Bone Augmentation and Nerve Repositioning - Restoring Your Oral Health
Posted on 8/1/2024 by Clackamas Oral Surgery |
 Have you ever been told you don't have enough bone to support a dental implant? Or perhaps you've been advised to undergo a surgical procedure called nerve repositioning before implant placement? If so, you're not alone. These are common challenges faced by many patients seeking dental implants.
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers solutions to overcome these hurdles: bone augmentation and nerve repositioning. These procedures can help restore your oral health, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of dental implants and a beautiful, functional smile.
Bone Augmentation: Building a Strong Foundation
Bone augmentation is a surgical procedure used to increase the volume of bone in your jaw. This is often necessary before placing dental implants, as they require a solid foundation to ensure long-term success.
There are various techniques for bone augmentation, depending on the severity of your bone loss and the location of the missing bone. These techniques may involve:
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Sinus lifts: This procedure adds bone to the upper back jaw, where the sinus cavities are located. |
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Ridge augmentation: This procedure increases the width of the jawbone, creating a more stable base for the implant. |
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Block bone grafts: This technique uses bone harvested from another area of your body or from a donor to build up the jawbone. |
Nerve Repositioning: Protecting Vital Structures
The inferior alveolar nerve, located in the lower jaw, is responsible for providing sensation to the lower lip, chin, and teeth. During dental implant surgery, this nerve must be carefully protected.
In some cases, the nerve may be located too close to the planned implant site. To avoid nerve damage, a nerve repositioning procedure may be necessary. This involves gently moving the nerve away from the implant site, ensuring its safety and preserving sensation in the affected area.
Benefits of Bone Augmentation and Nerve Repositioning
While these procedures may seem complex, they offer significant benefits:
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Increased success rate for dental implants: Adequate bone volume and proper nerve positioning are crucial for the long-term success of dental implants. |
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Improved aesthetics: Bone augmentation can restore the natural contours of your face, enhancing your smile and facial appearance. |
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Enhanced function: By restoring missing teeth, dental implants can improve your biting and chewing ability, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of foods. |
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Preserved sensation: Nerve repositioning helps prevent nerve damage during implant surgery, ensuring you retain normal sensation in the affected areas. |
What to Expect During and After Surgery
Both bone augmentation and nerve repositioning are typically performed under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The procedures may take a few hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
After surgery, you will experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with medication. It's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.
The Bottom Line: Restoring Your Smile with Confidence
Bone augmentation and nerve repositioning are valuable tools for overcoming challenges associated with dental implant placement. These procedures can help restore your oral health and function, allowing you to smile confidently and enjoy the benefits of a complete and healthy smile.
If you're considering dental implants and have been told you may need bone augmentation or nerve repositioning, don't hesitate to discuss these options with your dentist or oral surgeon. They can assess your needs and determine if these procedures are right for you.
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