Many times due to progressive disease, infection or trauma, bone and soft tissue are lost in areas around the teeth. This process is accelerated when teeth are removed and nothing is done to replace the stimulation that a tooth root provides to preserve the jawbone. This is extremely prevalent in the front of the upper jaw where bone loss and shrinking gum tissue can be seen when we smile.

Since there must be adequate bone in order to successfully place implants, it is important to replace bone that had deteriorated. In addition, any defects in the bone in the front of the mouth must be corrected to create the proper contours, and support the gum tissue in order to achieve optimal esthetic results.

Fortunately advanced techniques have been developed to replace bone and gum tissue in the area where it has been lost.. Depending on the size of the defect, and the location within the mouth, this can often be done at the same time as dental implants are placed. Once the dental implants are placed, they will function like natural tooth roots and preserve the bone - preventing it from melting away again.