator because no other forms of tooth replacement are designed like natural teeth. Design that “mimics” natural teeth promotes the most lifelike appearance and feel in the mouth, as well as lasting strength and function.

While bone grafting is often associated with preparing the mouth for dental implants, it can also be used to: 

  • Build up tissue that has been lost due to the destructive process of gum disease — Gum disease starts by eroding the periodontal or soft tissues that support the teeth. If left untreated, the toxins associated with gum disease eventually destroy the bone. Once the bone is lost, it is lost for good unless there is intervention via procedures like bone grafting.
  • Address congenital conditions and other bony deficiencies — Dentists with advanced training, like Dr. Dhir, can also recommend treatment to address problems that limit the availability of bone and, in turn, damage the stability of the jaw. 

The process itself is straightforward; typically, tissue from another part of your body is used. Donor tissue from your body (or another material) is introduced to areas with sustained bone loss. We can discuss options for donor material with you. A covering may also be applied to protect the treated site as it heals and as bone regenerates in the area. 

Schedule an appointment at Sanjay Dhir, DDS, for more information on grafting and learn if you are an appropriate candidate for such treatment. Our team is proud to serve patients in Encinitas, La Jolla, and Del Mar. We welcome your call – (858) 358-5801.