Jawbone grafting, sometimes referred to as ridge augmentation, is a procedure that rebuilds and restores the portions of your smile weakened by untreated tooth loss. For many, this is the initial step before receiving dental implants. In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about how we use lasers as part of the grafting procedure.
The Loss of Mass and Density in Your Jaw
A lot happens when we lose our natural teeth. We could have trouble eating and speaking, and we could feel self-conscious about our appearance too. But one of the most severe complications is the loss of mass and density in your jaw. Your body will stop providing doses of calcium and phosphates to the jaw around the missing root. Deprived of these nutrients, your smile loses mass and density, which causes an aged appearance and could leave your smile unable to support dental implants. But we can help by rebuilding these weakened portions of your jaw with a ridge augmentation.
The Ridge Augmentation Procedure
Essentially, we will provide new tissues to the weakened parts of your jaw, applying them to the bone issue so they can bond and create new structures that support dental implants. Once we insert the dental implants, this helps preserve the area and keep your smile whole while preserving your youthful features. We could take bone tissue from your jaw, knee, or the rear of your hip. We could also discuss using synthetic or donor tissues too.
The Benefits of Advanced Technology
Our team could use dental lasers as part of the process. These lasers are specially calibrated to reshape and modify your gum tissues, so we can access the bone tissue and begin the grafting procedure. We could also use the same technology to modify the bone structure too. We then prepare your smile for the ridge augmentation procedure. The technology can target areas with precision and prevent damage to the healthy bone and gum tissues. In addition, the technology prevents swelling, bleeding, and lowers the risk of infection. This also allows the area to heal quickly, so you can recover sooner and move forward with the tooth replacement procedure.
If you have any questions about jawbone grafting with laser technology, or about the process of placing dental implants to address tooth loss, then contact our team today to learn more.
Your Encinitas/San Diego, CA Periodontist Can Prepare Your Smile for Dental Implants
Laser dentistry and jawbone grafting can mean a stronger smile, one that is full and beautiful. If you would like to find out more about addressing tooth loss and weakened oral structures with advanced technology, then please call Dr. Kania’s laser periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.