Oral Surgery

Oral Surgery

When a person loses a tooth and leaves a gap in the jaw for an extended period of time, bone will be lost. Bone graft or bone augmentation which describes a variety of procedures used to regenerate existing bones in the jaw is done so that dental fixtures can be placed. These titanium fixtures, have to be placed in sufficient bone in order for an implant procedure to be successful.

Bone mass can also be missing from natural teeth due to conditions such as gum disease or even aging. These condition cause teeth to become shaky and unstable. Bone graft is done in this case for the regeneration of bones to help stabilise these shaky teeth.

Bone grafting

Bone grafting is a procedure whereby the specialist will perform a minor procedure to place grafting material under the gums. As with all dental procedure when dentists are required to work with smaller body parts, it becomes a delicate procedure. Specialists have to undergo intensive local and overseas training to be able to perform the procedure.

Grafting materials can be obtained from the patient’s jaw, bone material that has been sterilised or synthetic bone.

Research has shown that bone grafting is a very safe and straight-forward procedure. With proper examination, x-rays analysis, and understanding of a patient’s needs and goals to achieving his new smile, specialists will be able to predictably and safely perform such procedures.

The bone that is regenerated has been shown to be similar to the patient’s original bone. Many long-term research have been reported to demonstrate that this newly regenerated bone can last for decades.

Benefits of Bone Grafting

  1. Ensuring success of implants
    Dental implants have to be anchored to bones that are strong and resilient in order for the procedure to be successful. Should implants be placed in areas where bone is lacking, the implants will fail and the teeth placed on these implants will fall out.
  2. Better aesthetics
    For teeth to look natural, they have to appear to emerge out through the bone and gums. In many cases where implants are placed when bone is lacking, the teeth placed appear as if they are lying on the gums rather than emerging through it. The skill and experience of the dentist in determining the necessity of a bone graft procedure and the rooting of the implant are very important for the absolute look.
  3. Prevention of food trap
    In order to cater to some patients who are resistant to bone grafting procedures, some dentists do relent to the use of smaller implants such as the mini-implants. However, there are down sides to such insistence. Without sufficient jawbones, gaps will be formed in the spaces between the teeth and jaw. This will result in food trap that will require extreme care in cleaning and even more regular visits to the dentist. Otherwise, gum infection will set in, leading to complications to your implant site. The final look of your implant will also be unnatural.Here at T32, we are resolute on only providing the best options available to help our patients achieve their dental goals. Seemingly small details are discussed during consultation, as it is crucial to ensuring the longevity of the prosthesis used and treatment rendered.
  4. Reduce shakiness of teeth
    Jaws weakened by disease, will eventually start losing bone. Natural teeth that lack bone can demonstrate shakiness. When the bone is regenerated through the bone graft procedure, the mobility of these teeth are be reduced.
  5. Prolong lifespan of teeth
    The lack of bones in the jaws result in the mobility or shakiness of the natural set of teeth. Prolonged mobility will cause the loosening of teeth leading to eventual tooth loss. The regeneration of the bone around these natural teeth, helps to prolong their lifespan.

