What{s a Dental Implant?

“It has been estimated that 69 percent of Americans age 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth, and one in four over the age of 74 have lost ALL their natural teeth” (American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 2013).

“A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge” (American Academy of Periodontology, 2014). Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is resorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is not enough bone suitable for placement of the dental implants. In these situations patients are not good candidates for placement of dental implants because the bone foundation is not adequate to support the implants. Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or the patient’s own bone is used. Sinus bone grafts can also be performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw.

These procedures may be performed separately or together with implant placement, depending upon the patient’s overall condition. There are several areas of the body that are suitable for obtaining bone grafts. In the facial region, “Bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee” (Aetna, Inc., 2013).

In cases of extreme bone loss patients may need to undergo a sinus lift. The maxillary sinuses are behind cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. Sinuses are empty ai...

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