Tag: dental implants

Dental Implants or Dentures?


You may think tooth decay or missing teeth are only a cosmetic problem. But ignoring dental issues can lead to several health concerns, too. Around 120 million American citizens have lost one tooth or more.

Losing a tooth does not affect your oral functions alone. It influences the jawbone, the foundation for your teeth. Your teeth support the jaw and keep it together. But after tooth loss, the jawbone begins to weaken, deteriorate, and atrophy. Yes, even one missing tooth can affect the jawbone as it reabsorbs and makes your cheeks look hollow.

So, if you have suffered tooth loss, you may be wondering: Do I replace them with dental implants or dentures? Keep reading to learn more information about tooth replacement and which option is better for you.

Dentures

These dental prosthetics will protect the soft and firm parts of your gums. There are two kinds of dentures: partial and complete.

Complete dentures are more appropriate if you have several teeth missing. Partial dentures or traditional dental implants are better when several of your natural teeth are still in place. You can remove dentures at night or for cleaning. Implants remain in place permanently.

Advantages of Dentures

 

  • Customized for your jaw
  • Natural-looking
  • High-quality material
  • Allow you to chew and speak normally

Dental Implants

An excellent alternative to dentures is dental implants. In the past few decades, they have become the gold standard of tooth replacement. Unlike dentures, dental implants are surgically implants. They secure your jaw in the same way as natural teeth. It will take time for the area to heal. Your options include:

  • Permanent denture (partial or complete)
  • Bridge (helps with multiple teeth)
  • Dental crowns

Dental implants look natural. Nobody will guess you had lost any teeth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

 

  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Look natural and beautiful
  • Help you eat and speak normally
  • Restore the jawbone
  • Promote gum health
  • They consist of a safe, biocompatible titanium compound

Dentures vs. Implants

Before making this decision, consult your oral surgeon or dentist. However, there may be instances when your dental health professional has no preference, and the decision is entirely yours to make. Here are some things to consider before making your choice.

Choose Dentures If:

 

  • You’re on a budget
  • You need a quick solution
  • Your jaw and gums won’t support implants

Dentures will need daily cleaning, just like your teeth. If you fail to give them attention, it may weaken your jaw further. Your oral surgeon or dentist can counsel you on this.

Dentures take time to adjust to. You may need to learn how to talk and eat while wearing them, and they may need replacing in a few years.

Choose Dental Implants If:

 

  • You are looking for a lasting solution
  • You don’t want to replace every few years
  • You prefer your replacement to look more like your natural teeth

Dental implants are more expensive than dentures for an initial investment. But over time, without replacement and maintenance costs, they eventually pay for themselves. Dental implants may take longer to fill your gap, anywhere from three to nine months.

If you would like more information about dentures or dental implants, call our Austin oral surgery office at 512-327-7233 to request a consultation.

Does Drinking More Water Protect Your Teeth?


Dental health is essential to us all because it not only affects the quality of our smile but, in many ways, it influences our quality of life. Besides the ability to offer a brilliant smile, a healthy mouth allows us to eat correctly, breathe without obstruction, speak with expression, and get into close encounters with fresh breath.

If you follow our blog posts, you understand there are many steps to protect your teeth, like brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Below, you will learn why drinking water can be added to that list.

Strengthens Teeth

Drinking water, including water enhanced with fluoride, is recommended to strengthen teeth. Fluoride is a component proved scientifically to make teeth healthy and reduce cavities. It supports tooth structure and promotes remineralization. Consuming water with fluoride is an easy way to care for your dental health.

Cleans Your Mouth

Drinking water, along with consistent brushing and flossing, will keep your teeth clean. It rinses off acid and residue left by some foods as well as sugars and bacteria. If these harmful residues are left on the tooth surface and between the teeth, cavities will fill with bacteria. Another benefit of drinking water instead of colas, teas, and coffee is that it doesn’t stain your teeth.

Reduces Dry Mouth

The problem of dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva, which prevents tooth decay. A dry mouth is also uncomfortable and an indication of dehydration. Drinking sufficient amounts of water daily resolves dry mouth and supports saliva production, hence few cavities.

Reduces Bad Breath

If you experience halitosis regularly, you understand the embarrassment that comes with it. Poor dental health, built-up bacteria, dry mouth, and dirty teeth all play a role in bad breath. It’s no wonder the mouthwash and products designed to eliminate mouth odor are a billion-dollar industry. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day cleans your mouth and rinses away odor-causing bacteria.

