Implants are artificial tooth roots that are implanted to replace missing teeth. This therapy is not suitable for all cases. In some cases, such as periodontal disease, which has progressed to a certain extent, the jawbone that is the basis of the implant is reduced and the implant cannot be implanted. In recent years, however, a treatment that is expected to increase the mandible has been established. One such method is GBR (Bone-Guided Regeneration). We interviewed Dr. Kazuki Ohsugi of Osugi Dental Clinic to find out what kind of treatment GBR is, the main points and disadvantages to be aware of.
[This article was published after the DOC medical consultant confirmed its authenticity].
First of all, what is dental implant treatment?
EDIT: First of all, what is an implant?
Dr. Ohsugi:
An implant is an artificial tooth root that is inserted into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth. When teeth fall out due to caries or periodontal disease, titanium( a body-friendly artificial root) is implanted into the jawbone to improve bite. The teeth can then be reconstructed by attaching ceramics or other artificial teeth to them.
EDIT: How is implant treatment carried out?
Dr. Ohsugi:
First, consultation and examination are carried out to diagnose whether implants can be implanted, as well as the location and depth of implantation. The patient will also be informed of the approximate time and cost.
EDIT: So, that's where the surgery starts?
Dr. Ohsugi: Yes.
The first step is primary surgery, which involves drilling a hole in the jawbone and implanting an implant. Implants and jaws take three to six months to adjust. After confirming that the implant and jawbone are firmly bonded, open the gums again and attach the base of the tooth to the implant. Place a temporary tooth on the base and then make an artificial tooth that is suitable for the patient, while fine-tuning the bite and color of the tooth. After checking the bite and color again, the finished artificial tooth is installed before the connection is made.
EDIT: Can anyone receive implantable treatment?
Dr. Ohsugi:
If there is not enough bone in the place where the implant is to be placed, treatment may not be possible. In some cases, if you have a condition such as diabetes or osteoporosis, it may also not be possible to treat it.
Severe caries and periodontal disease can lead to osteolysis and the disappearance of the jawbone (called the alveolar bone). If you brush your teeth incorrectly or have tartar buildup, the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease can multiply in the mouth. The body then produces an immune response to clear the infected area, which can lead to the dissolution of the alveolar bone.
What is GBR (Bone-Guided Regeneration) and what are its benefits?
EDIT: So, if there are not enough mandibles, is there any effective dental treatment?
Dr. Ohsugi:
If implant therapy is required and there is not enough bone in the area where the implant is located, some treatments can be performed with the aim of increasing the missing bone mass. One of them is GBR (Bone-Guided Regeneration).
EDIT: What kind of treatment is GBR?
Dr. Ohsugi:
GBR is a treatment that regenerates the mandible. GBR involves the insertion of an implant in the area of bone loss due to severe caries or periodontal disease, covered with an artificial membrane, and placed in it a drug called bone filler or the patient's own bone to stimulate the growth of osteoblasts. The patient is then monitored for several months to ensure that the bone filler and autologous bone have been converted to regenerated bone before implant treatment. By the way, a treatment that regenerates the maxilla is called maxilla lifting.
EDIT: If regenerated bone has already been produced, then implant treatment can be performed?
Dr. Ohsugi:
If there are no infections or other problems during treatment, if regenerated bone is really formed, it is very likely that implant treatment will be carried out.
Dentists believe that GBR has disadvantages and precautions.
EDIT: Are there any side effects of GBR?
Dr. Ohsugi:
GBR is a surgical procedure that can cause pain and swelling. You don't have to worry about pain during surgery because anesthesia is effective, but you may feel pain when the anesthesia effect disappears. The gums may also swell immediately after surgery, as the procedure involves an incision in the gums.
EDIT: What are the disadvantages of GBR?
Dr. Ohsugi:
The disadvantage of GBR is that it tends to last longer than ordinary implant treatments. Because implant therapy cannot be performed until there is regenerated bone, the treatment may take longer than normal implant treatment. Typically, after the tooth to be implanted is removed, it takes two to six months to implant the implant, followed by three to nine months for the bone to mature. However, these times vary greatly depending on the patient's condition and the rate at which the regenerated bone is formed, so it is difficult to generalize.
EDIT: Are there any precautions when it comes to treatment?
Dr. Ohsugi:
In the presence of situations such as diabetes or osteoporosis, IT may not be possible to perform GBR. This is because, as a result of taking medication for treatment, side effects may occur. Therefore, if you have any underlying medical conditions, you should consult a doctor in advance. In addition to such diseases, people who smoke may experience delayed wound healing after surgery, or the incision may not seal properly. Therefore, if you are receiving treatment, you should consider quitting smoking. It is important to discuss this with your dentist while receiving treatment.
Some people are told that they cannot undergo implant treatment because they do not have enough bone. However, if one tooth is missing, nearby teeth may grow and tilt, which can negatively affect the entire mouth. While this is a highly specialized treatment that requires a high level of skill, it's worth considering GBR for your own dental health.
If the mandible is lost due to severe caries or periodontal disease, implant treatment can be difficult. However, implantation treatment is possible with regenerative osteoporosis therapy such as GBR. If you want to improve your dental health and complex in the future, you may want to consider treatment.
Follow our private message for more information on regeneration