Countless individuals have replaced missing teeth with jaw-bone anchored tooth implants. Unlike a dental bridge, a tooth implant consists of a titanium post inserted into the jaw bone. The bone meshes with the post to create a strong base for the natural-looking prosthetic tooth and crown that attaches to the post.
Dental implants are usually the ideal restoration for people who want to replace a missing tooth. There is a problem, however, if the jaw bone is too thin at the implant site.
When a tooth is extracted, the bone loses the blood circulation at the former site of the root. Consequently, bone recession often transpires. If the recession is acute, there is not enough bone to hold the dental implant post.
Bone grafting can augment the bone at the implant site and provide the bone density necessary for a successful implant. This is usually effective, but it does require time for the new bone to be created. A new discovery may provide a quicker solution for regenerating bone.
Researchers at the Georgia Health Sciences University College of Dental Medicine have identified a protein that quickly stimulates the production of new bone. The research team, led by Dr. Ulf M.E. Wikesjo, implanted bone morphogenetic protein in test subjects and discovered that “more new bone formed within four weeks than with conventional bone grafting.”
This protein will require extensive testing before it is available for dental implant patients. However, I am pleased with the prospect of an additional method for making dental implants possible for my patients with missing teeth and jaw bone recession.
For information about tooth restoration options including tooth implants, dental bridges, and porcelain crowns, call Centreville Dental Wellness Center at 703-815-0775.
Contact Centreville Dental Wellness Center
703-815-0775
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
14245F Centreville Sq
Centreville, Virginia
20121
