Archive for the ‘Bone Grafting’ Category

I’ve had complete dentures for a number of years

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
I have had dentures for a number of years and have severe bone loss. My question being: can I still get a denture made that fits well or do I have any solution to this problem?
Thanks,
Joyce from Kentucky

Joyce,
You’re suffering from what we call facial collapse, which always happens when you have complete dentures with no dental implants to hold them in. When there are no teeth and no implants in the bone, your body senses that and gradually dissolves the bone away to use those minerals elsewhere in your body.

But even with severe facial collapse, it isn’t too late to get the implants. You can have your bone built up with bone grafting and then have implants, and there are several complete denture options for you.

But, to help answer your question, it really is impossible, once the bone is gone, to make a simple removable denture like you’ve had before and make it fit. Since there is no height to the bone, there is nothing left for a completely removable denture to hold on to.

Related information: Are you a dental implant candidate?
 

 

 

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Not enough bone for an implant

Sunday, June 8th, 2008

I recently cracked the root of my front tooth which became infected and resulted in a loss of bone mass (I left it in too long). For an implant I need more bone. Is it possible for this bone to grow back? I am in my mid 30’s and very healthy non smoker/drinker. Thank you for your time.
- Susan in Los Angeles

Susan,
You can almost always have bone grafted into the implant site. Many dentists don’t feel comfortable doing this — it requires an extra level of expertise. Dr. Chal does these kinds of cases all the time. If you look around in your area, I believe you can find an implant dentist who can help you with this. Yes, there is extra expense involved, but the implant will end up being solid and trouble free. Even if you were to skip the implant and have a dental bridge, the lack of bone would make the false tooth look fake, because your jaw would be sunken in at that location.

Other links:
Phoenix implant dentist
Am I a dental implant candidate?
Advantages and disadvantages of a dental implant vs bridge.

Posted in Bone Grafting, Dental Implant Candidate | Comments Off