Yes, implants can be placed in thin jawbones. Dental implants are a permanent solution used to replace a missing tooth. Implants are screw-like structures made from biocompatible materials like titanium and are inserted into the jawbone.
Dental implants involve a surgical procedure and typically consist of several stages. Initially, implant screws are placed through a surgical operation in the area where the implant will be situated. These screws fuse with the jawbone to create a strong foundation. Throughout the healing process, the jawbone integrates tightly with the implant, a process called “osseointegration,” which often takes a few months.
Once the healing is complete, an abutment (connecting element) is placed on the implants. The abutment serves as a connection point between the implant and the prosthetic tooth. In the final stage, a prosthetic tooth (such as a porcelain crown) is placed on the abutment, completing the dental implant.
Dental implants are an effective option for restoring chewing function, creating an aesthetically pleasing smile, and addressing other issues caused by tooth loss. However, the suitability of implants should be evaluated by a dentist since every individual’s situation is different. Factors like jawbone density, overall health, and oral hygiene are significant determinants of the success of implant treatment.
The Khoury technique is a surgical method used for placing dental implants. This technique was developed to make implant placement possible in cases of low bone quantity and quality.
The Khoury technique primarily involves correcting the bone tissue to properly place an implant that will replace a missing tooth. The following steps generally outline the process of implant placement using the Khoury technique:
- Diagnosis and planning: The implant placement process begins with a detailed clinical assessment and radiographic examinations. During this step, the condition of the missing tooth and jawbone structure is evaluated, and an appropriate treatment plan is created.
- Anesthesia: The procedure area is anesthetized, either with local anesthesia or, in some cases, general anesthesia.
- Surgical incision: A surgical incision is made on the gum tissue to access the underlying bone.
- Bone preparation: The Khoury technique involves bone preparation to allow proper placement of the implant that will replace the missing tooth. The bone tissue in the area where the implant will be placed is shaped and corrected as necessary, which may involve the use of bone grafting materials.
- Implant placement: After bone preparation is completed, the dental implant is inserted into the bone by creating an appropriately sized hole. The implant is typically a titanium screw or root-shaped structure that stabilizes as it fuses with the jawbone.
- Suturing: After the implant is placed, the surgical incision on the gum tissue is sutured, and the healing process begins.
- Healing process: A healing period is required for the implant to integrate with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration. This healing process often takes several months.
- Restoration: After the healing process is complete, dental restoration (prosthetic tooth) is placed onto the implant, replacing the missing tooth structure.
The Khoury technique enables implant placement in situations with low bone quantity or quality.
Implant placement with autogenous bone graft is a surgical procedure used to reconstruct the jawbone and ensure the stable placement of implants. This procedure is employed in cases where the jawbone lacks sufficient volume for successful implant placement.
The procedure typically includes the following steps:
- Assessment: The area of the jawbone where the implants will be placed is thoroughly evaluated through detailed clinical and radiographic assessments.
- If there is insufficient bone volume in the jaw, a donor site for an autogenous bone graft is identified. The donor site is often a different region of the jawbone, or alternatively, bone graft material can be harvested from other parts of the body, such as the hip bone, symphysis, or ramus grafts.
- The autogenous bone graft is surgically obtained and placed in the area where the implants will be located. The graft is adapted to fit the jawbone and is secured in the appropriate position.
- Preparation of the implant site: The area of the jawbone where the implants will be placed is prepared by making an appropriate incision on the gum tissue and creating sockets for the implants.
- Implant placement: After the bone graft is securely in place, dental implants are carefully inserted into the prepared sockets. Implants are typically screw-shaped structures made of titanium, which become stable as they fuse with the jawbone.
- After the completion of the procedure, the jawbone is left to heal. This healing process is crucial for the implants to integrate with the jawbone and securely anchor in place, and it typically takes several months.
The procedure for implant placement with autogenous bone graft is a successful technique used in patients with insufficient jawbone volume. However, the most suitable treatment plan and surgical method should be determined by a dentist or oral surgeon based on the patient’s specific circumstances.