Regenerating Function: Contemporary Role of Bone Grafting and Implant Therapy

Abstract: The lack of internal loading of the alveolar bone leads to disuse atrophy of the edentulous alveolus. In the contemporary dental practices, the replacement of the missing tooth or teeth with dental implants has become very routine. The primary reason is that dental implants reintroduce internal loading of the alveolus and therefore slow down the resorption of the alveolar bony volume.

With this advantage of dental implants over other dental procedures for replacement of missing teeth, the contemporary clinician must bear in mind that dental implants are being placed in younger patients as compared to the past several decades. Even with implant therapy as well as bone grafting, the potential for bone resorption leading to functional and cosmetic complications still exist in the younger patients.

This presentation will discuss the role of autogenous, alloplastic as well as Xenografts in regeneration of form and function using dental implants. To select the most effective bone graft material, the contemporary clinician must bear in mind the specific properties of each type of bone graft. The pros and cons of grafting vs not grafting will be discussed guiding the clinicians to select evidence based surgical protocols to effectively tret their patients and prevent potential complications.

Learning Objectives:
1). Role of internal loading of the alveolus; Participants to understand the physiology of occlusal load, transferee to the maxillary and mandibular alveolar bone.
2). Role of immediate implant placement in the contemporary Oral $ Maxillofacial surgery practice with the patients age in mind.
3). Presentation will distinguish the different properties of autogenous, alloplastic and xerograph bone graft options for planning and choosing the appropriate graft indicated for regeneration of the alveolar bony defects.