Bone Augmentation

For your dental implant to have a secure anchor, sufficient bone must be available for safe anchoring. If there is insufficient bone in certain areas, bone augmentation must be performed before implantation. This is also referred to as augmentation or an augmentative procedure.

Why is there bone loss?

Long-standing tooth loss and gum recession often lead to bone regression.

What is the timing sequence of bone augmentation and implantation?

In some cases, bone must be rebuilt before placing an implant. This can be done simultaneously or subsequently to implantation.

• Bone augmentation and immediate implantation:

In cases of minimal bone loss, the implant can sometimes be placed immediately. Bone material is directly placed around the implant. After the implant heals and once the bone can be fully loaded, the visible dental prosthesis is placed on the implant.

• Bone augmentation and later implantation:

In cases of more significant bone loss, it is necessary to rebuild the jawbone before implantation. Replacement material is inserted where the bone is weak. The bone regenerates after several months. Then, the implant can be placed.

What materials are used for bone augmentation?

• Own bone:

The body’s own bone, also called autologous bone, can be mixed with other natural replacement materials.

• Other natural materials:

The necessary bone substance can also be made from highly purified animal bone. This substance, very similar to human bone, is integrated into the forming bone and ensures long-term volume stability.

• Synthetic materials:

Fully synthetic bone substitute materials are mainly made of calcium phosphate, the main component of bone. Its highly porous structure is similar to that of natural bone.

Augmentation method for insufficient bone height:

Loss of bone height often occurs in the lateral upper jaw, which must be corrected before implant placement. The sinus cavity, often filled with air, often leads to insufficient bone height, making simple implantation impossible. One reason for insufficient bone thickness can be the long-standing absence of the molar. The sinus lift is a solution. A distinction is made between an internal and external sinus lift.

• Internal sinus lift:

An internal sinus lift is a minimally invasive operation to lift the sinus floor slightly. It is possible with minimal bone loss. Ideally, sinus floor augmentation can be done directly through a drilling tunnel simultaneously with implantation.

• External sinus lift:

The external sinus lift is necessary in cases of significant bone loss. Through a surgical access through the mouth, the sinus floor is exposed, and the covering mucous membrane is carefully lifted. The cavity thus created is filled with replacement materials and sealed. After a bone formation phase of several months, implants can be placed if implantation was not possible during the initial procedure.