Dental Implant Procedure – CT Scan and Bone Grafting

Dental Implant Procedure – CT Scan and Bone Grafting

Before undergoing a Dental Implant Procedure, you must understand a few essential details. This article will discuss CT scans and bone grafting. It will also tell you the importance of not smoking or consuming alcohol before your procedure. It will also explain whether you are a candidate for a dental implant and what to expect. Also, this article will cover the risks of dental implants and chronic diseases. If you have any health issues, you should consult your doctor before undergoing a Dental Implant Procedure.

Bone grafting

A bone graft procedure involves a surgical procedure to replace lost bone. After the surgery, the patient must recover for a few weeks, depending on the bone loss. Then, the jawbone regenerates, and the implant is attached to the abutment and crown. A dental clinic will explain the options for bone grafting.

Some people need a larger graft because of facial injuries, periodontal disease, or facial tumor treatments. The doctor may take a bone from another body part and place it under the gums. A special membrane may be inserted beneath the gums to promote healing. Regardless of the cause, the goal is to replace the missing tooth and restore oral health.

CT scan

A CT scan before the dental implant procedure allows the dentist to place the implant precisely and safely in the jaw bone. The 3-D images from the CT scan will enable the dentist to determine the bone density and height to ensure dental implants fit appropriately in the mouth. The 3D images also show the dentist’s location of essential structures. Traditional x-rays can’t offer this level of safety and accuracy.

After a dental implant procedure, patients will usually need time to integrate the implant. This process is known as osseointegration and involves the growth of new bone cells around the implant post and securing it in the jaw. Patients with apparent implants can request a temporary denture while waiting for the healing phase to be completed. The healing period usually takes up to four to six months, so it’s essential to follow instructions carefully.

Bone distraction

Distraction forces are generated during the placement of an implant, so peripheral soft tissues, such as the adjacent musculature, respond to the distraction force through elongation, hyperplasia, and soft-tissue growth. These forces, in turn, cause the bone to grow into the newly positioned implant. Therefore, a patient who experiences bone loss in the extraction site may require bone distraction to replace lost tissue. However, this type of distraction is relatively painless and may not require sedation.

This technique is less invasive than traditional oral surgery and can produce more controlled results. It also reduces the need for invasive bone grafting and can increase the amount of available bone for dental implants. In addition, this technique requires a lower rate of post-operative discomfort and swelling. A recent study has also shown that distraction osteogenesis can improve the success rate of dental implant placement. In addition, distraction osteogenesis is an excellent choice for patients with low bone density.

Patients with chronic diseases are not good candidates for dental implants.

Some chronic diseases can make a person an unsuitable candidate for dental implants. For example, diabetes and leukemia can impair healing. In addition, certain medications can inhibit bone growth. Fortunately, many dental professionals can evaluate patients individually to determine their suitability. However, you should talk with your dentist before scheduling your dental implant procedure if you have a chronic illness. 

People with uncontrolled gum disease are not good candidates for dental implant placement. While dental implants are designed to resist gum disease and decay, gum disease can affect a replacement tooth’s stability. Periodontal disease is a form of gum infection that attacks bone mass. Substant bone loss and tooth loss are expected outcomes in a patient with advanced gum disease. Patients may be suitable candidates if they can obtain bone grafts or regenerate bone in such cases.