Hydrates Your Gums

Dental health is not only about your teeth. It includes your gums. When your gums are in poor health, it could lead to gingivitis and tooth loss. Drinking water promotes saliva production essential for healthy gums. Proper hydration with water consumption will keep your gums hydrated and plump to protect the root of your teeth.

Conclusion

Drinking water is critical for several health benefits, and your dental health is no exception. If you don’t drink at least 60 ounces daily, start making steps to work your way up to eight glasses a day. Keep filtered cold water in your refrigerator and make it your go-to drink instead of Pepsi, tea, or Coke. These steps will increase your water intake and improve your dental health in no time.

If you have any questions on how drinking plenty of water can improve your dental health, we are here to help.

Call our Austin oral surgery office at 512-327-7233 to request a consultation.

Best Treatments for Sensitive Teeth


Does the idea of eating ice cream or having a cold drink make you wince? If so, you may be dealing with a common dental issue — sensitive teeth.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, roughly 40 million people in the United States face tooth sensitivity daily. This painful zinging is hard to ignore, especially when it happens continually.

Fortunately, you can address sensitive teeth with multiple strategies, without needing to avoid cold and hot foods for the rest of your life.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

A critical substance called enamel protects your teeth. Sensitive teeth develop when that enamel erodes, revealing its underlying layers: cementum and dentin.

The dentin layer contains microscopic canals and tubes loaded with nerve endings. Healthy teeth have enough enamel to shield the dentin layer and protect tooth sensitivity.

When enamel wears down or our gums recede, it exposes the cementum and dentin layers. This problem makes cold and hot foods and drinks aggravate cells and nerves to cause painful sensations and sensitivity.

Sensitive teeth develop from these factors:

  • Cracked teeth
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth grinding (bruxism)
  • Tooth decay
  • Enamel erosion from sugary and acidic foods
  • Harsh or forceful brushing

Regular dental visits and oral hygiene are essential to keep teeth from becoming sensitive. If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, here are some additional things you can do to help resolve the issue.

Desensitizing Toothpaste

For minor tooth sensitivity, desensitizing toothpaste is a practical solution. These kinds of toothpaste contain active agents like strontium salts, fluoride, and potassium.

Potassium decreases fluid flow through tubules in the dentin. Clogging the tubules decreases dental nerve activity. When used twice daily for consecutive months, desensitizing toothpaste will reduce the number of sensory signals reaching the brain.

When shopping for desensitizing toothpaste, choose one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which ensures the product meets its criteria for safety and effectiveness.

Fluoride

If desensitizing toothpaste does not address your sensitive teeth, you may require professional fluoride treatments. This procedure involves applying a potent fluoride gel to your teeth to restore damaged enamel and protect against future decay.

In-office treatments supplement the fluoride already in your toothpaste. You also may need custom trays and prescription fluoride for home treatment.

White Fillings or Crowns

If tooth sensitivity results from a decaying or cracked tooth, a crown or filling may be the best solution. Tooth damage exposes a nerve. A crown or white filling can recover the roots and restore your damaged tooth back to health quickly.

Root Canal

When the root canal experiences decay or injury, the nerves may cause pain or sensitivity. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp. The process is typically painless thanks to anesthesia. It resolves exposed nerves in the root canal, eliminates sensitivity, and saves the tooth.

Get Help With Your Sensitive Teeth

Don’t suffer the discomfort or pain of sensitive teeth. The team at Hill Country Oral Surgery in Austin is here to provide exceptional dental care for your comfort and appearance.

Call our Austin oral surgery office at 512-327-7233 to request a consultation.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Do you worry about how others perceive you when you smile or laugh? If you have a tooth missing, there is no dental solution more effective than implants. Alternatives like dentures and bridges are quickly becoming outdated by comparison. Even so, you may be wondering how long they last. If that is a concern, we have good news for you.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. There are certain factors, however, that affect their durability. Here, we’ll give you a clear perspective of how long dental implants will last. After reviewing this article, you should have a good idea of how these dental marvels work and what might cause them to fail prematurely.

Dental Implant Parts

Before diving into how long they last, let’s first learn what dental implants are and how they are assembled. Dental implants consist of three main parts:

The Implant—This part of the dental implant is a titanium post, surgically placed in the jawbone to act as the root for the crown.

Abutment—This part is attached to the dental implant to hold the crown in place. It is mainly a metal peg.

