Dental implants require a solid foundation. For many patients in the Mt. Pleasant and Charleston area, tooth loss has already affected that foundation. Bone grafting and sinus lift procedures rebuild it, making implants possible for those who might not otherwise qualify. At Carolina Center for Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Mayur Patel provides both procedures.
The Structural Link Between Tooth Loss and Bone Loss
Natural Jawbone Atrophy and Resorption
The jawbone stays healthy through stimulation from tooth roots. When you lose a tooth, that stimulation stops. The bone in that area begins to shrink in a process called resorption.
The longer a tooth goes missing, the more bone volume is lost and the more likely it is that you will require a grafting procedure before implant placement.
Rebuilding a Solid Foundation for Mount Pleasant Implant Patients
How Specialized Bone Grafting Restores Dental Architecture on Bowman Road
Bone grafting adds volume to areas of the jaw where resorption has occurred. Dr. Patel places grafting material at the site, which integrates with the existing bone over several months. Once the graft heals, the jawbone has sufficient density and volume to support an implant post. Dr. Patel evaluates each patient's bone volume using advanced imaging before recommending whether grafting is needed and which graft type suits their situation.
Addressing the Upper Jaw: Sinus Lift Procedures for Charleston Area Patients
Safely Expanding Vertical Bone Height Near the Coastal Communities
Placing an implant in the upper back jaw can present a specific challenge. The maxillary sinuses are directly above the jaw in this area, and bone loss after tooth loss can reduce the vertical height available for an implant.
During a sinus lift, we lift the sinus membrane and place bone material in the space created beneath it. Over time, this increases the vertical bone height available for implant placement. Dr. Patel performs the procedure under local anesthesia and can also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as needed for comfort. Most of our patients return to their usual activity within a few days.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Bone Grafting?
If you’re considering implants and have questions, or you’ve been told you can’t get an implant due to bone loss, call Carolina Center for Restorative Dentistry. Dr. Patel will evaluate your situation to see if bone grafting can make implant placement possible.