ORAL SURGERY | Kuribayashi Dental Office

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist – a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

◻︎ Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth

◻︎ Restore a bite problems caused by teeth shifting into a missing tooth space

◻︎ Restore a patient’s confident smile

◻︎ Restore chewing, speech, and digestion

◻︎ Restore or enhance facial tissues

◻︎ Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable

What does getting dental implants time frame?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

Phase 1: Initial treatment

Phase 2: Implantation

Phase 3: Reentry

Phase 4: Loading

Phase 5: Provisional restoration

Phase 6: Final restoration

Phase 7: Maintenance

Initial treatment

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.

Implantation

The implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to three months.

Reentry

Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “abutment” that will hold the artificial tooth in place.

Loading

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the abutment portion.

Provisional restoration

Because several fittings may be required, this step may take few months to complete.

Final restoration

After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

Maintenance

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.

Bone Graft

There are several types of dental bone grafts.

The following are the most common:

Autogenous bone graft – In this type of graft the bone is removed from elsewhere in the body and implanted in the mouth. Common donor sites for bone grafting include the iliac section of the pelvis, the chin and the rear one-third molar areas of the jaw. If large amounts of bone need to be harvested, the hip or the shin bone (tibia) is generally used.

Allograft

Synthetic bone (man made) can be created in the laboratory and used in the bone grafting procedure. Bone can also be obtained from a bone bank (cadaver bone).

Xenograft

This is the implantation of bovine (cow) bone. A xenograft is perfectly safe and has been used successfully for many years. Ample bone can be obtained and no secondary donor site is necessary.

Reasons for bone grafting

There are a wide variety of reasons why bone grafting may be the best option for restoring the jaw bone.

Dental implants

Implants are the preferred replacement method for missing teeth because they restore full functionality to the mouth. However, implants need to be firmly anchored to the jawbone to be effective. If the jawbone lacks the necessary quality or quantity of bone, bone grafting can strengthen and thicken the implant site.

Sinus lift

A sinus lift entails elevating the sinus membrane and grafting bone onto the sinus floor so that implants can be securely placed.

Ridge augmentation

Ridges in the bone can occur due to trauma, injury, birth defects or severe periodontal disease. The bone graft is used to fill in the ridge and make the jawbone a uniform shape.

Nerve repositioning

If the nerve that runs along the lower jaw bone (inferior alveolar nerve) requires movement to allow for the placement of implants, a bone grafting procedure may be required. The inferior alveolar nerve allows feeling and sensation in the lower chin and lip.

What does bone grafting treatment involve?

Bone grafting is a fairly simple procedure which may be performed under local anesthetic. However if large amounts of bone need to be grafted, a general anesthetic may be required.

Initially, the grafting material needs to either be harvested or prepared for insertion. A small incision is made in the gum tissue and then gently separated from the bone. The bone grafting material is then placed at the affected site.

Bone Graft in Kuribayashi Dental Office (Oral & Dental Surgery Center Yokohama)

A bone graft can strengthen the bone in your jaw and help prepare the site of a missing tooth for a dental implant. The Dental Restorative Group may recommend a bone graft to patients for both structural and aesthetic purposes and, depending on the case, may be able to perform it at the same time as the dental implant.

Our practice makes procedures such as a bone graft more comfortable, convenient, and affordable:

◻︎ We ensure before treatment that patients understand our approach, and we conduct procedures as gently as possible, prioritizing care over expediency.

◻︎ Our office is located in Yokohama―patients can have a bone graft in Hodogaya, where we are situated ― and we are available six days a week for appointments.

To our dentists, a great patient experience is as important as great results. Learn more about our work and our approach.

What Is a Bone Graft ?

The durability of a dental procedure depends on a variety of factors. One of the most important is the strength of the jawbone that holds the teeth in place.

If you are receiving a dental implant, for example, the new tooth root that your dentist places will need to form a close bond with the bone in the jaw. This helps it to provide the same function and strength as your natural teeth.

In a bone graft, your dentist will transplant biologically compatible material ― typically titanium ― to your jawbone. The bone in the area of the surgery will grow around the graft over time, forming a stronger foundation.

The Benefits and Types of Bone Graft !

Foreign resident patients in Japan may require a bone graft to promote the long-term strength of their teeth or dental implants. Teeth undergo significant pressure whenever they are chewing or biting. A graft gives them the durability to function for years to come.

Dental Restorative Group may conduct a bone graft at two different points in treatment:

◻︎In advance of dental implants: If the foundation of your teeth has eroded significantly and is not able to support a dental implant, you may require a bone graft at first. In this case, your dentist will perform the graft, evaluate your progress, and then place the dental implant once the site has healed and the bone has strengthened. Grafts take about 4-6 months before they are ready to support a dental implant.

◻︎At the same time as dental implants. The area where a tooth is missing may experience erosion (bone resorption) over time. In many cases, adding a bone graft can improve the strength and the aesthetics of a dental implant.

Assuring Quality in Your Graft !

Patients who choose to have a bone graft want the most durable, aesthetic, and effective outcome possible. Having the procedure performed properly the first time prevents the need for a second, revision surgery.

