Implant surgery and bone grafts

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.

Because of scientific knowledge and surgical experience, dental implants are nowadays a predictable and safe option in dentistry.

In our practice implantation is one of our speciality treatment for which Dr. Anke Grund is uniquely qualified.

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.

After a healing period of two months your dentist can form new replacement teeth. If you need bone grafting the healing period can take 3 to 6 months, while you can wear temporary dentures.

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Anke Grund performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, your dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prothesis needed during the implant process.

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting may be recommended.

Bone grafting

When an adult tooth is removed and not replaced, jawbone deterioration may occur. Natural teeth are embedded in the jawbone, and stimulate the jawbone through activities such as chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, the alveolar bone no longer receives the nesessary stimulation, and begins to resorb. The body no longer uses or needs the jawbone, so it deteriorates and goes away.

This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantitiy of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. With bone grafting, we now have the opportunity to not only replace bone where it is missing, but also the ability to promote new bone. This not only give us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance.

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia or with general anesthesia.