The Crown—This part is the ceramic tooth fastened to the abutment to provide the look of a natural tooth.

Typically, the exposed crown and abutment are more susceptible to damage than the implant root inside the bone.

Dental Implant Longevity

By properly maintaining your implants with flossing, brushing, and getting regular bi-annual checkups, dental implants can last as long as you do. However, the crown typically lasts 10-15 years before needing replacement. Excellent dental hygiene could extend the expected lifespan of a crown.

Implant location also factors into the expected life of a dental implant. Those placed in the back of the mouth are under more stress with chewing, which can cause them to wear quicker than implants in the front.

How Dental Implants Compare to Other Replacement Options

An implant is designed to be a permanent correction for missing teeth, becoming the standard tooth-replacement strategy for most dental practices. Unlike dentures, dental implants can provide the functional tool for biting and chewing without the nuisance of slipping. Also, because the implants are attached to the jawbone, they don’t decay or put stress on adjoining teeth, a common problem with bridges.

What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?

Other health factors like cancer and diabetes place a higher risk of dental implant failure. Also, not caring for teeth by brushing and flossing regularly may lead to gum disease like periodontitis. This neglect is not healthy for implants or natural teeth.

Thinking About Dental Implants?

If you think that dental implants may be right for you, please schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons. At Hill Country Oral Surgery, we use the latest technology and techniques to deliver you the best results possible.

Call us at 512-327-7233 or Request a Consultation to get started today.

Top Tooth Implant Choices After Tooth Removal

After you’ve had one or more teeth removed, you have the option to replace them with dental implants. The purpose of an implant is to restore function as well as to make you look and feel better. They are the closest thing you can get to natural, healthy teeth. You’ll regain your old smile and be able to eat all your favorite foods again.

To learn more about the available implant options, contact Hill Country Oral Surgery in Austin, TX, at (512) 327-7233.

The Three Main Choices for Implants

The main options for tooth replacement are dentures, dental bridges, and implants. While dentures are the most affordable option, they also require the most maintenance in that they must be removed and cleaned each day. The use of dental bridges had been a more popular option prior to the recent popularity of implants. Bridgework depends on existing natural teeth for support while implants are supported by just the bone and do not affect surrounding natural teeth.

The decision often comes down to cost, patient preference, the location of the missing tooth or teeth, and the health of the jawbone where the implant will go. Consultation with your doctor will help you make this important decision.

Dental Implants

Dental implants have become the most popular choice for replacing missing teeth for a number of reasons.  An implant consists of three parts: the implant itself, which is a titanium screw, an abutment, and the crown. The implant is fused to the jawbone, and the abutment is added to supports the crown. In this way, an implant stands on its own and does not affect the nearby teeth.

Because each patient’s situation is different, the stages of the procedure can vary, and the time for full restoration can range between three and six months. 

The procedure is usually done in two stages. The first stage involves removing a damaged or decayed tooth and may also include a bone graft to strengthen the jawbone. Ideally, an implant is put in place on the same day as the extraction, but this is not always the case. Some patients might require more extensive surgery and will return to have the implant placed on another day. When the area is ready for the implant, the titanium post is placed into the bone with a special drill. A temporary cap is placed over the implant, the gum is stitched and the healing process begins. Once the implant has properly fused, an abutment is added to hold the replacement tooth prosthesis, also known as a crown.

Dental Implant FAQs:

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Because implants are made of titanium, they will never decay and will last a lifetime. They will improve your appearance and the confidence to eat the foods you like.

Are there disadvantages?

As with any oral procedures, there is the risk of infection, and there will be inflammation. Your doctor will discuss all factors before the procedure. 

What is the recovery time?

If you have a single standard implant with no bone grafting, you will need the least amount of recovery time. You will experience mild bruising and soreness that can be managed by prescription pain medication, which you should take before the local anesthetic wears off. If you have multiple teeth replaced or need extensive bone grafting, the recovery time will be longer, with more discomfort.

What is All-on-4?

It’s a procedure that involves the replacement of all the missing teeth in one jaw by using only four implants. It is beneficial for patients who have lost significant bone in the back of their mouth.

What are the anesthesia options?

These will be discussed during your consultation. They include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or intravenous sedation. 

What is the cost?

It can vary depending on your situation and needs. Generally, replacing one tooth with an implant is about the same as replacing it with a fixed bridge. If various grafting procedures are needed, that could increase the cost. You should check with your insurance company to see what portion of the costs may be covered.

Can someone be too old for an implant?

