Talking Dentistry

This month we’re talking restorative dentistry with Dr Andrew See who combines passion, artistic flare and extensive knowledge of dentistry to answer any questions you may have. He has advanced training in aesthetic and implant dentistry.

Reader’s question:

“I’ve been told that I don’t have enough bone to have an implant, is there anything I can do?”

Dr See says: For those who have been told they cannot receive dental implants due to insufficient bone, it can be discouraging and make the thought of a complete and healthy smile seem impossible. Dentures are undesirable for many people as they are removable and retain excessive amounts of bacteria around remaining teeth leading to disease. However, with advanced techniques in bone grafting, it is now possible for even those with severe bone loss to receive dental implants and achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing or damaged teeth, but they do require a certain amount of healthy jawbone to support the implant. When the jawbone has become thin or shrunken due to injury or trauma, gum disease, or prolonged tooth loss, it may not be possible to place an implant without first performing a bone graft. Bone grafting is a procedure in which a small amount of bone is added to the site of the missing tooth. The graft provides a solid foundation, and as the graft heals, the new bone integrates with the existing jawbone to create a strong, stable base for the implant. In some cases, implants can even be placed simultaneously at the time of grafting, speeding up the whole process.

Advanced techniques in bone grafting and soft tissue grafting have made the procedure more precise and effective. These techniques not only increase the success rate of the graft but also help with faster recovery and with less discomfort. With advanced techniques in dental implants and bone grafting, even those who were once told they could not receive implants can now achieve a complete and healthy smile. If you’ve been told you are not a candidate for dental implants, it is important to seek out a dentist who has experience in these advanced procedures and can provide you with the best possible outcome.

Let’s look at a case we completed recently: Shaun saw us because he was missing some front teeth from a freak accident being hit in the face with a golf ball. The subsequent infection and extraction were traumatic and caused severe bone loss. He had been told that he couldn’t have an implant so he had been coping with a denture, but as a young man, it was becoming limiting for his social life. We used specalised instruments to precisely analyse his clinical situation to make a proper diagnosis about which treatment was appropriate for him.

THE PROBLEMS

• Missing front teeth in the smile zone

• Teeth that have been missing for 20 years.

• Deficient bone and gums.

THE SOLUTION:

• Bone and Soft tissue grafting using Shaun’s own tissue to grow back the bone and gums, then subsequent implant treatment to replace the missing teeth.

** Any surgical or invasive procedure caries risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner **

9816 4885 dr.andrewsee advanceddentistrysydney.com.au

DR ANDREW SEE BDS Hons (Syd), FRACDS, MSc(Lond), PGDipDentImplantology, FCGDENT(UK), FICOI, MFDS RCSEng

HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?

Dr Andrew See has dedicated the last 20 years to Aesthetic Dentistry and has unique qualifications in cosmetic dentistry and rehabilitation.

This includes a three year Masters in Aesthetic Dentistry from the prestigious King’s College London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Implantology.

Dr See completed his Fellowship by primary and secondary examinations for The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS). FRACDS is the mark of professional achievement in dentistry and demonstrates attainment of an advanced level and skill in Dentistry.

If you have any questions you have always wanted to know about aesthetic or implant dentistry write to us at: info@advanceddentistry sydney.com.au