Dentist Plano Texas Patient Library

Implant success depends directly upon having a sufficient quantity of healthy bone into which the implant will bond. That's why we specialize in 'site development': a process by which we actually enhance the amount and quality of bone available for implant placement. Most often, this involves either the upper or lower jaw area, or the very back of the upper jaw, near the sinus area.

Ridge Modification

Periodontal disease, denture wearing, physical defects, injury, or trauma can all cause deformity in the upper or lower jawbone. To correct this problem, we perform 'ridge modification', surgically lifting away the gum from the bony area and filling the area with bone or bone substitute. We have several grafting material options, which can help regenerate the lost bone and tissue. Once we've augmented the site sufficiently, we simply close the area, allow it to heal, and wait until it's ready to accept the implant---a time period which can be up to 12 months, depending upon your particular situation.

Sinus Augmentation

Because the upper back jaw is so close to the sinus area, it often has insufficient bone quantity for implant placement…especially if you've lost teeth or had periodontal disease in that area. To correct this, we surgically raise the sinus floor and develop bone in the area for implant placement. Commonly, this involves surgically exposing the bone, cutting a small circle out, lifting the bony piece into the sinus cavity, and filling the resulting space with bone graft material. After we close the incision, we allow healing and bone regeneration to take place for about four to twelve months. If bone loss is minimal, we may even be able to place your implants at the same time as performing the augmentation.

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