No, but you do need to have healthy gums with adequate bone to support the implant. It also helps to be in good overall health.

What is the success rate?

Usually between 90 and 95 percent for patients in good health who practice good oral hygiene.

Contact Hill Country Oral Surgery today to schedule a consultation to determine your best implant choices after tooth removal. Patients will be able to view before and after photos of procedures they are considering.

All-On-4 vs. Dentures

Fifty years ago, if you lost the majority of your teeth, dentures were the only solution. Dentures have their benefits, but they aren’t always the right treatment solution. Thanks to modern dentistry, our patients today have options for full arch and full mouth tooth replacement and restoration. Dental implants, including the popular All-On-4 treatment that provides full arch restoration using four or more dental implants, provide an alternative to dentures. 

Which option should you consider for your full arch restoration? Both dentures and All-On-4 treatment offer patients valuable benefits. Come in for a consultation with our oral surgeons to discuss your options. 

Why You Should Consider Arch Restoration if Needed

No tooth stands alone. Every tooth in your mouth is part of a team, working together with the other teeth, bone, and soft tissues to provide function and beauty to your smile. When one tooth is missing, the entire balance of the mouth is thrown off. Teeth may shift. Bite patterns change. Supportive bones deteriorate. If one missing tooth is problematic, imagine the effect that many missing or damaged teeth can have on your smile. 

Missing teeth are a drain on confidence, and many of our patients with tooth loss refuse to smile. Chewing becomes more difficult, leading to poor dietary choices and declining nutrition. Oral hygiene is more challenging with many missing or damaged teeth, compounding the problem, and leading to future tooth loss and damage. 

You can’t prevent damage that has already been done, but you can stop the process and repair your smile. Replacing missing or damaged teeth using dentures or dental implants can improve the function and aesthetics of your mouth. If you have missing teeth, call our office and schedule a consultation to explore your options. 

Dentures vs. All-On-4

Two of our primary options for full arch tooth replacement are dentures and All-On-4 restorations. Both have benefits that will be discussed in-depth during your consultation. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are prosthetic dental devices that replace missing teeth. Full and partial dentures are available, replacing some or all of the teeth on a dental arch. They feature a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums, usually attached with a denture paste.  Dentures are removed each night for cleaning. 

The benefits of dentures include:

  • No need for oral surgery
  • Cost effective
  • Long lasting

Dentures have downsides too. They must be placed and removed each day. They may not be as stable as an implant, causing challenges when consuming some types of foods, including hard, sticky, and chewy foods. 

What Is All-On-4?

All-On-4 is a marketing term used to describe full arch restoration using four or more dental implants. Basically, a small number of dental implants are used to support a full arch of composite, replacement teeth. As every dental implant case is different, we find the terminology of All-On-4 deceptive and confusing, and usually call the treatment Full Arch Dental Rehabilitation.

This treatment uses fewer implants to reduce the cost and surgical time of a full arch restoration while providing patients with many of the benefits of dental implants. Unlike dentures, dental implants function like natural teeth. They are permanent and non-removable and do not require special cleaning or care. Dental implants are cared for like natural teeth. 

The benefits of All-On-4 include:

  • Brush, floss, and care for your teeth like a natural smile
  • Eat all foods, including hard or chewy foods, with confidence
  • Permanent and non-removable
  • More stable than dentures

We find the All-On-4 process is superior to dentures for many patients, and often recommend this treatment. Our oral surgeons can help you decide which tooth replacement solution is best for you. 

Missing teeth? Restore your smile at Hill Country Oral Surgery, a top provider of dental implants in Austin, TX. Call our office at 512-327-7233 to schedule a consultation with one of our highly trained and experienced oral surgeons.

The Benefits of Metal-Free Dental Implants

The Benefits of Metal-Free Dental Implants

Hill Country Oral Surgery is proud to offer metal-free dental implants to our patients in Austin, TX. These strong and durable implants provide our patients with another option for tooth replacement and restoration. We want to help you get your smile back. Come in for a consultation to learn more about your options for tooth replacement, including metal-free dental implants. Call our office at 512-327-7233 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced oral surgeons.

