In this section, are stories and photo galleries of patients treated over the years who required bone grafting for dental implants. Long term success of implants depends on a proper foundation and form of the supporting bone. All of the patients in these stories were treated by Dr. Kazemi in collaboration with restoring dentists.
Extraction Site Grafting:
Following any tooth extraction, the bone undergoes remodeling and shrinkage. This bone loss can create unsightly defects as well as make it difficult to place an implant. Extraction site grafting is done at the time of tooth extraction and prevents bone loss. It also regenerates bone where it may already be missing from an infection.
Grafting to Increase Width:
Patients who use dentures or did not receive bone grafting at the time of a tooth extraction can lose a significant amount of bone width. Implant success requires adequate thickness of bone for proper support, hygiene, and implant longevity. Bone grafting and other regeneration techniques can predictably restore bony defects and make an implant possible.
Sinus Graft to Increase Height:
There may be inadequate height of bone for implants in the back of the upper jaw due to the position of the maxillary sinus. The sinus lift bone graft is a predictable procedure that allows placement of the proper length implants that are important for long term success.
Distraction Technique:
Whether due to trauma or bone resorption from dentures, loss of bone height can create poor aesthetics and make implant placement difficult, if not impossible. Distraction osteogenesis allows regeneration of bone in the vertical dimension. Dr. Kazemi has performed these procedures successfully on many patients.
Gingival Grafting:
When there is bone or gum tissue deficiency in the smile zone, a soft tissue gingival graft may be recommended. This augments soft tissue form and creates more natural gum tissue line and aesthetics. Gingival grafting can also be used to treat recessions or areas with lack of attached gingiva.
Bone Grafting Success Stories
Single Stage Graft & Implant
The Story: This patient presented with history of pain and swelling associated with his upper right molar which had been previously treated with root canal. The tooth had a large abscess and recurrent decay under the crown. The tooth was non-restorable and required extraction. Patient wanted to replace the tooth with an implant at later time. Treatment: The tooth was initially extracted under... Read full story
Incisor Bone Graft & Implant
Lucy
The Story: This patient was experiencing recurrent infection with her upper incisor which had been previously treated with a root canal. The tooth was extracted by her general dentist, however it was not grafted and there was no discussions of implant placement at the time. Patient came to us about 6 months after the extraction. The exam showed moderate loss of bony width and thin overall tissue.... Read full story
Sinus lift for upper molars
The Story: This patient had lost his upper right molars many years ago, and was finding himself chewing more on the left side. He was offered a partial denture by his original dentist, but felt he was still relatively young and did not feel comfortable getting a denture. He wanted to have fixed crowns supported by implants to allow him to chew comfortably on both sides. Treatment: Because of... Read full story
Thin Lower Ridge
The Story: This patient had her lower back teeth extracted several years ago and the jaw bone suffered gradual resorption. She had great difficulty chewing on that side and wanted to replace her missing teeth. She was told by several dentists that she can not have implants because she was did not have enough bone and had recommended her to get a partial denture. She said even the thought of... Read full story
Grafting of upper incisor
The story: 30-year-old patient presented with a fractured tooth #8 (upper left central incisor). She had a fairly high smile line and wanted to replace the tooth with an implant, but to also create a natural gum line and tooth appearance. Because of the thin nature of the bone around the tooth, bone grafting was recommended first, followed by the implant at later time. Treatment: The tooth was... Read full story
