Bone augmentation surgery for dental implants.
Bone augmentation surgery is a dental surgical intervention performed when there is insufficient bone to support a dental implant, making this procedure the optimal solution in such cases.
When one or more teeth are lost, the bone tends to undergo resorption. With the absence of a tooth in the dental arch, a portion of the bone may be lost at the exact moment of tooth extraction due to the trauma it experiences. Additionally, bone loss can occur in cases of advanced periodontal diseases or simply over time without a tooth present in the arch.
What does bone augmentation surgery involve?
Before the surgery itself, the dentist assesses whether oral health is optimal, treating any dental, bone, or gingival infections or inflammations to ensure the success of the upcoming operation.
During the actual surgery, an incision will first be made at the gum level, exposing the remaining roots (if applicable) and the maxillary bone. If there are remaining roots, they will be cleaned, and any gaps will be filled with a bone graft. After filling with the bone graft, the gum is sutured back in place, and the respective area is covered for protection.
Bone augmentation surgery is not painful due to local anesthesia that numbs all pain. At most, there may be a slight local pressure, which is normal. Post-operative healing takes place between 4 and 9 months, depending on the case.
Benefits of bone augmentation surgery for implants
- It creates an ideal foundation for the dental implant – increases maxillary bone volume through the addition of biocompatible replacement materials to restore tooth stability and ensure the success of the dental implant.
- It facilitates the placement of larger diameter and length implants – by restoring foundation stability, larger diameter and length implants can be successfully implanted, providing a higher success rate and better efficiency in handling chewing forces.
- It increases the lifespan of natural teeth – by enhancing bone structure and dental stability, the risk of sudden tooth loss is minimized, contributing to the longevity of natural teeth.
- It restores a natural gingival appearance and protects the entire dentition – by reversing resorption through bone augmentation, patients can enjoy a dentition without the risk of tooth loss and achieve a natural facial appearance, resulting in a beautiful and healthy smile.
- It is predictable surgery with a very low complication rate (provided the patient follows pre and post-operative guidelines communicated by the dentist).
- The bone is reconstructed in a natural manner, ensuring effective functional and aesthetic results.
How and why does bone resorption occur?
When a patient loses one or more teeth, the bone foundation loses its role, beginning to deteriorate through a reduction in volume. This natural process is also known as bone atrophy. In the first year, bone volume decreases by a minimum of 25%, and then the process continues at a slower pace, but within 3 years, the volume can be reduced by 40-60%.
Bone resorption occurs when at least one tooth is lost, and a dental implant is not promptly placed to maintain the bone’s supporting function. It also occurs in cases of periodontal diseases, bone and gingival infections, maxillary cysts and tumors, and traumas.
Dental bridges and dentures are less recommended options for tooth loss, as they exert pressure on the remaining teeth and gums without providing the bone with a supportive purpose, ultimately leading to bone resorption. Moreover, these alternatives are less aesthetic and functional, as they pose challenges to the chewing process, exerting more pressure on the bone.
The result of this diminishing bone volume process? Deformation of the maxillary bone and gums, posing a threat to the support of nearby teeth and dental implants, causing both functional and aesthetic problems. Aesthetic issues arise because the gums rely on the bone, and if the bone undergoes resorption, the gums start to shrink, resulting in an aesthetically undesirable smile.
How is post-operative care carried out?
It is recommended to consume soft foods and room-temperature beverages, as well as to take analgesics to prevent potential post-operative pain. In most cases, patients only experience mild discomfort after the surgery.
Additionally, it is advisable for the patient to rest for a day after the operation and apply ice packs to the affected area to prevent swelling. Smoking should be avoided for 3 months, and coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages should be eliminated for at least a week to reduce the risk of infection and bleeding, facilitating the healing process.