Tooth loss can affect us in many different ways. The most apparent is the change in how our smiles look; missing teeth can cause us to feel self-conscious about our appearance and lead to lower self-esteem. This in and of itself is immensely difficult to endure, but unfortunately, there are additional problems caused by tooth loss. When you have gaps in your smile, your jawbone does not receive proper stimulation. This causes it to lose density, which can end up not only making your face sink inwards but can even make it exceedingly difficult to have implants placed. Luckily there are solutions to this difficult problem. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist talks about bone grafting and sinus lifts and discusses the ways these procedures can help you regain a healthy smile.
Understand Bone Grafting
Bone grafting, which is also known as ridge augmentation, can help strengthen the damaged portions of your lower jaw. This procedure is overseen by a doctor and consists of taking healthy, undamaged tissue from other parts of your body — most commonly your hip or unaffected areas of your jaw— and grafting it to the weakened parts of your mouth. Moreover,, your doctor can also choose to use tissue from donors or can even obtain it from synthetic sources. Once they have secured a healthy tissue sample, your dentist adheres the tissue to the weakened portions of your jawbone. Then, over the course of a few weeks, your jawbone and the new tissue fuse together, creating a stronger, more fortified jaw.
Addressing Your Upper Jaw
In addition to bone grafts, your oral healthcare professional may very likely suggest a sinus lift, as well. These often work in conjunction with bone grafts and deal with the upper part of your jaw. When your upper ridge is weakened, your doctor can raise the floor of your sinus to reveal more bone tissue. This provides a better, stronger surface to which they can affix implants. Overall, both of the aforementioned procedures create healthy, workable areas on which your dentist or oral surgeon can place dental implants.
The Importance Of Implants
Bone grafting and sinus lifts can be so helpful because they provide healthy surfaces for implants. As mentioned above, poor jawbone density can make it impossible to place dental implants, creating a cycle of worsening jawbone begetting the inability to fill in gaps. Once these procedures are completed, you will have a sturdy mouth, capable of receiving helpful implants. Once you do, your dentist can affix prosthetics that will look just like your natural smile, helping you feel confident in your teeth once again!
Learn More About Bone Grafts And Sinus Lifts Today
If you have questions about either of these procedures or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600.