While bone grafting is a very successful procedure, it does add cost, discomfort, and potentially a long time to dental implant procedures. That’s why some people look for alternatives that let them get the results they want without bone grafts. At our Moore County dental practice, we offer innovative solutions that help restore your smile while avoiding the need for bone grafts, giving you quicker, more comfortable results.
All-on-4 Replacement Teeth
If you are looking to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, the All-on-4 system is an excellent solution that often eliminates the need for a bone graft. Unlike traditional dental implants, which may require multiple surgeries and extensive bone grafting, All-on-4 is designed to make the most of your existing bone structure. By strategically placing four implants at specific angles, the system can effectively support a full set of replacement teeth. This approach helps to balance the forces placed on the jaw, maximizing your natural bone and providing a strong foundation for your new teeth.
The best part? The All-on-4 procedure allows you to leave the dental office with a fully functional set of replacement teeth in just one day! This immediate solution offers a life-changing result, restoring both the function and appearance of your smile. Whether you’re dealing with missing teeth, failing dentures, or compromised oral health, All-on-4 provides a comprehensive and efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Our Moore County dental implant provider specializes in making this life-changing procedure accessible and comfortable for our patients.
Mini Dental Implants (MDIs)
Mini dental implants (MDIs) offer a solution for patients with limited bone density or those who are not ideal candidates for traditional dental implants. The key advantage of MDIs is their smaller size, which allows them to fit into areas where there may not be enough bone to support a regular implant. This makes them an excellent option for patients with short or narrow jawbones who want to avoid more invasive procedures like bone grafting.
While MDIs provide a less invasive alternative, it’s important to note that they are not as strong or durable as traditional dental implants. Due to their smaller size and design, MDIs may not provide the same level of support for individual replacement teeth as their larger counterparts. As a result, they are typically used for stabilizing dentures, providing patients with greater comfort and security. MDIs help to prevent dentures from slipping, improving their fit and functionality, which can significantly enhance the patient’s ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
However, because MDIs lack the strength and support needed for permanent, individual teeth replacements, they are generally not recommended for full arch restoration or single-tooth implants. They are best suited for stabilizing dentures in patients with mild to moderate bone loss.
Dr. Ritt Kuhn assesses each patient’s unique situation to determine whether MDIs are the right solution. If you’re considering dentures or looking for ways to improve the fit and stability of your current dentures learn more about mini dental implants and how they can enhance your smile.
Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts for Dental Implants
Successful dental implantation relies on a stable foundation. As both vertical and horizontal bone loss occurs after losing a tooth, it may be necessary to augment the jawbone so that there is sufficient quantity and quality of bone to support an implant post. Sinus lifts are also commonly done to add vertical dimension to an implant site.
Bone grafting
The material used for grafting can be your own bone, bone from a tissue bank, bone from animals or synthetic materials. Our Moore County dental implant specialist, Dr. Ritt Kuhn prefers to use supplied grafting materials that don’t require removal of your own bone. Bone grafting material is inserted into your jawbone to help stimulate natural bone regeneration.
Most bone grafts are minor procedures that only require a local anesthesia, and the grafting and implant placement can frequently be performed in the same visit. With more extensive procedures, the graft will need a few months to heal prior to placement of a dental implant.
Socket preservation
Dr. Kuhn often performs socket preservation after a tooth extraction. During this procedure, the socket is packed with bone grafting material to fill the empty space and keep the ridge from collapsing. A barrier membrane is inserted to keep the material in place while the site heals.
Sinus lifts
Sinus lifts are performed when a sinus is too close to the location where a dental implant will be placed. This may be the result of missing teeth. When teeth in the back of the upper jaw are missing, the sinuses tend to expand.
A sinus lift, sometimes called a sinus augmentation, is performed by gently lifting the membrane separating the sinus from your jaw. Several millimeters of bone graft material is then packed into the space left by the sinus. Once the new bone has fully integrated with your jawbone the implant can be placed.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile
Our Moore County dental associates are committed to helping you restore both the function and appearance of your smile with advanced dental implant solutions. Whether you’re considering dental implants, All-on-4, mini dental implants, or bone grafting, Dr. Ritt Kuhn offers personalized tooth replacement options to ensure you receive the treatment that best meets your needs.
Don’t let missing teeth or bone loss affect your health or self-confidence. With our innovative solutions, we can help you achieve a beautiful, functional smile that lasts. Call our Moore County dental office today at (910) 692-4450 to take the first step toward transforming your smile and improving your quality of life!
