bone graft Archives - 5 Star Dental Group

Is Bone Loss from Gum Disease Irreparable?

Posted on August 31, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I have known that I have had gingivitis for a while now. My gums are sore, and they bleed easily. I’ve had more dental cleanings than usual since then. I recently moved from Indiana, and so much has been going on that I missed a few cleanings. Last week, I had a fever along with a throbbing toothache. I found a new dentist who said that part of the bone is gone near the tooth that has been throbbing. I am afraid that I will need a dental implant.

The hygienist did another dental cleaning. The dentist applied some medication around the throbbing tooth. I also received antibiotics. I have a follow-up visit next Tuesday. I am quite worried about bone loss. He thinks that he can get the situation under control with scaling, and if not, he will refer me to a periodontist. I just need to hear another opinion about how serious my case sounds. Is the bone loss irreparable? Thanks for your input. – Jane T. from Austin

Jane – If gingivitis is left untreated, periodontal disease or advanced gum disease results. Red, swollen, tender gums that bleed easily are signs of gingivitis.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Dental implant

Inadequate brushing and flossing can leave bacteria between the teeth and gums, leading to gingivitis. Scaling and root planing clean the root surfaces, remove plaque and tartar and smooth the root to remove bacteria. Many patients do not require treatment beyond this.

If root planing and scaling do not restore the health of your gums and teeth, as your dentist indicated, a periodontist can take further action to restore and preserve your oral health. Gum disease treatment is essential to avoid losing the tooth and needing a dental implant to replace it.

What If You Have Lost Bone from Gum Disease?

If you have lost bone from gum disease, a periodontist can restore it with a gum graft. The specialist will explain your options for grafting. It can take three to six months for a graft to heal.

If you still have questions about the seriousness of your case, do not hesitate to ask your dentist questions or list your questions to ask a periodontist during a consultation.

Dr. Gilberto Tostado, a San Antonio, Texas prosthodontist, sponsors this post.

My Teeth Fell Out All of a Sudden?

Posted on August 21, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Hi,

I will admit I have not always taken the best care of my teeth, and now that I’m in my 80s, I wish that I had. My dentist told me I have a bad case of gum disease, and warned me that my teeth could fall out. And that’s exactly what happened! Despite my mouth’s condition, I’d like to keep as many of my teeth as possible. My kids think I should get dentures, is that my only option? Do I need a full or partial denture? Are dental implants even an option at my age?

Ripley, from Dinosaur, Colorado

Hi Ripley,

Since your teeth are at the point where they are falling out of your gums, it sounds like your gum disease has progressed to advanced periodontal disease. In regards to answering your question, dental implants are preferable to dentures, as dental implants are anchored in your jaw and prevent decay.

However, dental implants are not the best choice for everyone, and certain risk factors increase the likelihood of implant failure. For example, a jaw that have too much decay will require a bone graft, as without one, the jaw will not be able to hold the implants. You will need a dental surgeon to properly assess you, as it would not be in your best interest to get a bone graft for dental implants only to have both the implant and graft fail.

Based on your description, a full-mouth restoration may be necessary. However, that would be the most costly option. You can also opt to remove any remaining teeth that are most likely to need it, or you can wait until they fall out on their own. Once all your teeth are out, you can proceed with a bone graft for a dental implant, or get removable full dentures. However, a removable partial dentures would be a cost-effective option and would save your remaining teeth.

Without teeth or dental implants in your jaw, your brain gets the message that you are not using your jaw anymore, and your body will begin the process of resorption. Your body slowly begins to break down the minerals in your jaw, which can lead to facial collapse over the course of ten years or so. However, given your age, dentures would improve your jaw health and preserve your teeth. With the money you save by getting dentures over dental implants, you can consult with a cosmetic dentist to make you a set of natural-looking dentures.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio dental implant provider, Dr. Gilberto Tostado, of 5 Star Dental Group.

How Many Years of Experience Does an Implant Dentist Need to be the Best?

