Frequently Asked Questions

What is jaw ridge modification?

How safe is the procedure?

When will I be fit and ready to get back to daily life again?

Can autologuous bone be used?

Is bone substitute available?

How is bone formation stabilized?

Are there any possible complications?

Can bone atrophy or degeneration reoccur some time after the procedure?

Can autologuous blood better ensure bone formation as well as increase its rate?

Can I see before and after photos?

Tooth Implantology /Jaw Ridge Modification

What is jaw ridge modification?
In jaw ridge modification the thickness and height of the jawbone, which was x-rayed prior to the operation, is first measured. The gums are cut open to expose the underlying jawbone. The bone is prepared and the implant installed. The gums are then stitched closed.

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How safe is the procedure?
Implantology has been an established procedure for ten to fifteen years. These days there are no doubts about their stability. Statistics gathered over the past fifteen years have shown that implants in the upper jaw are 95% stable and implants in the lower jaw are 93% stable. The procedure is therefore quite safe.

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When will I be fit and ready to get back to daily life again?
In jaw ridge modification the thickness and height of the jawbone, which was x-rayed prior to the operation, is first measured. The gums are cut open to expose the underlying jawbone. The bone is prepared and the implant installed. The gums are then stitched closed.

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Can autologuous bone be used?
The percent of harm done to neighboring teeth is very small, under 1% or less. For an experienced specialist, usually a surgeon, the percent is under 0.01%. The surgeon is usually qualified and experienced enough to insert the implant so precisely that the neighboring teeth are unharmed. Because of the hard material composing teeth, the chances that they will be harmed during the operation are essentially zero. Should complications arise, there is always corrective surgery.

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Is artificial bone material available?
In principle implantation can be done after tooth loss. If there is a lot of bone deterioration, four implants can be implanted in the frontal area and a removable prosthesis attached resulting in a stable prosthesis and the ability to chew well. If there is enough good bone in the lower jaw, 6-8 implants can be inserted for a more permanent solution if desired.

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How is bone stabilized?
An implant can last a lifetime if it is inserted into healthy bone and a reasonably good prosthetic support structure is made. In this situation, the implant can last a very long time. In addition to these factors, hygiene as well as dental or surgical care also play a role and naturally should not be neglected.

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Are there any possible complications?
It is a matter of one operation divided into two stages. The first step is to insert the implant and let the bone fuse during a three month healing period. This takes six months for the upper jaw because of the quality of the bone found there; it is weaker than in the lower jaw. After the healing time has elapsed, the implant is reexposed through a small operation and a crown installed.

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Can bone atrophy or degeneration reoccur some time after the procedure?
A dental implant can be used as long as existing teeth are in good shape and there is enough bone in the jaw, no inflammation in the bone and generally good hygiene in the oral cavity. An implant can be installed if periodontosis is present as long as the periodontosis is being treated. If there is not enough bone but all the other prerequisites have been met, the bone transplant and implantation can be done in the same operation with very good results.

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Can autologuous blood better ensure bone formation as well as increase its rate?
General anesthesia is necessary especially if a large number of implants are to be made along with a bone transplant in the upper and lower jaw. If a bone transplant from the pelvis is necessary, general anesthesia is definitely necessary.

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Can I see before and after photos?
As a rule, the postoperative care does not cause any pain and is a routine.

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