FAQs on Bone Grafting

  1. What follow-up care is required after bone grafting?
    1. After the bone grafting procedure, patients are advised to apply cold packs which aid in the reduction of swelling.
    2. Medication will be prescribed to help with pain management and to aid in recovery. Do follow all the instructions provided by your specialist with care.
    3. Bleeding after the procedure should last for a day or two. Patients are advised to avoid excessive rinsing and spitting of blood.
    4. Rest and light activities are advised after the procedure. Patients are asked to avoid vigorous activities for the first few days.
  2. When can I start eating after bone grafting?
    1. Eating can resume as soon as the anaesthesia has worn off. Anaesthesia typically wears off a few hours after the procedure.
    2. It is advisable to avoid hard or chewy food for the first few days.
    3. It is also important to avoid hot and spicy food and drinks because the heat from such food can trigger bleeding.
    4. Food such as smoothies, juices, milk, rice or oat porridge and yoghurt are suitable.
  3. When can I start brushing after bone grafting?
    1. Patients should avoid tooth brushing at the surgical site for the first few days.
    2. In place of brushing, your specialist will give you some antiseptic mouthrinse. This should be used to maintain cleanliness of the surgical site.
  4. How do I choose a dentist for this procedure?
    1. As bone grafting procedure is a specialised treatment, the specialist treating you should possess relevant post graduate qualifications. An addition of 3-years of full-time training in practical and theory are required for a dentist to qualify as a specialist. The specialist is also required to attend continuous education through the attendance of regular lectures and hands-on courses to upgrade their skills and knowledge.
    2. It is also important to see before and after photos of work performed by the specialist. This is because, before and after photos of work performed by the specialist will provide you with an idea of the possible final outcome of your chosen treatment. These photos can also be used to gauge the specialist’s experience in the specific clinical situation.

Gum Grafting

Introduction
Gum Grafting which is also known as periodontal plastic surgery is a procedure used to regenerate gum tissues which have receded. The recession of the gums occur when a patient is afflicted with gum disease or if one is brushing too hard.

The need for gum grafting happens when there is a need to cover up the exposed root of the teeth. Other than its obvious cosmetic benefits as it restores smiles, the other numerous benefits in having such procedures includes, the protection of your oral health, easing tooth sensitivity and even allowing for a patient to eat comfortably again.

Such procedures are done by Gum Specialists or Periodontists who are specially trained dentists who can grow and regenerate gums for these purpose.

Gum grafting
Gum grafting is a minor procedure performed to cover up gum recession. Grafting material are used to grow and regenerate the gums. Depending on your oral condition, and also the recommended look you will require during your consultation, the gum graft will be done on one or more teeth. Though minor, this is a delicate procedure which requires specialists to undergo intensive local and overseas training.

2. Where are the grafting materials from?
There are 3 different types of gum graft your periodontist chooses from. Grafting materials can be obtained from patient’s own gums, gum material that has been sterilized or synthetic gum. Your periodontist will be in the position to recommend the most suitable form of graft for your needs.

3. How safe and predictable is this procedure?
Research has shown that gum grafting is a very safe and predictable procedure. With proper examination and x-rays analysis, specialists will be able to predictably and safely perform gum grafting procedures. The gum that is regenerated has been shown to be no different from the patient’s original gum.

There are many long-term research reported to demonstrate that this newly regenerated gum can last for decades.

Benefits of Gum Grafting

  1. Saving of teeth
    Teeth have to be surrounded by gum. If the gums around teeth are receded, these teeth might be lost.
  2. Better aesthetics
    With receded gums, the root of the teeth becomes exposed causing it to appear longer. This look is undesirable as it makes a person appear older. Gum grafting is not only healthier for a patient’s oral health in the long run, it restores smiles as well.In some cases, thin gums will cause the dark discoloration of the roots to show through. Gum grafting can mask these discoloration too.
  3. Reduction of sensitivity
    When the gums recede, the roots of the teeth will be exposed. These exposure causes tooth sensitivity. Such sensitivity causes pain when a patient consumes cold food and drinks. With gum grafting, the roots can be covered and sensitivity is reduced.
  4. Reduce shakiness of teeth
    The lack of gum not only causes the tooth to be exposed and causes tooth sensitivity. Lack of gum can cause the tooth to become loose due to the lack of strength in the gum to anchor the tooth. When the degeneration of the gum is allowed to progress, the tooth will eventually fall out. When the gum is regenerated, the mobility of the tooth can be reduced.

