Preparing Your Jawbone for Dental Implants

The bond between the abutment and your jawbone is the foundation that undergirds the dental implant.  That’s why it is essential that your jawbone is thick enough to secure the fixture which holds the entire dental implant in place.

People with missing teeth tend to have lower levels of jawbone mass.  This occurs because the jawbone is not receiving the natural stimulation that normally happens when a person is chewing food.  If fact, when you lose a tooth, the jawbone quickly diminishes all the way down to the basal bone.  Fortunately, however, Dr. Anderson has available treatments which can remedy this situation.

Bone Graft Surgery

If you are suffering from diminished bone mass in your jawbone due to missing teeth or if you simply have a jawbone that is not thick enough to accommodate a dental implant, there’s a good chance Dr. Anderson can rectify the situation with bone grafting.  Bone grafting is minimally invasive type of guided tissue regeneration that is performed in our offices at Gentle Dental in Gunnison.

The Hazards of Gum Disease

Gum disease is the number one preventable cause of tooth loss in America.  In fact, according to the American Dental Association, “one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over” suffers from gum disease.  Gum disease is caused by the bacteria which grows in the plaque and tartar in your mouth.

Gingivitis is a relatively mild form or gum disease which can usually be treated by seeing your dentist regularly and by practicing good daily dental hygiene at home, which includes a regular regimen of brushing and flossing every day.

Unfortunately, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a much more serious threat to your smile which can lead the following complications:

• Pain or bleeding when brushing
• Bad breath
• Gaps between your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Red and swollen gums
• Pain when chewing food
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Treatment for Gum Disease in our Gunnison Office

The good news is that we offer treatments in our Gunnison office for people who are struggling with gum disease.  That’s why you should see Dr. Anderson right away if you suffer from any of the conditions listed above.