IMplant SERVICES
Extraction and Site Preservation
Dental extraction of diseased or impacted teeth is often accompanied by site preservation (also known as alveolar ridge preservation). To avoid deformities of the bone and/or to ensure adequate bone availability for a future dental implant, bone grafting material is added to the extraction socket and covered by a membrane to help regenerate bone and tissue. After a period of healing, a dental implant can then be placed into the bone as a subsequent surgery.
Ridge Modification
Ridge Modification (also referred to as Ridge Augmentation) is a bone grafting procedure that is prescribed to treat an already edentulous site that presents with a defect after having been missing the tooth for an extended period of time. This procedure has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase chances for successful implants, enhancing restorative success both aesthetically and functionally.
Sinus Augmentation
The posterior maxilla has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and maxillary sinus proximity. Sinus lift surgery can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants. Different techniques can be used to raise the maxillary sinus and allow for new bone to form. In some cases, the implant can be placed at the same time the sinus is augmented; in other cases, the implants are placed at a subsequent surgery.
Implant Placement
Every measure is taken to accommodate the implant system preferences of our referring doctors. Single tooth implants, multiple teeth replacements, or full mouth implant-supported rehabilitation options are available (see “Full Mouth Implant Therapy” insert for details). Proper consultation and treatment planning discussions between the surgeon, referring dentist, and patient result in a successful, predictable outcome. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported restorations are designed for long term use, comfort, and aesthetic.
Peri-implantitis Treatment
Peri-implant diseases are inflammatory conditions affecting the soft and hard gum tissues around dental implants. Similar to a natural tooth, bacteria can build up on the base of the implant, below the gum line. Over time, the bacteria irritate the gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed, damaging the tissue (peri-implant mucositis), and if not caught early, causing the bone structure below the implant to deteriorate (peri-implantitis). Treatment for such inflammatory processes parallel those for treatment of periodontal diseases around natural teeth.