Treatment Process

  1. What you expect at their first consultation?
    1. Relevant x-rays will be taken and comprehensive examination will be conducted by our qualified specialists.
    2. Our specialists will then discuss your current dental condition and the treatment required to save your own teeth.
    3. Discussion of treatment plan including duration of treatment, phases of treatment, cost and as well as the maintenance protocol will be done.
  2. Is gum grafting painful?
    1. Gum grafting is pain-free. Local anaesthesia is given prior to gum grafting procedure.
    2. There is a small percentage of patients who are sensitive to pain and are anxious about the procedure, these patients have the option of having the removal done under intra-venous sedation. The intra-venous sedation, is done by a specialist and patients will sleep comfortably throughout the procedure.
  3. How long is the bone grafting procedure?
    1. Gum grafting procedures can be completed in 45 minutes to 1 hour.
    2. Your specialist will be able to advise you on the duration after a thorough pre-treatment examination.

Gum Grafting Financing

  1. Gum grafting costs
    The cost of gum grafting treatment is dependent on the following factors.

    1. Experience and skill level of the specialist
    2. The brand and reliability of grafting material used
    3. Whether additional adjunct procedures are required

    We encourage you to speak with our Specialist for a consultation to find out more about the dental treatments available for your condition, price ranges and other fees applicable.

  2. Medisave
    If you are a Singaporean or a permanent resident of Singapore, Medisave may be utilised for the surgical component of dental treatment.Our friendly front desk staff will be happy to assist in processing your Medisave claim. For more details on your Medisave coverage, please visit our Medisave page.
  3. Insurance claim
    Please check with your insurance advisors on your dental coverage. Our patient care counsellors are able to assist with the details on the insurance claim forms. You will submit the necessary documentation to your insurer. You may enquire through our website to check if your insurance company has an existing arrangement with our clinic.

FAQs on Gum Grafting

  1. What follow-up care is required after gum grafting?
    1. After the gum grafting procedure, patients are advised to apply cold packs which aid in the reduction of swelling.
    2. Medication will be prescribed to help with pain management and to aid in recovery. Do follow all the instructions provided by your specialist with care.
    3. Bleeding after the procedure should last for a day or two. Patients are advised to avoid excessive rinsing and spitting of blood.
    4. Rest and light activities are advised after the procedure. Patients are asked to avoid vigorous activities for the first few days.
  2. When can I start eating after gum grafting?
    1. Eating can resume as soon as the anaesthesia has worn off. Anaesthesia typically wears off a few hours after the procedure.
    2. It is advisable to avoid hard or chewy food for the first few days.
    3. It is also important to avoid hot and spicy food and drinks because the heat from such food can trigger bleeding.
    4. Food such as smoothies, juices, milk, rice or oat porridge and yoghurt are suitable.
  3. When can I start brushing after gum grafting?
    1. Patients should avoid teeth brushing at the surgical site for the first few days.
    2. In place of brushing, your specialist will give you some antiseptic mouthrinse. This should be used to maintain cleanliness of the surgical site.
  4. Do gum grafting required specialized equipment?
    1. In order for the specialist to be able to perform Gum grafting, special training is required because of the fine instruments and materials used during such procedures. The procedures need to be carried out with precision with the help of the microscope and other fine instruments. The surgeon has to be meticulous in his examination and during the procedure so as to ensure the predictability of oral plastic surgeries.
    2. Due to the use of such fine instruments and the minimally invasive approach T32 employs, patients in general do not experience significant discomfort. Healing is faster with less scarring too.
  5. How do I choose a dentist for this procedure?
    1. As bone grafting procedure is a specialised treatment, the specialist treating you should possess relevant post graduate qualifications. An addition of 3-years of full-time training in practical and theory are required for a dentist to qualify as a specialist. The specialist is also required to attend continuous education through the attendance of regular lectures and hands-on course to upgrade their skills and knowledge.
    2. It is also important to see before and after photos of work performed by the specialist. This is because, before and after photos of work performed by the specialist will provide an idea of the possible final outcome of your chosen treatment. These photos can also be used to gauge the specialist’s experience in the specific clinical situation.

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