Dental Solutions at VARDAN DENTAL CARE
:: Bone Grafting ::
Sometimes, when resorption has excessively reduced the
jawbone, it can be rebuilt through modern bone grafting techniques. Bone
grafts can build up or fill in jawbone defects allowing the placement of
dental implants. These techniques represent one of the greatest advances in
modern dentistry.
There are generally four types of bone grafts used:
Autografts are those where the bone to be grafted to the jaw is
taken, or harvested, from your own body. The area where the bone is
harvested from, known as the donor site, is usually the mouth or the hip.
This is your own bone and is very compatible with your body. Autografts are
generally the best graft technique and usually result in the greatest
regeneration of missing jawbone.
Allografts are taken from human donors. Many countries have donor
programs where you can specify that in the event of your death, parts may be
harvested from your body to save or improve the life of others. Heart
transplants are one type of allograft. This can represent one of the
greatest "gifts" you can ever give. Bone obtained in this mannor undergoes
rigorous tests and sterilization. Your body "converts" the donor bone into
your natural bone, thereby rebuilding your resorbed jawbone.
Xenografts are harvested from animals. The animal bone, most commonly
bovine (cow), is specially processed to make it biocompatible and sterile.
It acts like a "filler" which in time your body will replace with natural
bone. After this replacement process is complete dental implants may be
placed to support teeth.
Alloplastic grafts are inert, man made synthetic materials. The
modern artificial joint replacement procedure uses metal alloplastic grafts.
For bone replacement a man made material that mimics natural bone is used.
Most often this a form of calcium phosphate. Depending on how it is made, it
may be "resorbable" or "non-resorbable". That is, your body may or may not
replace the alloplastic graft with your natural bone. In those cases where
it is not replaced it acts as a lattice or scaffold upon which natural bone
is built. In either case, the end result is to create enough bone for the
placement of dental implants.
Modern bone grafting techniques can be nothing short of a miracle for those
needing bone replacement.
:: Pits and Fissures Sealents ::
What is a Sealent?
A sealant is a clear shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing
surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. This sealant acts
as a barrier, protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth from plaque and
acid attack.
Why are Sealents necessary?
When the teeth are developing, depressions and grooves form in the chewing
surfaces of the enamel. These features are called pits and fissures. They
are tough to clean, because the bristles of a toothbrush may not reach into
them. Therefore, pits and fissures are snug places for plague and bits of
food to hide. By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures,
sealants keep out plaque and food and thus decrease the risk of decay.
Who should have Sealent applied?
Although children receive significant benefits from sealents, adults can
also be at risk for pit and fissure decay and thus be candidates for
sealents. Sealents are also recommended for those who receive topical
applications of fluoride and who live in communities with fluoridated water.
Fluoride helps fight decay on the smooth surfaces of the teeth, but it is
less effective in pits and fissures.
How are Sealents applied?
Each tooth takes only a few minutes to seal. First the teeth that will be
sealed are cleaned. The chewing surfaces are then etched (roughened) with a
weak acidic solution to help the sealant adheres to the teeth. Finally, the
sealant is brushed on the tooth enamel and allowed to set. Some sealant need
a special curing light to help them harden, others do not.
Do Sealents need to be applied?
When the sealent is applied, finger like strands penetrate the pits and
fissures of the tooth enamel. Although the sealant cannot be seen with the
naked eye, the protective effect of these strands continues. As a result, it
may be several years before another application of sealant is needed.
Reapplication of the sealant will continue the protection against decay and
may save the time and expense of having a tooth restored. Sealant will be
checked during regular dental visits to determine if reapplication is
necessary.
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