Dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement in many ways. But perhaps their most powerful impact is for restoring the most visible teeth when we smile: those in the “smile zone.”
For the best results, though, we must look beyond the implant itself to the bone and gums that will ultimately support it. If these tissues aren’t healthy, we’ll have little chance for a natural and life-like smile.
Bone is a living tissue with a life cycle. As older bone cells die and dissolve, newer cells form to take their place with the forces generated by the teeth when we chew stimulating this new growth. But this stimulus ceases when a tooth is lost, which can lead to a slowing in the cell replacement rate. Eventually, the bone volume can decrease to the point where it’s difficult to properly place an implant for best results.
We can, however, help regenerate new bone through grafting. A graft of bone material placed in the empty tooth socket becomes a scaffold for new bone to grow on and increase the volume enough for successful implantation. While we can still perform bone grafting years after tooth loss, it’s better to do it immediately after tooth extraction so as to maintain adequate bone for a future implant.
The gums also play a major role in tooth stability and protection, not to mention appearance. Unfortunately, periodontal (gum) disease, which often precipitates tooth loss, can severely damage these tissues. As the disease weakens their attachment to teeth, the gums can gradually shrink back or recede. Receded gums could ruin the life-like appearance of an implant, especially in the Smile Zone.
Again, tissue grafting can be the answer. Similar to a bone graft, the soft tissue graft in this case (often from the patient themselves) is attached to the recession site to support new tissue growth and development. The techniques used are a form of microsurgery requiring specialized equipment and training; even so, gum grafting can change the game for implant attractiveness and better oral health.
The science and art of implantation extends far beyond the implants themselves. Caring for the other structures that support them can help ensure the final results are successful and beautiful.
If you would like more information on restoring your smile with dental implants, please visit our website at www.myparkdental.com, or contact us here, or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Immediate Dental Implants.”