The specialists at our Dental practice are experts in the restoration and replacement of teeth. They are researchers, instructors at Ivy League institutions, and caring medical professionals. As a result, they prioritize high-quality materials in their procedures.

As with other dental devices and tools in our practice, our team carefully reviews the materials that we use. This means evaluating current research, ensuring efficacy, and exploring less-expensive-but-effective alternatives to meet the needs of every patient we serve.

What to Expect in Your Care !

Come to Kuribayashi Dental Office for an initial consultation for your bone graft. Patients will appreciate our friendly staff, timely appointments, and the variety of insurance networks in which we participate.

Should your dentist recommend a bone graft, you will schedule a date for your procedure. Your dentist will advise you whether you should have the graft as part of another treatment, such as dental implants, or in advance of other procedures.

The graft can take anywhere from one hour to several hours depending on your needs. Most patients experience some bruising after surgery but manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication. You can expect follow-up visits with your dentist, during which the he/she will ensure that you are healing properly and that you have what you need for the speediest recovery possible.

Learn more about receiving a bone graft. Schedule an appointment with our offices online or by phone.

Oral Surgery / Extractions (wisdom teeth)

It is important to always get the advice of a dental professional if you are worried about any of your teeth. Never attempt to pull out your own tooth out at home as this could cause a more serious problem for you. Dentists have the right equipment and sterile environment in which to perform this type of procedure with the utmost care and your recovery can be fairly quick. In the case of wisdom teeth extractions you may have some swelling after the procedure and discomfort that can be eased with over-the-counter pain relief.

If you have advanced tooth decay or an impacted wisdom tooth, you may require oral surgery to have them safely extracted. Depending on your particular case and the severity of your problem, you will be given anaesthetic and offered sedation if you are anxious.

Wisdom Teeth

One area of speciality areas within dentistry is known as oral surgery and this applies to procedures of a surgical nature, such as the extraction of teeth or wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth extractions are a common milestone in oral health. Whether your child is ready for the procedure or you are considering treatment for yourself, the Kuribayashi Dental Office offers excellent care from experienced prosthodontists who prioritize the comfort and safety of patients.

Our dentists conduct simple and/or complex wisdom teeth extractions for patients.

We also coordinate care and refer cases to local hospitals and other specialists.

Below, we invite you to learn more about the procedure and our approach.

What Are Wisdom Teeth ?

Wisdom teeth―also known as third molars―are the four permanent adult teeth that are located at the back of your mouth on the top and bottom. They are typically the last teeth to appear, usually between the ages 18 to 22.

For some people, wisdom teeth never develop. For others, they erupt (emerge) from the gums normally and without problems.

The Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extractions !

Because wisdom teeth develop after all of your other teeth, they may not have room to grow or erupt properly from the gums. Dentists commonly describe these teeth as “impacted.”

Impacted wisdom teeth can present a variety of problems. They may remain trapped in the jawbone, or they may grow at an angle towards other teeth, towards the back of the mouth, or sideways. This can:

◻︎ Lead to pain and cause damage to gums, teeth, and bone

◻︎ Push other teeth out of alignment

◻︎ Accelerate oral disease and tooth decay

We recommend that patients have wisdom teeth extractions in their teens and early twenties if possible. At this stage, the teeth have had less time to form roots, and they likely have not caused significant damage or complications to oral health. Our practice is also happy to serve patients who have decided to wait until later in life to have wisdom teeth removed.

What Patients Can Expect with Wisdom Teeth Extractions !

Visit our offices in Yokohama for an initial consultation. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth with a Cone Beam CT scan, which is a specialized type of X-ray, and learn about your medical history to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. The dentist will also answer any questions you have about treatment and how the Kuribayashi Dental Office will make your experience as comfortable and anxiety-free as possible.

The duration of your wisdom teeth extraction will depend on the number and position of teeth as well as the level of impaction and tooth development. On the day of your procedure, your dentist will:

◻︎ Provide a local anesthesia to numb the area. Dentists can also offer sedative medication to patients with higher levels of anxiety.

◻︎ Carefully perform the extraction, conducting the procedure as non-invasively as possible to speed your recovery.

◻︎ Close the site using very small sutures to promote comfort and healing.

Post-Extraction Care !

Before your procedure, you will receive a complete outline of post-operative instructions. This will allow you to prepare in advance for what to expect. Most people do require specialized pain medications after wisdom teeth extractions.

Plan to return to our practice within two weeks or so for a follow-up visit, during which your dentist will confirm that you are progressing as expected and will answer any questions you have. By the end of the process, the surgical sites should heal completely, and you should be free of any of the risks that wisdom teeth present to your smile.

Whether you are nearing the age that wisdom teeth develop or you are experiencing problems later in life, our practice can help.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Disorders

TMJ disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you will be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Kuribayashi can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw.

Trouble with Your Jaw?

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide.

Treatment !

There are various treatment options that Dr. Kuribayashi can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Kuribayashi will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care joined with professional care.

The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasm and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation.

Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night and helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An front (anterior) positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relives pressure on parts of your jaw and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 hours/day or just at night to move your jaw into proper position. Appliances also help to protect from tooth wear.