First, how does losing a tooth lead to a weakened jaw? When we have the advanced stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis, this could lead to missing teeth, destroying the attachment tissues between the teeth and gums. When we lose teeth, the body will notice and suspend the flow of essential nutrients to the jawbone around your missing root. Without these nutrients, the area weakens and erodes, which can lead to further tooth loss and even an older appearance. This also means there may not be enough viable structure to support new dental implants, limiting your tooth replacement options. But with advanced technology and laser dentistry, we can conduct a ridge augmentation to strengthen the lower jaw.
Also known as a ridge augmentation, this involves adding new structure to the weakened parts of your lower jaw. Our team will plan the procedure in detail by taking digital images of your bite from multiple angles. To ensure the procedure is comfortable, even if you have dental anxiety or special needs, we will offer a local anesthesia to numb the area directly, and also sedation to help you reach a deep state of calm and relaxation.
Our team will then add new tissues to the lower portions of your jaw that have eroded. We could use tissues taken from other parts of your body, such as the rear of your jaw, your hip, or your knee. We could also use donor or synthetic materials. We apply this to the area and it bonds with the jaw, providing new structure for dental implants. Once the area heals and we can guide the implants into your jaw, this will help keep the structure intact, so your facial structure and your new teeth can last for decades to come, possibly a lifetime!
We can assist the process with dental lasers, which allow us to modify bone structure, attachment tissues, and gum tissue with precision and accuracy. Lasers are comfortable and provide an alternative to scalpels and sutures that will heal quickly. Along with assisting with grafting, this can also help us manage periodontal disease to keep your smile whole and healthy!
Our team wants to help you smile with confidence and enjoy better oral health. To learn more about preparing your smile for dental implants, call Dr. Ann Kania in Encinitas, CA, today at 760-642-0711.
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