Dental Implant Options in Austin, TX

We offer both metal and metal-free dental implants for tooth replacement. Why do we offer both types of dental implants? Each type has different strengths and using both metal and metal-free selections ensures that our patients have access to the options they need for a successful procedure.
Metal dental implants are usually made from titanium, a strong and corrosion resistant metal. These implants are currently the most commonly used type of dental implant in the U.S. and at our practice here in Austin, TX. Titanium implants consist of the screw, an abutment, and a crown. The titanium screw is implanted into the jawbone and, in time, will fuse with the bone to create a strong, solid support for the tooth. The abutment extends out of the bone and is the portion of the implant where the crown, or replacement tooth, will be attached. Titanium implants are the preferred option for many patients, including those that plan on creating a bridge of replacement crowns for multiple missing teeth, like with our All-on-4 implant treatment, a technique that restores a full arch using four or more carefully positioned implants.
Metal-free dental implants are made from zirconia, a strong ceramic material that never corrodes. We use the NobelPearl implants from Nobel BioCare. They are one of the newer options available and are some of the most effective metal-free options we’ve ever seen. We are delighted to finally be able to offer our patients a top-quality metal-free solution for tooth replacement.

The Benefits of Zirconia Dental Implants

Zirconia implants aren’t the right fit for every patient, but when used appropriately, they do offer many benefits including:
Reduced Oral Bacteria- The metal-free dental implants we use are specially constructed to reduce plaque and oral bacteria on and around the implant. Combine the unique design with good oral hygiene to dramatically improve oral health.
Shorter Surgery- Metal-free dental implants can reduce surgical and recovery times for some patients. They are placed using a different technique that benefits some patients significantly.
No Metal Allergies- Metal-free dental implants are made from ceramic, not metal. Although metal allergies are rare, these implants are ideal for patients that cannot use a titanium implant, for whatever reason.
Natural Looking Appearance- The screw and abutment portion of a titanium implant is a silver, metallic color. This can occasionally be seen through the gumline, especially in patients with thinning gums or bone. Zirconia dental implants have a white base, that looks more like a natural tooth root. Metal-free dental implants create a more natural appearance in patients with thinning gums.
Zirconia implants are also strong and long lasting, like their titanium counterparts. These implants integrate effectively into the bone, withstand biting forces, and provide beautiful, natural looking results.

Metal or Metal-Free Dental Implants: Which Should I Choose?

If you were to ask us whether metal or metal-free dental implants are the best, we would have a hard time answering. In truth, both types of dental implants are effective and valuable solutions. Both will help stimulate the bone in the jaw, protecting against bone loss and deterioration. Both implant types will restore form and function to a mouth after tooth loss. Both metal and metal-free dental implants are long lasting. We offer two distinct types of dental implant because each option has benefits.

Which one is best for you? The only way to know is to come in for a consultation. We usually have a clear preference between metal and metal-free options after a consultation. Examining your mouth, taking the necessary x-rays and imaging tests, and discussing your goals will help us find the best tooth replacement option for you. Call us and schedule a consultation at Hill Country Oral Surgery in Austin, TX.

What Causes Dental Implant Failure and How Can You Avoid It?

 

Dental implants are designed to last. With proper use, they can enhance your smile and restore dental function for decades. At Hill Country Oral Surgery, we regularly perform dental implant placement in Austin, TX and have an excellent success rate.

Unfortunately, dental implants do occasionally fail. This is not a common problem but can be a frustrating one when it occurs. Learn what causes dental implant failure and get our best tips for avoiding this problem. Our goal is a beautiful, healthy, restored smile after tooth loss or extraction. Call us to schedule your consultation with one of our skilled and experienced oral surgeons.

Common Causes of Dental Implant Failure

What causes a dental implant to fail? There are many potential reasons. Some problems occur shortly after placement and may keep the dental implant from properly integrating with the jawbone. Other issues can arise long after the implant is placed, often due to disease, infection, or improper care. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common causes of dental implant failure in Austin, TX.

