Bone Grafting
Although dental implants can often be placed without an issue, sometimes the jawbone does not have an adequate amount of structure for implant placement due to tooth loss, infection, gum disease, or previous injury. In these instances, augmentation of the area with a bone graft is the best solution to regenerate the missing bone and allow for placement of the implant.
Dr. Alexander Kim has both the experience and advanced technology to predictably regenerate the necessary bony structure of your face and jaws. Bone grafting is not only functional, but it also enhances the aesthetic appearance. The bone used in these procedures can come from either a purified tissue bank or be transplanted from other accessible areas of your own body.
SINUS LIFT
When teeth from the upper posterior jaws are lost, a large air cavity called the maxillary sinus located which lies just above the teeth may begin to enlarge and expand downwards towards the oral cavity. The result may be a lack of bony structure to support the placement of dental implants in this part of the jaw.
To solve this problem, Dr. Kim may use advanced grafting techniques such a sinus lift procedure to augment the area. In this procedure, he would release the soft tissues and create a window into the sinus cavity from its side. The sinus membrane can then be lifted upward and bone graft is inserted along the floor of the sinus. After several months of healing, the inserted bone becomes part of the patient's bony jaw and dental implants can then be placed and integrated into this new bony tissue.
What is PLATELET RICH FIBRIN or PRF?
PRF is an advanced procedure utilizing your own blood. By isolating blood’s strongest healing cells and treating them in a specialized way, you get a powerful solution that plays a crucial role in minimally invasive sinus surgery.
The PRF acts as a supporting element for a bone graft, creating the ideal environment for its integration while boosting new bone cell growth and blood supply to your graft.
Leukocyte – Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) changes all the rules as it promotes healing and bone growth from within your own body. Unlike other treatments that use artificial components, Platelet Therapy with L-PRF uses only your own blood. With a simple blood draw and an advanced technology protocol, L-PRF is individually made for you – from you. The end results are improved healing response and significantly less recovery time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PRF:
Is PRF safe? Yes. During the outpatient surgical procedure, a small amount of your own blood is drawn and then placed into a specialized centrifuge for processing. In less than fifteen minutes, platelet rich fibrin is formed and ready to use.
Should PRF be used in all bone-grafting cases? Not always. In some cases, there is no need for PRF. However, in the majority of cases, the addition of PRF to the graft mixture will increase the quality and amount of bone that develops and allow the wound to heal faster and more efficiently.
Are there any contraindications to PRF? Very few. Patients with certain rare bleeding disorders or hematologic diseases may not be ideal candidates for this in-office procedure. Check with your surgeon to determine if PRF is right for you.
