Delaram Hanookai DDS. – Bone Regeneration for Dental Implants
April 8, 2018
When a tooth is lost due to disease or trauma, that tooth should be replaced because it performs an important function as a component of the mouth. Our teeth are used every day for biting and chewing and speaking and when one or more are missing, that can affect our ability to do these things efficiently. Also, missing teeth will eventually cause our existing teeth to move and shift to where they are not supposed to be. This will also affect our bite and wear on our teeth and even create other complications. This can all be avoided by replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant, thus preserving and maintaining the integrity and balance of the dental structure and function.
When a tooth is lost completely, the void or alveolus (socket) left behind will fill naturally with granular tissue within a few days and eventually be filled with bone as part of the body’s natural healing process. This regeneration of the bone is very important and necessary because it is where the new dental implant will be anchored. Once the socket is filled and the bone is fully regenerated, a precise hole is carefully drilled into the bone in order to receive the implant which is gently screwed into place to serve as a solid artificial root to which the new tooth is affixed.
In some cases, there may not be enough healthy solid bone tissue for the implant to be securely anchored in place. If this is the case, a bone graft may be necessary. A bone graft is a surgical procedure used to reinforce and strengthen the area for the implant. This will provide the patient with a solid foundation for me to successfully anchor the implant and complete the restoration. A loose or partially anchored implant will not function properly and can even cause greater damage.
Every patient is unique and an individual’s bone density can vary significantly from one patient to another. Some patients have soft bone and others have hard bone tissue. As a specialist in the field of dental implantology, Dr. Delaram Hanookai, can perform specific tests to determine exactly what each patient needs. This way she can perform the precise procedure at the appropriate interval for the best possible prognosis of a complete and permanent restoration.
Regardless of density, healthy, strong bone, is essential for a successful restoration of appearance and function using a dental implant. Depending on the health of the bone and the degree of bone regeneration after the loss of a tooth, Dr. Hanookai can plan accordingly and schedule each phase of the restoration process to best meet her patients’ needs. Because bone growth is gradual and regeneration takes time, this whole procedure typically requires multiple visits spaced over several months. Because this is her area of specialization, Dr. Hanookai takes great pride in caring for her patients every step of the way.
Southland Dental Care is home of Los Angeles implant dentist, Dr. Delaram Hanookai, who is at your service for all your dental implant and periodontal needs.