  • Patient Health- Your health plays a critical role in determining the success of your implants. Some medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases and blood diseases, may make implants inadvisable. We’ll talk about your health, including any medications you may be taking, to ensure that implants are safe and recommended for you.
  • Smoking- Smokers experience higher levels of implant failure. This doesn’t automatically disqualify a smoker from the procedure, but it is something we should talk about. If you smoke, stopping is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health.
  • Implant Rejection or Allergic Reaction- Rejection occurs when the body reacts negatively to a foreign substance, in this case, the dental implant. Other patients may experience an allergic reaction to components used in the implant. Allergic reactions are very rare since the implants we use are made using a specially treated titanium.
  • Nerve or Tissue Damage- Nerve or tissue damage during implant placement can cause problems with integration.
  • Infection- Infection can cause implant failure at any time during the life of the implant. Initially, infections may interfere with the implant’s ability to integrate. Later, infection can erode bone holding the implant in place.
  • Overloading- Too much pressure, too soon on a new implant can cause failure.
  • Not Enough Implants- For patients requiring extensive restoration, we often use implants to support bridges, allowing for full arch reconstruction with as few as four implants. These procedures can be highly successful but require careful planning to ensure sufficient support. Too few implants can lead to dental implant failure.
  • Poor Oral Hygiene- Good oral hygiene is critical to maintaining natural teeth or dental implants. Poor hygiene can lead to bone or gum loss or infection, common causes of dental implant loss.
  • Lack of Bone or Gum Tissue- Implants must be supported by sufficient bone and gum tissue. We use bone and gum grafting as needed to ensure that patients have the needed structure within the mouth to successfully support dental implants.
  • Tooth Grinding- Dental implants can stand up to biting and chewing forces for many years, but tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be problematic. If you have this problem, come see us, and we can recommend treatment options to protect either your natural teeth or your implants.

These are some of the most common causes of dental implant failure but are not the only potential causes. We’ll talk with you extensively about the risks and benefits of this procedure during your consultation.

Avoiding Dental Implant Failure- What Can You Do?

One of the best ways to prevent dental implant failure is to choose an experienced and careful oral surgeon for your implant placement. Dental implants aren’t a quick fix, and any dentist that tells you they are should be avoided. We take our time with dental implants to ensure that they are ready to withstand years of chewing and smiling. Choose an oral surgeon with extensive dental implant experience, like Dr. Cavaretta and Dr. Rasmussen.

Taking care of your teeth is the other key to success. We’ll provide you with detailed recovery instructions, and we will teach you how to care for your implants so they can last.

Learn more about dental implants at Hill Country Oral Surgery. Call us at 512-327-7233 to schedule your consultation with us.

 

How to Choose Your Best Bone Graft Material

Beautiful dental restorations require a strong foundation. When placing dental implants, we need sufficient bone to support the implant through the strain of biting forces. If bone has degraded, bone grafting may be needed. Our oral surgeons are experienced in dental bone grafting using donor and patient-collected bone.

Learn about your options for bone graft material below. If you require this additional step before your dental implants, we’ll discuss options in detail before your procedure.

Why Are Bone Grafts Needed for Dental Implants?

Teeth apply pressure to the bones in the jaw each time you bite. This pressure and stimulation keep the bone healthy and strong. When a tooth is lost, the bone slowly begins to degrade. This is a very gradual process and can take months or years before the bone loss is pronounced. Bone can also be damaged during the extraction of a severely decayed tooth.

To place a dental implant, we need bone. Patients that have been without a tooth for an extended period often lack sufficient bone, both in quality and quantity. Bone grafts supply us with the quality bone needed for a successful implantation.

Bone structure is essential to facial structure. Grafting restores jawline contours for a full and healthy-looking lower face.

Do I Need a Bone Graft?

Bone grafts aren’t always needed for dental implants. The longer a tooth has been missing, the more likely a graft is needed. Patients with recent tooth loss often don’t require this procedure. We never recommend bone grafting if it isn’t necessary for functional or aesthetic results.

Where Do We Get Bone for Bone Grafting?

The bone we use for grafting comes from either a donor source or is harvested from the patient.

  • Donor Bone- Using bone from a donor eliminates the need for a second surgical site. We use donor bone from human or bovine (cow) sources. This bone is processed and sterilized before implantation and is obtained from a tissue bank.
  • Patient-Harvested Bone- Another source for bone is the patient. We often extract this bone from the lower jaw, either from the chin or behind the third molar area. This bone is obtained with minimal risk and without cosmetic deformity.

Which Bone Graft Type Is Best for Me?

The best bone graft material depends on many factors. We need an examination and consultation to determine your best treatment approach.

  • Tissue bank bone, either bovine or human, simplifies the grafting process. We can immediately start the graft, without having to harvest the tissue first. It speeds recovery since only one surgical site is created.
  • Patient-harvested bone is used most often in implant sites that require significant reconstruction.

We have an in-house 3D CT machine. This allows us to create detailed imaging of your existing bone anatomy. This information is used to determine if bone grafting is needed, and which graft materials are most appropriate.

Call Hill Country Oral Surgery to learn more about your options for dental implants and bone grafting in Austin, TX. Our phone number is 512-327-7233.