When a tooth is lost or extracted, and the alveolar bone (which supports the tooth) is thick enough, the bone usually heals within 3-4 months. It is then possible to consider placing an implant in the extraction site to replace the missing tooth. If, on the other hand, the alveolar bone is very fine at the beginning, for example at the level of the anterior teeth, it will be absorbed more quickly and the shape of the bone after healing will not be ideal for placing an implant directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will then be necessary to perform a bone graft to restore an ideal contour to the area where the future implant is to be placed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a bone graft is used, it usually takes at least 6 months before an implant can be placed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bone grafts are procedures that can be done mostly under local anesthesia in the office, in a relatively comfortable manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several kinds of material can be used for bone grafts, such as synthetic bone (Bio-Oss \u00a9) or your own bone that will be taken from another site\u00a0in your jaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, a bone graft must be made in the sinuses if the walls separating them from the mouth become too thin to allow an implant to be placed stably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This procedure is called a sinus lift, and involves creating a small lateral opening in the bone of your upper jaw, exposing the thin sinus membrane and elevating it in order to place bone shavings (either synthetic or your own bone) at the location where the future implant will be placed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Click on the video below to view the procedure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We will gladly answer your questions during your medical visit to the office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n