Posted on July 29, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Hi there,

I am a candidate for dental implants and want to make sure I find the best cosmetic dentist. I am nervous about getting dental surgery. The more experienced the dental implant dentist, the less risk of dental implant failure, right? That’s what I read online. However, nothing I have read mentions how many years an implant dentist needs before they can call themselves “the best”? Is there a certain, specific number I should look for?

Twila, from Salem, MA

Hi Twila,

The more experience a dental implant dentist has, the higher their success rate when placing implants and performing surgery. Researching a dentist before starting any surgical procedures is very important, as it will help you save time and save money in the long run. For example, an inexperienced dentist may recommend a bone graft when you do not need one, or may say they cannot place implants due to lack of bone. They also may struggle to color match the porcelain crown that covers the dental implant. Choosing the wrong dentist could cause you to start over again with a different dentist, costing you even more money.

Many patients entrust their dental implant surgery to their general or family dentist, basing their choice on trust rather than the dentist’s experience. No matter how long your dentist has been in practice, if they do not have dental implant experience, they may not be the best option for your procedure.

There are no research studies done on how many years an implant dentist needs in order to be the best. However, studies show that restorations last longer when done by a dental implant specialist versus those done by a dentist. However, some dental implants just fail. Be sure to maintain your oral hygiene routines and continue with follow-up appointments post-surgery.

There is no magic number of years of practice to look for. Instead, focus on finding someone who has many years of continuing education in dental implants, and who has done a large number of cases.

To find the best implant dentist for your case, check the websites and reviews of cosmetic dentists in your area. Most will let you do a free consultation before booking an appointment. If you are really worried, you can ask your potential dentist how many of their implant cases have failed, as they will most likely remember. Bear in mind that one or two failed procedures at a practice that sees many patients is no cause for concern. Choose your potential dentist based on their experience as well as their bedside manner, someone who listens and answers your questions sincerely.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio dental implant provider, Dr. Gilberto Tostado, of 5 Star Dental Group. Please note that dental implant specialist is not a certified field of dentistry; however, dentists that have attended continuing education courses on dental implant procedures and have experience with palcing implants will call themselves dental implant specialists.

Should I Reschedule Getting my Porcelain Crowns?

Posted on May 22, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Hi there,

Last year, I started the process for getting dental implants. First I had a bone graft, then had the implant surgically placed. Now that I’ve healed up, I can finally get my porcelain crown placed. However, my crown placement appointment is right in the middle of a pandemic! I’m eager to get my crown, but I’m not sure if it counts as “essential”. It’s essential to me, but I can live a little longer without it if necessary. However, a lot of non-essential businesses are reopening, so I’m considering keeping my appointment. Should I keep it, or reschedule it? I’m not sure what to do.

Shayne, from Cleveland, OH

Hi Shayne,

This is a stressful and confusing time for everyone. CDC guidelines advise against any non-essential excursions, but stop short of actually explaining what that means. What is non-essential to some may be essential to others, so to avoid confusion, the CDC kept it vague.

If you were having a toothache or pain, you would go in to see your dentist right away for an emergency. If your jaw has fully healed and you are not in pain, you can probably reschedule your appointment with no issue. However, if you have had to change your eating habits since the surgery and cannot eat without discomfort, you may want to keep it. Dental implants are more than just aesthetic – they are replacements for your natural teeth that your mouth needs in order to function. There is no right or wrong answer here, it really is up to you and what you feel most comfortable doing.

Dental offices, like most businesses, are taking extra precautions during these unpredictable times. You will likely need to wear a mask or face covering to your appointment, and practice social distancing in the waiting room.

One thing you can do is talk to your dentist. He or she will be able to tell you whether you can safely reschedule or if you should still keep your appointment. They know you best, and can help guide you to make the best decision for you. You can also ask about any new guidelines or procedures that have recently been put in place.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio dental implant provider, Dr. Gilberto Tostado, of 5 Star Dental Group.