Bone Grafting
Bone grafting can restore the jawbone to where there is enough bone to retain dental implants, thus restoring full mouth function. It also helps restore facial collapse, filling out the face and making the patient look younger.
Below is an example. Dina is a patient who came to Dr. Chal as what could only be called a dental cripple. She said she was using "a pound of glue a day" to try to hold her denture in, and it wasn't working. She presented with 100% bone atrophy of the upper jaw. Since the time that all her teeth were extracted decades ago, her body had been re-absorbing her jawbone. (See our page on facial collapse for more information on this process.)
In cases like these of severe facial collapse, many implant dentists will say that nothing can be done. But Dr. Chal and his team of specialists have done many cases like this. They take bone from the hip and graft it into the jaw to provide a foundation for the dental implants.
Here are before-and-after photographs of Dina:
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Before - Dina is very reluctant to smile, and her face is tense and looks strained. |
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After - Notice that her normal chin-to-nose dimension has been restored. And of course, her smile is relaxed and happy. |
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This is Dina's denture. The teeth look artificial. Notice that the back teeth drop down, creating what is called a reverse smile line. But the worst part isn't apparent, and that is that she has to rely on glue to hold it in, and has the constant worry that her teeth may come out at the wrong time. Plus, she can't eat normally. |
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After her bone grafting, Dina was fitted with a fixed hybrid restoration. Not only are the esthetics perfectly natural, but she has the secure feeling of teeth that are anchored to her jaw. She can eat normally, can forget about the adhesive, and can smile naturally without fear of embarrassment. |
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Dina is so thrilled with her results that she has agreed to provide a video testimonial for this website,
but in the meantime, you can read Dina's written
testimonial below. And Dr. Chal has been asked to lecture at an upcoming scientific meeting on the techniques that produced this result.
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"From the onset, my husband Leon and I wanted an
implant dentist who could offer us experience, proven superior results, and
commitment. We found these qualities and more in Dr. Arthur Chal.
Nearly
all my teeth were extracted when I was in my early
twenties, and I have worn dentures ever since. Now in my
mid sixties, Dr. Chal has given me the comfort and
self-confidence I have longed for. The improvement in
the quality of my life is tremendous.
Dr. Chal doesn't claim to perform miracles,
but I am living proof that he can.
When you demand the best possible outcome
for your mouth and appearance, select Dr. Chal for all
your dental needs."
- Dina
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Following extensive review of Dina's cat scan and in consultation with the treating surgeon, Dr. Chal then begins to do the model preparation phase that is outlined below.
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Here are pictures of how Dina's case was planned out. They illustrate the care and attention to detail of Dr. Chal, and how he is able to obtain such outstanding, predictable results. photograph is of a pre-operative model of an upper jaw. Note that the only real bone support left is in the very posterior. In the anterior, the patient has only a small layer of bone left—not enough to hold a removable. |
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Based on his esthetic and functional analysis, Dr. Chal adds a pink acrylic material to the model. This acrylic will help show the surgeon exactly where he needs to add bone, and how much and what shape the bone needs to be. While many dentists simply give verbal instructions to the surgeon, remember that this work is taking place in three dimensions. But no verbal communication, no matter how clear, could be as effective as actually illustrating in three dimensions on an actual model of the patient's jaw what needs to be done. |
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The clear acrylic splint, shown here, is then created. This splint is sterilized and then used during the surgery as a guide to the surgeon. This leaves no room for error.
The end result? A successful treatment outcome, and an enthusiastic patient like Dina. |
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