When it comes to missing teeth, the idea of bone grafts may seem like a no-brainer. After all, what else are we supposed to do when that front third molar goes kapow on us? The good news is that modern dentistry has come so far in the last few decades alone that you don’t need to go through life with a toothless smile. The even better news is that there are plenty of ways to avoid needing bone grafting for missing upper teeth. Here are 5 of them:
Be diligent about oral hygiene.
If you have teeth that you can still brush and floss, that is reason enough to keep it up. But if you’re upper missing teeth, you’re going to want to be extra diligent about keeping your mouth clean. When you have upper missing teeth, plaque and bacteria can build up, causing your gums to recede. If this happens, your remaining teeth will be more difficult to keep clean.
This can lead to more serious health problems, like a condition known as dry socket. When plaque and bacteria build up, they can cause irritation and even infection in your gums. If left untreated, this can lead to gum disease. If you have missing teeth, you’re at a higher risk for gum disease, because your gums may not receive proper cleaning from brushing and flossing.
Meet with an implant specialist.
Once your oral health is under control, the next step is to find out if bone grafting is really necessary. The best and easiest way to do this is to meet with a dental implant specialist. They’ll be able to do a very thorough exam and let you know whether bone grafting (and related surgeries) are really necessary. They’ll also be able to assess whether or not you’re a good candidate for implants. If implants are viable, they’ll be able to give you an idea of how many you might need and what placement would best suit your unique bite. They’ll also be able to provide you with an estimate for the cost of the procedure.
See if a denture is a better option.
If you’re a candidate for dental implants, you’re probably wondering what the difference is between implants and an overdenture. Implants are a replacement for the tooth root. They allow for natural-looking teeth to be placed in the exact same position as the original teeth. Once in place, these teeth can be cleaned and flossed like normal. An overdenture is a removable aid that holds a partial or a bridge in place. It is secured to your gums and can be removed at any time. However, the fact that it is removable is a disadvantage as well as an advantage. It can be removed for cleaning or to be replaced with a different partial or bridge.
Talk to your dentist about other small options.
There are a number of smaller options that might help to fill the gap when you’re missing teeth. These might include: – Using a retainer on your remaining teeth to help keep them in place. – Putting a bonded onlay on the tooth next to the gap. This is a small piece of porcelain that is bonded to the tooth. – Using a space maintainer on the tooth next to the gap. This is a small piece of metal that is bonded to the tooth. These options are not only less invasive but also less expensive. They can be a good way to hold off on the need for implants until your finances are in order.
Conclusion
Finally, it is important to note that you don’t have to live with missing teeth. There are many ways to replace them, including dental implants and overdentures. If you have missing teeth, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options.
A dental bone graft is necessary when bone loss has occurred in the jaw. This procedure is commonly performed prior to dental implant placement or when bone loss is negatively affecting neighboring teeth.
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